Chapter 1240 - 1113: Inside and Outside the Circle

Chapter 1240: Chapter 1113: Inside and Outside the Circle

Not far from the foot of the mountain, in the suburbs, there is still that two-story small building where the gathering takes place.

It’s sunset, but the sky is not yet dark.

The living room door on the first floor is open, and more than ten large tables are arranged in the house and the yard. In the eastern corner of the courtyard, two chefs are cooking, while the assistants serve the dishes to the tables in turn.

If someone unaware saw it, they would definitely mistake it for a wedding celebration.

But today, it really isn’t a wedding or an elderly birthday.

Young men and women around 20 years old are entering in groups of threes and fives from outside the door, while more than twenty who had been waiting inside come out of the living room.

Dong Hao, one of the hosts of tonight’s event, gives a signal towards the eastern corner while everyone exchanges talks.

Unlike usual, this time, the Ping’an Brothers start to disperse into separate circles, chatting and joking. If you have a keen eye, you can spot some clues.

Around Ping’an are all original close friends, while Liu Yi is arm in arm with school friends he grew up with since childhood. As for May 1st, around him are children of military and government officials.

Among these people are those who have just returned after getting redressed with their grandparents and parents, subconsciously forming a circle, similar to the past, with hierarchical distinctions.

Unlike the young men, the girls are much more casual, talking more with those they get along with based on the depth of their relationships, and avoiding those they have estrangement with.

Like Fang Yueya, she now dislikes Mo Xiaobei, but she still suppresses her temper and greets other sisters with a faint smile.

As for Mo Xiaobei, she knows the little girl has complaints about her, and while they usually have little quarrels, she doesn’t dare overstep during this gathering.

No matter the personal relationship, nobody is foolish enough to show their true colors here, lest they ruin the event and disqualify themselves from future gatherings.

If truly excluded by everyone, it goes beyond just children’s conflicts, and can seriously affect the family’s status.

Reality is just that cruel.

Recall those little pals who used to play here, not even qualified to enter the less than fifty-person gathering.

Unlike the girls’ small thoughts, the young men who see themselves as men are much more open and don’t discuss so-called luxury items.

The topics they discuss pull each other closer, bridging the gap of time apart, and clearly becoming good buddies.

Even family disputes and competitions seem to dissolve here with laughter.

Those who come here are the promising juniors of their families, nearly all trained to be smart and know that there are no eternal enemies in this world.

Of course, the circle is big, and all kinds of personalities exist.

Everyone knows each other’s background well.

Besides gathering with everyone, May 1st has other motives unlike his two brothers.

As for others’ thoughts, he didn’t pay much attention.

Following his family’s usual way, whether newly reinstated families or long-time friends, there’s no conflict, avoiding complexities.

Catching the moment before sitting, he’s walking in circles with a buddy.

"Your cousin, the one who’s fair and can fight, always snatches your ice cream, why haven’t I seen him?"

Zhan Zhao Ming laughs, "You remember him, Third Brother? He’s now working at the TV factory, looking all polished, and has become a section chief."

May 1st raises an eyebrow, surprised, "Wow, didn’t expect that, quite accomplished huh."

Zhan Zhao Ming smirked, glanced around, and whispered, "It’s thanks to the old man. I was going to ask if you want a TV?" He even winked, "Factory price."

May 1st throws an arm around him, "Brothers shouldn’t let you take risks. Forget the whole machine, these are popular now. But take time to ask if I can get some small parts."

Zhan Zhao Ming is delighted and pats his chest, "Do I have to ask? If my Third Brother commands him, he’d rush to fulfill it. Give me a list, I’ll find him tomorrow."

May 1st eyes him with amusement, "Are you exaggerating? Just a whim, talk later."

"Sure. Call me anytime."

May 1st pats him, then takes a seat.

With parts in hand, assembling two TVs is easy. Place one in his grandfather’s room, send one to his grandparents. Maybe get another for the courtyard?

Look at him, such a filial son! His mom would be thrilled, spending just a few dozen bucks on parts to build a TV, saving money while staying discreet.

Over in the backyard, the workshop has been often closed lately, and the twins are too busy to eat, making Aunt Chen uneasy, wondering what they’re doing.

Not only the little ones, even the elder Ping’an is constantly bringing home junk...

Look, scrap iron, old tires.

"Xiao Wu, what do you think the kids are doing? I asked but they just laughed and said it’s a surprise. Soon it’ll be school time, they should rest at home."

Zhang Guoqing laughs heartily.

Not only Aunt Chen is puzzled, but even Miao Lishan, who rushes to the backyard after work, can’t get a word of truth from her three grandsons.

"Brother Zheng, have you figured it out?"

Zhou Xiaozheng chuckles, shakes his head.

"You know right? Aunt Chen said the kids were moving tires and welding during the day. Are they making a car? Give us a hint."

"What is a surprise? Both surprise and delight. Just wait!" Zhou Xiaozheng said, lifting the newspaper to cover his amused face.

The mystery, amidst the Ping’an Brothers’ day and night efforts, is finally revealed the day before school starts.

That afternoon, whether Miao Lishan arriving home after work or Zhou Jiao and the pre-notified Zhou Xiaozheng and Zhang Guoqing father-in-law duo who followed.

They all realized their children really know how to create an event!

Surely, it may be silent, but when they shine, it’s astonishing.

A courtyard filled with onlookers, not just young men and women, but also a few retired elderly.

On the square table, two 12-inch TVs, beside them a motorcycle, glowing brilliantly under the sunset, garnering praise.

Differing from the market styles.

The TV’s wooden cabinet creatively painted bright red, complementing the military green motorcycle, boasting a striking harmony that captures attention.

"Alright, everyone’s home, time to see if it’s a donkey or a horse, let’s take a look."

"Hahaha... even if it doesn’t run, I want to take it home just by looking."

May 1st smiles at his family, mounts the motorcycle, starts the engine, and with a "vroom", the powerful sound earns applause from everyone.