In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 61. All Obstacles Disappear
That past not only cruelly robbed him of his future, but also completely changed his temperament, wrapping him in a hard shell called "self-preservation" and "alienation," isolating him from the outside world and locking away his former self.

“We’ve all seen it.” Han Mingqian’s voice softened, carrying a comforting tone. “To be honest, when I saw you take the initiative to ask for help regarding Xiaobao’s matter, and when I saw you so anxious and at a loss for what to do for your grandson, I was actually a little happy.”

He glanced around at the members of the secretariat, his gaze lingering on each person's face for a moment. "This shows that the fire in your heart hasn't gone out yet. You are still the same Zhou Bingsheng who values ​​loyalty and responsibility, only... it's been buried a little deeper."

Han Mingqian raised his glass, addressing Zhou Bingsheng and everyone else, his voice rising slightly, carrying a power that seemed to break through the gloom:
"Come on, Lao Zhou, let bygones be bygones, it's time to turn the page!"

I enjoyed my meal very much today!
Xiao Bao is safe and sound, so don't worry. There's a long road ahead for you; the factory and our secretariat are your home.

No matter what happens, we'll face it together! No matter how big the hurdle, many hands make light work, and we can always overcome it!

These heartfelt words, like a warm current, instantly dispelled the heavy atmosphere in the living room that had been thick with the recollection of painful past events.

"Director Han is right!"

Zhang Yuqin responded immediately, her eyes slightly reddening, her voice filled with genuine excitement:
"Master Zhou, look at you, you're still as skilled as ever, your pen is still sharp! You're definitely the undisputed pillar of our secretariat!"

The baby is so cute, the best days are yet to come!
"Come, let me toast you and Mrs. Zhou!"

She raised her glass with a hearty gesture, the wine inside swirling slightly.

Li Weidong quickly stood up as well, raised his wine glass, and spoke with a deliberate sincerity and a hint of barely perceptible flattery:

"Master Zhou, Director Han's words are truly excellent! Every word makes sense! I respect you! If you need anything in the future, just let me know! I, Li Weidong, will not hesitate to ask!"

He was eager to show his strong desire to reintegrate into the group, so he leaned forward slightly and adopted a very humble posture.

Yang Guangming also raised his glass, his gaze steady and firm as he looked at Zhou Bingsheng: "Master Zhou, Director Han is right. Xiaobao's good health is more important than anything else. If you need my help in the future, I guarantee I'll be there whenever you call."

His statement was as concise and powerful as ever, without flowery language, but with a rock-solid sense of reliability.

Zhou Bingsheng suddenly raised his head, took a deep breath, his chest heaving as he tried to calm his surging emotions.

He picked up the rough earthenware wine pot, its spout trembling slightly, and refilled it for himself and Han Mingqian.

Then, he raised the wine glass with both hands, which were still trembling slightly, but his voice was much clearer and louder than before:

"Director Han, Yuqin, Weidong, Xiaoyang... and my wife."

He turned his head to look at his wife, who had been sitting silently beside him, tears welling in her eyes, nodding repeatedly. "Thank you... thank you everyone! I... I've remembered everything you said. For Xiaobao, for... my family, I..."

He paused, his throat tightening, as if he wanted to say something grand to express his determination. In the end, he simply poured all his gratitude and promises into his glass and said heavily, "I toast to everyone! Cheers!"

Several wine glasses—earthenware and white porcelain—clinked together, producing a crisp, pleasant sound.

The warming sensation of the rice wine rose from his stomach as it entered his throat, gradually spreading to his limbs and dispelling the chill of the night. This toast seemed to have also broken down the last remaining invisible barrier between Zhou Bingsheng and others.

The restraint and gloom on his face dissipated, revealing a truly relaxed, even somewhat relieved, smile. That smile had a long-lost brightness, although his eyes were still moist.

Li Weidong was even more proactive, as if he wanted to make up for his past shortcomings.

He kept serving food to everyone. He gave the tenderest part of the braised pork to Han Mingqian and Zhou Bingsheng; as soon as the wine cup was empty, he immediately rushed to refill it, his actions so attentive as to be almost ingratiating.

He always had a warm smile on his face and talked much more than usual, making an extreme effort to blend into the harmonious atmosphere.

He sensed that Han Mingqian's gaze was no longer as cold and scrutinizing as before, but rather more tolerant; Zhang Yuqin had also returned to her usual warmth, patting his shoulder as she spoke; even when Zhou Bingsheng toasted him, he did so with genuine gratitude, and there was no longer that invisible sense of distance.

This finally put the heavy weight off his mind.

As long as Yang Guangming doesn't dwell on the past, he will be able to regain his footing in the secretarial team.

He carefully observed Yang Guangming's reaction and saw that the other party's expression was normal, and even nodded slightly to thank him when he served the food.

The lingering unease in Li Weidong's heart gradually subsided, and his smile grew even wider.

It was as if those dark schemes had never happened, and everything could start anew.

The atmosphere at the dinner table then became truly harmonious and lively.

The topic shifted away from the heavy subject, and Zhang Yuqin began recounting amusing anecdotes that had recently occurred at the factory, her vivid descriptions eliciting laughter from everyone.

Han Mingqian occasionally offered a few comments, conveying the wisdom and tolerance of someone with experience.

Zhou Bingsheng and his wife smiled and agreed, and Zhou Bingsheng even chimed in a few words, recounting a story from an old workshop in the factory.

Li Weidong interjected with jokes at opportune moments to liven up the atmosphere, striving to play the role of a lubricant.

Yang Guangming listened quietly with a gentle smile on his face. Occasionally, he would say a word or two, always hitting the nail on the head or adding a detail that made everyone smile knowingly.

Seeing that everyone was enjoying the meal, Aunt Zhou gradually became more talkative, chattering on about the funny things that had happened to Xiao Bao these past few days:
How did she first curiously gaze at the world outside the bottle? How did she show a satisfied, toothless smile after being fed? How did she unconsciously wave her little fists in her sleep?

Her face radiated happiness, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothed out.

Zhou Bingsheng listened from the side, occasionally adding a detail or two, his eyes filled with relief and deep affection as he looked at his wife.

That is a heightened appreciation for the peace that comes after experiencing scarcity and panic.

(End of this chapter)