Chapter 635: Celebrate in Advance
When Zhao Shuzhuo said the good news with a little shyness but excitement, Secretary Dong's eyes widened instantly, and the light in his eyes was like fireworks blooming brightly in the night sky, lighting up the whole room in an instant.
He was stunned for a moment, as if he couldn't believe his ears, and then the wrinkles on his face seemed to be quickly smoothed out by a pair of gentle hands.
The corners of his mouth rose uncontrollably, revealing a row of neat and white teeth. His hearty laughter immediately broke the original tranquility in the room.
"Yes, yes, that's great!"
Secretary Dong clapped his thigh and said "good" three times in a row, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.
"Finally, there is something that makes me happy!"
His eyes swept back and forth between Zhao Shuzhuo and Wang Jianguo, finally stopping on Zhao Shuzhuo's face, his eyes full of kindness and relief.
"These days, I lie in the hospital, watching the patients coming and going and suffering, and my heart is always heavy."
"But today, you brought me such great news, it's like a ray of light shining into my heart, dispelling all the haze."
Secretary Dong stood up, strode to Zhao Shuzhuo, held one of his hands tightly with both hands, and shook it vigorously, as if he wanted to pass all his blessings to him through this handshake.
"Shuzhuo, when you and Xiaohua get married, you must invite me to the wedding!"
His tone was filled with unquestionable determination and a bit of anticipation, like a child waiting for candy, looking forward to that moment with joy.
Zhao Shuzhuo was infected by Secretary Dong's enthusiasm, his cheeks flushed, he lowered his head slightly, a shy smile on his lips, and quickly agreed:
"Secretary Dong, of course, I'll have to ask you to witness our wedding."
He raised his head and looked at Secretary Dong firmly, his eyes flashing with longing and trust for the future.
"You have always taken care of me and cared about me like my own grandfather. In my heart, you are the only one who is qualified to witness our marriage. Without your witness, this marriage would not be complete."
As he spoke, his voice choked slightly and his eyes became moist, obviously moved by Secretary Dong's deep friendship.
Wang Jianguo stood aside, watching this scene, and also smiled. He started to make fun of it:
"That's right, Secretary Dong, when the time comes, you must serve as a good witness for Brother Shuzhuo and Sister Xiaohua, and make their wedding a lively and glorious one!"
The atmosphere in the house became more cheerful and lively, and everyone's laughter seemed to break through the roof and float away.
In this warm moment, Zhao Shuzhuo knew that he had not only gained love, but also received blessings from his elders who were like family members. This happiness was so heavy that it filled him with infinite confidence and courage for the future.
Secretary Dong seemed to be immersed in a grand celebration. The smile on his wrinkled face was as bright and lasting as a blooming autumn chrysanthemum.
After hearing the good news brought by Zhao Shuzhuo, he was stunned for a moment, as if he was still savoring this sudden happiness. Then, he couldn't help but say several times
"Okay, okay."
Every word seems to jump out from the deepest part of my heart, filled with endless comfort and blessings.
Driven by this excitement, Secretary Dong turned his head with interest and looked at his wife Zhao Shujuan who was busy at the kitchen door.
Grandma Zhao Shujuan had a slightly hunched figure, and her silver hair shone softly under the light. She was wearing an apron that had become a little whitish from washing, and was holding a handful of green vegetables in her hands, picking them carefully.
The years have left deep marks on her face, but have also endowed her with a unique gentleness and tenacity.
Secretary Dong strode over with a flattering smile on his face, patted his wife's shoulder gently, and said:
"Old lady, you have to cook a few more delicious dishes today!"
There was irrepressible excitement in his voice, and his eyes were shining, as if he had already seen the table full of delicious food.
"Shuzhuo is about to have good news, and Jianguo is also happy. I have to drink with them and celebrate."
As he spoke, he rubbed his hands and looked at his wife eagerly like a child, expecting her to agree.
When Grandma Zhao Shujuan heard this, she suddenly stopped what she was doing and her originally gentle face instantly became serious.
She raised her head and stared straight at Secretary Dong, her eyes full of anger and worry.
"Old man, you've only recovered from this illness for a few days, how come you've forgotten it again?"
Her voice was not loud, but it carried unquestionable authority.
"The doctor has repeatedly told you to quit smoking and drinking and take good care of your body. If you continue to do this, what if the disease recurs?"
Having said this, she sighed slightly, and the worry in her eyes became more intense, as if she had seen the pain her husband was experiencing from the relapse of his old illness.
Secretary Dong's smile froze after being scolded by his wife. He scratched his head and said in an embarrassed tone:
"Old lady, I am so happy! Today's matter is different. Shuzhuo grew up under our care. He can start a family and build a career. As the elders, how can we not be happy? Just drink a little, it's okay."
There was a hint of pleading in his tone, and his eyes were still looking at his wife with determination, hoping to change her mind.
Grandma Zhao Shujuan was unmoved. She put the vegetables into the basin, wiped her hands on her apron, walked to Secretary Dong, and took him into the house, saying as she walked:
"It's okay to be happy, but your health is more important. If you really love Shuzhuo, take good care of yourself. There will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate in the future. Today, let's eat something light and take good care of ourselves."
Although Secretary Dong was unwilling, he also knew that his wife was doing this for his own good, so he could only helplessly follow her into the house, muttering:
"Okay, okay, it's up to you."
At this moment, the atmosphere in the house briefly changed from joy to helplessness because of this little episode, but everyone knew in their hearts that hidden behind this was the deep love between family members.
When Zhao Shujuan saw her old man's sullen look, like a defeated rooster with his head hanging, her heart couldn't help but soften.
Her eyes slowly swept over Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo who were standing aside, somewhat at a loss, and then turned to look at Secretary Dong.
A barely perceptible smile flashed across his face, and he said with a bit of helplessness:
"Humph, I can only drink a little for Jianguo and Shuzhuo's sake."
When Secretary Dong heard this, his dim eyes instantly brightened up again. Like a prisoner who had received a pardon, he quickly agreed:
"Okay, okay, just a little bit. If you say you can't drink it, I'll stop immediately, okay?"