Hard work after winning the lottery

The applause at the ceremony gradually subsided, but the heat in the air only increased.

An even grander celebration began on the open grassland by Baixi Lake.

One hundred large red round tables, like red flowers blooming on a green lawn, are laid out in a magnificent manner.

It's no longer the refined but cold French cuisine found in City A.

Every table here exudes a hearty and down-to-earth rural charm.

A large bowl of steamed pork with rice flour, a tempting red and shiny braised pork hock, and lush green seasonal wild vegetables.

Of course, the most eye-catching thing is the row of whole roasted lambs placed on charcoal fires in the very center of the venue.

That was the result of my uncle leading the village's best workers, who started working at dawn.

The golden-yellow sheepskin sizzled and dripped oil as it was roasted, the oil droplets sliding down the plump texture and dripping into the charcoal fire, stirring up wisps of enticing white smoke.

The overpowering aroma of cumin and chili powder, mixed with the smoky scent of pine charcoal, forcefully penetrates everyone's nose.

My appetite was instantly whetted.

Even the socialites who usually only eat three-tenths full couldn't help but swallow hard at this moment.

"It smells so good!"

Someone shouted, and the banquet officially began.

Hua Yun was escorted by Zhou Yanjin to change her clothes.

When she came out again, she had taken off the elaborate and extravagant "Wildflower" dress.

Instead, she wore a neatly tailored, modernized red cheongsam.

The silk fabric clung to her graceful figure, and the exquisite knotted buttons accentuated her rosy complexion, making her beaming with joy.

Zhou Yanjin also changed out of his tuxedo and into a dark red suit with subtle patterns, which made him look less aloof and more like a festive groom.

Are you tired?

Zhou Yanjin lowered his head and whispered in her ear, his hand naturally supporting her lower back to help her share the weight.

Hua Yun shook her head, her eyes sparkling: "Not tired, happy."

She was genuinely happy.

Looking at the hall full of guests, at the lively atmosphere of everyday life, my heart is filled with joy.

The two men, holding their wine glasses, began to toast each other.

The first table, naturally, is for the elders at the head table.

Sitting here are the pillars of both families.

Before the young couple even got close, they heard a burst of hearty laughter.

"Brother, this liquor is strong! It tastes even better than my special-supply Moutai!"

The speaker was Grandpa Zhou Yinchuan.

He had one foot on the bench crossbar, a large, rough porcelain bowl in his hand, and his face was flushed from drinking.

Sitting opposite him was none other than Old Master Hua Mutou.

Hua Mutou was also infected by this atmosphere.

He filled Zhou Yinchuan's cup with his homemade sorghum liquor, his face crinkling with smiles.

"That's right! This is a vintage wine I've aged for five years, buried under the osmanthus tree. I don't just give it to ordinary people!"

"That's great! I'll have to take two jars with me when I leave!"

"Enough! Enough!"

Seeing the two old men acting like brothers, Zhou Yanjin and Hua Yun exchanged a glance and couldn't help but laugh.

"Grandpa, Dad, Mom."

Hua Yun stepped forward and greeted them politely.

Lin Yi looked at her daughter-in-law and became more and more satisfied.

She was usually a pampered lady who never lifted a finger, but today she was happily munching on a lamb chop.

Hearing Hua Yun call for someone, she quickly put down what she was holding and wiped her hands on a wet wipe.

"Hey! Yunyun, sit down and rest, don't just stand there."

She took Hua Yun's hand and casually stuffed a thick red envelope, as thick as a brick, into her hand.

"This is a small token of Mom's appreciation, please take it."

That weight was substantial.

Sitting beside her, Li Guifen's eyes welled up with tears as she watched her mother-in-law show such affection for her daughter.

Seeing this, Zhou Ye took the initiative to raise his glass and toast Hua Shu and Li Guifen.

"Father-in-law and mother-in-law, thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter, who has brightened up our Yan Jin's life."

The chairman of the prestigious Zhou Group spoke with the sincerity of an ordinary father.

Hua Shu was flattered and quickly picked up the wine glass with both hands, his hands trembling with excitement.

"You flatter me. It's Yan Jin who's so kind. Not only did she not look down on our family for being poor, but she also helped us a lot."

"We're all family, so let's not speak like strangers."

Zhou Yanjin interjected at the opportune moment, downing the wine in his glass in one gulp.

After offering their toasts at the main table, the two went to the relatives' table next to it.

Sitting here are Hua Yun's uncle Li Ye and his family, as well as her maternal grandparents.

The elderly people were old, with gray hair, and wearing new clothes.

As her granddaughter walked towards her in that bright red cheongsam, the grandmother's cloudy eyes filled with tears.

She reached out tremblingly and touched the back of Hua Yun's hand.

Those hands were rough like tree bark, yet so warm they made you want to cry.

"Yunyun, oh...so good."

The old man kept repeating those two words.

Hua Yun was pregnant out of wedlock and had three children in the village. She suffered countless scornful looks and hardships.

These elders saw it all and felt the pain in their hearts, yet they were powerless to do anything about it.

Now that I see her getting married in such a grand manner, and her husband is such a handsome man, my heart that was hanging in suspense has finally been put to rest.

My aunt is a straightforward person. She wiped away her tears and said with a smile:

"Yunyun, from now on you'll enjoy a life of happiness. If you ever suffer any injustice, even though our family isn't as wealthy as the Zhou family, it will always be your family!"

Zhou Yanjin immediately replied, her tone solemn:

"Don't worry, Auntie, I won't give her a chance to be wronged."

He spoke with a firm gaze, without the slightest hint of perfunctoriness.

Uncle Li Ye patted Zhou Yanjin on the shoulder. Although he didn't say anything, the force he used was full of a man's entrustment.

After toasting the relatives, it was time for the dozens of tables of enthusiastic villagers.

Unlike city dwellers, the villagers were not reserved; they all shouted at the top of their lungs, creating an atmosphere so lively it seemed to shake the very sky.

"Hey! The groom's here!"

Wang Jianjun, as the contractor, had the loudest voice and took the lead in instigating the disturbance.

"Mr. Zhou, it's our village tradition that the groom has to drink well today!"

"Yes! You're not allowed to leave until you drink!"

Several men nearby joined in the commotion, each carrying a large bowl.

Hua Yun was worried that Zhou Yanjin would drink too much and harm his health, and was about to speak up to stop him.

Zhou Yanjin gently squeezed her palm and gave her a reassuring look.

He unbuttoned one button on his suit jacket, a composed smile playing on his lips.

"Dear fellow villagers, thank you all for your help during this time. I'd like to raise a glass to you all."

After saying that, he took the large bowl that Wang Jianjun handed him and drank it down in one gulp.

The Adam's apple bobbed as the liquor went down the throat.

His demeanor was so bold and unrestrained, it didn't seem like that of a CEO, but rather like that of a true江湖儿女 (jianghu children, people from all walks of life).

"good!"

"readily!"

The villagers erupted in cheers.

Aunt Li squeezed through the crowd, holding a glass of wine, her face beaming with joy.

"Yun'er, Mr. Zhou, your aunt wishes you a son soon! Oh wait, you already have three kids."

Aunt Li patted her mouth, then changed her words:

"Then I wish you a few more children! Seven or eight in total, may you have many children and much happiness!"

Upon hearing this, the entire audience burst into laughter.

Hua Yun's face flushed bright red instantly, like a ripe apple.

Zhou Yanjin smiled meaningfully, glanced at his blushing wife, and whispered in her ear:

"I think we can consider your aunt's suggestion."

Hua Yun was so embarrassed that she pinched his soft waist hard.

Zhou Yanjin didn't dodge; instead, he took her hand and kissed it.

Their oblivious display of affection drew howls from the villagers.