The Monkey Wine jars were small, each holding only six catties. With so many people present, and all of them possessing such high tolerances, it certainly wouldn't be enough to satisfy everyone.

After tasting the wine, no one had the inclination for any other liquor. It was a rare occasion where the gathering dispersed without anyone getting drunk. As they were leaving, Su Zhantao and the others grumbled a few times to Zhang Yang, insisting that next time, he must include them in any plans and not abandon them alone out of a lack of fraternity.

After seeing everyone off, Zhang Yang returned home.

Li Changfeng owed him two jars of Monkey Wine, in addition to the ten jars he had received from the Li family when they were with the Long family, giving Zhang Yang a total of twelve jars. However, he had consumed one jar at the Long family’s place and another one this time, leaving him with only ten remaining.

After a moment’s thought, Zhang Yang took out two more jars.

The next morning, after finishing his cultivation practice, Zhang Yang went out alone and purchased twelve black pottery wine bottles, pouring one catty of Monkey Wine into each, sealing them tightly, and placing them in a box.

He intended to give this wine to Zhang Keqin.

With their previous conflict resolved, Zhang Yang understood the difficulties Zhang Keqin faced. Moreover, being reborn, he could naturally sense the care Zhang Keqin held for him. It was only right that he present him with two jars.

The reason for dividing the wine into separate bottles was Zhang Yang’s understanding that Zhang Keqin would not keep such a fine liquor entirely to himself. Sending it as one unit was less effective than separating it, as once Zhang Keqin truly savored the taste, he would surely share some with other elders. This separation was deliberate.

It was not until evening that Zhang Yang called Mi Xue to accompany him to the Provincial Committee Family Compound. This time, he didn't even bring Long Feng along. Zhui Feng had wanted to tag along, but Zhang Yang eventually refused. Consequently, a dejected Zhui Feng took Shandian and Wuying to the back mountain, where the rocks and trees resided.

Zhang Yang was driving his Mercedes again. He owned many cars now, but this one remained his favorite. The Mercedes was also a luxury vehicle, but it wasn't as ostentatious as the Bugatti, Hummer, or sports cars, drawing less attention on the road.

At the entrance of the Provincial Committee Family Compound, Zhao Min was already waiting. Upon learning that Zhang Yang would visit today, Zhang Keqin had left work early to return home and prepared a magnificent banquet. In all these years, this was the first time Zhang Yang was returning home. They were father and son; this place was naturally Zhang Yang’s home too.

Zhao Min understood his superior's sentiments and dared not show the slightest disrespect. Seeing Zhang Yang’s car approach, he immediately went to greet them and personally led Zhang Yang inside to Building Number One. Building Number One was where Zhang Keqin resided.

Zhang Keqin had only recently arrived in Changjing, and this two-and-a-half-story small building, housing only him, appeared somewhat sparsely occupied.

“Zhang Yang, Mi Xue, you’re here. Perfect timing; the food is just ready. Hurry and take your seats!”

As soon as Zhang Yang and Mi Xue sat down, they saw Zhang Keqin, wearing an apron, carrying dishes to the dining table. This was a family meal; Zhang Keqin had forbidden the staff here from helping him prepare it. As the top official, he usually had people dedicated to taking care of his daily life.

Watching Zhang Keqin laboriously preparing dinner, a faint sense of disorientation washed over Zhang Yang’s mind. Many past memories resurfaced—memories from periods he couldn't quite place. He only recalled that when he was very young, Zhang Keqin would cook like this at home, and he, being small and mischievous, would often playfully knock over a whole table of dishes. These memories had always existed, but the former Zhang Yang had subconsciously sealed them away. Recalling them now brought a different kind of warmth.

“Uncle Zhang, let me help you!” Mi Xue quickly walked over. Zhang Yang hesitated for a moment, then followed her.

In his previous life, Zhang Yang’s parents had died in an accident when he was very young. He grew up with his grandfather, which remained one of his regrets. One could say the former Zhang Yang had never experienced fatherly love. After resolving the misunderstanding with Zhang Keqin, the natural affection between father and son gradually filled the void in his heart. In either lifetime, Zhang Yang had desperately yearned for that fatherly love.

“Dad, please rest a while!” He called out softly. Zhang Keqin’s body gave a slight jolt before a smile returned to his face. This was the first time in many years Zhang Yang had addressed him this way. Although Zhang Yang had introduced him once at the hospital, he had never uttered the term aloud.

“Silly child, I’m not so old that I can't manage a simple meal. It’s all done now; just sit down and eat!” Zhang Keqin chuckled, removing his apron. There were six dishes on the table—three meat and three vegetable dishes, including greens and chicken, appearing as very ordinary home-cooked fare. There was also a bowl of seaweed and egg drop soup placed in the center, still covered by a lid. The bowls and chopsticks were already set out; there was genuinely nothing for him to help with. Zhang Yang could only give up and sit down with Mi Xue. Zhao Min wisely retreated outside; this was the leader's family dinner, and he was not meant to intrude. It was best to leave this time for the family.

Silence reigned during the meal. Zhang Yang couldn't recall how long it had been since he had eaten a meal like this with Zhang Keqin; certainly, it was the first time since his mother passed away. Even before that, due to Zhang Keqin’s demanding work schedule, such occasions were rare. The food was simple. With his busy schedule, Zhang Keqin rarely cooked for himself, so preparing this meal was already quite an effort. In fact, he hadn't cooked for over a year, and if he had, it was only preparing something simple to stave off hunger.

“Dad, I plan to take Mi Xue home in a couple of days to discuss our engagement!”

Once spoken aloud, the conversation flowed naturally. After dinner, Mi Xue went to clear the dishes, while Zhang Yang sat on the sofa chatting with Zhang Keqin. In the Inner Strength Cultivation world, Zhang Yang was a formidable Layer Four master, but in front of Zhang Keqin, he was merely a son, a child needing to report his affairs to his parents.

“I might not have time these few days!” Zhang Keqin frowned slightly. The Lunar New Year was just over ten days away, and work was even busier now. Leaders like him rarely had holidays.

“You don’t need to come; I can go by myself. Just show up on the day of the engagement!” Zhang Yang shook his head slightly. He hadn't intended for Zhang Keqin to accompany him this time anyway; Zhang Keqin’s status was different, making it impossible for him to be as free as Zhang Yang.

“It’s good for you two to go ahead first. I’ll take some time to come after I clear up these busy days. The engagement is a major event; I must attend!” Zhang Keqin gently shook his head. Work was important, but his son was more important, let alone an engagement. An engagement wasn't decided in one or two days. It was good for Zhang Yang to visit her family first to scout things out. He would organize his work for the next few days and then go over to finalize the matter. Regardless, they were the groom’s side, and even with the vast difference in status, a visit to the bride’s family was necessary.

Zhang Yang offered no further objection and proceeded to bring over the twelve jars of Monkey Wine, handing them to Zhang Keqin. He didn't elaborate on the Monkey Wine, merely advising Zhang Keqin to sip a little whenever he had free time, even if it was just one or two ounces a month, as drinking too much would be a waste.

The wine case was ordinary, an old cardboard box, and the bottles inside were just as plain. Zhang Keqin didn't pay much attention to the packaging and accepted them happily. Regardless of the wine’s quality, it was his son’s heartfelt gesture, the first gift Zhang Yang had ever given him in so many years. The significance of this item surpassed everything else.

After eating there, Zhang Yang left not long after. Zhang Keqin walked him to the door, and then Zhang Yang drove away from the compound. Before leaving, Zhao Min placed a pass sticker on Zhang Yang’s car. This was the Provincial Committee Family Compound, housing provincial leaders, and regular vehicles were strictly forbidden entry. However, Zhang Yang was no outsider; being stopped when returning to his own home would be a huge embarrassment.

After Zhang Yang departed, Zhang Keqin returned to his study, deep in thought. In his hand, he held one of the black wine bottles—the wine Zhang Yang had given him. No matter what kind of wine it was, he intended to drink it, precisely because it was from Zhang Yang. Sitting in his study, he couldn't focus on the documents before him. He just stared at the bottle, and soon, a faint smile touched the corner of his mouth. He took out the old box he had kept, looked at the very aged photograph, and the letter of assurance he had once written himself. It was all in the past; although a long time had passed, it was over. His son had recognized him as his father again and was now so accomplished; Zhang Keqin felt deeply content.

He uncorked the bottle and poured himself a glass. Before even taking a sip, the rich, intoxicating aroma stunned him. Zhang Keqin wasn't a connoisseur, but he had drunk enough liquor in his life, including some fine ones, to know this aroma was special. He tentatively took a small sip. A wave of fragrance passed down his throat. Unlike other liquors that carried a harsh bite, this wine possessed the sweet flavor of pure brewing. He swallowed slightly, and the aroma intensified. Zhang Keqin felt as though he had been immersed in an extremely comfortable hot spring; the warm sensation made him involuntarily close his eyes. His pores relaxed, seeming to exhale energy—this comfort was something he had never experienced before.

It was then that Zhang Keqin realized that what his son had brought him was no ordinary gift. He didn't know what kind of wine it was, but he knew instinctively that such liquor was incredibly rare, something unattainable anywhere in the world. Zhang Keqin had some understanding that Zhang Yang’s maternal grandfather’s side of the family was unusual, so he wasn't entirely surprised that Zhang Yang could acquire such a wine.

After drinking two ounces, Zhang Keqin carefully put the remaining wine away. Zhang Yang had guessed correctly; he couldn't possibly finish it all himself. He certainly had to send some to Old Qiao and Old Qi—these were seniors who had provided immense assistance throughout his career. Furthermore, there were others he needed to present gifts to, plus the portion he wished to keep for himself. Twelve bottles were not many, but he was exceedingly satisfied. This was a superb item, an extraordinary gift from his son.

After discussing the engagement, Zhang Yang decided that he and Mi Xue would visit her family home in the next couple of days. Since Mi Zhiguo’s hospitalization last time, Mi Xue hadn't seen her own family in a long while. Before accompanying Mi Xue home, Zhang Yang made another stop at the Third Hospital. The research on their project was progressing exceptionally well; this time, Wang Guohai offered no complaints. They were accustomed to Zhang Yang’s absences. He had already laid out the broad direction, and the critical breakthroughs had been achieved. They only needed to diligently follow the materials Zhang Yang left behind, and success was guaranteed. (To be continued)RQ

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