However, he also knew that without his father's strictness, he would not be the冥医 he was today.
Although he wasn't particularly fond of this title, since he had inherited it, he would do his best.
"Mmm..." As a father, he had already come to terms with many things.
Ever since his son hadn't returned for so many years, he hadn't been the same.
He knew that if he didn't change, he might lose his son.
This loss wasn't a literal one, but rather the possibility that he and his son might never speak to each other again.
This was what worried him the most.
Therefore, he was changing.
"I'll go get some wine for you," Uncle Qi felt a bit out of place here, and promptly got up to fetch some.
These two had not seen each other for a long time; giving them some space was appropriate.
"Yes, let's have a couple of drinks later. I haven't properly shared a drink with you since you became an adult," his father added immediately.
As he spoke, he seemed unsure of what else to say, simply looking at the冥医.
The冥医 also met his father's gaze, and the atmosphere between them fell into a profound silence.
An awkward silence.
Fortunately, Uncle Qi returned quickly, carrying two large barrels of homemade rice wine.
"You used to like this when you were little," his father's eyes showed a flicker of memory at the sight of the two barrels.
"You wouldn't let me drink it back then," the冥医 certainly remembered. The rice wine, brewed in their village, wasn't very strong, and a bit of sugar was added to his portion. He'd have a sip or two at village banquets, but his father naturally wouldn't allow him to drink at such a young age.
"You were too young; it would have affected your health... Once you were older, I wouldn't have stopped you," he said, opening one barrel and pouring two bowls of rice wine.
After these two bowls were poured, Uncle Qi's gaze shifted. He swallowed and asked, "Brother, you two each have a bowl. What about me?"
Uncle Qi pointed to himself, feeling a bit superfluous at that moment.
His question received equal attention from the father and son.
"You, take that barrel over there and drink by yourself," as the eldest brother, his words carried considerable weight. He pointed to a corner not far away.
"Ah?"
Uncle Qi looked reluctant. "This is too unfair..."
"Uncle Qi, my father and I haven't seen each other for a long time, and there are some things we need to discuss. You go ahead first; I'll have a drink with you later," the冥医 chimed in.
"Alright."
Hearing the冥医's words, Uncle Qi obediently picked up a barrel of wine and sat in the corner. He even went to the kitchen and brought back a plate of peanuts.
What's the point of drinking without some peanuts?
However, as he happily brought the plate of peanuts out, it was snatched away.
More precisely, it was snatched by his elder brother.
"Brother, what are you..."
"Go get another plate; this one is for us." As the elder brother, he left Uncle Qi with no room for argument or refusal on such matters.
There was nothing he could do. His elder brother was the eldest, and he was the youngest. He had to yield to him as a child, and now, as an adult, he was still being bullied.