Chapter 163: Foreign Wine

First Uncle tentatively asked, “Yimin, are you going to compose a new song?”

Zhou Yimin didn’t bother with any false modesty and nodded. “I’ll give it a try.”

Seeing Zhou Yimin say so, no one at the scene raised any further questions, nor did anyone doubt his ability. Although music was quite different from his other inventions, as the most outstanding and talented young man in their courtyard, who else would they trust if not him?

“Alright, then let’s call out all the kids in our courtyard!” Second Uncle said.

Soon, the children were all brought out by their parents.

There were 18 of them in total—a bit too many.

“Should we narrow the age range?” someone asked.

The idea was to weed out the younger ones. Kids who were too young might not remember the lyrics, had limited experience, and might forget how to sing once they were on stage.

So, in many people’s eyes, the youngest children were an unpredictable variable.

If they wanted to get good results, it was best to kick out the little ones so they wouldn’t drag the group down.

Zhou Yimin shook his head. “No need, just leave it like this! The more the merrier. A louder chorus will help cover up any off-notes, and we can adjust in time.”

Everyone thought it over and realized that made sense.

So, the lineup was settled.

Next up was for Zhou Yimin to compose the song and have the kids practice.

They didn’t have much time left. The neighborhood-level selection would be held next Monday, and if they passed, they’d be representing the street in a cultural performance by Wednesday.

With everything settled, Third Uncle announced the meeting was over—quick and efficient.

Not like that Second Uncle from some TV drama, who insisted on playing the official, rambling on like it was a real government speech. Not only that, even the tiniest matters had to be discussed in a full courtyard meeting—absolutely ridiculous.

Luo Dapeng and Li Youde took the opportunity to follow Zhou Yimin back to his house.

“Wanna drink a bit?” Luo Dapeng asked.

If it hadn’t been for the courtyard meeting, he would’ve gone over to the other yard already. It was more relaxed over there. No one cared what he did, and he could pull Zhou Dazhong and Li Youde in for a drink anytime.

Zhou Yimin nodded. “Sure. I haven’t eaten yet either. I even got two bottles of foreign wine for you guys to try.”

With that, Zhou Yimin headed into the kitchen and brought out two dishes. Actually, they had been prepared in advance—he had just kept them in his store’s backpack.

One dish was big plate chicken, the other stir-fried beef with green peppers and onions.

Luo Dapeng and Li Youde were visibly pleased.

Foreign wine?

Well then, they definitely had to try it. They had never had any before in their lives.

Next, Zhou Yimin took out two bottles of red wine from the cabinet. Even the production date was from ten years ago. It was a batch of wine he bought today for just one yuan—a hundred bottles in total, all from the famous Lafite vineyard.

If they couldn’t drink the 1982 vintage, the 1950 one should be pretty good too.

Lafite wine had a long history. The vineyard was founded by a nobleman named Lafite in 1354 and was already well-known in the 14th century.

In later generations, Lafite was famed for its floral and fruity aroma, rich and smooth taste, earning it the nickname “Queen of the Wine Kingdom” among wine lovers.

The most talked-about vintage, of course, was the 1982 Lafite.

It was said that 1982 was a rare good vintage in recent decades. A “good vintage” referred to a year where weather conditions led to exceptionally high-quality grapes. These conditions included rainfall, sunlight throughout the year, and harvest weather.

“Yimin, you really are something! You even managed to get foreign wine!” Luo Dapeng rubbed his hands excitedly.

After pulling out the cork, Zhou Yimin poured half a glass for each of them.

“Fill it up!” Luo Dapeng complained.

Zhou Yimin shot him a look. “Who fills a glass to the top with red wine? Don’t make a fool of yourself next time. And don’t try to down it in one go.”

Of course, you could eat and drink however you wanted—no need to strictly follow Western etiquette. There was nothing wrong with using chopsticks for steak. But if you were trying to experience another food culture, it was best to do it their way.

Otherwise, what’s the point?

It’s just like grouper. In the southern coastal regions, it’s usually steamed to preserve its delicate flavor. Some people insist on making it braised or spicy.

Not that you couldn’t—but in many people’s eyes, it was a waste.

If you want it braised, why use grouper? Grass carp would do just fine—it’s not that different in texture.

“Oh! There’s such a rule? Alright then!” Luo Dapeng gave in.

But his eyes were still fixed on the opened bottle of wine, and he couldn’t help asking again, “Hey, can I have the bottle when we’re done?”

Zhou Yimin didn’t even bother calling him out.

Obviously wanted it to show off.

“Whatever.”

Seeing Zhou Yimin agree, Luo Dapeng was so happy his grin almost reached his ears.

Everyone raised their glasses and took a small sip.

As for those complicated wine-tasting rituals, Zhou Yimin didn’t care. Swirling the wine, sniffing it—supposedly that made it more elegant.

Zhou Yimin thought all that was a load of nonsense.

What, swirling and sniffing makes the wine taste better?

Speaking of swirling, Zhou Yimin was reminded of a drink from the future that needed to be shaken before drinking—super tacky!

Luo Dapeng smacked his lips. “Not that great.”

He was just being honest. He didn’t care if people thought he was a country bumpkin.

“We’re used to drinking baijiu. Of course grape wine doesn’t feel the same,” Zhou Yimin shrugged. He didn’t go claiming red wine was better than baijiu.

Different countries, different tastes.

Like vodka in Big Mao’s country—it didn’t suit their taste, but over there, it was practically divine.

Meanwhile, China’s top-tier liquor, Moutai, didn’t appeal to foreigners. They didn’t like it. That’s why, in later years, Moutai was sold cheaply overseas to open up the market, sparking controversy among Chinese consumers.

Li Youde took a bite of the beef and asked Zhou Yimin, “Yimin, any ideas for the new song yet?”

In his view, writing a new song was a thankless task. He wasn’t the one performing it, and if the song turned out well, someone else would get the spotlight. If it didn’t, they might even blame the songwriter.

“I have a rough idea.”

Well then! Hearing that, Li Youde was honestly impressed. Zhou Yimin had always been ahead of them since childhood.

They’d never even seen him show any musical talent before—hadn’t even heard him sing much. Who’d have thought that when he finally stepped in, he’d bring out a king’s hand?

“Sing a couple of lines for us.” Luo Dapeng urged while munching and drinking.

Zhou Yimin knew his childhood friends were worried he might mess up and lose face.

He laughed. “Alright then, listen up. Just a couple of lines.”

Luo Dapeng and Li Youde stopped eating and drinking, eyes fixed on Zhou Yimin, ears perked.

“We are the successors of comm*nism
Inheriting the glorious tradition of revolutionary forebears—”

Zhou Yimin still remembered the melody and lyrics of this song.

Hearing it, Luo Dapeng and Li Youde immediately widened their eyes in surprise.

(End of Chapter)