Chapter 360 - Graduation Banquet 5

Translator: Lonelytree

Qian Guoxin was curious why a farmer’s family wanted to contract six mountains. As far as he knew, the mountains had over 10000 Mus, and the annual rent was over a million. It was abnormal for a farming family to be that rich.

Even more confusing was that the initial request was blocked by a large company in the county because the company had taken an interest in Taoyuan Village too. However, the company suddenly went bankrupt, and the project fizzled out. Right after that, the family came back with the request to

contract the mountains.

At the time, his superior was suddenly arrested, and then, he received the news that he was to be promoted. Qian Guoxin immediately approved the request. He had a faint intuition that the political earthquake that happened a while ago was related to the mountain contract at Taoyuan Village. Of course,

he was wise enough not to send any of his people to investigate.

Hearing Qian Guoxin’s question, Xiao Zhengyang nodded very honestly and said, “That’s right. Some time ago, my daughter wanted to contract a few mountains in the village. She wants to use them to develop and grow vegetables and fruits.”

“Good, that’s not bad!” Qian Guoxin nodded and said, “When it’s developed, it will become a big industry in our county. I will definitely support this. Please do your best!”

Xiao Zhengyang expressed that he was flattered and said excitedly, “Thank you for your support, leader.”

Xiao Lingyu, “…” I have no idea Qian Yifan’s father is such a clever conversationalist.

Gong Tianhao secretly nodded. ‘This man is very clever. If he can make something of the county and not make any principled mistake, I can pull some strings to brighten his future.

Qian Guoxin had no idea about the influence he had made with his actions. His main purpose in coming to Taoyuan Village was to investigate the big shot residing in this small village. Therefore, he spoke very carefully. His people told him that the Xiao Family had a very good relationship with the

mysterious elder.

After chatting with Xiao Zhengyang and his son for a while, Qian Guoxin and the others were about to leave.

After all, they had come here without notice. Naturally, the Xiao family did not prepare their meals.

Besides, they were busy with official business. How could they have time to stay for dinner?

Qian Yifan and Zheng Haiyang had made a bet. When Qian Yifan saw his father planning to leave, he was happy. He was about to win that bet.

However, at that moment, someone suddenly shouted, “Wow, what is Mother Xiao cooking? Why does it smell so good?”

“ah, it really smells so good!”

‘Waves of fragrance wafted out from the kitchen. The smell made people drool.

Qian Guoxin and the others were pulled by the fragrance. It was very alluring.

The two deputy leaders could not help but exclaim, “It smells so good. I think I’m drooling.”

Two of the teachers also chimed in, “That’s right. The smell is delectable.”

The few subordinates could not bear to leave.

They looked at their leaders with expectant eyes.

They also wanted to stay for dinner.

Xiao Zhengyang felt honored when he saw this scene.

He knew that no one could refuse his wife’s cooking.

Then, he invited them sincerely, “Leaders, my wife is cooking today. Why don’t you stay and have a taste?”

‘As soon as Xiao Zhengyang said that, someone outside said, “Qiuying’s cooking skills have improved again. Even the smell is already making me salivate!”

“You’re right. We have eaten so many banquet dishes, but Qiuying’s dishes are the best. People will be licking the plates every time.”

“Haha. It’s her family’s celebration today. She will do her best. I suspect people will be swallowing the plates!”

“That’s really possible.”

While they were talking, someone shouted, “It’s time to eat. Set off the firecrackers and serve the dishes!”

The firecrackers crackled. The guests immediately found their seats.

All of a sudden, the originally empty table was filled with people, and their faces were filled with anticipation.

Qian Guoxin and the others, “..”

It wasn’t that they had never attended a rural banquet before, but it was the first time they had seen so many people looking forward to banquet food.

Rural banquets normally served stews. The deliciousness depended on the cook’s skill. However, this kind of mixed stew normally didn’t taste so good. However, the people of Taoyuan Village appeared to have great faith in the head chef’s culinary skills.

With Xiao Zhengyang’s invitation, Qian Guoxin stayed behind to eat.

The table arrangement was quite curious.

Old Master Gong loved peace and quiet, so he didn’t want to join in on the excitement.

As a shrewd person, Old Master Gong could naturally guess Qian Guoxin’s motive for coming.

However, it was precisely because he knew the man’s motive that he didn’t interact with Qian Guoxin.

Qian Guoxin’s eyes flickered when he saw the old master and the young couple go upstairs. Then, he quietly continued to drink.

This pair of old and young men looked extraordinary. Their statuses were definitely different.

Qian Guoxin remembered that his son seemed to be good friends with Xiao Lingyu. He could ask his son about this.

Gu Ziye’s group was friends with Xiao Lingyu. Logically speaking, they should be at the same table as Xiao Lingyu.

However, Xiao Lingyu was at the same table as Grandfather Gong, Gong Tianhao, and the Xiao family.

After Xiao Lingyu greeted Gu Ziye’s group, she led them to the table where Xiao Lingye was. After all, these two groups knew each other.

After Qian Yifan sat down, he was a little depressed.

He said, “Why did my dad and the others stay? He cost me the bet.”

Ning Weiyi asked curiously, “Brother Qian, did you make a met with someone?”

Qian Yifan glanced at him and said, “I made a bet with Zheng Haiyang.”

At this moment, Zheng Haiyang reminded him, “Fan, I won the bet. Don’t forget what you owe me.” Then, he said with foresight, “I told you that Uncle Qian and the others couldn’t resist the temptation of this delicacy. I was right.”

Qian Yifan and the others, …”

After being brought upstairs, Old Master Gong asked Gong Tianhao, “Did this Leader Qian just get promoted a while ago?”

There was no one else there except Xiao Lingyu, so he could ask the questions freely.

Gong Tianhao nodded and replied, “Yes. Back then, when the tourism company wanted to demolish Taoyuan Village, he was the only one who opposed it wholeheartedly for the people. So, after removing his predecessor, he was directly promoted.”

Old Master Gong nodded his head and said, “The man is shrewd, but if he really cares about the people, he shall be rewarded.”

Gong Tianhao nodded. Qian Guoxin was obviously on good terms with the Xiao family. With Qian Guoxin’s help, life would be smoother for the Xiao Family in the future. So the Gong men were doing this for the Xiao Family too.

Xiao Lingyu was quiet. She pretended not to hear anything.

However, Old Master Gong turned to her. He asked with a smile, “Girl, don’t you have any questions to ask?” They were openly talking about the county leader’s future, but she was unfazed.

Xiao Lingyu spread her hands and said, “Grandfather, what kind of question would I have? I’m just an ordinary farmer after all.”

“Haha…” Old Master Gong said with some amusement, “Of course, you’re just an ordinary farmer.” But after you marry into the Gong Family, that will change.

Xiao Lingyu just smiled..