The late spring morning light, like scattered gold dust, bathed the Hongqi Production Brigade. The auditorium of Chenji Food Factory was adorned with dazzling brilliance, becoming the most dazzling spot in the entire countryside. Vermilion beams and pillars were wrapped with gilded red silk, tied into auspicious knots, their tassels swaying gently in the morning breeze, reflecting dappled light. Red lanterns hung from the roof, their candlelight filtering through the gauze curtains, casting a warm glow on the blue brick floor, as if laying a red carpet leading to happiness. Large, gilded "double happiness" characters adorned the exterior walls of the auditorium, while the couplets on either side, "Spring arrives with twin blossoms in the brocade tent, swallows dance and birds perch in pairs in the painted hall," were written with vigorous strokes, complementing the crimson roses climbing the walls. The air was filled with the rich fragrance of flowers, the sweet aroma of pastries, and the fresh scent of grass and trees, weaving together a joyous and warm melody.
As dawn broke, the food factory was already bustling with activity. Villagers, dressed in clean, starched clothes and wearing simple smiles, arrived one after another to offer their congratulations. Children skipped and jumped through the crowd, clutching the candies they had just received, their cheerful laughter echoing throughout the room; women gathered together, helping to set up tables and chairs and tidy up the tableware, while quietly praising the decorations of the hall, their eyes filled with envy and admiration.
"Wanqiu is so thoughtful, she decorated the hall to be as grand as a wedding in the city!"
"That's right! Look at these lanterns, this red silk, and the fresh flowers on the table. Just looking at them brightens my heart!"
"I heard that not only our fellow villagers are here today, but also cadres from the commune and the manager of the county department store. Nian'an is such a lucky kid!"
Lin Wanqiu wore a well-tailored navy blue Lenin suit, her hair meticulously combed, and her face adorned with light makeup. She exuded both the dignified elegance of a matriarch and the undisguised joy and excitement of motherhood. She moved among the crowd, warmly greeting the villagers who came to offer their congratulations, her eyes crinkling with smiles. Her fingertips occasionally brushed against the jade pendant at her waist; the cool touch calmed her troubled mind. Her gaze unconsciously drifted towards the entrance of the hall, anticipating the arrival of the newlyweds.
Shen Tingzhou, dressed in a crisp dark gray Zhongshan suit, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, a gentle smile on his face, exchanging pleasantries with the commune secretary who had come to offer congratulations. His gaze occasionally drifted to Lin Wanqiu, his eyes filled with tenderness and affection as he watched her busy figure. Over the years, he had witnessed his wife transform from a wronged widow into a capable businesswoman, feeling both pride and a sense of indebtedness towards her. Now, seeing his son about to start his own family, he only wished that her future days would be less stressful and more peaceful for her.
"Director Shen, Director Lin, congratulations!" A hearty laugh rang out as Manager Wang of the county department store entered with several subordinates, carrying an exquisite gift box. "I had heard about Young Master Shen's wedding long ago, so I brought a small gift to wish the newlyweds a happy marriage and a long and happy life together!"
"Manager Wang, you're too kind! Please come in!" Lin Wanqiu hurriedly stepped forward to greet them and warmly led them to the VIP seats. "Your presence is the greatest blessing for the children!"
Manager Wang looked around the beautifully decorated hall and exclaimed sincerely, "Director Lin, your arrangement is truly ingenious! It retains the joy of a traditional wedding while also being modern and elegant. No wonder Chenji Food Factory's gift boxes are selling so well!" He paused, then smiled and said, "I'll have to consult you for my son's wedding and definitely order a batch of your factory's wedding banquet gift boxes!"
"No problem, Manager Wang, don't worry, we'll definitely reserve the best for you!" Lin Wanqiu replied with a smile, secretly pleased. The hot sales of the wedding banquet gift boxes not only brought substantial profits to the food factory but also boosted its brand awareness. Now, even the county's elites recognized their products, which gave her even more confidence in the future of the food factory.
As time went on, more and more guests came to offer their congratulations. Commune cadres, entrepreneurs from surrounding villages and towns, representatives of cooperative businesses, and Shen Tingzhou's old comrades-in-arms from the army all gathered together. The VIP seats were filled with distinguished guests, which complemented the local folks at the table, creating a lively and interesting scene that combined the elegance of scholarly families with the simplicity of rural life.
At exactly nine o'clock in the morning, a cheerful suona horn pierced the sky, and the folk band's rendition of "Joyful Celebration" echoed in the air, drawing the crowd to the entrance of the hall. There, Shen Nian'an, dressed in a dark blue Zhongshan suit, stood tall and straight, a shy yet happy smile on his face, slowly riding in on a brand-new bicycle. Red silk flowers adorned the handlebars, and sitting on the back seat was today's bride, Su Xiaoya.
Su Xiaoya wore a bright red cheongsam meticulously designed by Lin Wanqiu. The collar and cuffs were embroidered with delicate phoenix and peony patterns, the gold thread shimmering in the sunlight. Tiny pearls adorning the hem swayed gently with the movement of the carriage, shimmering with iridescent light. Her hair was styled into an elegant updo, adorned with a simplified version of a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe. Her face wore light makeup, her brows and eyes gentle, her cheeks flushed with a shy blush, making her resemble a blooming peony, beautiful and captivating.
"Wow, Xiaoya is so beautiful!"
"Nian'an is so lucky to have married such a beautiful wife!"
"This cheongsam is so beautiful, you probably wouldn't find another one like it in the whole county!"
The villagers exclaimed in admiration, and the children cheered excitedly around the bicycle. Shen Nian'an felt the gazes of the crowd, his face flushing even more. He rode the bicycle carefully, afraid of bumping into Su Xiaoya on the back seat, his eyes filled with tenderness and affection. Su Xiaoya, meanwhile, lowered her head slightly, her hands gently gripping the hem of her skirt, feeling both nervous and expectant. Thinking of spending her life with her beloved, a happy smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.
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