When the special investigation team presented this evidence to Zhao's father, he could no longer deny it and had to confess to all his crimes. Ultimately, Zhao's father was sentenced to death and deprived of his political rights for life for multiple crimes, including colluding with foreign forces, arms trafficking, embezzlement, bribery, and theft of cultural relics. Although Zhao Jianjun did not participate in Zhao's father's main criminal activities, he was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year suspended sentence for harboring a criminal and for some previous illegal acts.

When the verdict reached the Hongqi Production Brigade, the villagers clapped and cheered, saying, "This is truly gratifying! Zhao's father has finally received the punishment he deserves, and our village can finally live in peace again!" Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou also breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the news—a huge weight had been lifted from their hearts, their lives could finally return to normal, and "Wanqiu Food Workshop" could continue to develop with peace of mind.

That evening, Lin Wanqiu prepared a sumptuous meal, including braised pork, scrambled eggs, chicken soup, and Nian'an's favorite sweet and sour fish. Shen Tingzhou opened a bottle of his treasured liquor, poured two glasses, and handed one to Lin Wanqiu: "Wanqiu, today is a day worth celebrating. Let's have a drink to celebrate Zhao's father being punished, and also to celebrate that we can live a peaceful life from now on."

Lin Wanqiu took the wine glass, clinked it with Shen Tingzhou's, and took a small sip: "Yes, we no longer have to worry about anyone harming us. We can focus on running the workshop and make life better for the villagers." Nian'an picked up a piece of sweet and sour fish, put it in her mouth, and said happily, "Dad, Mom, will we be able to eat delicious food more often from now on? I want to go to the county town with you to see the big train!"

Shen Tingzhou patted Nian'an's head and said with a smile, "Of course you can. In a few days, after we've finished working at the workshop, Dad will take you and Mom to the county town. We'll go shopping at the department store, eat some good food, and even see the big train." Nian'an jumped up excitedly, "Great! I can finally see the big train!"

Outside the window, moonlight spilled into the courtyard, coating the ground with a layer of silver frost. Lin Wanqiu looked at the heartwarming scene before her, her heart filled with happiness.