Chapter 119 - Good appetite! (1/2)

There was a custom in Zhang Fan's native northwestern province that one should eat noodles when returning home, and eat dumplings when leaving home. However, Zhang Fan's mother was worried that Shao Hua wouldn't like the northwestern style noodles, so she also cooked some rice just in case.

The entire table was covered in dishes, ranging from barbequed meat to fish, from fresh vegetables to enoki mushrooms! Zhang Fan's parents had gone all the way to the downtown supermarket to purchase countless ingredients in preparation for his return.

Zero alcohol tolerance was a genetic trait in Zhang Fan's family. His father had about the same alcohol tolerance as he did. But, today was the perfect atmosphere for some alcohol. Zhang Fan's father had especially purchased red wine, white wine, and drinks for his son's return!

Shao Hua actually did enjoy eating noodles. Although noodles were incredibly common in northwest China, the truly best noodles were in S Province and the next-door Shaanxi Province. Their noodles would be smooth as silk and incredibly long. They would be delicious when paired with eggs, diced meat, carrots, diced potatoes, and so on.

Although the border province's fried noodles weren't bad, either, they lacked a sense of elegance in noodle cuisine.

”Eat, have some more, dear girl. Eat more of anything that you like. Ah, you can't reach this one, let me give you some.” Zhang Fan's mother continuously put more and more food on Shao Hua's plate, worried that Shao Hua was hungry.

”Zhang Fan, you're a doctor now, so I won't make you drink. I'm going to drink a little today. Shao Hua, do you drink white wine?”

”Sir, I don't drink white wine!”

”Have some red wine then. I can't drink alcohol. Could you accompany my parents for a little drink?”

”Alright, I'll drink a glass of red wine together with your parents.” Shao Hua didn't act reserved at all.

Everyone chatted and ate, telling various jokes and funny stories from the past. Laughter could constantly be heard at the table.

1700 kilometers away, at Shao Hua's home. ”We received a text that Hua and Zhang Fan have safely arrived. But, is Hua used to how things are there? Is Zhang Fan's family easy to get along with? Are they satisfied with our Hua?”

Shao Hua's parents sat across from each other. Although it was dinnertime, neither of them had any appetite.

”My Hua is so excellent. There couldn't possibly be anything to be picky about with her! There's still an entire month left, sigh!” Shao Hua's father sighed. Both of her parents were truly worried with their daughter so far away from them!

Meanwhile, back at Zhang Fan's home…

”How are your studies going? Shao Hua and I traveled more than 1,000 kilometers here to cheer you on. You can't just let us down.”

”Of course I won't let you down. The two of you can just wait for my good news. While I can't guarantee my getting into Tsinghua or Beijing University, I should be able to get into any other university.”

”Okay! Good, you're spirited. Good luck! You're smarter than I am,” said Zhang Fan.

Shao Hua chuckled as she listened to the siblings' conversation.

”Little Rock did bad on his college entrance examination because his father got fired that year!” Zhang Fan's mother explained.

”Why talk about such things? Isn't he doing quite well now?” Zhang Fan's father mildly complained.

”No, my studies weren't good to begin with. We shouldn't look for excuses!”

After dinner, there was the issue of where everyone was going to sleep. Zhang Jingshu was taking the college entrance exam soon, so her resting habits couldn't be disturbed. Zhang Fan's apartment home was quite similar in layout to Shao Hua's apartment home. Both apartments had only two bedrooms. Fortunately, Zhang Fan and Zhang Jingshu had been many years apart in age, so they could sleep in the same room.

Shao Hua tried to go to the kitchen to help clean up after dinner, but Zhang Fan's mother pushed her out. ”You've been riding in a car for several days. You should properly rest. Dear girl, think of this as your home. Don't act reserved here. Go and have a chat with them.”

Zhang Fan's father smoked one of the top-quality smokes that his son had gifted him. He was incredibly happy as he saw how reliable his son seemed to be now. 'This brat, he's always had his own ideas ever since young. He's finally matured!'