Lin Wanqiu glanced at her, sneering inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "Jasmine, we used our own money to build the house, it's all aboveboard, what's there to brag about? It's you who's always thinking about how to sow discord, you should spend more time on serious matters, like finding a good husband and settling down."
Lin Moli was speechless, her face turning pale and then red, and she could only walk away dejectedly. The surrounding villagers, having witnessed this, began to whisper among themselves: "Lin Moli is just jealous of Wanqiu. She's incompetent herself, yet she can't stand seeing others do well." "Yes, what's wrong with Wanqiu building a new house and throwing a housewarming party through her own efforts?"
Hearing everyone's comments, Lin Moli trembled with anger, but dared not refute them. She could only lower her head and pretend not to hear.
Around noon, the housewarming banquet officially began. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou toasted the villagers together. Holding her glass, Lin Wanqiu looked at the familiar faces before her, her heart filled with gratitude: "Dear villagers, thank you all for coming to our housewarming banquet. When Nian'an and I suffered at the Shen family's hands, it was everyone who lent a helping hand and helped us a lot. Now that we have a new house, if you have any difficulties in the future, just let us know. We will definitely not refuse to help if we can!"
The villagers raised their glasses in response, saying, "Wanqiu, you're too kind! We didn't help much; it's mainly because you're so capable!" "We'll follow you to get rich in the future!"
Shen Tingzhou also raised his wine glass and said, "Fellow villagers, I, Shen Tingzhou, was unable to stay by Wanqiu and Nian'an's side in the past due to some matters, which caused them a lot of suffering. In the future, I will take good care of them and their children, and I will do my best to help everyone live a better life."
Just then, a commotion arose at the door, and several men in military uniforms walked in. The leader, upon seeing Shen Tingzhou, immediately saluted: "Battalion Commander Shen, we are here on orders from our superiors to report on the mission!"
Everyone froze, their eyes turning to Shen Tingzhou. Lin Moli's eyes widened in disbelief—Shen Tingzhou was actually the battalion commander? Hadn't he already sacrificed himself?
Shen Tingzhou nodded to the visitors and said, "Thank you for your hard work. Please come inside and we'll talk." Then he turned to the crowd, his face solemn: "Fellow villagers, I didn't actually die. I had to fake my death because I was carrying out a secret mission. Now that the mission is complete, I can openly stay by Wanqiu and Nian'an's side and be their husband and father."
As soon as she finished speaking, enthusiastic applause erupted in the courtyard. The villagers were all happy for Lin Wanqiu, and Aunt Wang exclaimed excitedly, "Wanqiu, that's wonderful! Tingzhou isn't dead! Your family is finally reunited!"
Lin Wanqiu looked at Shen Tingzhou, her eyes filled with tears, but she smiled and said, "Yes, our family is finally reunited."
Shen Tingzhou walked to Lin Wanqiu's side, held her hand tightly, and said to everyone, "From now on, I, Shen Tingzhou, am Lin Wanqiu's husband and Shen Nian'an's father. Anyone who dares to bully them is going against me, Shen Tingzhou!" His voice was strong and powerful, carrying the dignity of a soldier, making everyone present feel his protectiveness towards Lin Wanqiu and Nian'an.
Lin Moli stood in the crowd, her face pale, her heart filled with jealousy and resentment. She had originally thought that Shen Tingzhou was dead, and that if she worked a little harder, she could surpass Lin Wanqiu. She never expected that Shen Tingzhou was not only alive, but also a battalion commander. Now she had even less of a chance.
The housewarming banquet continued in a lively atmosphere. Villagers enjoyed the delicious food and chatted, filling the courtyard with laughter. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou stood together, receiving everyone's blessings, their hearts filled with happiness. Lin Wanqiu knew this was just the beginning of their happy life; many more wonderful days lay ahead, and they would help more villagers prosper, living a fulfilling life in this era.
As the sun set, the housewarming banquet drew to a close. The villagers left one after another, and Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou saw them off at the door. Watching their departing figures, Shen Tingzhou said to Lin Wanqiu, "Wanqiu, we'll never have to be apart again."
Lin Wanqiu leaned against Shen Tingzhou's chest and said with a smile, "Yes, we'll never be apart again."
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