At the beginning, he took his seven younger siblings to join Yi Zhonghai.

However, the old lady sat in the seat of honor for a long time, but Yi Zhonghai did not announce the start of the banquet.

Everyone was somewhat puzzled.

Some impatient people asked, "Old Yi, shouldn't we start the feast? It'll be freezing cold soon, the elderly and children won't be able to stand it."

"Haha, very soon! We have some distinguished guests arriving. Ding Ya has already gone to greet them. We'll start the feast once everyone has arrived."

Yi Zhonghai glanced outside the door and said with a smile.

"Who is it? It's just a family reunion dinner today, who else did you invite, Old Yi?"

Someone pressed for an answer.

"You'll all find out soon enough."

Yi Zhonghai kept everyone in suspense.

Not long after.

Then everyone saw Yi Zhongding carrying four or five people into the courtyard.

Moreover, they were all people they knew well.

The person in front is clearly Director Zhang of the Nanluoguxiang Neighborhood Committee, which was just established this year.

The person next to me is Director Li from Jiedaokou Police Station.

A few days ago, I could see them running around the streets and courtyards all day long, promoting the policies.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Liu Haizhong's face flushed with excitement before he even took a sip of wine.

He hurriedly stood up from the table.

They wanted to step forward and become familiar with the leader.

He is now an active volunteer for the neighborhood committee.

I heard a while ago that after the Spring Festival, the neighborhood committee will select a liaison officer in each compound to be responsible for relaying messages.

So he's keeping an eye on this liaison officer now.

"Haha, welcome Director Zhang, Director Li, and all the leaders. The food is ready, just waiting for you to join us."

Upon seeing the newcomer, Yi Zhonghai hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

"Master Yi, you're too kind. We are all public servants, serving the people, not leaders."

"We've come to celebrate your and your child's good fortune. We won't eat here, as that would be against the rules."

Director Zhang waved his hand and smiled politely.

"It can't be that bad. It's just a simple meal. Look, all the neighbors in the compound are here. We're all eating together and having a good time."

"I feel bad that you've come all this way without even having a bite to eat."

Yi Zhonghai continued to persuade him.

"Don't stand on ceremony, Master Yi. We're just happy to see you all enjoying a peaceful meal together."

"We'll finish our business in a bit, then we have to rush back to our shifts."

Director Li also said with a smile.

"Brother, Director Zhang and Chief Li are cadres of the organization, so let's not make things difficult for them."

"Let me offer them a toast. Please take out the wedding candies so they can have some energy while they're on duty tonight."

"Gentlemen, this shouldn't be difficult for you, right?"

Seeing this, Yi Zhongding said something from the side.

"Haha, okay, I'll drink the wedding wine and eat the wedding candy."

Director Zhang and Director Li exchanged a glance and said with a smile.

"Then I'll be impolite. Sister-in-law, bring out the wedding candies and give each of the leaders a handful."

Seeing that the two were resolute in their words, Yi Zhonghai did not press the matter further.

Tan Xiulian walked forward carrying a large cloth bag and gave each of the four or five people who came a large handful of wedding candies made of various kinds of sweets.

Yi Zhongding had just poured the wine and carried it forward on a wine tray.

Yi Zhonghua stayed by his elder brother's side and helped serve drinks.

"Distinguished leaders, we brothers would like to raise a glass to you all. On this joyous occasion, we wish you all good health and peace."

Yi Zhonghai raised his glass and said loudly.

"Okay, thank you for your kind words, Master Yi."

Director Zhang and others also raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp.

Director Zhang and the others had finished their drinks, and their glasses were still on.

A big fat man suddenly appeared in front of them, his greasy, chubby face beaming with a smile.

"Hehe, Director Zhang, Chief Li, I'm Liu Haizhong, a resident of this compound. I'm also an active member of the neighborhood committee, do you remember me?"

Liu Haizhong stretched out his hands, smiling somewhat obsequiously.

"Hello, Mr. Liu! Of course I remember you. You've been a great help to us."

Upon hearing this, Director Zhang extended both hands and shook hands with him.

"Haha, it's nothing, it's nothing. If the leader needs anything in the future, just give the order, and I, Lao Liu, will handle it perfectly without hesitation."

Upon hearing this, Liu Haizhong laughed even more heartily, his chubby face trembling.

"Master Liu, you're not doing this for us, you're serving the people."

Director Zhang's expression changed slightly, and he seemed to take a deep breath before smiling and speaking.

"Yes, yes, yes, it's about serving the people, but also serving the leaders, since the leaders are also part of the people."

Realizing his slip of the tongue, Liu Haizhong quickly changed his words.

But their skill level is ultimately limited.

Is this something you would say in public?

Don't we all secretly express our loyalty or tacitly agree to things?

"We come from the masses and go back to the masses, so don't treat us like leaders, Master Liu."

Director Zhang took a deep breath this time.

She then didn't wait for Liu Haizhong to speak again.

She was afraid that she would soon become a prime example of bureaucracy and be punished.

She quickly stepped forward, cupped her hands in greeting to the residents of the compound, and said, "I am Zhang Lijuan from the neighborhood committee. On behalf of the neighborhood committee, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year in advance."

Fearing that Liu Haizhong would get entangled with him, Chief Li followed suit and stepped forward, saying, "I am Li Minsheng from Jiedaokou Police Station. Gentlemen, I wish you all a Happy New Year in advance."

The cadres they brought with them followed suit and distanced themselves from Liu Haizhong.

"Director Zhang, do you have any policies to announce today?"

Yan Bugui adjusted his glasses, glanced at Yi Zhonghai, and tentatively asked.

"Just give me instructions from Lao Liu, and I can relay them directly to the neighbors in the compound."

Upon hearing this, Liu Haizhong moved closer to the group, putting on a smiling face.

"Hehe, I'm not here today to promote the organization or national policies."

Director Zhang ignored him and looked at Yi Zhongding, saying:

"Yi Zhongding, come to the front. Your older brother called us here today because of something concerning you younger brothers and sisters."

All the neighbors in the compound turned their attention to them.

Unfazed by the strange looks in their eyes, Yi Zhongding strode confidently to Director Zhang.

"Director Zhang, please wait a moment. Hua Yazi, take your younger siblings inside first. Your older brother will come in and call you out when it's time to eat."

Yi Zhonghai glanced at the children and quickly said.

Yi Zhonghua glanced at his elder brother, and seeing that he nodded, he led his younger siblings into the house.

"Director Zhang, please forgive us. The children are still unsettled and made a fuss all night last night."

Yi Zhonghai said apologetically after they went inside.

"I understand, Master Yi is a very responsible older brother."

Director Zhang said with a smile.

"Alright, let's get down to business first, so as not to delay everyone's meal. I just heard some people's stomachs growling with hunger."

Director Li smiled kindly and began to speak.