Time always seemed to grow short when one was busy.
When Chen Jie finished copying the introduction of several herbs twenty times, it was almost evening and the sun was setting in the west.
The chimney of the Bai family was emitting strands of cooking smoke, and Wu Zhong had also returned from the fishery, carrying a lot of things in his hands.
There was the most famous white wine in town, a roast chicken, a packet of pork hocks, and two packets of fried peanuts.
These things, in this era, were considered the finest snacks to accompany wine. Ordinary families might not even get to eat these during New Year's.
But for Wu Zhong, who held authority over the fishery, these were just ordinary snacks with wine.
"Dad,"
Doctor Bai was inspecting the assignments Chen Jie had submitted. He inspected them very carefully and was quite satisfied. Chen Jie's handwriting was neat, and although it wasn't particularly beautiful, you could tell he was serious, with each stroke done earnestly, not sloppily.
Wu Zhong came over and greeted Doctor Bai. Doctor Bai looked up at Wu Zhong and said, "You're back."
"Mmm,"
Wu Zhong was still very respectful to Doctor Bai. Back in the day, he was just an apprentice under Doctor Bai. If it weren't for Doctor Bai's favor, matching him with his daughter, and using his connections to help him in the Fishing Guild, how could he have achieved this respectable position?
It could be said that Wu Zhong owed his current status to his father-in-law's assistance.
Moreover, Doctor Bai not only treated him well but also respected him. The most significant testament to this was Wu Hong.
Logically, since Wu Zhong was considered an adopted son-in-law, the child should have taken Doctor Bai's surname. But Doctor Bai refused and directly named the child Wu Hong.
For Wu Zhong, this was an enormous favor. It preserved his dignity and helped him achieve wealth. How could he not be grateful?
Looking at Chen Jie, Chen Jie's father was also an adopted son-in-law, but his grandfather stubbornly changed his surname to Chen and even recorded him in the family genealogy, treating him as one of the Chen family.
Normally, Chen Jie should have taken his father's surname, Xie, and called Uncle Erba and the other members of the old Chen family his uncles.
However, his grandfather's assertiveness changed everything. He became one of the old Chen family, while his father merely became an accessory. It was no wonder his father was despondent and self-destructive. Besides his inherent inability to achieve much, perhaps his pride was also suppressed, leading to a broken-jar, broken-behavior attitude.
Comparing Chen Jie's father and Wu Hong's father, both had the experience of being adopted sons-in-law, but their achievements were entirely different. *One couldn't help but marvel at how people with the same circumstances could have such different fates!*
"Mmm, very good,"
Doctor Bai finished inspecting the assignments, then looked up and returned them to Chen Jie, immediately addressing Wu Zhong.
"Jiusi, let me introduce you. This is Wu Zhong, Hong'er's father."
"Zhong'er, this is Chen Jiusi, my new apprentice."
Upon hearing this, Wu Zhong first grinned and said, "Hahaha... Jiusi, I know you. Thank you for saving my father yesterday. Otherwise, our family wouldn't have gotten through the day. I won't say too much. I just bought a jar of white wine today. Let's have a good drink, hahaha..."
Wu Zhong was a rugged man, standing about six feet tall, with a broad back and a sturdy build. His skin was a bit dark, making him look honest and straightforward. He was over forty now and had a bit of a belly, but there was still a martial artist's imposing presence about him.
Upon hearing this, Chen Jie immediately said, "Uncle Wu, you're too kind. As soon as I walked in, the whole family thanked me. It was just a small effort. I think anyone else would have done the same, and it's no big favor. If you put it this way, it really embarrasses me."
Hearing this, Wu Zhong glanced at Doctor Bai with a hint of surprise in his eyes. *At such a young age, without being arrogant or boastful, it's not easy.*
Now, many young people would wag their tails with just a little praise, yet Chen Jiusi had a certain maturity about him.
His demeanor was quite pleasing to those he interacted with.
Wu Zhong's first impression of Chen Jie was quite good. The two chatted a bit more, with Chen Jie speaking appropriately and confidently. Wu Zhong couldn't help but nod in approval. He was increasingly satisfied, seeing him as a person who wasn't frivolous.
*The old man's judgment of character remained impeccable.*
"Dinner's ready!"
Amidst their conversation, Bai called out for dinner. Not far away, Wu Hong was the first to throw down his pen and rush into the house.
"Mom, let me help you serve the meal."
"Hey... Wu Hong, have you finished copying your meridian map?"
Doctor Bai frowned as Wu Hong's voice came from the kitchen, saying, "Oh, almost done. I'll finish after dinner."
Upon hearing this, Doctor Bai's expression turned serious as he said, "Zhong'er!"
Wu Zhong responded, "Yes, I know, Dad!"
With that, Wu Zhong went inside and quickly dragged Wu Hong out.
"Hurry up and finish copying. You can only eat after you're done. Your grandpa said so."
Wu Zhong pushed Wu Hong down onto a bench. Wu Hong, with a bitter expression, looked toward Bai, who peeked out from the kitchen. Bai said, "Your grandpa has spoken. No one can save you. Hurry and copy."
After speaking, Bai looked at Chen Jie and said, "Come, Jiusi, let's eat."
Wu Zhong also walked over, saying, "Come, Jiusi, have a drink with me."
"I'd better not."
Chen Jie declined, but Doctor Bai said, "If you're invited to eat, you should eat. What kind of apprentice doesn't join the meal?"
In this era, apprenticeships had rules. It was customary for an apprentice to study for three years and serve for two years. During the apprenticeship, meals and lodging were provided, but no wages were given. After learning, if one made money with the skills, they would give something to the master as gratitude for teaching.
As they talked, Doctor Bai said, "Jiusi, give me a hand."
Chen Jie immediately helped Doctor Bai to the table. Doctor Bai looked at Bai and said, "Later, pack some of those steamed buns. There are still two people in Jiusi's family. The man is here learning the craft and not earning money. How will his wife survive at home?"
"Yes, Dad, I've packed them."
Bai nodded, and Chen Jie immediately said, "Master, this..."
Doctor Bai waved his hand, saying, "You're apprenticing with me, so I must take care of you. Ask Wu Zhong if he didn't take both food and daughters when he was learning from me back in the day."
Wu Zhong also laughed, saying, "Haha... The old man is right. Jiusi, your uncle not only took both food and daughters but even tricked a girl away. So just learn from the old man. You won't lose out."
"Hey, why do you say everything outright?"
Bai, who was serving dishes, glared at the unruly Wu Zhong. Wu Zhong laughed, saying, "It's not like there are any outsiders here."
As Chen Jie watched this family playfully bickering, he felt warmth and couldn't help but look at Doctor Bai.
Doctor Bai noticed Chen Jie's awkwardness and joked, "Why are you looking at me like that? I don't have a daughter or granddaughter to marry you!"
Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but laugh.
"Alright, alright, sit down and eat,"
Bai invited everyone to sit down for a meal. Wu Zhong sat next to Doctor Bai, with Chen Jie beside him. On the other side sat Bai, with Wu Hong, who had just finished copying the meridian map, sitting lower down.
And thus, dinner began.