Leaving the woodworking shop, the car navigated through the village's narrow alleys before stopping at the entrance of a typical rural courtyard. The large iron gate was open. Feng Shijie said, "This is my old home. My parents live here."
The courtyard was a standard farmyard, with brick walls and red brick and blue tile buildings facing south. Grapevines grew along the eastern wall, supported by a grape arbor. A few thick locust trees provided shade, and a few birds pecked leisurely for food in the cool shadow.
As they got out of the car, a kind-faced woman nearing sixty, a young woman in her thirties dressed in urban attire, and an elderly man with graying hair and a thin frame came out to greet them with smiles. Feng Shijie introduced them: "This is my mom, my wife, and my dad."
Rui Xiaodan and Ouyang Xue politely greeted the elders.
Feng's mother warmly invited them in, "Come in and sit down, all of you."
In the center of the courtyard was a large square table surrounded by long wooden benches. The table was laden with peanuts, sunflower seeds, and fruits. As soon as they sat down, tea was brought out. Feng's mother, with a joyful expression, was busy in the kitchen with a relative, preparing dishes, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere.
Feng Shijie said to Rui Xiaodan, "You all have some tea and chat. I'll go load the car and be back soon."
After about 20 minutes, Feng Shijie and Ye Xiaoming returned. It was evident that Ye Xiaoming was very familiar with the Feng family, laughing and chatting as if he were at his own home.
They exchanged a few casual words over tea, and then the kitchen started serving the dishes. It was a full table of farmhouse-style dishes, but Feng Shijie's family did not join them at the table.
Rui Xiaodan asked, "Why aren't they joining us for the meal?"
Feng Shijie explained, "They won't eat with us. It's an old rural custom." Pointing to a dish, he added, "Try this; you probably haven't had it before."
Rui Xiaodan and Ouyang Xue both tasted it but couldn't identify it.
Feng Shijie explained, "This is pan-fried sausage, a local specialty snack. It's poor people's food—pig's blood mixed with flour and salt, stuffed into pig intestines, then sliced and fried. It's a substitute for meat when you can't afford it. It's a sign of poverty."
The meal was clearly prepared in advance and was a high standard by rural hospitality, but it didn't last long. In half an hour, they were done. Everyone at the table knew the meal's significance wasn't in what was eaten, but in the message it conveyed.
As they were about to leave Wangmiao Village, Feng Shijie's family loaded bags of fresh dates and peanuts into the car without a word, standing at the courtyard gate to see them off. This scene left a deep impression on Rui Xiaodan. As Xiao Yawen had said: it wasn't her, but Ding Yuanying, who deserved this level of hospitality.
Rui Xiaodan couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Whether it was Han Chufeng's high-standard reception or Feng Shijie's eager hospitality, it all boiled down to her being seen as someone trying to get close to Ding Yuanying. This made her feel both embarrassed and sorrowful, realizing at that moment that she had become a tool for others to use.