Shen Tingzhou seemed to see through her thoughts and whispered in her ear, "Are you thinking about things in the village? Don't worry, if you need any help, I will definitely support you."

Lin Wanqiu turned to look at Shen Tingzhou, smiled and nodded: "Yes, I want to do something practical for the village so that the villagers can live a better and better life."

“Your idea is excellent,” Shen Tingzhou said. “Actually, I’ve been contacting some comrades recently to see if we can secure some policy support for our hometown. You can lead the villagers to develop industries, and I’ll connect them with resources. With my husband and I working together, we can definitely make the Hongqi Production Brigade even better.”

Lin Wanqiu felt a warmth in her heart, leaned on Shen Tingzhou's shoulder, and whispered, "It's so good to have you here."

Halfway through the birthday banquet, the waiters brought out longevity peaches and longevity noodles. Lin Wanqiu personally served a bowl of longevity noodles to Old Madam Shen, and then served a bowl to each of the villagers: "Everyone, please try them. These longevity noodles wish you all good health, long life, and all the best!"

The villagers picked up their chopsticks and slowly ate their noodles, their faces full of happy smiles. This bowl of noodles not only carried their blessings for Old Lady Shen, but also Lin Wanqiu's care for her fellow villagers. Aunt Li ate her noodles and said, "Wanqiu, you're such a thoughtful child. You still remember us, your old folks. If you ever need our help in the future, just let us know, and we'll do our best!"

“Yes, Wanqiu, we’ll all listen to you!” the villagers said one after another.

Looking into everyone's sincere eyes, Lin Wanqiu was deeply moved: "Thank you all. With your support, I have even more confidence to do a good job."

Afterwards, the waiter brought out "Natural Flavors" low-sugar longevity cake. Lin Wanqiu introduced it to everyone: "Fellow villagers, this is a low-sugar longevity cake that we at 'Natural Flavors' specially developed for birthday banquets. It is made with grains and honey that we grow ourselves. It is healthy and delicious, so please feel free to eat it."

The villagers picked up the longevity cakes and tasted them, praising them highly: "These longevity cakes are so delicious, even more authentic than those sold in the city!" "Yes, they're low in sugar and healthy, so we elderly people can eat them with peace of mind!" "Late Autumn, your food shop is getting better and better. From now on, we'll definitely stick with 'Natural Taste'!"

Hearing the villagers' praise, Lin Wanqiu smiled with satisfaction. She knew that "Natural Flavor" owed its success to the support and trust of the villagers. In the future, she will continue to uphold quality and develop more healthy and delicious foods, not only to benefit the villagers but also to promote the "Natural Flavor" brand nationwide, allowing more people to enjoy high-quality agricultural products from the Hongqi Production Brigade.

As the birthday banquet drew to a close, Shen Nianxi walked onto the stage holding a painting of "One Hundred Longevity Characters," sweetly offering her blessings to Grandma Shen, drawing applause from the audience. Just then, Lin Wanqiu's phone rang; it was Shen Nian'an calling. She answered the call, walked to the side, and handed the phone to Grandma Shen: "Mom, Nian'an is calling to send you her blessings."

Grandma Shen took the phone and said excitedly, "Nian'an, my good grandson, how are you doing at school? Grandma misses you so much!"

On the other end of the phone, Shen Nian'an's voice carried a hint of guilt: "Grandma, I'm fine, don't worry. I'm sorry I can't come back to celebrate your birthday. Happy birthday, and may you live a long and healthy life!"

"Good child, Grandma doesn't blame you. Your studies are the most important thing. Take good care of yourself at school, study hard, and come back early during the holidays. Grandma will cook you something delicious," said Grandma Shen, her voice slightly choked with emotion.

After hanging up the phone, Grandma Shen wiped away her tears and said with a smile, "This child is becoming more and more sensible, and knows how to care for his grandma."

Lin Wanqiu said with a smile, "Mom, Nian'an has always thought of you. He even sent you a handwritten birthday invitation and a birthday gift."

Grandma Shen nodded, her face full of a happy smile.

After the birthday banquet ended, the villagers rose to say goodbye. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou saw everyone to the door, and Captain Zhao shook Lin Wanqiu's hand and said, "Wanqiu, today's birthday banquet was a great success. Grandma Shen must be very happy. If you need anything in the future, you must tell us. We all support you!"

"Yes, Wanqiu, we're leaving now. Don't overwork yourself; take good care of yourself and your family," Aunt Li said, her eyes filled with reluctance.

"Dear fellow villagers, please drive carefully on the road," Lin Wanqiu said, her heart filled with reluctance. "Come visit the city anytime you have time; you're always welcome."

The villagers nodded, got on their tricycles and bicycles, and gradually disappeared around the street corner. Lin Wanqiu watched their departing figures, her heart filled with emotion. These simple and honest villagers were like her own family; no matter how far she went or how high she flew, they would always be her strongest support.

Back in the banquet hall, looking at the messy table, Lin Wanqiu felt no fatigue, but rather a surge of strength. This birthday banquet not only filled Old Lady Shen with happiness, but also made her feel the deep affection of her fellow villagers, further strengthening her resolve to contribute to the development of her hometown.

Shen Tingzhou walked to her side and handed her a glass of warm water: "You've worked hard, wife. Today's birthday banquet was a great success. Mom was very happy, and the villagers had a great time too."

Lin Wanqiu took the water glass, took a sip, and said with a smile, "It's not hard work, as long as everyone is happy. Tingzhou, I've been thinking that after we finish this busy period, we should go back to the village to take a look and do some on-site research to see what improvements are needed in the village's roads, medical care, and education, so that we can take targeted measures."

Shen Tingzhou nodded: "Okay, I'll listen to you. Actually, there are also several city leaders who came to the birthday banquet today. They just chatted with me for a bit and they really appreciate your approach to helping the villagers get rich. They also said they would like to invite you to the symposium next month to hear your views and suggestions on people's livelihood development."

Lin Wanqiu's eyes lit up: "Really? That's great! This way we can report the situation in the village and the needs of our fellow villagers, and strive for more policy support."

“Of course it’s true,” Shen Tingzhou said with a smile. “They also said that, considering your contributions to the development of your hometown, they would like to recommend you for election as a representative to the Municipal People’s Congress, so that you can better offer suggestions for the development of people’s livelihood.”

Upon hearing the news, Lin Wanqiu felt both excited and apprehensive. Being elected as a municipal people's congress representative was an honor, but even more so, a responsibility. She knew that this meant the burden on her shoulders was heavier; she not only had to take care of her own family and help her fellow villagers become wealthy, but also speak up for more ordinary people and contribute her strength to the development of people's livelihoods.

"Tingzhou, can I do this well?" Lin Wanqiu asked uncertainly.

Shen Tingzhou held her hand and said firmly, "Of course you can! You have ideas, abilities, and a loving heart, and you also have the support of so many fellow villagers. I believe you can definitely become an outstanding municipal people's congress representative and make greater contributions to people's livelihood development."

Looking into Shen Tingzhou's determined eyes, Lin Wanqiu's unease gradually dissipated, replaced by a strong sense of confidence and responsibility.