Lin Wanqiu patted her daughter's head and said with a smile, "Of course I'll like it. Xixi draws so well, Grandma will definitely hang it in the most prominent place in the living room." Looking at her daughter's earnest expression, she felt a surge of pride. This little girl had been well-behaved and sensible since she was little, and like her brother, she was her pride.

Grandma Shen knew that Lin Wanqiu had been busy preparing for her birthday banquet, and she was deeply moved. That day, she specially asked Zhang Lan to stew a pot of chicken soup and deliver it to Lin Wanqiu's office. "Wanqiu, don't work too hard. The banquet is enough; there's no need for such extravagance." Grandma Shen held Lin Wanqiu's hand, her voice full of tenderness. "For my old bones, your kindness is enough."

Lin Wanqiu felt a warmth in her heart when she saw the concern in Grandma Shen's eyes: "Mom, your 80th birthday is a joyous occasion, how can it not be celebrated in a grand way? You've had a hard life, now that things are better, we should have a good celebration so you can enjoy your happiness." She took the chicken soup, scooped up a spoonful and tasted it, "Mmm, my sister-in-law's chicken soup is so delicious, Mom, you should drink more to nourish your body."

Grandma Shen smiled and nodded, "Okay, okay, I'll listen to you." Looking at her capable and filial daughter-in-law, she felt a pang of guilt. Recalling all the bad things she had done to her in the past, her eyes welled up with tears. "Wanqiu, I was confused before and treated you badly. Don't take it to heart. Now that you're so filial, I really feel ashamed."

Lin Wanqiu held Grandma Shen's hand and gently shook her head: "Mom, it's all in the past, why bring it up again? We are family, and family should live in harmony." Her voice was gentle and sincere, which made Grandma Shen feel even more guilty and cherish the happiness in front of her even more.

The day before the birthday banquet, Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou took Shen Nianxi to the restaurant for a final check. The banquet hall had been completely transformed; red lanterns hung high, colorful ribbons fluttered, and flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, creating a festive atmosphere. Chefs were busy in the kitchen, the aroma of various ingredients filling the air, making mouths water. An opera troupe and a folk music band had also arrived, conducting their final rehearsal, their melodious music echoing throughout the banquet hall.

"That's great, Mom will definitely be satisfied." Lin Wanqiu looked at everything in front of her with a satisfied smile. Shen Tingzhou hugged her from behind and whispered in her ear, "Thank you for your hard work, my wife."

Lin Wanqiu leaned against his chest, her heart filled with happiness: "It's not hard. As long as Mom is happy, as long as our family is happy, it's all worth it, no matter how hard it is."

On the day of the birthday banquet, the weather was perfect. Although it was still cold, it didn't snow, and the sun shone through the clouds, bringing a touch of warmth to the earth. At the entrance of Jinxiu Restaurant, red lanterns were already hanging everywhere, and a red banner that read "Wishing Grandma Shen a Happy 80th Birthday" was posted. The hostesses, dressed in red cheongsams, greeted the guests who came to offer their birthday wishes with smiles.

Around 10 a.m., guests began to arrive. Many of Grandma Shen's relatives came, including Shen Tingzhou's siblings and some distant relatives, all of whom brought carefully prepared gifts to offer their blessings to Grandma Shen. Shen's eldest son and Zhang Lan also arrived early. Zhang Lan, wearing a newly made blue woolen coat, busied herself greeting the guests with a joyful smile on her face.

Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, dressed formally, stood at the entrance to greet the guests. Lin Wanqiu wore a red cheongsam that accentuated her fair skin and gentle demeanor, and she thanked each guest with a polite smile. Shen Tingzhou wore a dark gray suit, his posture upright, composed and capable, and he occasionally exchanged pleasantries with the guests.

Wearing a pink padded jacket and with two pigtails, Shen Nianxi looked like a little angel as she followed Lin Wanqiu around, sweetly calling out "Grandpa and Grandma" and "Uncle and Aunt," which drew praise from the guests for her thoughtfulness and cuteness.

At 11:00 AM sharp, the birthday banquet officially began. The folk music ensemble played the festive "Joyful Celebration," and the guests took their seats. Old Mrs. Shen, wearing a red cotton-padded jacket prepared for her by Lin Wanqiu, a gold pendant, and a jade bracelet on her wrist, sat in the main seat, looking radiant and full of energy, her face beaming with a happy smile.

Lin Wanqiu stepped onto the stage, picked up the microphone, and spoke in a clear and sincere voice: "Respected elders, dear relatives and friends, good afternoon! Today is my mother-in-law, Granny Shen's, 80th birthday. Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to celebrate. My mother-in-law has been hardworking and kind all her life, raising her children with great care and love. Now she has a house full of children and grandchildren, and her family is harmonious. This is her greatest blessing. Here, on behalf of my whole family, I would like to say to my mother-in-law: You have worked hard! We wish you boundless happiness, longevity, good health, and a life full of smiles!"

As soon as she finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Grandma Shen watched her daughter-in-law stand confidently and poised on the stage, her heart filled with pride and emotion. She recalled the frail and helpless daughter-in-law who had first married into the family; now she was a respected businesswoman, so filial and sensible. Tears of happiness welled up in her eyes.

Next, the opera troupe took the stage and performed "The Butterfly Lovers," which was Grandma Shen's favorite story. Grandma Shen listened with great interest, humming along from time to time, her smile growing ever brighter. The guests were also completely absorbed, applauding and cheering frequently.

During the meal, Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou took turns toasting the guests to thank them for coming. Old Master Shen and Zhang Lan were also busy serving everyone drinks and food, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. The guests offered their blessings to Old Master Shen, praising her for her good fortune in having such a filial daughter-in-law and capable son.

"Grandma Shen, you are so blessed! Your daughter-in-law is so capable and filial, making your birthday banquet such a grand affair," a distant relative said with a smile.

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