The old lady was shocked when she heard Jiang Changhe wanted to take out ten yuan.
If it weren’t for so many people being present, she would have almost questioned him on the spot about where he got so much money.
Seeing that his two brothers had already d money, Jiang Changtao also had to say, "Dad and mom, I’ll also give ten yuan."
When Sun Lixia heard his words, her smile immediately froze on her face.
After all, they had worked hard over the years and had only saved up about forty yuan!
Taking out ten yuan was almost more painful than cutting her own flesh.
But she couldn’t say no, otherwise, just the villagers’ gossip alone could drown her!
However, Jiang Dashan shook his head: "No, holding a banquet at only sixty is a bit too early."
He knew that their willingness to pay for his birthday banquet was out of filial piety, which made him both happy and pained about the money.
Especially since his eldest son’s earning was hard, providing for three on one income.
Still owing debts to his colleagues at the factory, and now having to hold a banquet, the expense was just too great.
The villagers, seeing the Jiang family’s three sons all willing to contribute money for the old master’s banquet and the old father refusing because he was worried about the sons, felt some envy for the Jiang family’s affectionate father and filial sons.
"Dashan, look how filial your sons are, just agree to it. It’s a double blessing, and a great opportunity to invite all our relatives over for a lively celebration," the village chief said.
"Yes, this is the children’s expression of filial piety, don’t hesitate anymore."
The villagers urged enthusiastically.
Jiang Dashan hesitated a moment, then nodded: "Fine, let’s do as you say and have a few banquet tables for a celebration."
"Dad, then it’s settled. I’ll go and buy the groceries from town a day ahead. Laosan, Laosan, you two give me the money, and I’ll cover whatever is left," Jiang Changhai said unceremoniously to his two younger brothers.
Jiang Changhe and Jiang Changtao nodded: "Alright, we’ll give it to you when we get back."
If this had been in the past, including the villagers and even Jiang family members, everyone would have suspected that Jiang Changhai might take this opportunity to skim some money off the top.
Because Jiang Changhai was now a respected figure, with his own money, he would not ruin his reputation over such a small amount.
And even if not for himself, how could he not consider Jiang Mianmian?
Zhang Guihua, worried he might overspend, quickly advised, "Eldest, just buy some pork and fish; we have enough vegetables on our own land to manage the banquet."
"We also have vegetables at home. We’ll bring them over when the time comes; it should be enough, and you don’t have to waste your money," the villagers also said warmly.
"Right, we can’t even finish our vegetables; we’ll bring them to you when it’s time."
The crowd boisterously offered to supply all the needed vegetables.
The villagers stayed at the Jiang house bustling all morning until it was almost lunchtime before they went home.
Before leaving, the village chief specifically instructed, "Changhai, when San Ya’s interview comes out in the newspaper, remember to buy a few extra copies to show us."
"Yes, yes, Changhai, be sure to buy several copies. It is our first time in the newspapers! We have to treasure them, keep them for the next generation to see," said a few families excitedly who had just been interviewed.
They too were now people who had been in the newspapers!
"Okay, don’t worry, I’ll definitely buy a few more copies to make sure each family has one to keep," Jiang Changhai said generously.
Such a moment of glory was, of course, better known by more people.