Cheng Hai turned slightly, a humble smile on his face, and broke the silence first. He said respectfully, "Uncle Cheng Si, you are a man of great virtue and prestige. Before you, I am merely a junior, so the honor of speaking first should naturally be yours. Please, why don't you say a few words?"
Hearing this, Cheng Si wore a look of guileless confusion. He was, by nature, an honest and straightforward man, not particularly gifted with words. With everyone's eyes fixed upon him and Cheng Hai pushing the responsibility onto him, he found himself at a momentary loss. He slowly raised his hand and scratched his head, looking quite awkward. His rough fingers wove through his hair as if he were trying to summon the right words. His mouth opened and closed, but only incoherent, stuttering sounds emerged.
"I... I... I really don't know what to say. To tell you the truth, I never expected so many fellow villagers to hold me in such high regard."
Chapter 419