In the courtyard, everyone is afraid of the little boy who is so smart!

At the dining table, the warm yellow light shone through the slightly mottled lampshade, onto the oil-stained tabletop, casting shadowy figures of the three people.

Outside the window, the sound of firecrackers could be heard from a distance from time to time. The air was filled with the smell of fireworks, which made the house even warmer.

Zhao Shuzhuo was picking up a piece of food with chopsticks and putting it into his mouth, but he suddenly stopped, as if he was struck by an idea. He slowly put down his chopsticks and frowned slightly.

A gleam of thought flashed in his eyes. After a moment, he raised his head and looked at Wang Jianguo who was eating with relish sitting opposite him, and said:

"Jianguo, you said that our supply and marketing cooperative has been in operation from its preparation to its official launch. Although we have put in a lot of effort and worry along the way, it would not have been so smooth without Secretary Dong's support behind the scenes."

As he spoke, he picked up the napkin on the table and gently wiped the corners of his mouth, as if he was lost in memories, and continued:

"Do you remember when we first started looking for a site? The approval procedures for that piece of land were extremely complicated and there were so many people stuck. If it weren't for Secretary Dong stepping in and communicating and coordinating with various departments, we don't know when our supply and marketing cooperative would be able to open."

"There was also the issue of the supply channel. Our competitors were secretly making trouble and almost cut off our supply. It was Secretary Dong who helped us to smooth things overtly and covertly, and that’s how we were able to stabilize the situation."

Zhao Shuzhuo leaned forward slightly, stared at Wang Jianguo sincerely, and emphasized his tone:

"Now that the New Year is approaching, the lights are on outside and everyone is busy visiting relatives and friends and wishing each other well. We must always remember Secretary Dong's kindness in our hearts."

"It's Chinese New Year, and we should all go to his house to pay our respects and show our love. Don't you think this makes sense?"

After listening to what Zhao Shuzhuo said, Wang Jianguo nodded slightly, his face full of approval, and a few strands of hair on his forehead swayed gently with his movement.

He leaned forward and placed the chopsticks in his hand neatly on the edge of the bowl, making a slight "click" sound, as if using this action to preface the words he was about to say.

"Yes, Brother Shuzhuo,"

Wang Jianguo looked at Zhao Shuzhuo sincerely, with a look of respect and admiration in his eyes.

"You've really thought it through! It's Chinese New Year, so we have to go and wish Secretary Dong a happy new year."

"We can't just focus on the business of the supply and marketing cooperative and neglect our duty of gratitude."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and gently tapped the table, as if to emphasize the importance of the matter.

Then, Wang Jianguo narrowed his eyes slightly, thought for a moment, and continued at a leisurely pace:

"Well, I think it would be more appropriate to go after the eighth day of the Lunar New Year. You see, during the first few days of the Lunar New Year, everyone is busy visiting relatives and friends, and Secretary Dong's home must be very lively as well."

"If we go now, we might even cause more trouble. After the eighth day of the first lunar month, the New Year atmosphere is still strong, but most of the relatives who should be visiting have already left, and Secretary Dong will be able to spare some time to chat with us."

He paused, picked up the water cup beside him, took a sip to moisten his throat, and his eyes inadvertently swept across the bustling street outside the window. The arrangements for the New Year's Day had already been outlined in his mind.

"Let's go to the city with Brother Cheng Hai, and let him go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy goods as usual, so that we won't delay either end."

"Brother Cheng Hai is reliable, so we can leave the purchase to him. Let's take advantage of this opportunity and go straight to Secretary Dong's house to wish him a happy new year."

At this point, Wang Jianguo's eyes flickered with anticipation, as if he had already seen Secretary Dong's kind and amiable face.

"When the time comes, we must express our feelings to Secretary Dong and let him know that we will remember everything he has done for our supply and marketing cooperative. Brother Shuzhuo, do you think this arrangement is okay?"

As he spoke, he looked at Zhao Shuzhuo with an inquiring gaze, waiting for his response, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table, as if keeping a silent beat for this carefully planned plan.

The warm yellow light gently sprinkled on the dining table, outlining the figures of the three people very clearly. When Zhao Shuzhuo heard Wang Jianguo's detailed and comprehensive plan, a bright smile instantly bloomed on his face.

That smile was full of recognition and appreciation for Wang Jianguo's arrangement. He nodded his head several times as if pounding garlic, and the hair on his head trembled slightly.

"Go, go, go, build a country,"

Zhao Shuzhuo smiled, stretched out his right hand, and patted Wang Jianguo's shoulder heavily. The collision of his palm and shoulder made a dull but affectionate sound.

"You are worthy of being the one who has considered every aspect and is good at making arrangements. Now I feel much more at ease. Let's do as you say. After the eighth day of the first lunar month, we will complete these two major events smoothly and beautifully."

Just as the two of them were discussing the plan, He Yushui, who had been sitting quietly eating beside them, stopped eating with his chopsticks.

She bit her lower lip slightly, a hint of hesitation flashed in her eyes, and then, as if she had made up her mind, she raised her head and spoke softly but firmly:

"Brother Jianguo, Brother Shuzhuo, you guys go ahead. I don't want to go anymore."

Her voice was not loud, but it was clearly audible in the not-so-spacious restaurant space, and her words carried an unquestionable tone.

Zhao Shuzhuo's smiling face was instantly filled with doubts. He tilted his head slightly, his eyes wide open, staring at He Yushui, as if he wanted to find the answer directly from her face.

After being stunned for a moment, he spoke:

"Rainwater, this is really weird."

As he spoke, he put down the chopsticks in his hand, leaned slightly towards He Yushui, and gestured casually on the table with his arms.

"You usually like shopping the most among us. Whenever we say we're going to the city, you run faster than anyone else, with your eyes shining."

"Why don't you want to go this time? This is not like you. What happened? Tell us about it."

His tone was full of concern, his eyes revealed a bit of anxiety, and his brows unconsciously frowned slightly, waiting for He Yushui's response.

He Yushui lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously circling the corners of her clothes. After hesitating for a moment, she finally raised her eyes and explained in a soft voice:

"Brother Shuzhuo, this is actually what happened. I've been to this city several times before and after, and I just went there a few years ago."

As she spoke, her eyes drifted toward the bustling streets outside the window, as if she was lost in memories.

"Every time I go there, there are so many shops and I go shopping there. I have basically bought everything I should and shouldn't buy. Now I really don't lack anything."