"I should be the one toasting you!" the commune secretary said with a smile. "Chenji Food Factory has not only brought economic benefits to our commune, but also created jobs for many villagers. You are truly the leaders in helping our commune get rich! I wish you prosperous business and happy families!"
The two clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp. The liquor was pungent, but it couldn't dampen their joy and excitement.
During the meal, Shen Tingzhou's old comrades-in-arms came forward one after another to toast him, reminiscing about their glorious years in the army and expressing their gratitude for their happy lives now. "Old Shen, I never imagined that you would not only be successful in your career but also have such a happy family. It's truly enviable!" one of his old comrades said with a smile, patting Shen Tingzhou on the shoulder. "When the news of your 'sacrifice' came back, we all felt sorry for you. Fortunately, you were blessed with good fortune; not only did you survive, but you also found such a wonderful wife and such an outstanding son!"
Looking at the familiar faces of his old comrades, Shen Tingzhou was filled with emotion: "Yes, I owe a lot to Wanqiu over the years. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today." He turned to look at Lin Wanqiu, his eyes full of love and gratitude. "Come visit us often when you have time, and we can catch up."
"Definitely!" The old comrades nodded in unison, their faces beaming with genuine smiles.
Manager Wang from the county department store also came over with a wine glass, smiling and saying, "Director Lin, Director Shen, today's wedding banquet was truly wonderful, and the food was delicious. I congratulate you again, wishing the newlyweds a happy marriage and a long and happy life together, and also wishing Shenji Food Factory a prosperous business and abundant wealth!"
"Thank you, Manager Wang!" Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou quickly raised their glasses in response. "We hope to continue our cooperation and mutual benefit in the future, Manager Wang!"
"Of course!" Manager Wang said with a smile. "Chenji Food Factory has excellent product quality and a good reputation. I believe our cooperation will become increasingly smooth!"
The banquet was filled with laughter and joy, and everyone wore a happy smile. Fellow villagers toasted each other, exchanging auspicious words; industry leaders exchanged business insights and discussed future cooperation opportunities; children flitted between tables, candies in hand, their faces beaming with innocent smiles. The entire hall was immersed in a festive, warm, and harmonious atmosphere.
Lin Wanqiu moved between the tables, warmly greeting the guests. Though busy, she found joy in it. Looking at the lively scene before her, at the happy smiles of her son and daughter-in-law, and at Shen Tingzhou's gentle gaze, she felt a surge of accomplishment and happiness. In the years since her rebirth, she had endured countless hardships: tearing apart her awful in-laws, kicking out her scheming relatives, starting a food factory, and leading her fellow villagers to prosperity. Every step had been incredibly difficult, but now, looking at everything she had created with her own hands, seeing her family's happy and fulfilling life, she knew that all the sacrifices had been worthwhile.
Wearing a pink dress and with two long braids, Chen Nianxi followed Lin Wanqiu like a little adult, helping to hand things over and greeting guests. She walked up to Lin Wanqiu, looked up at her, and said, "Mom, today's wedding is so lively! My brother and sister-in-law are so happy!"
Lin Wanqiu bent down, picked up his daughter, and kissed her on her rosy cheek: "Yes, Nianxi, you should also find someone who loves and cherishes you like your brother, and live a happy life."
Shen Nianxi nodded as if she understood, and hugged Lin Wanqiu's neck tightly: "Mom, I will always stay with you and Dad, with my brother and sister-in-law, and our family will always be together!"
Lin Wanqiu felt a warmth in her heart, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears. She hugged her daughter tightly, silently thinking: Yes, her greatest wish is for the family to be together forever.
As the banquet drew to a close, Su Xiaoya's parents approached Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, their faces beaming with gratitude: "Wanqiu, Lao Shen, thank you for giving Xiaoya such a grand wedding, and thank you for taking care of her all these years. It's Xiaoya's good fortune to marry Nian'an and to have such wonderful in-laws like you."
"Father-in-law and mother-in-law, you're too kind!" Lin Wanqiu said with a smile. "Xiaoya is a good girl, and we all like her very much. From now on, we are family. We should take care of each other and make sure our children live a happy life."
“Yes,” Shen Tingzhou echoed, “Nian’an and Xiaoya are husband and wife, so we are family. If you need anything in the future, just ask. Don’t be shy.”
The two families exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with understanding and joy. This bond between the two families deepened even further during this grand wedding.
As the sun set, its golden rays bathed the auditorium roof in a warm golden light, enveloping the entire factory area. Guests gradually departed, their faces etched with satisfaction, still savoring the delicious food. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou saw off the last group of guests, then sat wearily in their chairs, their joy still palpable.
Shen Nian'an and Su Xiaoya walked over, their faces beaming with happiness: "Dad, Mom, thank you for giving us such a grand wedding. We are so happy today!"
Looking at her son and daughter-in-law, Lin Wanqiu smiled with relief. "Silly child, as long as you're happy, we're at ease." She paused, a hint of expectation in her eyes. "Xiaoya, Nian'an usually helps manage production at the food factory, while Old Zhou is in charge of the finances. Old Zhou is getting old and his energy is limited. I see you're thoughtful and diligent, so I'd like you to join the factory's finance department to assist Old Zhou with financial management. Would you be willing?"
Upon hearing this, Su Xiaoya's eyes flashed with a mixture of surprise and hesitation. She knew that financial work was a heavy responsibility, and although she had studied for several years, she had no relevant experience and was worried that she wouldn't be able to do it well. Shen Nian'an saw her concerns and encouraged her, "Xiaoya, I believe in you. You're so smart, you can definitely do it well. Your mother will teach you, and Lao Zhou will help you too. Don't be afraid."
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