The 70s Novel: The Supporting Character Just Wants to Lie Down-Chapter 325: Flaunting Seniority

There was a moment of silence around the main table.

The venue was almost dead quiet too, with everyone watching to see how things would unfold.

Zheng Jun’s face turned blue with anger, and he was about to stand up for his sister when Zheng Long, who was behind him, held him back.

Zheng Long raised his glass and said, "Uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, and two newlyweds, niece, and nephew-in-law. My dad is happy today and drank a bit too much. I apologize on his behalf. I’ll drink this and you all can do as you please..."

Saying this, regardless of people’s expressions, he downed his drink in one go.

He tipped the glass, not leaving a drop behind, and continued, "Today is a great day for the newlyweds. We came to toast and congratulate them on their marriage. Now that we’ve offered our blessings, please enjoy your meals and drinks, and we’ll head back to our seats. Niece, nephew-in-law, we’ll be waiting for you to come over and toast. Your uncle still has a big red envelope to give you..."

Saying this, he pulled Zheng Jun to their seats, and the rest of the Ma Family naturally followed.

They came in high spirits and left in grand style, without losing any momentum.

Indeed, as long as one is not embarrassed, it’s others who get embarrassed.

At the main table, everyone watched the departing group in silence. Someone kept sneaking glances at Mr. Zheng’s expression but saw that he sat calmly throughout, as expected of an old fox. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Come, Grandpa, Grandpa, Dad, Mom, Brother-in-law, Brother, Sister-in-law... let’s raise our glasses together to wish Xiao Xue and Jia Bao a happy marriage, full of love and happiness," Jiang Yan picked up a glass from the neighboring table, inviting everyone to bless the couple, and together they downed their drinks, smoothing things over.

Cheng Xue and Wang Jia Bao continued to toast the next table, and the venue returned to its lively state.

Jiang Yan took the wine bottle and refilled everyone’s glasses, starting with Mr. Jiang, who gave him an approving look.

Then he moved to Mr. Zheng, and just when he thought Mr. Zheng wouldn’t speak, he heard him say in a steady tone, "Ah Yan, you are a good descendant of the Jiang Family, but don’t forget who nurtured you for nine months and gave birth to you. You also carry the Zheng Family’s blood."

Mr. Zheng’s voice wasn’t loud, and only the nearby Mr. Jiang, Zheng Zhen, and Jiang Yan heard it.

Jiang Yan paused momentarily, but only for a split second, then continued smoothly.

He smiled, "Of course, I know who gave birth to and raised me. I will see to her needs in her old age, ensuring she lives comfortably in her remaining years."

After her divorce, Zheng Zhen indeed lived very well. She resided in a big house, had domestic help for her needs, and had her own social circle for entertainment. She would visit the Jiang Family to play with the children when she was happy, living with great ease.

Even Wang Miaomiao never neglected her duty to honor both sets of grandparents. She took care of clothes for all seasons and never let them run out of supplements.

Since she didn’t live with the Jiang Family, Wang Miaomiao paid special attention to this aspect. It was also to silence gossip, stopping others from saying that Jiang Yan only cared for his grandfather and father, neglecting his biological mother’s well-being.

She liked to nip all unstable factors in the bud.

Jiang Yan’s evasive words left Mr. Zheng unimpressed.

He returned this time not only because he was indeed growing old and wished to return to his roots, but also knowing that his eldest wasn’t doing well in the Beijing Circle without the Jiang Family’s support.

Though aged, he still wanted to secure some benefits for his descendants, so he appealed to emotions and reason, "Ah Yan, we are flesh and blood. Your grandfather wandered around these years, settling in unfamiliar places, facing suppression, enduring countless cold stares, all to establish a foothold for the family."

"Sigh... thinking back on those days is truly bittersweet. When night falls and all is silent, I always ponder about you back inland, wondering if you’re doing well, if you’ve faced grievances or bullying..."

Mr. Zheng spoke emotionally, with a tear glistening in his cloudy eye corners.

Jiang Yan silently pulled out a handkerchief from the table and handed it to him.

Mr. Zheng was momentarily stunned, then shook his hand and took out a handkerchief from his pocket...

Oh, quite particular.

Jiang Yan smiled slightly, continuing to watch his performance.

"This time, your Uncle’s return marked the beginning because he sees promise in our country and our Party. Upon returning, indeed the national policies improved, giving him many conveniences, helping him re-establish himself shortly in his hometown."

After all the talking, the main point arrived, "But a family’s long-term development requires more than just standing; it needs standing firm. And that depends on more than just policies; it also takes individual effort. Ah Yan, we are flesh and blood, bound by our shared lineage. Our hearts should unite to form a rope, to exert strength together. A prosperous Zheng Family betters the Jiang Family too. Wouldn’t you agree?"

Listening to this, Jiang Yan couldn’t help but nod along. Mr. Zheng was truly capable. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have decisively moved the entire family to Hong Kong upon hearing a rumor back then.

His decision back then was certainly correct; otherwise, considering the Zheng Family’s background, they wouldn’t have fared well.

And his current assertions were equally clever.

But why should the Jiang Family wade into this muddy water... The Jiang Family is already doing well; beyond a certain point, more isn’t better. The Jiang Family just needs to continue steadily, without aggressive expansion.

Mr. Zheng had initially been glad seeing Jiang Yan nod, but almost spat blood upon hearing the rest of his words.

"You spoke very well," Jiang Yan leaned in closer to Mr. Zheng’s ear with a grin and said, "However, a gentleman calls upon himself, a petty man calls upon others. The three views of my Jiang Family and your Zheng Family do not align, and we cannot agree. Different paths do not work together."

Finishing, he stood up and laughed loudly, "Grandpa, now that you’re back, enjoy life, eating and drinking well, staying happy for longevity. Wouldn’t you say so?"

"Yes, yes..." Though Mr. Jiang didn’t know what exactly his grandson said to Old Zheng, seeing Old Zheng’s expression, he could tell it wasn’t pleasant, and it had angered Old Zheng. Sigh, with his grandson causing trouble, the old man ought to patch things up.

"Ah Yan is right. Old Zheng, now that you’re back, enjoy your life. We’re all getting on in age, and who knows how many good years are left. Each generation has its own blessings; old folks should acknowledge their age, rather than meddle and annoy others, wouldn’t you say... hehe..."

Old Master Jiang raised his glass, "Come, let’s have a drink."

Saying this, he waved at Jiang Yan, regardless of Old Zheng’s expression, "Go on, head back to your table, and eat. Leave your grandfather to me. This old bone of mine wants to reminisce about life and revisit past events with him; don’t worry about us, off you go..."