Honey, you didn't really drugged me, did you?

Time always seems to fly when one is busy.

After Chen Jie had finished copying the descriptions of several medicinal herbs twenty times, it was almost evening, and the sun had already begun to set.

The Bai Family's chimneys were emitting wisps of cooking smoke, and Wu Zhong had also returned from the fishery, his hands laden with quite a few items.

There was the town's most famous white wine Lianhua Bai, as well as a roasted chicken, a package of pork hocks, and two bags of fried peanuts.

In those times, these items were considered the finest accompaniments to alcohol, so much so that ordinary families might not even taste such things during the New Year.

Yet for Wu Zhong, who held control over the fishery rights, these were just his typical side dishes for drinking.

"Dad."

Doctor Bai was carefully reviewing the assignment Chen Jie had submitted, and he was very satisfied. Chen Jie's handwriting was neat, and although the characters weren't very pretty, their earnestness was evident, with each stroke carefully crafted, no skimping or cutting corners.

Wu Zhong came over to greet Doctor Bai, who looked up at Wu Zhong and said, "You're back."

"Yes."

Wu Zhong had a lot of respect for Doctor Bai. Back in the day, he was just an apprentice under Doctor Bai. If it hadn't been for Doctor Bai's favorable consideration, the bestowal of his daughter in marriage, and the fact that he used his influence to help him move up within the Fishing Guild, how could he have achieved such a prestigious position?

One could say that Wu Zhong's success today was all thanks to the support and tutelage of his father-in-law.

Moreover, Doctor Bai was not only kind to him but also respectful, and the most significant symbol of this was Wu Hong.

Technically, Wu Zhong had married into Doctor Bai's family and by right, his child should take the Bai surname; however, Doctor Bai was against it and directly named his child Wu Hong.

To Wu Zhong, this was an immense favor, allowing him to maintain his dignity while also helping him to attain wealth. How could he not be grateful?

Then there was Chen Jie. Chen Jie's father had also married into his spouse's family, but Chen Jie's maternal grandfather forcefully changed his surname to Chen and even recorded him in the Chen family genealogy, treating him as a member of the Chen family.

Normally, Chen Jie would have taken after his father's surname and been called Uncle Erba, with the members of the old Chen family as his uncles.

But his grandfather's dominance changed everything, making him one of the old Chen family while his father was just an accessory, no wonder his father had given up on himself. Besides his father's inherent lack of drive, there likely was a sense of dignity being crushed, leading to a 'broken pot' mentality - why bother trying to fix what is irreparably damaged?

Comparing Chen Jie's father with Wu Hong's father, both with the experience of marrying into their wives' families, their fates differed greatly, making one reflect on how different life can be for different people.

"Hmm, very good."

After finishing reviewing the homework, Doctor Bai looked up and handed back the assignment to Chen Jie, and then said to Wu Zhong.

"Jiu Si, let me introduce you. This is Wu Zhong, Hong'er's father."

"Zhong'er, this is Chen Jiusi, my new apprentice."

Upon hearing this, Wu Zhong was the first to flash a broad smile, "Hahaha... Jiu Si, I've heard about you, thanks for saving my father yesterday. Otherwise, our family wouldn't have been able to carry on. I won't say much more; just today, I happened to buy a jar of Lianhua Bai, we should really have a good drink, hahaha..."

Wu Zhong was a rough and boisterous man, standing at about one meter eighty, with a sturdy back and a broad chest. His skin was somewhat dark, giving him a very honest and simple look. In his forties, his belly might have started to bulge, but he still had the fierce air of a martial artist about him.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jie immediately said, "Uncle Wu, you're too kind. Since I walked through the door, the whole family has already thanked me once. It was really nothing, just lending a hand. I think anyone else would have done the same. It's not something that should be counted as a favor. If you keep talking this way, you're really going to embarrass me."

Wu Zhong, after hearing this, glanced at Doctor Bai with a hint of surprise in his eyes. To not rest on one's laurels at such a young age – it wasn't easy.

Nowadays, many young people would get cocky from just a little praise, yet Chen Jiusi displayed a particular maturity beyond his years.

In conversation, Chen Jiusi was comfortable to be around.

Wu Zhong's first impression of Chen Jie was quite favorable. They chatted a little more, and as Chen Jie spoke with measured and graceful confidence, Wu Zhong couldn't help but nod in approval, all the more satisfied with this young man who was not frivolous.

The old man's eye for choosing people was still spot-on.

"Dinner's ready!"

As everyone was chatting, Bai called out that dinner was ready, and Wu Hong was the first one to throw down his pen and rush into the house.

"Mom, let me help you serve the food."

"Ah... Wu Hong, have you finished copying the meridian map?"

Doctor Bai frowned, and Wu Hong's voice came from the kitchen, "Oh, it's almost done. I'll copy the rest after eating."

Upon hearing this, Doctor Bai's expression turned serious and he said, "Zhong'er!"

Wu Zhong responded, "Yes, Dad, got it!"

With that, Wu Zhong entered the house and quickly dragged Wu Hong back out.

"Hurry up and copy it. You're only allowed to eat after you finish. That's what your grandpa said."

Wu Zhong pushed Wu Hong down onto a stool, and Wu Hong looked towards the kitchen with a bitter face where Bai, who was peering out, said, "Your grandpa has spoken, no one can save you now, hurry up and copy."

After Bai finished speaking, she looked at Chen Jie and said, "Come on, Jiu Si, dinner's ready."

Wu Zhong also came over and said, "Come on, Jiu Si, have a drink with me."

"I'd better not."

Chen Jie declined, but Doctor Bai said, "You eat when you're told to eat. Have you ever heard of an apprentice not joining in the meal?"

In this era, apprentices had rules to follow; it was customary to have a three-year apprenticeship and two years of service. Apprentices were provided with food and lodging, but no wages. After completing the apprenticeship, if they made money using their skills, they were expected to show gratitude to their master, recognizing that the master's teaching was not in vain.

While saying this, Doctor Bai added, "Jiu Si, give me a hand here."

Chen Jie immediately helped Doctor Bai to the table. Doctor Bai looked at Bai and said, "Later, put some of these steamed buns aside for Jiu Si. He still has two family members at home. The man is here learning skills without earning money. How can his wife survive at home!"

"Yes, Dad, I've already packed some."

Bai nodded, and Chen Jie immediately said, "Master, this..."

Doctor Bai waved his hand and said, "If you're my apprentice, I have to take care of you. Ask Wu Zhong, didn't he take home not only food but also other things when he apprenticed with me?"

Wu Zhong laughed and said, "Hehe... The old man is right, Jiu Si. When I was an apprentice here, it wasn't just food that I took home; I even managed to charm a girl. So just learn from the old man, you won't lose out."

"Hey, why do you have to bring that up!"

Bai, who was serving the dishes, gave a stern look to Wu Zhong, who could never be serious, and Wu Zhong laughed, "There are no outsiders here."

Chen Jie looked at the lively family and felt a sense of warmth. His eyes involuntarily turned towards Doctor Bai.

Seeing Chen Jie's discomfort, Doctor Bai laughed and said, "Why are you staring at me like that? I don't have a daughter or granddaughter to marry off to you!"

Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, alright, sit down, let's eat."

Bai invited everyone to eat. Wu Zhong sat next to Doctor Bai, with Chen Jie beside him, Bai opposite them, and Wu Hong—who had just finished copying the meridian map—sitting with his hands down.

Dinner began.