Chapter 139: Enjoying the Night

Chapter 139: Enjoying the Night

Night fell.

In the living room, Deng Shirong was grilling oysters. His sons, daughters, daughter-in-law, and Deng Changyuan gathered around, watching intently.

Six oysters sizzled on the charcoal grill, already seasoned with minced garlic and chopped green onions. Deng Shirong used a spoon to add a bit of dipping sauce—a mix of oyster sauce and soy sauce sautéed in high-temperature oil.

The aroma of the juice blending with the oyster meat wafted through the air, making everyone involuntarily swallow their saliva.

Deng Shirong, his hands calloused and unbothered by the heat, carefully removed the oysters one by one and placed them on a lid nearby. He smiled and said, "Alright, grab some chopsticks and try them. Be careful, they're hot!"

With that, he placed six more oysters on the grill to continue cooking.

The children, unable to resist the tempting smell, immediately ran to fetch chopsticks. However, Deng Yuntai, Zhang Xiuping, Deng Yunzhen, and Deng Changyuan hesitated, feeling it would be impolite to eat before the others.

Deng Shirong had seven children. Deng Yunheng was away at school, but the rest were present, along with the eldest daughter-in-law and Deng Changyuan, making nine people in total. With only six oysters grilled at a time, three people would have to wait.

Since Deng Shirong was busy grilling, he naturally couldn't eat yet. Seeing the four adults holding back, he said, "Ah Zhen, Ah Ping, you two go ahead and eat first. Yuntai, Ah Yuan, and I will eat later."

Deng Yuntai and Deng Changyuan nodded, urging the two women to start.

Deng Yunzhen stopped hesitating and fetched two pairs of chopsticks, sharing the remaining two oysters with her sister-in-law.

As the children prepared to eat, Deng Shirong reminded them, "It's best to eat the oysters in one bite. If you nibble at them, they won't taste as good. Use the chopsticks to carefully separate the oyster meat from the shell. Once it's cooled a bit, eat it with the juice in one go. That's the best way to enjoy it."

Following his advice, the children and daughters-in-law took their first bites. The combination of tender oyster meat and savory juice was so delicious that they couldn't help but savor every bite.

This made Deng Yuntai and Deng Changyuan even more eager. They stared intently at the second batch of oysters on the grill.

Grilling oysters didn't take long, and soon the second batch was ready. This time, it was Deng Yunzhen and Zhang Xiuping's turn to step aside, allowing Deng Yuntai and Deng Changyuan to finally taste the grilled oysters. The sweet, fragrant flavor left them craving more.

Compared to other expensive seafood, oysters were relatively affordable in later generations, with a full meal costing just over a hundred yuan. In this era, they were even cheaper. When Deng Shirong visited the mountain pass earlier, he happened to meet a beachgoer who had brought back thousands of oysters. Deng Shirong bought them all, storing most in his system space and bringing back around sixty or seventy.

With so many oysters, each person could enjoy seven or eight, which was quite a treat.

The grilling technique was simple, and anyone with basic cooking skills could learn it after watching once. After grilling a few batches, Deng Yunzhen volunteered, "Dad, let me take over. You haven't eaten yet, so you should enjoy your meal."

Deng Shirong smiled. "Alright, you can handle it."

Zhang Xiuping quickly added, "Dad, I'll serve you some rice."

Though his eldest daughter-in-law was pregnant, Deng Shirong didn't refuse her help with such a small task.

"Dad, what other dishes would you like? I can heat them up for you."

"No need. Just some pickled cabbage will do. No other dishes are necessary."

"Alright."

After Zhang Xiuping served the rice, Deng Yunzhen brought over six freshly grilled oysters. "Dad, these are for your meal. The others can wait for the next batch."

Deng Shirong accepted the rice with a smile and began eating, savoring the grilled oysters prepared by his eldest daughter.

After enjoying a few oysters, Deng Changyuan finally remembered his future wife. He approached Deng Shirong and asked, "Uncle Jiu, how did it go at Ahua's house today? Did her parents agree?"

Deng Shirong swallowed his food and chuckled. "I was wondering when you'd ask!"

Deng Changyuan quickly denied any forgetfulness. "How could I forget? I was just busy earlier, so I didn't rush to ask."

Deng Shirong stopped teasing him. "I put in a good word for you today, and her parents agreed to the match. They'll visit your house on the tenth day of the first lunar month. Go home and let your parents know so they can prepare."

Deng Changyuan was surprised. "Uncle Jiu, you've already set a date for the house visit?"

Deng Shirong took another bite of rice and pickled cabbage before replying, "New Dock Village isn't close, and it's not easy to make the trip. Of course, we had to settle everything in one go."

Deng Changyuan asked excitedly, "How many people are coming? And what's the bride price?"

Deng Shirong replied, "Seven people will accompany her. As for the bride price, it's the standard—300 yuan plus 300 kilograms of grain. Aside from making a few new clothes for Ahua, there are no other demands."

Deng Changyuan couldn't help but grin.

Deng Yuntai patted his shoulder. "Congratulations, A Yuan!"

Deng Shirong added, "I'll discuss with Yungui tomorrow and arrange to pay you a year's salary in advance so you can marry smoothly."

Though he'd heard this from his childhood friend earlier, Deng Changyuan was deeply moved to hear it directly from Uncle Jiu. He nodded repeatedly. "Thank you, Uncle Jiu."

Deng Shirong smiled. "You're welcome. Once you're married, live well. I promised Ahua's parents that. If you mistreat her or let her suffer, I won't forgive you."

Deng Changyuan assured him repeatedly, already thinking about how to discuss this with his parents to avoid any future conflicts that might require Uncle Jiu's intervention.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiuping, mindful of her father-in-law's advice, controlled her appetite and only ate five oysters.

Deng Changyuan ate six before hurrying home to discuss the matter with his parents.

The rest of the oysters were enjoyed by Deng Shirong and his children, leaving everyone satisfied.

(End of Chapter)