Spring breezes have once again turned the fields of the Hongqi Production Brigade green, and rapeseed flowers blanket the hillsides in a golden sea, their fragrance permeating the warm, moist air, refreshing and invigorating. "Natural Flavors" is no longer the small workshop of yesteryear, but a comprehensive enterprise encompassing three modern food processing plants, a thousand-acre standardized planting base, and a sales network covering both within and outside the province. The news of Shen Tingzhou's formal submission of his retirement application, in this vibrant season, also marks a new chapter for this thriving family business.

Shen Tingzhou's retirement ceremony was simple yet solemn. In the meeting room of the commune compound, a red banner reading "Salute to Veterans, Continue to Write a New Chapter" hung on the wall. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the epaulets he had worn for many years, reflecting a gleaming light. His comrades-in-arms, with whom he had served for many years, came forward to shake his hand and say goodbye, their eyes filled with reluctance and respect.

“Old Shen, with your retirement, our team has lost a great general!” His old comrade-in-arms, Commander Wang, patted him on the shoulder and said with emotion, “But it’s good, you’ve worked hard for the country for most of your life, it’s time to spend some time with your family and take care of your ‘big business’.”

Shen Tingzhou smiled gently but firmly, grasped Commander Wang's hand, and said sincerely, "Thank you for the organization's cultivation and trust over the years. After retirement, I will continue to shine in my new position and live up to everyone's expectations."

After the ceremony, Shen Tingzhou drove home, the scenery along the way no longer the same as it had been years ago. Wide asphalt roads wound through the countryside, lined with neat rows of poplar trees. In the distance, in the planting base, modern irrigation equipment worked methodically, and villagers drove tractors through the fields, their faces beaming with contentment. All of this filled him with a warm feeling.

Back at the Shen family manor, Lin Wanqiu was already waiting at the entrance. She wore a well-tailored light gray suit, her long hair neatly styled in a bun, her expression a blend of businesswoman's competence and feminine gentleness. Seeing Shen Tingzhou get out of the car, she quickly stepped forward, naturally taking his briefcase from his hand, her eyes full of concern: "Is everything settled? Are you tired?"

"I'm all better now, I'm not tired." Shen Tingzhou held her hand, his palm still warm and strong. "From now on, I belong completely to this family and to our career."

Stepping into the manor, the crabapple blossoms in the courtyard were in full bloom, their pink and white petals drifting in the breeze, carpeting the bluestone path like a scene from a fairy tale. In the living room, Shen Nian'an and Shen Nianxi had been waiting for some time. Shen Nian'an was now a top student in the mathematics department of a prestigious university, preparing for postgraduate entrance exams; his composed demeanor now carried a touch of scholarly elegance. Shen Nianxi, on the other hand, had successfully entered the dance department of the provincial art academy; her posture had become increasingly graceful, and every gesture exuded artistic charm.

"Dad, congratulations on your honorable retirement!" Shen Nian'an stood up, handed over a cup of hot tea, and said with a smile, "From now on, you and Mom can share the burden of the family."

Shen Nianxi also came over, took Shen Tingzhou's arm, and said in a coquettish tone, "Dad, you must come to the school to watch my performance when you have time in the future! Also, I want to open a small dance studio near the school. Can you and Mom give me some advice?"

Looking at his two outstanding children, Shen Tingzhou felt a surge of pride. He smiled and nodded, "Great! As long as you have ideas and plans, your father and mother will support you. As for Nianxi's studio, once your mother and I have sorted out our current matters, we'll help you scout out a location."

The family sat together, enjoying a warm and harmonious time. Lin Wanqiu served the carefully prepared meal, and the table was filled with "Natural Flavor" specialty products: golden and crispy multigrain biscuits, soft and sweet red date cake, tender and delicious braised beef, and refreshing cold dishes made with fresh vegetables from the plantation.

"Come on, Tingzhou, let me toast you." Lin Wanqiu raised her glass, her eyes shining with sincerity. "Thank you for your silent support over the years. Before, when you were in the army, I supported this family and this career on my own. Although it was tiring, I had confidence. Now that you've retired, we can finally fight side by side."

Shen Tingzhou also raised his glass and gently clinked it with hers, his eyes full of tenderness: "I am the one who should say thank you. Back then, I 'sacrificed' myself, causing you and Nian'an so much suffering; after returning, I was too busy with missions to properly help you share the burden. From now on, I will devote all my time and energy to my family and career, and be your strongest support."

The clinking of glasses echoed with a crisp sound, also revealing the deep-seated feelings that had been hidden in their hearts for many years. Over the years, they had weathered storms together, endured misunderstandings and trials, and now they could finally lay down their burdens, work together, and create a better future.

Shen Tingzhou's arrival brought new vitality to "Natural Flavors". Although he had no business experience, his years of management experience in the military gave him strong organizational and coordination skills and strategic vision. He first streamlined the company's management system, established more standardized rules and regulations, clarified the division of responsibilities among departments, and improved work efficiency.

“Now that the company is growing bigger, management must keep up.” Shen Tingzhou said to Lin Wanqiu, holding a thick draft of management regulations. “You used to do everything yourself, which was too tiring. From now on, I will handle the daily management work, and you will be responsible for grasping the overall direction, developing new products, and expanding the market.”

Lin Wanqiu looked at the densely written draft and was deeply moved. She knew that Shen Tingzhou had stayed up several nights in a row to prepare this draft, consulted a large amount of information, and even made a special trip to large enterprises in the city to learn from their experiences. "Okay, I believe in you." She nodded, her tone firm. "From now on, we'll divide the work, you take care of the internal affairs, and I'll take care of the external affairs. We'll definitely be able to make 'Natural Flavor' bigger and stronger."

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