"It's done!"
All the villagers from Li Family Village, both upper and lower, were excited and jubilant.
Especially the older generation, tears streamed down their faces, not because a new factory would make them rich overnight, but because it provided an additional source of income, giving them hope for the future.
Soon, a huge altar was set up at the factory entrance, flanked by long strings of firecrackers that stretched all the way to the intersection, appearing to be tens of meters long.
Several esteemed elders in their eighties, dressed neatly and honorably, were present, including Li Haochen's great-uncle, Li Shuren.
"Bring out the offerings!"
A resonant shout was heard, and several middle-aged men of Li Dejun's generation carried the grand offerings of three animals to the altar. The heads of the ox, sheep, and pig were placed in order, followed by plates of five fruits.
After the elders completed the ceremony, it was the turn of the next generation to pay respects. Li Haochen was only in the third group. Such important events did not change the established order just because one had contributed financially; seniority must be observed.
If an outsider had invested in building the factory, perhaps the rules would have been bent. But since it was a Li family descendant, the traditional ancestral procedures had to be followed.
"Respecting heaven, respecting earth, bless our Li Family Village with prosperity in population and fortune. Ceremony complete!"
As the presiding elder finished speaking, all the villagers respectfully bowed, holding precious incense.
At that moment, a deafening burst of firecrackers erupted from the intersection, crackling incessantly. Thick smoke enveloped the entire road and the factory, as if it were a fairyland.
After a few minutes, the smoke dissipated, leaving behind a long red carpet.
Following the ceremony, no one left. Everyone was helping with the preparations for the village feast. The elders helped with simple tasks like picking and washing vegetables, while those with strength moved tables and chairs. The children were overjoyed, receiving juice, drinks, candies, and red envelopes – it was as festive as New Year.
Watching the busy figures, Li Haochen felt very happy. Another item on his long plan could be checked off.
The past discord between the upper and lower villages had vanished today, replaced by harmony and unity.
The atmosphere at the feast was incredibly warm. Those who had past grievances raised their cups and drank to resolve their differences.
The feast continued until past two in the afternoon, with many people leaning precariously, but smiles never left their faces.
Li Haochen had also drunk a lot and went straight to bed upon returning home. He woke up around six in the evening.
After washing his face, Li Haochen pushed his electric scooter out, not daring to ride it until he had passed the Li Family Village road section.
Nearly an hour later, he arrived at Wanda City. The streetlights were already on, and the place was bustling with activity.
He went to the Huawei flagship store. Before the enthusiastic sales assistant could greet him, Li Haochen smiled and said, "Miss, please get me a tea gold P50, 8+256. Thank you!"
"Uh... yes, okay, please wait!"
The woman was taken aback. It was the first time she had encountered someone so direct, making her slightly uncomfortable. Usually, people would talk a lot without immediate commitment.
With a hint of joy, she moved with a waft of fragrance, returning quickly with a tightly sealed phone box. She opened it and inspected the phone in front of Li Haochen.
Li Haochen didn't know much about these things. After a brief look, he paid directly.
After leaving the phone store, he entered Starbucks. Li Haochen didn't particularly like the items there, but he found the environment quite comfortable and quiet.
He found a seat by the window. Not wanting to sit there for nothing, Li Haochen called the waiter and ordered a latte and a tiramisu.
After transferring his SIM card and contacts to the new phone, Li Haochen eagerly opened WeChat and made a video call to Murong Yanran. As soon as she answered, he made a victory sign with his fingers and a goofy smile, "Yeah, miss me?"
"Miss you, very much, extremely much. Why don't you call Dingdang to pick you up? There are benefits, hee hee!"
Murong Yanran winked playfully, making young Hao feel a little restless.
He squeezed his thighs together, covered the phone, and glanced around. Seeing no one, he released his hand. "You're asking for it. Wait until I get back, and I'll deal with you."
Murong Yanran stuck out her tongue and smiled sweetly at the screen, "How did things go?"
"Very smoothly. I've completed another task. Is the hotel okay?"
"It's very good. Uncle Dai and the others bring back a batch of seafood every two to three days, and the abalone and sea cucumbers from the Wu family are in place. Business has improved slightly."
Since Li Haochen was out, they didn't chat for long, as many topics were difficult to discuss and would have to wait for private moments.
After drinking coffee and eating cake, the photos from his old phone were successfully transferred. Carrying his belongings, he walked up to the second floor.
Outside the Zilin Jewelry store, through the thick floor-to-ceiling display window, a beautiful woman in a black pencil skirt and a bun stood elegantly, introducing various gold items to a young couple.
Li Haochen walked in without disturbing her.
This deal ultimately did not go through, but the woman seemed quite interested, perhaps due to the price.
Zhang Zilin smiled as she saw the couple off, a slight disappointment on her brow. Turning around, she froze for a few seconds before smiling and saying, "What are you doing here?"
"Just came to buy something, and thought I'd drop by to see an old classmate, hehe!"
"You dare to come empty-handed?"
"Uh, I'll treat you to a drink!"
"That's better. Wait for me a moment."
Zhang Zilin went inside, briefly gave some instructions, and soon emerged wearing a light-colored dress.
Without the professionalism of the workplace, she exuded a fresh and refined aura, causing Li Haochen to look at her a few more times.
"Let's go!"
It was the same coffee shop as last time, the same booth.
They chatted for a long time, but not a word was said about their feelings. As Zhang Zilin tucked her hair behind her ear, Li Haochen noticed a glimmer on her ring finger.
Seeing Li Haochen's gaze on her hand, Zhang Zilin calmly touched the sparkling diamond on her finger. "I... registered. We'll have the banquet after the New Year."
"Uh?"
Li Haochen looked at Zhang Zilin with surprise.
"Are you surprised? I feel a bit surprised myself. It's a prominent family, and arranged marriages are quite normal. Fortunately, the person is handsome and treats me quite well."
Zhang Zilin gave a slightly insincere self-deprecating laugh, her eyes momentarily distant.
"Oh... Congratulations then."
"Is that all?"
Li Haochen just scratched his head, not knowing what else to say.
"Alright, let's not talk anymore. It's not good for me, a married woman, to stay with you for too long. It's bad to cause any gossip, hee hee!"
"Then... let's chat again next time. Remember to send me an invitation."
"Sure, I will. You don't have to come, but the gift must arrive."
Li Haochen smiled and waved as he left the coffee shop.
Watching Li Haochen's retreating figure, Zhang Zilin sighed, "A married woman, hehe!"