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Lin Wanqiu quickly took the cloth bag, opened it, and saw a pair of silver bracelets inside, engraved with exquisite patterns, clearly prepared with care. She was deeply moved and quickly said, "Director Li, you're too kind. What happened last time is all in the past, how could I take it to heart? Thank you for making a special trip to congratulate us and for remembering our workshop's business license. We are so grateful."
"Of course, your workshop has not only boosted the economy of our commune, but also solved the employment problem for more than a dozen workers. You are a hero of our commune," Director Li said with a smile. "If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just tell the commune, and we will do our best to help."
Lin Wanqiu nodded her thanks quickly, her resolve to run the workshop well only strengthened. She knew that she not only had to improve her family's life, but also help more people become wealthy, living up to everyone's expectations.
Around noon, the banquet officially began. Shen Tingzhou and several young workers moved wooden tables into the courtyard and laid out a sumptuous feast—there were pork and cabbage dumplings made by Grandma Shen, braised pork ribs made by Lin Wanqiu using seasonings from her spatial storage, a platter of freshly made pickles from the workshop, and steamed egg cakes made with flour and eggs. The table was overflowing with delicious aromas, drawing praise from everyone.
"Wanqiu, your cooking skills are amazing! This braised pork ribs are even better than those in city restaurants!" Aunt Wang picked up a piece of pork rib, put it in her mouth, and couldn't help but exclaim. "And this steamed egg cake is so soft and sweet. My son will definitely love it. You have to teach me how to make it later."
"No problem, I'll come to your house to teach you when I'm free in a couple of days," Lin Wanqiu said with a smile, then put a piece of sponge cake on the plate next to her. "Everyone, please don't be shy, have more, there's more if you're not full."
Everyone picked up their chopsticks, eating and praising the food, filling the courtyard with laughter. Chen Nian sat among the children, eating sponge cake and telling them funny stories about his younger sister. Every now and then, he would run over to serve food to Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, acting like a little adult, which made everyone laugh.
Lin Wanqiu held Nianxi in her arms and sat down next to Shen Tingzhou, watching the lively scene before her, her heart filled with happiness. She gently touched Shen Tingzhou's hand and whispered, "Thank you, Tingzhou. If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't have made it."
Shen Tingzhou held her hand, gently shook his head, and said in a tender tone, "Silly girl, what are you thanking me for? We are husband and wife, and we should face things together. In the future, things will get better and better. We will watch Nian'an get into university, watch Nianxi grow up and get married, and watch our little family become more and more happy."
Lin Wanqiu smiled and nodded, her eyes slightly moist. She knew that what Shen Tingzhou said was true; as long as they were of one mind and worked together, nothing could stop them from moving forward.
Halfway through the banquet, Lin Wanqiu, holding Nianxi, stood up, walked to the center of the courtyard, cleared her throat, and said to everyone, "Dear fellow villagers, relatives and friends, today is my daughter Shen Nianxi's one-month celebration. Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to come and congratulate us. Tingzhou and I are deeply moved. Here, I would like to say to everyone that if any of you encounter any difficulties in the future, I will definitely help you if I can. We are all fellow villagers, and we should help each other and work together to make our lives better!"
As soon as she finished speaking, enthusiastic applause erupted in the courtyard, and everyone cheered, making the atmosphere even more lively than before. Director Li stood up, smiling, and said, "Wanqiu is right! We should help each other and get rich together. I hereby announce that the commune has decided to award Comrade Lin Wanqiu the title of 'Leader in Getting Rich.' At the commendation meeting next month, we will present her with a certificate and bonus. We hope that everyone can learn from Wanqiu and make their lives better and better!"
Applause rang out again, and Lin Wanqiu, looking at everyone's sincere smiles, was deeply moved. She knew this was not only recognition of her, but also encouragement. She would definitely continue to work hard, live up to everyone's expectations, and lead more people to a better life.
As the sun set, the full moon banquet drew to a close. Guests departed one after another, bidding farewell to Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou before leaving, wishing Nianxi a healthy and happy life. Shen Tingzhou and Shen Nian'an were busy seeing off the guests, while Lin Wanqiu, holding Nianxi, stood at the door, waving goodbye to everyone.
After seeing off the last guest, Lin Wanqiu carried Nianxi into the courtyard. Shen Tingzhou and Shen Nian'an also returned. Although the courtyard was a bit messy, the aroma of food and the lively atmosphere still lingered in the air. Old Mrs. Shen and Zhang Lan were clearing away the dishes. Seeing Lin Wanqiu come in, Old Mrs. Shen smiled and said, "Wanqiu, you must be exhausted today. Quickly take Nianxi inside and rest for a while. We can take care of things here."
"Mom, thank you so much. You've worked so hard today," Lin Wanqiu said with a smile, her heart filled with gratitude. She knew that although Old Mrs. Shen hadn't treated her well before, she now genuinely considered her family.
"No need to thank me, we're all family." Grandma Shen said with a smile, then glanced at Nianxi, "This girl was so well-behaved today. With so many people making noise, she didn't cry. She'll definitely be a lucky girl in the future."
Lin Wanqiu smiled and nodded, carrying Nianxi into the main room. Shen Tingzhou and Shen Nian'an followed them in. Shen Nian'an leaned close to Nianxi and whispered, "Little sister, are you happy today? So many people gave you gifts. I will protect you from now on and won't let you be bullied."
Nianxi seemed to understand him, reaching out her little hand to grab his finger and giggling. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, watching this scene, couldn't help but laugh as well.
As night fell, the lanterns in the courtyard were lit, their orange-red light enveloping the entire yard in a warm and beautiful glow. Lin Wanqiu held Nianxi in her arms, sitting beside Shen Tingzhou, with Shen Nian'an leaning against them. The family nestled together, gazing at the night view outside the window, their hearts filled with happiness.