He Yanzhi is extremely efficient.
A few days later, he indeed brought three tall, sharp-eyed veterans.
Moreover, these people were all literate and reasonable, and they possessed a decisive and efficient air about them.
Guan Wenru was very satisfied and arranged for them to work as managers in three stores, mainly responsible for security and dealing with emergencies. They were paid double the salary of ordinary workers. This treatment made the three veterans grateful and at ease, and they worked extra hard.
With a reliable… signature dish, Guan Wenru's burden was lightened considerably, allowing her to focus more on menu development and chain operation management.
...
The days slipped by in a busy and fulfilling way. In the blink of an eye, the cold wind carried the festive atmosphere of the New Year, and sporadic firecrackers sounded in the streets and alleys of the capital. The Lunar New Year of 1980 had arrived.
The New Year's Eve dinner was naturally held in Guan Wenru and He Yanzhi's spacious courtyard.
The main room was brightly lit and warmly decorated.
The large round table was laden with dishes that looked and smelled delicious:
Braised carp symbolizes abundance year after year, glistening braised pork symbolizes prosperity, tender stewed chicken, homemade sausages, and various exquisite stir-fries and dumplings, with even a small cake brought from out of town... which was quite a rarity at the time.
The air was filled with the aroma of food and the warmth of home.
The triplets He Yi, He Qi, and He Sheng, dressed in brand-new cotton-padded jackets, excitedly circled around the table, occasionally trying to sneak a piece of meat with their hands, only to be slapped away by Guan Wenru with a smile.
"You're all grown up! Don't act like a little glutton. Wait until everyone's here before you eat!"
Qin Yue smiled and said, "Big boys get hungry quickly, let them eat something first."
Guan Yuanxiu, standing to the side, beamed with satisfaction. "That's right, kids, eat whatever you want. We have plenty of food at home!"
He Sheng ate a piece of meat with a smile, "Great! Grandma and Grandpa are still the best!"
The family of seven, enjoying each other's company, finally finished preparing the New Year's Eve dinner after quite some time.
Everyone was getting ready to eat.
Knock knock knock!
There was a sudden knock on the courtyard gate…
"I'll go open it!" The most lively He Sheng jumped up like a little rabbit and darted towards the courtyard gate.
He pulled open the heavy wooden door, and stood a young man who looked travel-worn but stood upright. He was wearing a faded military uniform, without a hat, and had a hearty smile on his face.
He carried a huge backpack on his shoulder.
He Sheng froze for a second, then his eyes widened suddenly, and he burst into a thunderous cheer, "Uncle!!! Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle's back!!!"
This shout startled everyone in the room.
"The Red Flag is back?"
"Is it really a Red Flag?"
Everyone put down their bowls and chopsticks and rushed to the door.
Guan Wenru's face instantly lit up with a delighted smile, and she quickly went to greet him.
Qin Yue's eyes welled up with tears as she murmured, "You silly child! Why didn't you give me a heads-up before you came back! Come in! Come in! It's cold outside!"
Guan Hongqi stepped into the courtyard with a smile, put down his backpack, stood at attention, and gave He Yanzhi and Guan Yuanxiu a standard military salute:
"Brother-in-law! Dad!"
Then he looked at Guan Wenru and his mother, "Sister, Mom, I'm back! I won't leave again!"
His discharge procedures have been completed!
Qin Yue, the mother, stepped forward, took her son's hand, looked him up and down, and finally couldn't hold back her tears. "It's good that you're back! It's good that you're back!! Quick, go wash your hands! Just in time for the family reunion dinner! Don't say anything, let's eat first!"
The family gathered around Guan Hongqi and exchanged pleasantries for several minutes, asking about the journey and whether the demobilization procedures went smoothly.
Guan Hongqi answered each question, his gaze sweeping over the familiar courtyard and his dearest family members, his eyes filled with warmth and emotion.
"Alright, alright, let's talk things out at the dinner table. Let Hongqi wash his hands and eat first, the food is getting cold!"
Only after Guan Wenru spoke did everyone smile and crowd around Guan Hongqi as they entered the house.
Guan Hongqi quickly washed his hands and sat down in the seat that had been specially reserved for him.
Even though not everyone was there for the family reunion dinner, it was still enough to bring joy to everyone's heart!
As the head of the family, Guan Yuanxiu picked up a small wine glass containing a special supply of Moutai brought by He Yanzhi.
He cleared his throat, a solemn yet happy smile on his face. "Come on, this year our family is doubly blessed! Wenru's business is on the right track and is becoming more and more prosperous."
The red flag has also honorably retired and returned home safely! This first toast is to wish our country continued prosperity, to our families a happy and harmonious reunion, and to the New Year, may everything go well for us!
"Wishing our country well! Wishing our families well! Wishing you all the best!" Everyone raised their glasses.
Whether it was baijiu, fruit wine, or orange soda in the triplets' cups, they were all raised high, making a crisp and pleasant sound as they collided, filling the entire hall with laughter and joy.
The atmosphere at the banquet was lively.
The adults chatted about the changes of the past year and their future plans, while Guan Hongqi also shared interesting stories from his time in the army.
The triplets were enjoying their delicious meal and sweet soda, and were extremely happy.
However, seeing the transparent or slightly yellow liquid in the adults' cups and smelling the faint aroma in the air, He Sheng's curiosity was piqued.
While the adults were engrossed in their conversation and their attention was elsewhere, he secretly picked up the wine glass that his uncle Guan Hongqi had placed beside him and quickly took a small sip.
"Hiss... It's spicy!"
He grimaced, his little face scrunched up, but a warm current he had never experienced before slid down his throat, accompanied by a strange and stimulating sensation.
He smacked his lips, thinking that the taste... seemed a bit intoxicating?
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