Chapter 1290: Wedding Banquet
These are five hot dishes. Plus six cold dishes and four main dishes, that’s fifteen.
"Master, the order is ready, fifteen dishes. Don’t you think there are too few stir-fried dishes?"
"I haven’t decided on the last dish. Actually, I wanted to make caramelized apples. I even brought everything for it, but I’m thinking if there’s too much tofu, I’ll just stir-fry spicy tofu."
Jiang Xinyu knew the chef had two plans ready, which made her feel at ease. Actually, she preferred the caramelized apples, as it would change up the flavors. But ultimately, it was up to the chef.
She walked around and found the tables were already set up, with plenty of candies and sunflower seeds.
She checked the time, and it was a little past nine; guests should be arriving soon as there’s no work today.
The first to arrive were Sun Baosheng and his wife, with their two grandsons and their young daughter.
Lv Beiguang warmly greeted them.
"Beiguang, is everything ready? I specifically came early to help."
"Director Sun, everything is arranged."
Wei Kaiyun came over to greet them, as he was in charge of entertaining guests today.
"Xiao Wei, where’s Xiao Jiang?"
"She’s inside with the bride. Sister, would you like to go in and sit for a while?"
Jiang Xinyu heard the commotion and came out, smiling as she greeted Sun Baosheng’s wife and invited her in.
People began arriving one after another, nearly all the directors and secretaries showed up.
Lv Beiguang noticed there weren’t enough tables. He discussed with the chef to add one more table.
No problem here, Ding Shihong prepared eight fish, just in case there was any special situation.
With enough fish, the rest was easy to prepare.
Sister Jingchu didn’t call Jiang Xinyu but went with Zhao Xiaoli to cut cold dishes.
After a while, Han Xiangjun returned with all the children. It was tough for him carrying two boys. Tingting was carried by Jianbin.
Originally, many children were present, and now with a few more, it became even more lively.
Tingting held Feifei’s hand, "Sister."
"Tingting, do you want to play outside or go inside to find mom?"
"Mom."
Feifei nodded and led her little sister inside.
In the bride’s room, there were already many people. Jiang Xinyu saw her two daughters come in and smiled as she picked up Tingting.
"Xiao Jiang, are these your two daughters?"
"Yes, Feifei, these are all aunties."
By half past ten, everyone was called outside for the ceremony.
Li Xue came out, supported by Sister Jing Chu.
The officiant was Han Xiangjun. He spoke humorously.
The young couple made vows in front of all their friends.
Then both knelt in front of Lv Beiguang.
Lv Beiguang, normally calm, had his eyes red.
His mind was filled with the children playing together through the years.
He gave Li Xue a big red envelope. "You two must love each other in the future and live a good life. All I hope for is your harmony and happiness."
The couple bowed again. "Dad, we definitely will."
Chaoyang spoke a few words as the bride’s family, "Today is a big day. But since the family is too far away, as the bride’s family, I share the same thoughts as Uncle Lv. Xue’er, the family hopes for your lifelong happiness."
Li Xue nodded with a teary smile, and Guodong promised, "I’ll make sure Xue’s happy."
The young couple held hands firmly and spoke with determination.
Everyone sent heartfelt blessings.
This simple ceremony was completed.
Now for the banquet. Everyone seated themselves spontaneously. The cold dishes were already served.
Looking at the dishes on the table, everyone felt Lv Beiguang must really care about appearances. It was too abundant.
The wine was brewed by Lv Beiguang himself. Plus, the next few days were for rest. So, the men drank generously.
The women and children just ate their meal.
The highland barley and red beans looked enticing.
The ones responsible for serving the dishes were Zhao Xiaoqiang, Sister Jing Chu, and two helpers brought by the chef.
Everyone was very satisfied with today’s banquet, praising it with words of admiration.
Lv Beiguang thought about leaving here; in the future, if friends had any significant events or small things, he wouldn’t be able to return. Besides, he’d discussed with the children that the gift money this time would be spent.
The women and children sat at three tables; after finishing their meal, the women helped clean up.
The children were playing in the yard. Shi Xian was a lively one; he loved crowds because he was so young that the older kids didn’t want to play with him, but he kept chasing after them.
Feifei had no choice but to stay close to her brother.
Xiangting and her brother came out to play with Shi Xian, making Feifei feel much better.
"Shall we go play by the river?"
The children had this thought but were stopped by Sun Baosheng’s young daughter.
Jiang Feifei remembered this place was not the Northeast; even though the temperature was low, she feared the ice might not be solid.
Actually, the daytime temperature here had dropped below zero, but they were used to the Northeast and didn’t think it was too cold here.
The boys started to feel restless but dared not go out alone.
Jianbin and Shi Jing had no more interest in playing on the ice.
What they wanted was to go to the club to play table tennis. But without an adult, they really couldn’t go out.
Wang Yanling came today with Qian Jun for the meal. After eating, she sat beside Jiang Xinyu and the bride to chat.
"Yanling, we’re really sorry we can’t stay for your wedding."
Wang Yanling nodded, "Sister, I understand. It’s fine. We’ve known each other." Wang Yanling didn’t mind much, even though grandma and grandpa wanted Director Wei to attend, he had so many people waiting to return.
"Thank you for understanding."
Sister Jingchu brought over candy and sunflower seeds again. "No worries, Aunt Jiang can’t come, but our family can visit."
"You’re welcome, Jingchu. How come you’re so pretty?"
Sister Jingchu laughed heartily, "Thank you, Aunt Qian."
Wang Yanling felt a bit embarrassed, being called "Aunt" at her age by such a young lady.
The women came to bid farewell. Li Xue and Sister Jing Chu came out to see them off.
Then some children also left.
Shi Xian saw so many people leaving and seemed anxious.
Sister Jing Chu picked him up, "Shi Xian, what now? Everyone’s going home."
"Let’s go play."
"Okay, I’ll take you out to play in a while."
Sister Jingchu had been very busy these few days, not even having time to go out. Shi Xian didn’t know, but Shi Jing was aware.
"Sister Jing Chu, we still got Uncle Han to take us out to play."
"Uncle Han is still drinking."
"I’ll go see my dad." Jianbin ran inside.
Xiangting also went in to find Chen Guoliang.
Actually, Han Xiangjun hadn’t drunk much; he was unfamiliar with people here, just sitting there helping Lv Beiguang entertain guests.