Leveling Up With My Pet



Liu Xinjue hailed from the quaint village of Dongmen, residing in close proximity to his fellow villager, Liu Hongyuan. In the intricate tapestry of Dongmen Village, Liu Xinjue's name shone with a resplendent fame. But what exactly set him apart from the rest? The answer lay in his unyielding devotion to the art of inebriation, where every meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner, was incomplete without the accompaniment of his beloved elixir, wine.

A seasoned member of his family, Liu Xinjue, now well into his sixties, held the distinguished title of the third eldest. Among the middle-aged denizens of the village, he was affectionately known as "Sanshu," while the younger generation fondly referred to him as "Sanye."

As the banquet unfolded, Liu Xinjue, like his compatriots, settled into his seat, anticipation dancing in his eyes as they fell upon a tantalizing bottle of wine gracing the table before him.

"Ah, what a splendid vintage," he remarked with a glimmer of admiration.

A young man seated nearby chimed in, "Third Master, this is none other than Moutai, a gem worth over two thousand yuan per bottle at the supermarket."

Moutai! The mere mention of the renowned spirit stirred a familiar excitement within Liu Xinjue. Although he had never had the privilege of savoring its taste, his ears had long been serenaded by tales of its excellence. His weathered hands, now ablaze with enthusiasm, came together in a delighted rub. "Is this truly Moutai, or are you youngsters playing tricks on this old man?" he playfully inquired.

"Third Uncle, rest assured, this is indeed Moutai, and not just any Moutai—it's a vintage masterpiece. A bottle of ten-year-old Moutai carries a price tag exceeding two thousand yuan," a middle-aged companion at the table assured him.

Unmistakably Moutai! Liu Xinjue's excitement reached new heights. Without wasting another moment, he took hold of the wine, scrutinizing it with reverence before deftly uncorking the bottle and pouring himself a brimming glass.

Raising his glass, he declared, "Should any of you desire a taste, I invite you to partake in this exquisite libation."

Indeed, it was an extraordinary wine—one that had eluded Liu Xinjue's lips until now. Its reputation resonated with all in attendance, prompting the drinkers to fill their glasses to the brim, while even the abstainers ventured a sip to relish its essence.

With the banquet in full swing, the harmonious union of Zhonghua Tobacco and Moutai elevated the atmosphere to a crescendo. The ample supply of Moutai, two bottles per table, ensured there was no shortage to dampen the mirth.

Observing the women among the revelers indulging in a taste of Moutai, Liu Yong couldn't help but wear a contented smile. To his surprise, the toasts poured in abundantly, as if he, Liu Yong, had become the focal point of the day, surpassing even the newlyweds in prominence.

Noontime arrived, signaling the advent of a sumptuous dinner spread across thirty tables. As dusk settled in, a smaller gathering of seven or eight tables commenced, reserved for close relatives and dear friends.

Throughout the festivities, Liu Hongyuan and his bride repeatedly toasted Liu Yong, expressing gratitude time and again.

After the evening banquet concluded, Liu Yong found himself once again seated at Liu Hongyuan's abode, savoring the warmth of the familial setting before eventually returning to his own dwelling.

The following day, the early morning rays ushered in a new dawn. Over breakfast, Liu Yong noticed with mild surprise that his parents displayed no inclination to return to the bustling metropolis of Huahai City just yet.

"Mom, Dad, it seems you plan on lingering in our hometown for a few days before journeying back to Huahai City, am I correct?" Liu Hongfu inquired.

His father, Liu Yong, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, both your mother and I share the same sentiment. It is a rare occasion to return, and with our stately abode awaiting us, we intend to bask in the ambiance of our hometown for a while before contemplating our next move."

Liu Yong offered no objection, voicing his support. "Certainly, if you decide to return to Huahai City, do let me know in advance, and I shall arrange for a car to ferry you back."

When the time came for the elderly couple's departure, purchasing tickets would be unnecessary; the company possessed a vehicle at their disposal, rendering the journey back to the city effortlessly convenient.

With breakfast concluded, Liu Yong contemplated his own plans. Should he return to Huahai City today, or perhaps prolong his stay in the embrace of his hometown for an additional day or two? Time was of no concern, as his company thrived without his immediate presence. Extending his sojourn in familiar surroundings seemed a perfectly viable option.

While pondering this matter, Liu Yong's attention was captured by a notification on his mobile phone's WeChat. Picking up the device, he discovered a message from a long-lost high school classmate, Lu Xiujie, whom he had recently reconnected with through WeChat.

"Liu Yong, today is Teacher Zhang's 60th birthday. Are you in Huahai City or still at home?" the message read.

Liu Yong needed no reminder of Teacher Zhang's identity—an esteemed figure who had served as his class teacher throughout three formative years of high school. Time had flown by, for Teacher Zhang now stood at the threshold of sixty, prompting vivid recollections of the educator's visage during those formative years.

Since entering university, Liu Yong had lost touch with Teacher Zhang, and contact with his high school comrades had dwindled. Nonetheless, this high school classmate, Lu Xiujie, had somehow acquired Liu Yong's phone number and added him on WeChat. Unaware of Liu Yong's current circumstances, Lu Xiujie assumed he remained in Huahai City.

Teacher Zhang's milestone celebration aligned fortuitously with Liu Yong's presence in his hometown—a convergence that called for a celebratory toast. Responding swiftly, Liu Yong confirmed his attendance, stating that he was currently in his hometown and would arrive promptly.

Lu Xiujie suggested they rendezvous at Teacher Zhang's residence before heading to a hotel for a midday drink. Liu Yong readily agreed, declaring his intent to proceed directly to Teacher Zhang's abode.

A few more brief exchanges transpired between Liu Yong and Lu Xiujie, leading the latter to add Liu Yong to their high school class group on WeChat.

Lo and behold, the class group sprang to life as soon as Liu Yong joined, brimming with enthusiastic greetings and a flurry of inquiries as to why he had only joined at this juncture.

"Liu Yong, you've finally emerged from the shadows!"

"Our dear Brother Yong has been keeping a low profile. Tell us, where did you stumble upon such fortune?"

"Liu Yong, I heard you're in Huahai City, just like me. Let's keep in touch moving forward."

The class group reverberated with animated chatter, each member extending warm regards, while expressing surprise at Liu Yong's belated arrival.

And then came the customary ritual—a time-honored tradition—the distribution of red envelopes upon joining the group.

Indeed, red envelopes!

Anticipation built as everyone eagerly anticipated a generous red envelope from the boss.

Liu Yong chuckled and obliged, sending a red envelope to the group. Indicating his lack of concern, he dispatched a 2,000 yuan red envelope, ensuring everyone received their fair share of the bounty.

In a matter of seconds, the red envelopes were swiftly snatched up by the recipients.

Subsequently, an exclamation of awe permeated the group.

"Wow, what a substantial red envelope!"

"Goodness gracious, I managed to seize 89 yuan and 60 cents—the largest red envelope I've ever acquired!"

"The boss is truly mighty!"

The class group became even more animated. Witnessing Liu Yong's lavish display of generosity, some individuals inquired with curiosity.

"Liu Yong, it seems you've amassed a considerable fortune. Do tell, what line of work are you engaged in within Huahai City?"

"Yes, I'm quite intrigued as to which company our esteemed classmate works for."

Unable to evade the group's inquiries, Liu Yong relented and replied, announcing his presence as the founder of a company in Huahai City, much to the surprise of his classmates.

A chorus of reactions echoed through the group, with the majority assuming that Liu Yong operated a small enterprise with only a handful of employees. Some speculated that his grandiose red envelope display merely masked an inflated ego, a mere facade.

Having provided a response, Liu Yong paid little heed to what others may have thought, tucking his mobile phone back into his pocket as he readied himself to depart for Teacher Zhang's residence.

Observing his imminent departure, Kang Zhenggang and He Qiang approached, presuming they would accompany their boss on the outing.

Waving them off, Liu Yong declined their offer. "No need, it's our high school class teacher's 60th birthday. I can manage on my own."