Wu Hua excitedly called Wang Shufen to share the good news, catching her just as she was in the office. Upon hearing the news, Wang Shufen was overwhelmed with joy. She had been thrilled when her son first took first place in the city, but this time, he had swept first place in the entire province and had even been honored as an outstanding student of the province—she simply could not describe how excited she felt. Telling Wu Hua to wait at home, she headed straight to the market to buy groceries, determined to prepare a feast to reward him.
Her husband, Wu Zhengguo, had also had an incredibly exciting day. That morning, he had received notice from the Railway Bureau that the Wuning Road overpass project had been officially approved, with full funding from the Bureau. What he had once assumed was a hopeless endeavor had suddenly come to fruition, leaving him pleasantly surprised for quite a while. A few days prior, Wu Zhengguo had read the essay his son had written. He had not expected it to be so excellent; the description of the Wuning Road crossing was truly thought-provoking. Unfortunately, Wu Hua had been busy with intensive training at the time, so he hadn't had the chance to ask his son about it in detail, nor had he given it much further thought.
After hanging up the phone, Wu Zhengguo’s emotions remained stirred for a long time. He could hardly believe it, feeling that he had neglected to pay enough attention to Wu Hua in the past and resolving to be more involved in his son's life from now on.
Just then, the phone rang again. As soon as he answered, Wang Shufen’s excited voice came through: "Old Wu, are you free tonight? If so, come home early for dinner!"
Baffled by her abrupt question, Wu Zhengguo asked, "Shufen, what’s wrong? Did something happen?"
Realizing in her excitement that she hadn't been clear, Wang Shufen explained, "Old Wu, it's like this: our son Wu Hua took first place in the provincial competition and was named an outstanding student of the province. I’m heading out to buy some groceries now. Let's have a proper celebration when you get back tonight!"
Although Wu Zhengguo wasn't sure exactly how significant the title of outstanding student was, the provincial first place was a concrete achievement. "That's wonderful, Shufen!" he said into the phone. "Buy plenty of food, and invite the Secretary Song family over to celebrate with us. I will definitely be home on time after work!"
When Wang Shufen returned home, she found Wu Hua sleeping soundly in his room. Knowing how exhausting his intensive training for the competition had been, she didn't have the heart to wake him and headed to the kitchen to start cooking. Before long, Chen Juan, having heard the news, arrived to help. The two chatted about household matters while swiftly preparing the meal, one cutting vegetables and the other the meat, working in perfect, unspoken harmony.
It wasn't until Song Xinmei arrived that Wang Shufen finally woke Wu Hua and turned on the television so the two could watch together. Seeing the beads of sweat on her mother’s and Aunt Chen’s foreheads, Wu Hua tried several times to enter the kitchen to help, but Wang Shufen sent him back each time.
At 5:15 PM, Wu Zhengguo stepped through the door. Wu Hua immediately rushed over to help him change into his slippers and took his briefcase to place it on the bottom shelf of the coffee table. Pleased, Wu Zhengguo greeted Song Xinmei, who was watching TV, then sat on the sofa and patted the spot next to him. "Son, come here and have a chat with Dad."
Seeing that his father had something to say, Wu Hua sat down beside him and looked up. Wu Zhengguo asked, "Son, I heard you took first place in the province and became an outstanding student?"
"That’s right, Dad," Wu Hua said with a smile.
"I really didn't expect it! But don't let it go to your head; you must keep studying hard!"
Mentioning this, Wu Zhengguo noticed Song Xinmei nearby and asked, "Xinmei, how did you do on your exams?"
Song Xinmei gave a sweet smile. "Uncle Wu, I took sixth place! Not only did I get a cash prize, but I also received the title of outstanding student of the province!"
Just as she was speaking, there was a knock at the door. Wu Hua hurried to open it. Song Changjiang walked in carrying a bottle of Moutai. He ruffled Wu Hua’s hair and said, "Xiaohua, you really did it! Your uncle came here today specifically to celebrate for you!" He shook the bottle of Moutai and chuckled.
Seeing this, Wu Zhengguo stood up immediately, laughing. "Old Song, what’s the big deal about the kid taking first place? Is it worth such a grand gesture? Bring that Moutai over here and let me see what vintage it is."
Song Changjiang replied while changing his slippers, "Old Wu, I can't keep Moutai aged over twenty years, but this bottle is definitely authentic. Drink without worry!"
Before long, a lavish spread of food covered the table. Wu Zhengguo and Song Changjiang raised their glasses of Moutai. Since the next day was the weekend and no one had to work, Wang Shufen opened a bottle of Hongmei wine. She poured a glass for Chen Juan, then, after a moment's thought, poured half a glass each for Wu Hua and Song Xinmei.
Although Song Xinmei had only placed sixth, the Songs were already overjoyed. After the toasts, Song Changjiang started drinking with Wu Zhengguo. Meanwhile, Chen Juan and Wang Shufen sipped their wine, constantly piling food onto Wu Hua’s plate, growing fonder of him by the moment.
Wu Hua stared at the Moutai, itching to try it, but had to restrain himself in front of his father. He settled for sipping the Hongmei wine with his meal. The wine was 15% alcohol; it tasted sweet and mild at first, but had a deceptive kick. Realizing this, Wu Hua quietly warned Song Xinmei.
Despite his warning, Song Xinmei found the wine so sweet that she finished her half-glass and asked for another. She didn't feel anything at first, but after a while, the alcohol hit her. Her delicate cheeks turned flushed, her eyes grew unfocused, and she saw double when looking at Wu Hua. She felt dizzy and lightheaded.
Only then did Song Xinmei realize she was drunk. Succumbing to the sweetness of the wine, she regretted not listening to Wu Hua. She tried to stand, but her legs turned to jelly. She had to sit down, gripping the edge of the table tightly.
Noticing something was wrong, Wang Shufen asked, "Xinmei, are you alright?"
"Aunt Li, I'm so dizzy. I think I'm drunk," Song Xinmei said, struggling to keep herself upright.
Wang Shufen felt her forehead—it was warm, but not from a fever. Realizing she was indeed drunk, she said, "Xinmei, if you're not feeling well, let Auntie help you to the room to lie down. You'll feel better after a rest." She knew the wine was low-proof and that the effects would pass soon.
Song Xinmei insisted, "I'm fine, Aunt Li. I can walk back and lie down on my own." As she tried to stand, the room spun, and she tilted to one side, ready to collapse.
Wang Shufen quickly steadied her. "Xinmei, don't force it. Come, let Auntie help you rest." Chen Juan hurried over to assist, and even Wu Zhengguo and Song Changjiang paused their animated discussion to look over.
Wu Hua stood up immediately and supported Song Xinmei. "Mom, Aunt Chen, Xinmei is fine. I'll take her to rest. You all keep eating; Dad and Uncle Song are still waiting."
Chen Juan smiled happily. "It's perfect that Xiaohua is taking her. Shuyuan, come, let’s keep drinking." She pulled Wang Shufen back to the table. Wu Zhengguo and Song Changjiang exchanged a smile and returned to their discussion about safety standards.