Natural Disaster: Back to the End of the World

Part 34

In July, after the new house was completed and fully decorated, the family moved in after it had been ventilated for half a month. Due to the extreme heat, they skipped the traditional beam-raising ceremony, but they still made sure to celebrate the housewarming properly. Since the front entrance required walking through a narrow alley, they decided to keep the back door open, so everyone came and went through the back.

The back yard was quite large. Lei Li planned to plant some peppers and had already started preparing the land. After fertilizing it for a while, it would be ready. Passing through a small fire room from the back yard, they entered the bright and spacious main room.

Uncle Gao Ming and others, who had helped with the construction and offered many suggestions during the decoration, were familiar with the new house. They were helping out with the housewarming, greeting guests and assisting in the kitchen. Lei Li invited almost everyone in the village, but many had only elderly family members or children at home, with most of the couples working away. In total, there weren't many guests. Additionally, housewarming gifts were expected, and even a simple housewarming gift typically started at 200 yuan, with more expected from close relations. Some people, not wanting to give a gift, made excuses not to come.

When the second uncle received the invitation, he specifically said, "I'll come, but that little bastard from that day shouldn't be there, so he doesn't jinx us!"

Lei Lang just sneered and said, "It's quite hot. Second Uncle should stay home and rest. With so many people, we can't be responsible if someone accidentally bumps into you. It's better if you stay comfortable at home. We have things to do, so we're leaving now." Saying this, he dragged his elder brother away.

Hearing their departure and still hearing the insults from inside, Lei Lang rolled his eyes and said, "I really don't know where he gets his confidence. How big of a face do you need to be so stubborn and old-fashioned? I almost wanted to throw a bowl of water on him!"

Lei Li patted the annoyed third brother and said, "Water prices have gone up sharply. It's expensive. For such an unscrupulous person, just putting on a show is enough."

"I just feel sorry for Jin Lei. He's such a good young man, and Grandma values him so much. How could that old fool be so blind? Just listen to what he said, it's ridiculous!" Lei Lang continued grumbling as they walked, clearly upset by the old man's attitude. Lei Li was less bothered; the village had its share of eccentric people. Now that most had gone away, it was better. For instance, in Fanjia Village, which had a larger population, such extremes were common. Compared to that, their village was peaceful.

They had arranged with Uncle Liu from Fanjia Village half a month in advance to reserve a young pig. Before dawn, Uncle Liu started preparing the pig. By the time Lei Li arrived on his tricycle, it was ready to be picked up. Since March, there had been only a few rains due to artificial weather control, and the hot weather meant many things spoiled quickly. Within just a few hours, meat could go sour if left outside.

Previously, Lei Li thought the big freezer Yao Ziqing wanted wasn't necessary, but now it proved useful. The meat was stored in the freezer to keep it fresh, as it would spoil quickly if left outside.

Aunt Xiu Xiu arrived early in the morning to help. Yao Ziqing and Xiao Wu were still asleep in their respective nests. Fang Jinlei brought many free-range eggs, and Aunt Xiu Xiu scolded him, "Do you know how much free-range eggs cost now? Almost four times as much as regular eggs. You're using them for a feast? How many eggs do you need today? For soup and meatballs, we'll need a lot. Take them away, don't waste your money like this."

Fang Jinlei was unsure how to handle the returned eggs. Though he raised chickens, the hot weather had affected egg production, but he had more than enough. He could handle free-range eggs, but for imported eggs, he would have to buy them from the town.