After the group entered the courtyard, the entire courtyard immediately fell silent. Minister Li knew that this was because his arrival made everyone very wary.
So he addressed the crowd, saying, “Everyone, don’t be shy or bother with me. I’m not a minister here, just an ordinary old man who enjoys a good drink. Just be yourself.”
"Hehehe...!"
No wonder he became a minister; with just a few words, he became one with the masses.
Seeing that the atmosphere had eased, Minister Li gave Secretary Wang a wink.
Secretary Wang nodded, then took out a pair of small mandarin duck figurines from his bag and handed them to Zhou Weimin.
"Secretary Zhou, this is a wedding gift from us to you. We hope you won't find it offensive."
"this…?"
Zhou Weimin looked at the pair of mandarin duck figurines and seemed somewhat at a loss, only able to look helplessly at Sun Zhengguo.
Sun Zhengguo received the pleading look, glanced at the pair of mandarin duck ornaments again—just ordinary handicrafts—and nodded calmly.
Upon seeing the gift, Zhou Weimin finally felt relieved, took it, and expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you, Minister Li and the two leaders."
"Don't mention it, it's all I should do," Secretary Wang waved his hand, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
However, just when everyone thought it was over, Minister Li continued.
"I came here today to ask for a drink, but that's only one reason. Someone also brought you a congratulatory gift."
"Secretary Wang, please take the things out and give them to the newlyweds!"
"Yes, Minister Li."
After speaking, Secretary Wang took out a folded piece of Xuan paper from his bag, and then slowly unfolded it amidst the puzzled looks of the crowd.
Only when the Xuan paper was fully unfurled did everyone see what was written on it: four large, powerful characters, "A Match Made in Heaven."
However, none of these are the key points. The key point is that the signature on the side actually bears the name of General Manager Lai.
"What?" Someone nearby, who knew its value, exclaimed in surprise, "This was written by President Lai himself! My God! It's unbelievable."
These words were like a bombshell, causing an uproar throughout the courtyard.
"My God, what an honor this is! Zhou Weimin is about to rise to great heights!"
"Oh my god! What did I just see? It's a handwritten inscription by President Lai! Waaah... I... I... I'm so proud!"
"..."
At this point, Zhou's mother and Zhou Weihua were so frightened that they were completely at a loss.
You said our family is just an ordinary family, and Mr. Lai is so busy with his affairs, how could he send a handwritten inscription to our family?
"Could it be? Is there some kind of kinship between our Zhou family and Mr. Lai?" Zhou's mother wondered to herself.
Sun Zhengguo was unaware of Zhou's mother's thoughts. If he had known, he probably would have said something.
"Auntie! You're overthinking it. People only bring this gift because of me. Otherwise, who would know who you, Zhou Weimin, are?"
In fact, Sun Zhengguo's guess was correct. President Lai was also showing his affection for his sister by writing these words out of joy.
That's why Minister Li came uninvited today. Otherwise, would you really think he's never drunk alcohol?
After sorting things out, Sun Zhengguo saw his brother-in-law still in a daze and quickly reminded him.
"Weimin, this is a personal inscription from General Lai. Hurry up and accept it."
"Oh! Thank you, Mr. Lai, thank you, Mr. Lai."
Once he realized what was happening, Zhou Weimin carefully accepted the calligraphy amidst the envious gazes of the crowd.
At the same time, he secretly vowed to frame this calligraphy piece properly and keep it as a family heirloom, something he would never sell for any amount of money.
After this highlight, the wedding officially began. The newlyweds first stepped forward to sincerely thank their relatives and friends present.
Next, the two recounted how they first met, the hardships they went through, and the joy of finally getting together.
Of course, Sun Zhengguo had a more significant role in this process.
Moreover, he also played a 'dishonorable' role, 'attempting' to break up a couple.
Everyone was delighted by this and listened with great interest.
Finally, Sun Zhengguo, as the female representative, was invited to come forward and give an acceptance speech, which made him so angry that he glared at Zhou Weimin.
Seeing that things were not going well, Zhou Weimin quickly pretended to announce that the wedding banquet was officially starting.
"Alright! Time to serve the food."
He Daqing, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately arranged for the dishes to be served.
Meanwhile, he wasn't idle either. He heated oil in a wok, put the food in, and then tossed the wok with his left hand while wielding a large ladle with his right, beginning his live performance.
His skillful movements were a pleasure to watch, and even teachers from New Oriental would probably have to admit defeat.
As one delicious dish after another was served, everyone couldn't wait to taste them.
Wow! This chef's skills are really good.
After tasting a bite of the dish, the old man in charge of the courtyard couldn't help but praise it.
But when he saw everyone else working hard, he couldn't help but curse himself as an idiot. What was he showing off for? He should just eat!
This scene was also present at the other tables, except for the technicians' table, where the table was slightly better at eating, and the other table was dominated by the cadres.
After all, the officials at this table are all people of status, and even without Minister Li, everyone would still behave the same way.
Gradually, as time went by, Zhou Weimin saw that the time was right, so he and Sun Zhenghong began to toast everyone one by one.
After the newlyweds finished toasting, Minister Li announced that he had other matters to attend to and took his leave with Secretary Wang. However, Director Zhang did not leave and wanted to stay and keep Sun Zhengguo company.
After Minister Li left, the cadres at the table completely let loose, and everyone started toasting each other frequently, having a great time.
However, since everyone at the table was their own family, and they all knew Sun Zhengguo's drinking capacity, they only offered toasts and didn't have a drinking contest.
However, while our own people knew about this, others didn't!
As the representative of Sun Zhengguo's maternal family, how could others remain indifferent? They had to do something!
So, everyone went around toasting each other like they were just passing through, playing a game of cat and mouse, trying to get Sun Zhengguo drunk.
When the other people at the cadre table saw this, not a single one offered to help. This wasn't to say that Sun Zhengguo was a bad person, but rather that they knew it wasn't necessary.
Sure enough, Sun Zhengguo was perfectly fine until the end of the banquet, while seven or eight of those who had toasted him collapsed. This outcome was quite unexpected.
After the banquet ended, everyone took their leave, and Zhou Weimin and his wife saw them off to the door one by one.
After a while, the tables and benches in the courtyard were tidied up, and He Daqing and his son said goodbye.
Zhou Weimin wasn't stingy either; he gave them red envelopes, cigarettes, and wedding candies—nothing was missing—and saw them to the door.
Only when almost everyone had left did Sun Zhengguo call his sister and brother-in-law over, preparing to say goodbye as well.
"Weimin, from today onwards, my sister is in your care. If she does anything wrong, you can come and tell me, and I will take care of her."
Zhou Weimin understood the meaning behind Sun Zhengguo's words.
To reassure him, Zhou Weimin quickly made a statement.
"Brother, don't worry, I will take good care of my wife. If I ever cause Zheng Hong any grievances, you can come and beat me to death."
"Hmm!" Sun Zhengguo was fairly satisfied with this answer.
Then he remembered that calligraphy piece, and after thinking it over, he decided to remind him.
"Weimin, you must remember that the calligraphy that General Lai gave you today should be framed and carefully preserved. It might save your life in a critical moment."
"Don't worry, brother, I'm not stupid. Even if you don't tell me, I know what's important."
Seeing Zhou Weimin's smug expression, Sun Zhengguo was furious.
What kind of situation is this? I don't even have a single piece of calligraphy like this, and you've already gotten one for me, kid.
No way! Next time I see Mr. Lai, I'll beg him for a piece of calligraphy, even if I have to be shameless.
Yes! It's decided then and there.
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