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CHAPTER 8
PART 2
As usual, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Su Xiaotong and Gu Lei arrived at Li Xueli's house with their son.
As soon as they entered the house, Su Xiaotong smelled a rich fragrance and asked, "What's cooking? It smells so good."
"Guess," Li Xueli said.
Gu Lei, who often cooked, quickly guessed, "It must be chicken stew, and it's free-range chicken. Only this kind of chicken can produce such a wonderful aroma."
"You're absolutely right. Today, I bought a plump hen, and it's a 'free-range chicken' raised in the mountains. We're having chicken hot pot tonight."
"That sounds fantastic," Gu Lei said.
"Is there anything we can help with?" Su Xiaotong asked.
"Eating hot pot is quite simple; we just need to prepare the ingredients for dipping," Li Xueli replied.
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Su Xiaotong and Li Xueli went into the kitchen, while Gu Lei worked on his design project in the living room, and their son played beside him.
Around 5 o'clock, Fan Lin arrived at Li Xueli's house with her daughter, Fan Wenjing, after school.
Just like Su Xiaotong's group, as soon as they entered, they were greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of chicken soup in the air.
By this time, the chicken soup in the clay pot had been simmering for six hours straight, according to Li Xueli. Fan Lin couldn't resist the temptation and scooped up a small bowl of chicken soup to taste, offering some to Fan Wenjing as well. Li Xueli asked, "How is it? Does it taste good?"
"It's amazing, so fresh, with the authentic flavor of chicken soup," Fan Lin said.
"I didn't add any seasonings except for salt. Chicken soup should be enjoyed in its original taste," Li Xueli said.
"You also prepared vegetables, lamb rolls, and wild mushrooms. Are we having hot pot tonight?"
"Exactly."
"I told them to come quickly; I can't wait!" Fan Lin sent a few pictures of the chicken soup and ingredients in the group chat with the caption: "Having chicken soup hot pot tonight, come join us, or I'll finish all the soup!"
Wang Xingxing, Han Lei, and others responded with "ok" hand emojis. Fan Lin mentioned Tan Yong, asking if he could come.
Tan Yong replied that he had started his annual leave today and planned to go on a trip with his wife, so he couldn't make it.
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Fan Lin replied: "Alright, enjoy your trip, and have fun when you come back."
Around 6 o'clock, members of the "extended family" gradually gathered. At this point, the table was set with a pot of chicken soup in copper pots, emitting a tantalizing fragrance that made everyone's mouths water.
Next to it were various side dishes for dipping, both meat and vegetables, along with sauces. After everyone had taken a bowl of chicken soup and tasted it, they all praised it.
"We're in for a treat tonight," Li Xueli said as she showed off a platter of mushrooms. "We have porcini, chicken drumstick mushrooms, dried cep, and even matsutake!"
"Li Xueli, your meal cost must have exceeded 20 yuan per person," Wang Xingxing remarked.
Li Xueli added wild mushrooms to the chicken soup and smiled, "Everyone is well-off now, can't we enjoy something nice? Can we still maintain a meal cost of 20 yuan? I don't think so."
"Shouldn't we chip in for the food then?" Su Xiaotong asked.
"No need, let's wait until we receive the money. I'm happy about it, so I bought some expensive ingredients."
As various types of mushrooms simmered in the chicken soup, the aroma became even more intense than before. Especially the matsutake, it paired perfectly with the chicken soup.
Even before tasting it, everyone's noses were already enjoying a feast. Once cooked, Li Xueli served everyone a bowl of soup, and those who tasted it couldn't help but praise it. Yuan Dong, in particular, said it was the best broth he had ever tasted in his life.
"Tan Yong is really carefree, going on a trip with his wife at a time like this. Do you think it's related to him about to inherit the estate?" Fan Lin sipped her soup and asked.
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"It's definitely related. If I remember correctly, since we met Tan Yong until now, this is the first time he's gone on a trip," Han Lei said.
"So, should we also go on a trip? After receiving the inheritance next month, we'll have restrictions, and we'll need to count the days even when traveling," Xia Qi suggested.
"Sounds good!" Wang Xingxing immediately agreed. "To be honest, ever since I found out about inheriting the estate, I haven't had the motivation to work."
"Your job isn't really work, is it? Aren't you just playing games?" Li Xueli teased.
"See, the bias is back! I've said it so many times; I'm a professional gamer. Testing games or creating guides is my job. But now, it seems like I've lost interest in doing these things..."
"Me too," Fan Lin said. "In the past few days, I've been feeling a bit absent-minded, unable to concentrate on work, and just thinking about how to spend the money when we get it."
Gu Lei chuckled, "I'm feeling a bit... It's hard to focus on my design work."
"It seems like everyone's mindset is quite similar. I thought it was just me," Han Lei said.
"That's human nature," Yuan Dong said with profound meaning.
"Yuan Dong, do you have any profound insights to share?"
"Forget it, if I say it, you'll just make fun of me."
"This time, I promise I won't. Go ahead, tell us."
"Alright then. The arrival of wealth, while it can bring surprises, can also leave one feeling empty. When all of a person's aspirations and dreams are fulfilled, they often feel lost. What should they do next? Continuing their previous work seems to lack goals and motivation; idling away time, indulging in leisure and pleasure, fails to provide a sense of accomplishment and value. Over time, they may even come to loathe themselves, feeling like they've become useless and questioning the meaning of life. Humans are creatures full of contradictions and difficult to satisfy."
Yuan Dong's words sparked contemplation among the group. Wang Xingxing, with a pensive look, said, "When you think about it carefully, it seems to be true. Playing games is the same. At the beginning, when your character is only at level 1 and has poor equipment, it motivates players to find various ways to make the character stronger. In this process, there's a lot of fun and a sense of achievement. But when the character reaches the maximum level, gets the best equipment, and becomes unbeatable, often that's when it's time to quit the game. Because you can no longer find challenge or enjoyment in the game; all that's left is emptiness and boredom."
"While we're inheriting a massive fortune, we might lose the joy of 'pursuing dreams and goals,' is that what you mean, Professor Yuan?" Han Lei asked.
"Not exactly. Making oneself fulfilled and life more meaningful is certainly possible, like using this money for charity to help those in need. In that case, your spirits will be rich beyond measure, and there will be plenty of meaningful things to do. How could you feel empty and bored then?"
"Professor Yuan, what you're saying is so insightful," Shen Fengxia expressed her admiration, and perhaps a hint of affection. "I've been wondering what to do with this money, and now it's become clear!"
"Anyway, I've made up my mind. I'll use most of this money for charity. Specifically, I plan to help children in impoverished mountain areas improve their living and educational conditions," Yuan Dong said.
"I'll do the same as you," Shen Fengxia immediately pledged.
"Xueli, bring out the wine! At times like this, we must toast Professor Yuan and Fengxia for their high principles!" Han Lei sincerely said, with no hint of sarcasm in his tone.
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"All right, I'm touched by them!" Li Xueli got up and fetched red wine and glasses from the liquor cabinet. Everyone poured wine and raised their glasses to toast Yuan Dong and Shen Fengxia. Yuan Dong waved his hand several times, indicating there was no need.
After finishing their wine, Fan Lin said, "But Professor Yuan and the others doing this make those of us who planned to splurge a bit feel somewhat overshadowed."
"Don't say that. Everyone has different life views and values. Reasonable spending and enjoyment are also essential. I'm not trying to morally pressure you all," Yuan Dong said.
"I think we can choose a middle ground. For example, use part of the money for consumption and enjoyment, and another part for charity. Isn't that a balanced approach?" Xia Qi suggested.
"Right, that's a good idea. Those luxury items like designer bags aren't really practical anyway, so let's buy fewer of them and use the money for something meaningful," Fan Lin said.
"Yamei was passionate about charity during her lifetime. If she knew we were doing this, she'd be extremely pleased," Li Xueli said.
"Why do I feel like, in an instant, we've all become noble and great?" Wang Xingxing laughed.
"Then let's raise a glass to ourselves!" Xia Qi lifted her glass again. Everyone responded and raised their glasses together.
Seeing the adults drinking again, Fan Wenjing knew that this meal would take a long time. She got up from the table and went to the adjacent room to do her homework. Gu Xiaoliang followed her into the room and played with puzzles on the floor. The adults continued to eat and drink.
"Hey, are you all really going on a trip? If you are, I can plan a travel itinerary for you," Fan Lin asked.
"Absolutely! I really don't want to work these days," Wang Xingxing said.
"Who's in favor of going?" Raise your hand."
Wang Xingxing, Xia Qi, and Han Lei immediately raised their hands. Li Xueli thought for a moment and said, "I'll go too; it's been a long time since I went on a trip."
"Xiaotong, Gu Lei, Professor Yuan, Fengxia, what about you?" Fan Lin asked.
"My legs aren't convenient, so count me out. I might slow you down if there's any long-distance trekking," Yuan Dong said.
"As for me..." Su Xiaotong hesitated and looked at Gu Lei.
"I don't mind. Although I have some unfinished design work, I can bring my laptop," Gu Lei said.
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"Where are we going?" Su Xiaotong asked.
Everyone started to share their preferred tourist spots or cities, and Fan Lin provided them with suggestions and recommendations.
Yuan Dong and Shen Fengxia didn't participate in this discussion. However, within just a few seconds, everyone at the table began to experience physical discomfort, including Su Xiaotong. The feelings of discomfort had levels; it started with abdominal pain, dizziness, and then numbness in their hands and feet.
This pain was indescribable, almost like a sudden onset of appendicitis while experiencing motion sickness. Su Xiaotong silently thought that something was wrong, but her consciousness began to gradually fade.
Worse still, she found herself unable to make any sound, not even a cry for help. The waves of agony kept growing and intensifying, and even breathing became increasingly difficult. Finally, she lost consciousness completely, her head drooping forward as she slumped onto the dining table.
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