Chapter 81 - 80: Shameless
Chen Afu smiled and said, "Master Luo, you may as well join us for lunch at my place, I can whip up a few of my best dishes for you to sample."
Junior Manager Luo showed no formality in response, laughing, "Alright, I’ve heard from Cheng and Mei that Madam Chen’s cooking is unbeatable." He added, "Drinking alone isn’t as fun, so let’s invite Junior Officer Gao and Carpenter Wu over. I’ll make a trip to Shui Village, tell Junior Officer Liu that I’m here and he should also come for a drink. Don’t forget Master Yu and Junior Officer Yu from Guqiao Village, invite them over as well."
Chen Ming, Chen Ye, and the others were somewhat bewildered when they heard these names of the much-talked-about local figures.
Chen Afu hastily replied, "Okay, okay", with eminent admiration impressed on Junior Manager Luo. By inviting such prestigious and influential people to a meal at the Chens’, one day’s deed outmatches a hundred days’ talk in silencing Hu Laowu.
Chen Afu and Mrs. Wang brewed some tea and brought out peanuts and candies to entertain these distinguished guests, then they excused themselves.
Chen Afu told Mrs. Wang, "Hurry over to Guqiao Village and buy some meat - a few pounds of semi-fatty ham, some ribs, a pound of tenderloin, and some pork liver and head meat while you’re at it. Along the way, also make a stop in the village and pick up a few pounds of good wine."
Chen Agui was called upon next, asked to invite those whom Junior Manager Luo had brought up, and hurriedly departed to fulfil the tasks.
With Zhui Feng, Chen Afu quickly went to the vegetable garden to pick some vegetables and rushed back to get busy.
Shortly thereafter, Junior Officer Gao and Carpenter Wu arrived at the Chens’. Ever so polite, Carpenter Wu even brought a carp and a bowl of quail eggs as gifts.
With so many esteemed guests, Mrs. Chen grew a pair of wings under her feet, rushing out to help Chen Afu. Chen Afu dared not slaughter the chicken, so Mrs. Chen took over the job.