Chapter 262: Celebrating Ban-dan

Chapter 262: Chapter 262: Celebrating Ban-dan

"Tomorrow at ten in the morning, my classmate invited me to her home for a Ban Dan banquet. Do you guys know what that is? Should I bring a gift?" Gu Nuan Nuan suddenly asked at the dinner table. Her question immediately drew the attention of Zhang Dazhuang, Wen Xiu, Zhang Wei Qiang, Lin Qin, Zhang Su, Zhang Kai, as well as Zhang Minzhen and Song Yong.

Friday night was the three families’ traditional get-together. They always met at Zhang Dazhuang and Wen Xiu’s villa, and unless something truly important came up, everyone would be there for dinner. Today was no exception, which was why the whole family was present.

"A Ban Dan banquet? It’s a local custom around here. The timing varies from place to place, village to village. Basically, families take turns hosting a large feast at their homes. Come to think of it, in many places, the celebration is even more lively than New Year’s. Wealthier families invite more guests, sometimes hosting ten or even twenty tables. The more people you invite, the more face you have. Of course, it’s no big deal if less fortunate families invite fewer people. Some just have a single table for their own relatives. It’s all about joining in on the festivities," Zhang Dazhuang recalled, his eyes narrowing.

"That’s right. Our village used to do it, too, but then everyone fell on hard times and the tradition gradually died out. What, is it starting up again?" Wen Xiu added with a smile. "I suppose it makes sense, since life is slowly getting better for everyone. It would be good for Nuannuan to go and see it. The whole affair is quite interesting. There will be processions to welcome the gods, lion dances, and the like going to every home. Each family will set up an incense table at their doorway to greet them."

Wen Xiu and Zhang Dazhuang’s words piqued the interest of Zhang Su and Zhang Kai. Zhang Kai, in particular, said enthusiastically, "Grandpa, Grandma, since other villages are reviving this custom, can’t we suggest our village bring it back, too?"

"No. Our family is doing well now, but there are still many families in the village who are struggling. This kind of thing is expensive, after all. Even hosting a free banquet for people once a year would be a heavy burden for most," Zhang Dazhuang said, shaking his head without a second thought. "If someone else in the village or the clan brings it up, we certainly won’t object. But we can’t be the ones to take the lead and push for it. Don’t even suggest it."

"Your grandfather is right. Don’t bring this up again. Honestly, if you ask me, there are better things to do with that kind of spare cash. It would be better to donate more schoolbags, stationery, and clothes to children in poor areas," Zhang Wei Qiang chimed in, sounding rather dismissive.

"How can you compare the two? Those are separate issues. Doesn’t our company donate plenty of money all year round?" Wen Xiu said, not entirely agreeing with her son. "But I do agree with what your father said. Even though our family has become successful, we can’t just be concerned with showing off and ignore other people’s struggles."

Gu Nuan Nuan smiled as she listened. ’They seem to be getting a little sidetracked.’

"Oh, right, Nuannuan, where does this classmate of yours live? What’s her name? Are you two good friends?" Zhang Minzhen asked, nodding with a smile. "It’s good to spend more time with your classmates."

"Lin Qiao. We’re just classmates who get along pretty well, I guess. She doesn’t live far, just at the stop before ours. I’ve never been, so I don’t know the exact name of the place, and I didn’t ask for details. She said she’ll meet me at the station at ten tomorrow. I’ll just walk over from home," Gu Nuan Nuan said, putting a bite of enoki mushrooms into her mouth and chewing slowly.

"That must be Yingkou Village, then. I overheard some people at the company today talking about an employee from Yingkou Village who was inviting people to a Ban Dan banquet at their home," Song Yong casually chimed in.

"Oh. So, no one has told me yet—what should I bring to my classmate’s house tomorrow?" Gu Nuan Nuan asked, looking around at her family.

"Normally you don’t need to bring anything to a Ban Dan banquet, because it’s a reciprocal tradition where everyone takes turns hosting." Wen Xiu thought for a moment. "But it’s fine if you want to bring something. Why don’t you take a ten-jin jug of oil?"

"Okay." Gu Nuan Nuan readily agreed. She hated the feeling of being indebted to anyone, so bringing a gift would put her mind at ease.

The next day, Gu Nuan Nuan arrived right on time at her meeting spot with Lin Qiao, carrying a large jug of oil and a big bag of apples that Zhang Minzhen had prepared for her. Lin Qiao was already there. When she saw what Gu Nuan Nuan was carrying, her eyes went wide. She pointed and stammered, "Nuan-Nuannuan, you... why did you... Don’t you know you aren’t supposed to bring anything to a Ban Dan banquet?"

"My grandmother said it was okay to bring something."

Gu Nuan Nuan glanced at her and handed over the bag of apples. Lin Qiao took it, looking extremely embarrassed. "This is all my fault for not explaining it clearly. I just assumed you knew. Did you walk here? Your home must be close by, right? Why don’t we take this all back to your house? This huge jug of oil is way too expensive. Honestly, the apples alone would have been more than enough. I absolutely cannot accept the oil. My parents would be angry with me."

"It’s actually pretty far, and this is heavy. I’ve already carried it all the way here; it makes no sense to haul it back. If you won’t accept it, I’ll just go home."

Seeing Lin Qiao’s incredibly embarrassed and conflicted expression, Gu Nuan Nuan couldn’t help but smile slightly. ’Maybe my initial assumptions about her were wrong. No one in this world is perfect. The fact that she isn’t greedy shows she has good character and was raised well. That’s enough. Maybe I can try to build a real friendship with her. Besides, it’s not like I have a lot of friends, right?’

"..." Lin Qiao looked at her hesitantly, her expression conflicted. "Please, don’t be like that. If you think it’s heavy, I’ll carry everything. You just lead the way, alright?"

"That’s not the point. I already brought it all out. It would be a shame to take it back. Let’s go. Is your home in Yingkou Village?" Gu Nuan Nuan prompted.

"But... but..." Lin Qiao looked like she was about to cry from anxiety. With a pained expression, she stared at the jug of oil in Gu Nuan Nuan’s hand. ’I can’t believe I was so arrogant yesterday and didn’t explain things better,’ she thought, filled with regret. ’If my family accepts such an expensive gift today, won’t I have to give one of equal value when Gu Nuan Nuan invites me over? How could my family possibly afford that kind of exchange?’

’It seems Gu Nuan Nuan’s family isn’t in a similar situation to mine, like I thought. Otherwise, her parents wouldn’t be so casually generous. Ugh, I’m so dumb. I should have realized it from the fact that she goes home empty-handed every week.’

"No more ’buts’. If we don’t get going, will we still be able to see the procession for welcoming the gods?" Gu Nuan Nuan pressed. After hearing her grandparents’ stories yesterday, she had grown quite curious about the Ban Dan custom. In her previous life, no one had ever invited her or her mother to a Ban Dan banquet, so despite it being a local tradition, she had never experienced it before.