Next, add a variety of fresh vegetables to the same pot and cook together a steaming and rich stew.
On the other side of the same area, around an equally blazing fire, various kinds of meat skewers were hung on iron racks, being tested and roasted by the flames.
Several skilled embroiderers and tailors took turns to oversee this important task, while also sharing light-hearted topics such as interesting stories in life or work experiences with each other.
Seeing such a happy scene, Wen Zhu couldn't help but suppress his curiosity and actively participated in the barbecue, and as a result received a lot of delicious gifts from his friends.
In addition, in order to make the party more colorful, everyone decided to contribute a little money to order some additional cooked food from restaurants outside as a supplement.
As night slowly fell, the dining tables throughout the courtyard were already filled with a dazzling array of dishes, fruits, snacks and other delicious foods.
The store already had a variety of fruit juice drinks available for selection. At this time, at Wen Zhu's request, someone took out some special fruit wines that had been carefully purchased from the warehouse and placed them on each table one by one for everyone to share and taste.
When the night fell completely, in order to create a warmer and more comfortable gathering atmosphere, rows of exquisite lanterns were hung throughout the courtyard; and slender candles were lit on each wooden table, making this small space instantly brightly lit and filled with the strong smell of worldly fireworks.
At this moment, Manager Lin gently knocked on the table beside him to attract everyone's attention, then stood up and said, "Miss Wen Zhu suggested that we celebrate the successful completion of a certain important task, but we all know that without her presence and dedication, this store might have been unable to survive in the fierce market competition or even forced to close. So, I would like to suggest that we first raise a glass of wine to Wen Zhu to express our heartfelt gratitude to her."
As soon as he finished speaking, shouts of agreement rang out around him.
"agree!"
Almost all the people present responded to the call and stood up, holding up their glasses and saluting from afar in the direction of Wen Zhu, one of the protagonists.
Wen Zhu also stood up: "Thank you all for your support. The store's performance is all due to your hard work. Every day, everyone works hard, and this effort makes me very happy. I want to take this opportunity to tell you a good news: starting this month, everyone will get a salary increase!"
After saying this, she drank the wine in her hand in one gulp.
This kind of fruit wine has a mild and non-stimulating taste, and it is not easy to make people drunk even if they drink too much. It is especially suitable for ladies like them who need to stay sober and elegant.
This exciting news livened up the atmosphere at the scene, and everyone's face was filled with excitement and joy.
"As for how much it can increase specifically, that will be decided by our birthday boy, Shopkeeper Lin. So, please allow me to propose another glass of wine, and let's toast to Shopkeeper Lin together!"
As he said this, the smile on Wen Zhu's face was as bright as a blooming flower.
Although Wen Zhu has been a maid since she was a child and is accustomed to a lifestyle that follows strict etiquette in the Duke's Mansion, in fact, after getting rid of that oppressive environment, she revealed an extremely easy-going and optimistic personality trait.
This enabled her to quickly blend in with the crowd, laughing and playing with them.
After experiencing the vicissitudes of life in two lifetimes, I hardly enjoyed any truly happy times while growing up.
Until tonight, the long-lost smile from the depths of my heart was the purest and freest.
The night was already late, and only then did the guests begin to leave.
At this time, Shopkeeper Lin walked up to her, still maintaining a friendly and gentle expression, and said, "Miss Wen Zhu, we don't have many guest rooms here. Plus, the backyard is small and crowded, so living conditions are really limited. But fortunately, I have reserved a room for you on the third floor, which should be more comfortable."
Hearing this, Wen Zhu smiled and replied, "Okay, I'm only staying for one night anyway, so having a place to sleep is good enough."
She had no complaints at all about this arrangement, but instead showed an unusually relaxed attitude.
Then, the two of them walked slowly up the stairs illuminated by dim lights.
"Actually, on weekdays, it's just me and Wang Xiu Niang who live here," Shopkeeper Lin added on the way.
Following closely behind, Wang Xiu Niang immediately took up the conversation and explained, "Actually, a nice room like this shouldn't be given to a woman from an ordinary family like me. But Manager Lin took into consideration the practical difficulties my family is currently facing—someone is bedridden and we have no one else we can trust to take care of the children. So he made an exception and allowed me to live here with my son."
Facing the curious gazes of the people before him, Shopkeeper Lin continued to explain the reason: "Indeed, it was after learning about the special circumstances of the embroiderer's family that I decided to give her this special treatment. Now, not only can someone help her look after the child, but she can also share some of the responsibilities of caring for the child in her spare time. The little boy is really well-behaved and sensible. Even when the adults are busy with their work, he always plays quietly by the side and never makes any noise."
"I'm so grateful for this job," Wang Xiu Niang said gratefully. "If it weren't for the store's care for us, how could a weak woman like me support this family?"
The corners of her eyes were slightly red, as if she was trying hard to hold back her tears.
"Since we are all together, we should help each other."
Wen Zhu said softly, "When the child grows up, he will be able to help you share a lot of things. Although it's a little difficult now, things will get better."
"Um."
Wang Xiu Niang nodded vigorously, as if she had made a firm vow in her heart.
After reaching the third floor, Wen Zhu was surprised to find that the middle room was prepared for her.
This place was obviously originally used by Manager Lin as an office. Behind the screen was a brand new bed covered with a complete set of clean and tidy bedding, giving people a warm and comfortable feeling.
Hongyu was sleeping in the small courtyard next to her, while Wang Xiu Niang came upstairs with a large bucket of warm water to prepare toiletries for Wen Zhu.
"Is the baby asleep?"
Wen Zhu asked in a low voice.
"Yes, Xiao Qing'er is very sensible. As long as he feels sleepy, he will fall asleep peacefully on his own. No one ever needs to coax him to sleep."
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