The villagers' hospitality warmed Lin Wanqiu's heart. She smiled and said, "Please don't be so polite. I came back this time to see you all and catch up on your lives."
The village party secretary also rushed over upon hearing the news. He shook Lin Wanqiu's hand and said with emotion, "Wanqiu, thank you so much! Since you led everyone to prosperity, our village's life has been getting better and better, and the villagers' mental outlook has also been completely renewed. Before, the village was always lifeless, but now everyone is motivated and has smiles on their faces."
Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "Secretary, you're too kind. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. I just did what I was supposed to do."
The village secretary shook his head and said, "No, no, no, you deserve all the credit! If it weren't for you, our village would have been poor for who knows how long. To thank you for your contributions to our village, we villagers have decided to set up a banquet at the village's threshing ground tomorrow to properly entertain you and Tingzhou's family."
Lin Wanqiu quickly said, "Secretary, this is unacceptable! I appreciate everyone's good intentions, but there's no need to hold a banquet; it would be too wasteful."
The village party secretary said, "Wanqiu, please don't refuse! This is a token of our village's goodwill, you must accept."
The surrounding villagers chimed in, "Yes, Wanqiu, just say yes!"
"We're all ready, just waiting for you to come!"
Looking into the villagers' sincere eyes, Lin Wanqiu was deeply moved. She knew this was their recognition and gratitude, and she couldn't refuse. She nodded and said with a smile, "Alright, then I'll gladly accept. Thank you everyone!"
The villagers smiled happily when they heard her agree. They then dispersed to prepare for tomorrow's feast.
The next day, the village's threshing ground was bustling with activity. Villagers arrived early, some busy setting up sheds, others washing and chopping vegetables, and still others arranging tables and chairs—everyone was working with great enthusiasm. The air was filled with the aroma of food, and laughter echoed throughout.
Around noon, the banquet officially began. Tables were laden with a sumptuous feast, including braised pork, sweet and sour fish, stewed chicken soup, stir-fried vegetables, and various local delicacies made by the villagers themselves. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, along with Nian'an and Nianxi, sat at the main table, surrounded by village elders and officials.
The village party secretary raised his glass, stood up, and said, "Fellow villagers, we are gathered here today mainly to thank Wanqiu and Tingzhou for their help and support to our village. Since Wanqiu came to our village, she has not only become wealthy herself, but has also led us all to prosperity, making our village's life better and better. I propose that we all raise our glasses and toast Wanqiu and Tingzhou!"
"Good!" The villagers raised their glasses and said in unison, "A toast to Sister Wanqiu and Brother Tingzhou!"
Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou also raised their glasses, stood up, and said, "Thank you everyone! Actually, this is the result of everyone's joint efforts. In the future, we will continue to work hard and lead everyone to make our lives better and better!"
After saying that, they toasted with the villagers and drank the wine in their glasses in one gulp.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the villagers came to Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou to toast them and express their gratitude.
Holding a wine glass, Liu Ersao walked up to Lin Wanqiu, tears welling in her eyes, and said excitedly, "Wanqiu, let me toast you! If it weren't for you, I don't know how I would be living now. You are a great benefactor to our family, and I will never forget you in this lifetime!"
Lin Wanqiu quickly helped her up, smiling as she said, "Second Sister-in-law, you're too kind. We're all from the same village, it's only right that we help each other. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just let me know, and I will do my best to help."
Old Chen also came over with a wine glass in hand, and said with emotion, "Wanqiu, I'd like to toast you too! Thank you for showing me the way to wealth, making my family's life better and better. On behalf of my whole family, I thank you!"
Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "Old Chen, no need to thank me. This is all thanks to your hard work. The strawberries you grow are of good quality, which is why they fetch a good price. Keep up the good work, and things will definitely get better and better!"
Looking at the villagers' sincere faces and listening to their heartfelt words of gratitude, Lin Wanqiu felt a surge of accomplishment and happiness. She knew that everything she had done was worthwhile. She secretly resolved to do her utmost to help more people and enable more families to live happy and fulfilling lives.
As the sun set, the banquet drew to a close. The villagers reluctantly bid farewell to Lin Wanqiu and her family. Looking at the smiles on their faces, Lin Wanqiu thought to herself that perhaps she could do more. She not only wanted to help the villagers become wealthy, but also to care for children in need, giving them the opportunity to receive an education and change their destiny. This idea took root in her heart, laying the groundwork for her future path of philanthropy.
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