Chapter 947

The Zhou Laozi family, already seated at the main table, saw the stunning Fang Jingwen; in terms of appearance, temperament, and figure, Fang Jingwen was almost on par with Zhou Ruohan, and their expression involuntarily changed.

At this moment, Zhou Weiguo said, "Dad, this is the Fang family's girl, specially invited by Ruohan as a bridesmaid."

"Just say how Ruohan's taste is; otherwise, if I were to say his few female cousins would suffice, he still insists on inviting someone from outside."

Zhou Weiguo smoothed things over, and only then did the expressions of Elder Qiao, Zhou Laozi, and the two elderly ladies improve a bit.

Fang Runan, seated at the side table next to the main table, saw his daughter make such a splendid entrance; he was also shocked, but soon he joined the crowd in clapping.

Perhaps others were completely attracted by this demeanor, while he applauded for his daughter's decisiveness and courage.

Of course, his heart wasn't exactly pleased either; by this point, an absurd notion actually flashed through his mind: given his work Within the System, given his status, he really shouldn't think this way.

But as a father, that absurd thought flashing in his mind was: "Maybe I just haven't worked hard enough; if half a year ago I could have leapt to become a Ministerial Level official, perhaps…"

People all assume that officials like them are high and mighty, never taking these matters to heart, unaware that he too is an ordinary father, just like any common person.

Of course, his awareness is far higher than that of more ordinary fathers; at least when it comes to any issue, he always looks for his own causes rather than blaming others.

Sitting with him was Liu Zhengyang, who wore a beaming smile; his niece was truly there as a bridesmaid, so he had nothing much on his mind, really just coming to offer congratulations.

Beside them was Zhou Ruohan's second uncle; today he happened to be wearing casual clothes, but the distinctive aura on his face was still quite evident.

He said, "I never expected that our family's girl would actually invite two fairy-like bridesmaids; if it weren't that everyone here today are acquaintances, close friends from the circle, we might not even be able to tell who the bride is."

Also, Deputy Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission Zhou Cheng said, "Liu Zhengyang's niece is not bad either; I just don't know which family's young man will get the benefit in the future."

Liu Zhengyang laughed and said, "This sort of thing isn't up to me to decide, and she's always been a trouble‑maker, so I reckon it'll be hard to find a good family for her."

At their table there were also leaders from the Ministry of Finance, the Publicity Department, and the Ministry of Agriculture, and everyone clapped to express sincere blessings.

Just then, several people walked out from the small side hall on the other side; seeing them, everyone who had been speaking stood up.

Even Zhou Weiguo, Secretary Chen, the Department Head of the Publicity Department, and the two elders on the main table, as well as Su Yang's parents sitting together at the main table, all rose to their feet.

Zhou Weiguo was the first to go up and greet them, saying, "Leader, why did you personally come over?"

The person who came was the institute's second-in-command leader, who said, "This is a happy day for your family; how could I not come? I represent myself, and also represent the institute in extending congratulations to you."

Immediately he went forward and shook hands with the two elders: "Zhou Lao, congratulations, your grandson‑in‑law is no ordinary person. Someone as pure‑hearted and wholeheartedly devoted to serving the Common People is now almost as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Moreover, he is a person with vision and daring to act; just that alone wouldn't be enough to make everyone take notice, but crucially he can also propose suggestions suited to our nation's conditions, which is truly rare."

Then he turned to Elder Qiao and said, "Senior Leader, I believe that with your guidance Su Yang will surely become a great talent. I myself learned a great deal from you back then; if you also train Su Yang, he will definitely contribute to our country. Although there are limitations now, he can truly enable the Common People to obtain substantive benefits."

Elder Qiao said, "You are now one of the leaders of the Party and the state; you can't keep relying on my status to speak, or people will think I'm leaning on my age and selling my age. Although this child is indeed not bad, to meet your expectations he still falls far short."

Zhou Weiguo said, "Leader, please take a seat; otherwise, everyone here will be standing."

The institute's leader then smiled, waved at everyone, and sat down at the main table.

Of course, Secretary Chen and the Department Head of the Publicity Department had both gone up to greet the institute's leader, but the leader didn't have a chance to speak with them, after all today is the Zhou family's affair.

At this moment, the host continued, "Please welcome today's bride and groom to the stage!"

As the host's words fell, Su Yang and Zhou Ruohan walked out hand in hand.

In an instant, all kinds of lights gathered on their two persons, plus the beautiful music; at this moment, everyone applauded them from the heart.

Even the institute's leader nodded repeatedly and said to Zhou Weiguo, "This truly is a perfect match of pearls and jade!"

Zhou Weiguo hurriedly said, "Thank you, Leader; I'll convey your words to them later."

The institute's leader said, "What to convey? This isn't work; I'm here today to give blessings. I don't have anything suitable, so I brought a longevity lock, which I'll give to their little baby later, hoping the little one will like it."

While speaking, the leader produced a longevity lock from his pocket; although it is a silver ornament, its value depends on who gives it.

Zhou Weiguo hurriedly accepted it and thanked him again.

At this moment, the wedding was still underway on stage, but the leader left after sitting for less than ten minutes, as he had other activities to attend; today he had merely squeezed in a visit.

Just as the institute's leader had stepped away, a staff member walked up to the elder's ear and whispered a few words.

The elder said to Zhou Weiguo, "Come on, let's go together for a moment."

The two of them hurried to the nearby side hall, where a middle‑aged person in his forties smiled and said, "Congratulations, Elder Zhou, congratulations, Weiguo. Originally the top leader was supposed to come in person, but an important matter came up temporarily and he couldn't get away, so he specially sent me to convey his blessings."

Zhou Weiguo said, "Thank you, Director Gao; the whole family has already taken to heart the top leader's kindness, and for you to make a special trip truly makes us feel deeply honored."

Elder Zhou said, "Indeed, the leader is burdened with myriad affairs yet still keeps our juniors' wedding in mind; we are truly grateful." Then he said to Zhou Weiguo, "See if the ceremony has ended; if it has, let Su Yang come over."

What kind of person is the elder? He saw that the Director of the Central Office had something to personally convey to Su Yang; otherwise he would have just said it outright.

Although these words were spoken politely, in practice, even if the ceremony was still underway, Su Yang had to be summoned at this moment.

Everyone present also understood perfectly and could sense an unusual atmosphere from it.

Su Yang was just about to wait for Zhou Ruohan to change clothes for a toast when he saw Old Zhou comrade striding over: "The Director of the Central Office has come; he wants to convey a few words of the top leader's blessings, come with me."

Upon hearing those words, Su Yang's mind went blank……