The bicycle slowly entered the food factory gate, passed through the red-carpeted corridor, and arrived at the entrance of the auditorium. Shen Nian'an stopped the bicycle and carefully helped Su Xiaoya off. The two stood side by side at the entrance of the auditorium, receiving the blessings of everyone. Lin Wanqiu looked at the handsome couple before her, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears. She remembered the beginning of her rebirth, when Shen Nian'an was still a thin, timid child who couldn't even get enough to eat. Now, he had not only grown into a responsible young man but was also about to start his own family. This profound happiness made all her hardships worthwhile.
Shen Tingzhou walked to Lin Wanqiu's side, gently took her hand, and said softly, "Wanqiu, don't get too excited, take care of yourself." His voice was gentle yet firm, and the warmth of his palm traveled through his fingertips, making Lin Wanqiu feel warm inside. She turned her head, looked at the tenderness and love in Shen Tingzhou's eyes, and nodded gently: "I'm fine, I'm just too happy."
The wedding ceremony officially began under the guidance of the master of ceremonies. The hall fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on the stage. The backdrop of the stage was a huge "Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Auspiciousness" embroidery, with gold and silver threads interwoven, and the dragon and phoenix patterns were lifelike; on the stage were two tables covered with red cloth, on which were placed teacups, red dates, peanuts, longans, and lotus seeds, symbolizing "early birth of a son".
"The auspicious hour has arrived, the wedding ceremony officially begins!" the master of ceremonies' booming voice rang out. "Please, newlyweds, pay homage to heaven and earth!"
Shen Nian'an and Su Xiaoya stood side by side before the stage, bowing deeply to heaven and earth. Sunlight streamed through the hall windows, illuminating their young and happy faces, and also the blessings in the eyes of the crowd below. Lin Wanqiu watched this scene, her heart filled with emotion, as if she were seeing herself and Shen Tingzhou back then—those difficult days, those times of mutual support, all transformed into the overflowing happiness of this moment.
"Bowing to the parents twice!"
Shen Nian'an and Su Xiaoya turned around and bowed deeply to Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou. "Father, Mother, thank you for raising me. I will definitely take good care of you in the future!" Shen Nian'an's voice was choked with emotion, and his eyes were full of gratitude. Su Xiaoya also said, "Father, Mother, thank you for accepting me. I will definitely take good care of Nian'an, be filial to you, and manage our little family well."
Lin Wanqiu looked at her daughter-in-law with affection. Su Xiaoya was a well-behaved and sensible girl, not only beautiful but also kind-hearted. Over the years, Lin Wanqiu had watched Su Xiaoya and Shen Nian'an support each other and grow together, and had long regarded her as her own daughter. She stood up, took two red envelopes from the tray beside her, and handed them to them: "Good children, from now on you are family. You must respect, love, and help each other, and live a good life together."
Shen Tingzhou also stood up, a gentle smile on his face: "Nian'an, from today onwards, you are a man. You must shoulder the responsibility of the family, take good care of Xiaoya, and not let her suffer any grievances."
"Dad, Mom, I understand!" Shen Nian'an nodded emphatically, accepted the red envelope, and held it tightly in her hand. This red envelope was not only her parents' blessing, but also a heavy burden of expectations and responsibilities.
"Husband and wife bow to each other!"
Shen Nian'an and Su Xiaoya stood facing each other and bowed deeply. Their eyes met, filled with love and unspoken understanding. From childhood sweethearts to lifelong partners, they had overcome countless trials and tribulations, and now, finally, their love had blossomed, their hearts overflowing with happiness and gratitude.
At the end of the ceremony, as Lin Wanqiu suggested, Shen Nian'an and Su Xiaoya exchanged heartfelt words. Shen Nian'an looked at Su Xiaoya with gentle yet firm eyes: "Xiaoya, thank you for always being there for me, for accepting my shortcomings, and for supporting my dreams. From now on, I will spend my whole life loving you and taking care of you, making you the happiest woman in the world."
Su Xiaoya's eyes welled up with tears, and she choked out, "Nian'an, meeting you is the greatest luck of my life. No matter what difficulties we encounter in the future, I will be with you and face them together. Together, we will take care of our parents, raise our children, and make our little family better and better."
The simple words, brimming with sincere emotion, drew applause from the audience, with many women even shedding tears of emotion. Watching this scene, Lin Wanqiu felt a surge of joy and gratitude. She knew her son had found someone to spend his life with, and their little family would surely be happy and fulfilling.
After the wedding ceremony, the banquet officially began. Lin Wanqiu personally took charge of the cooking, leading the chefs from the food factory to prepare a sumptuous wedding feast for the guests. On the table, one delicious dish after another was served: braised pork with a bright red color and rich aroma, steamed fish with tender meat and delicious broth, glutinous rice chicken with a soft and glutinous texture that melts in your mouth, and pastries such as osmanthus cake, peanut brittle, and custard buns, which are specialties of Chenji Food Factory. Every dish was made with high-quality ingredients and tasted excellent, earning high praise from the guests.
"This braised pork is so delicious! It's fatty but not greasy, and melts in your mouth. It's even more authentic than what you get in restaurants in the city!"
"This steamed fish is so fresh and flavorful, with absolutely no fishy smell. Director Lin's cooking skills are truly superb!"
"And these pastries are sweet but not cloying, with an excellent taste. They truly live up to the reputation of Chen Kee Food Factory!"
The guests enjoyed the delicious food and praised it highly. The commune secretary, holding a wine glass, walked over to Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, and said with a smile, "Director Shen, Director Lin, your wedding banquet was a great success! Not only was the atmosphere lively, but the food was also delicious; we were truly treated to a feast!"
"Secretary, you flatter me. It's just some simple home-cooked food. I'm glad you enjoyed it!" Lin Wanqiu replied with a smile, raising her glass. "Secretary, let me toast you to thank you for your continued support and care for our food factory!"
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