A few days have passed in the blink of an eye, and today is the full moon celebration for Sun Zheng'an's youngest son.
He had originally planned to hold a banquet in his elder brother's courtyard, but he never expected to be so shocked when he counted the number of people.
Let's start with the family members. Since the number of people is relatively fixed, it's easy to calculate. There are about four tables of people.
Looking at the residents in the courtyard, according to custom, one person from each household contributes, so there aren't many people in total, probably enough for about two tables.
Next came family members' friends in various workplaces, as well as some leaders—that was the main point.
For example, Sun Dajiang, Lin Wencui, Sun Zhengguo, and even Sun Zhengan himself, whenever they invite guests, they can bring along a large group of people.
Even the leaders of the machinery factory where Yu Li works, such as Factory Director Li, Deputy Factory Director Liao, and the Women's Federation Director, have clearly stated that they will definitely come to support her.
This doesn't even include friends from the Ministry of Machinery and the Ministry of Metallurgy, as well as cadres from the street offices.
Of course, Sun Zhengguo's influence certainly played a part, but it's also undeniable that his entire family were officials with extensive connections and a wide network of acquaintances.
That's why they were shocked when they were counting the number of people.
In the end, Sun Dajiang decided to hold the banquet in the courtyard house, and if necessary, make use of all three courtyards.
Early in the morning, Sun Zheng'an and Sun Zheng'nan made several trips back and forth to bring back the vegetables they needed.
Looking at the pile of food next to the stove, Sun Zhengnan was very curious.
"Brother Zheng'an, how many people are coming today? Why have you prepared so much food?"
Upon hearing this, Sun Zheng'an shook his head, "To be honest, I don't know either. Let's see at noon! But my brother asked me to reserve two tables."
"So much food, what if we can't finish it?"
"If we can't finish it, we'll eat it ourselves! You've worked hard today, so eat more later."
"Then I'll wait, hahaha!"
...
The two brothers chatted for a few minutes before hurrying off to borrow tables, chairs, and benches, since setting them up in all three courtyards would be quite a task.
You have to understand that today is not the weekend, and everyone still has to work. The only people who can stay in the yard to help out are my own elders and my cousin.
This is the person the eldest brother specially left behind because he was worried he wouldn't be able to manage them all.
So, if the two young people don't want to do it, they can't rely on their elders to run around for them!
...
In front of the He family's house in the Intermediate People's Court, a stove had already been set up, and He Daqing, Shazhu, Master Yang from the steel rolling mill, along with several helpers, were all busy at work.
As the head chef for the day, He Daqing took the initiative and began to issue orders.
"Zhu Zi, go and prepare the main ingredients."
"Master Yang, you'll be in charge of assisting. Blanch the things that need blanching, and quickly chop the things that need to be chopped."
"You guys, hurry up and pick the vegetables, then wash them properly and set them aside for later use."
"Everyone, hurry up! We need at least ten tables today. Time waits for no one."
"Understood, Master He."
The masters all responded in unison, and then went about their respective tasks.
Everything is proceeding smoothly.
...
In the front yard, Sun's uncle Lin Wenjun, his aunt's husband Li Maocai, and others were also helping to set up various tables, chairs, and benches.
Apart from the Sun family's own furniture, the rest of these tables, chairs, and benches were all moved from Sun Zhengguo's courtyard.
Therefore, they all look particularly new, unlike those borrowed from the courtyard, which come in all sorts of styles.
The people we're hosting in the front yard today are all friends and leaders from various organizations, which is why we made this arrangement.
When Grandpa saw that the front yard was already decorated, he remembered his grandson's instructions and then added to them.
"Wenjun, Maocai, you'll have to work a little harder to set up a table in each of the east and west wing rooms."
"Dad, I understand." Son-in-law Li Maocai didn't dare to ask why. He led Sun Xiaoying and walked into Sun Dahe's house with a smile.
Lin Wenjun, however, was quite curious and couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Sun, why are these two tables set up? Is there any significance to it?"
"Hey! I don't know that much either. I only heard Zheng Guo mention it, saying that some leaders have quite a background. We can't let them eat in the same courtyard as us ordinary folks!"
Well! After hearing the old man's explanation, Lin Wenjun couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.
He couldn't help but imagine that anyone without a department-level or higher official probably wouldn't even be qualified to enter this room.
My own nephew is really something!
...
On the other side.
In the institute's office, Sun Zhengguo was looking through a new document that Zhang Yucheng had just delivered.
The content of the document was nothing new; it was just a notice about the spring assessment, scheduled for two weeks later.
"Sigh! It's assessment season again, and the workers don't have much time left."
The thought of the assessment being suspended next year made Sun Zhengguo sigh.
Unfortunately, fate is fickle, and his destiny is full of twists and turns; there are some things he cannot change.
All he can do now is to encourage his cousins to work harder during the last two assessment seasons so they can earn a better income.
"Knock knock knock!"
A sudden knock on the door interrupted Sun Zhengguo's reverie, and he blurted out something.
"Please come in."
The door was pushed open, and Section Chief Cai walked in.
"Chief, you wanted to see me."
Sun Zhengguo nodded, gesturing for Section Chief Cai to sit down.
"Section Chief Cai, this is a notice from higher authorities regarding the assessment. Please announce it over the loudspeaker in a bit and make sure the workers take it seriously. Those who are confident should participate as soon as possible! It's a good thing both for the public and for their private interests."
"Okay, Director, I will definitely take it seriously."
"Um!"
Sun Zhengguo nodded and handed the document to Section Chief Cai.
After all, that's all he can do. Only when the assessment is truly stopped will the workers understand his good intentions.
It was 11 o'clock in the morning, and Sun Zhengnan arrived at the office as agreed.
"Big brother, I've come to pick you up."
"Okay! I'm coming right now."
Sun Zhengguo quickly tidied up, went downstairs, got into his car, and picked up Zhou Weimin, his sister, and Sun Dahe.
It wasn't even time to leave work yet, but no one said anything if they left early.
After all, the situation is special, and it's not like this every day.
As for the others? They'll just have to wait until after get off work to go.
Speaking of this dinner party, we must mention the cadres from the research institute and the machinery factory.
Originally, the list of people invited by the research institute only included Chen Wanchun, Chen Lianshan, Zheng Wenhua, Zhang Yucheng, and a few others.
After all, the group had been good friends since Sun Zheng'an started working there.
Needless to say, Chen Wanchun was an old friend of Sun Dajiang and was definitely among those invited.
When Li Shengli and others found out, they said they would go to congratulate him. We couldn't very well not let them go!
The same thing happened at the machinery factory. Originally, Yu Li only planned to invite the two directors of the Women's Federation.
However, when Director Li and others learned of this, they also expressed their intention to come and offer their congratulations.
As a result, the guest list grew like a snowball, with more and more people joining.
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