books44 Chapter 150 The Banquet Ends Perfectly
Chapter 150 The Banquet Ends Perfectly
In the luxurious hotel lobby, Zhang Jing forced herself to be alert, looked firmly at her mother who was playing with the child, and said softly, "Mom, please take care of the child for me. I have to go out to greet the guests first." The mother smiled and nodded, then gently took the child.
Zhang Jing adjusted her skirt and gracefully walked out of the room. Meanwhile, Zhang Zhi and Zhang Xiaobing were busy weaving through the crowd, enthusiastically helping guests to their seats. However, Zhang Zhi was surprised to see Old Lady Li and her sister-in-law's niece sitting at the table writing the gift list, meticulously recording every gift and congratulatory message received.
Zhang Jing walked over quickly, smiled but said to Mrs. Li and her niece in a tactful tone: "Thank you both for your hard work, but the work of writing the gift list is rather tedious. Why don't you let someone else take over?" Unexpectedly, both Mrs. Li and her niece were extremely determined and said they must complete the task. No matter how much they were persuaded, they refused to leave.
Time ticked by as guests arrived and took their seats. Zhang Jing and Achen, like two industrious bees, flitted from table to table, enthusiastically greeting and exchanging pleasantries with each guest, ensuring they felt the hostess's sincere welcome. Meanwhile, the hostess' mother-in-law was also busy, chatting with the guests with a smile on her face. She would occasionally take a moment to approach Zhang Jing and whisper that eight tables had been prepared, and that additional tables could be added if the number of guests exceeded expectations.
Upon hearing this news, Zhang Jing couldn't help but wonder, "Will there really be so many guests?"
Finally, after most of the guests had arrived, there was a slight commotion at the door. Old Mrs. Xu, carefully supported by Li Xiangyue, slowly entered the hotel. Zhang Jing, quick-eyed, immediately dropped what she was doing and hurried forward, beaming. "Godmother, we've been waiting for you. Please take a seat here. The main table is reserved for you." With that, she personally led Old Mrs. Xu and Li Xiangyue to the main table, carefully pulling out chairs for them. After settling everything, Zhang Jing hurried back into the compartment and, together with her mother, carefully carried the adorable child out.
At this point, the hotel's MC took the stage and began presiding over the event according to the pre-determined process. His captivating voice echoed throughout the banquet hall, and the atmosphere gradually became lively. Accompanied by the cheerful music, the guests applauded and expressed their congratulations. The MC announced that, as a thank you, everyone would receive a small gift upon departure, as well as a red envelope as a return gift.
"This red envelope contains neither money nor money!" Seeing everyone's confusion, the emcee revealed the answer: "Each red envelope contains a lottery ticket, with five machine-selected numbers each! We hope you enjoy it! Whoever wins will be lucky! Comrades, don't get excited. The lottery will be drawn after 5:9 tonight. Now let's applaud and thank the host for giving us the opportunity to win 500 million!"
The MC, with his powerful tongue, told everyone to stay seated and not move around, while the waitresses went from table to table, handing out lottery tickets. Someone asked if there were any children. The MC replied, "No, originally." But after further questioning, the host explained that any children who could say auspicious words should go to the main table to receive them.
"But let me be frank: if a child wins 500 million, they can't claim the prize! Do you understand?"
"I understand!" Everyone laughed and answered in unison. The host waved his hand, "Let's eat! Everyone, don't move around, wait for the waitresses to hand out red envelopes. Oh, and eat where you sit. Don't worry, kids, everyone gets one, and we'll give it to the kids after the adults do. Let's eat first! I suggest everyone eat half full first, then hand out the red envelopes, otherwise it will affect your meal!"
"no!"
"Give me 500 million first"
"The 500 million is mine, you have no share! Don't think about it!" Everyone started to make jokes, and it was very lively.
Zhang Jing had two waiters go table by table handing out lottery tickets in red envelopes. This idea was reminiscent of someone's wedding in their past life, but they'd given each person two lottery tickets in return. Now, using it again, the effect was surprisingly good.
Zhang Jing, her mother, and her mother-in-law took turns sitting down to eat. When they were almost done, Zhang Jing gently picked up the children and waited for them to line up to receive their lottery red envelopes.
Naituanzi was the first to receive a red envelope, opening with a blessing: "I wish my brothers and sisters health and beauty!" A string of children lined up below... After they were all given out, there were still quite a few left. Zhang Jing asked how many waiters were in the lobby, counted them, and handed them to the lobby supervisor, giving each one a red envelope and wishing everyone a lucky win.
After receiving countless thanks, she stuffed the remaining pies back into her bag and began to show off her baby's adorable appearance to friends and family at each table. Seeing this, the guests gathered around, saying all kinds of warm and sweet blessings, and the whole scene was filled with a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.
Some people asked to hold the baby, but my mother-in-law and mother protected them like mother hens, pretending not to hear. Or they promised to hold the baby for everyone after they came back from the tour, because there were too many people.
Zhang Yongle's family and Zhang Xiaobing sat at the same table. Li Xiangyue also left Old Lady Xu's place and sat down. Uncle Zhang smiled broadly when he saw the children, holding them in his arms. He then took out two red envelopes and gave them to the children. Zhang Yongle immediately took photos, holding the two children himself for Zhang Xiaobing to take pictures.
This attracted a large number of people who wanted to take pictures, and soon the child became noisy. The mother-in-law took the opportunity and Zhang Jing took the child away to comfort him.
Back at the main table to continue eating, Zhang Jing noticed that Mrs. Xu was interacting with Milk Ball. She quickly showed the child in her arms to Mrs. Xu, who smiled and said with satisfaction, "The child is growing well. You must take good care of him!"
Zhang Jing said, "Godmother, you don't even hold the child, and let me eat a few mouthfuls of food?" Mrs. Xu immediately said, "Then you eat, and I'll hold you!"
Zhang Jing said as she ate, "You still care about me. I'll eat a few more bites, and you can hold me for a while longer."
Old Mrs. Xu smiled, gazing at the child in front of her with eyes as gentle as water. Her innocent smile was like a flower blooming in spring, instantly lighting up the whole world and making everything around her filled with joy and warmth.
At that moment, Mrs. Xu suddenly remembered that there was another child! She turned to ask Zhang Jing, who was standing nearby. Following her gaze, Zhang Jing saw the child sitting at the table with Zhang Zhi's mother-in-law. A group of people gathered together, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere. The mother-in-law was beaming, clearly in a very good mood.
Not long after, Zhang Zhi carefully took the twins away, saying that they wanted to bring joy to her husband's family. When the children were brought back, they were already a little sleepy, and their little mouths yawned from time to time, which was very cute.
Seeing this, Zhang Jing quickly asked Mrs. Xu to help hold one of the children, while her mother took the other. Afterwards, Zhang Jing began to see off the guests who came to congratulate her, and prepared a small exquisite gift for each of them to express her gratitude for their visit.
While seeing the guests off, Gao Wei walked up to Zhang Jing with a look of guilt on his face. He apologized to her softly: "I'm so sorry. I've caused you trouble with the house this time." Zhang Jing couldn't help but feel a little surprised when she heard this. After some inquiries, she learned that Aunt Zhuang had not purchased a property yet, while Aunt Zhang and her daughter chose to jointly buy a smaller house... It seems that everyone has different plans, and in the end they decided to buy separately instead of together.
Mrs. Xu asked to go to the restroom and asked Zhang Jing to accompany her. Zhang Jing handed the child to Achen and went to take care of Mrs. Xu. After finding out which bathroom had a toilet, she pushed Mrs. Xu in and helped her sit down.
"Oh! Getting old is such a hassle!" said Mrs. Xu. "It wasn't easy for me to come out once, and it will be even harder in the future."
Zhang Jing said, "What nonsense are you talking about? My mom's going to be gone in two days. I'm taking care of two kids by myself, and I can't even go out to buy groceries! I have to rush to cook. I was just about to tell you, why don't you take some time off and come out to help me?"
Old Madam Xu laughed and scolded: "How old am I? Are you still plotting against me?"
Zhang Jing said, "Seriously, you're a grandmother, and you're not willing to see your grandson? How old are you? You're still able to go out and about, and you're not even 100 yet, so how can you say you're old? Don't think I don't know how many centenarians there are in nursing homes! You're all living there trying to reach 100."
Mrs. Xu cursed, but smiled. Afterward, Zhang Jing supported her, wiped her clean, and helped her put on her pants. She carried her to her wheelchair. After flushing the toilet and washing her hands, Mrs. Xu said, "Xiao Jing, thank you!"
Zhang Jing said, "It's my duty. I'm your goddaughter. You don't have to be polite with me. In the future, I will help you wipe and dress. If you have any wishes, just tell me. Don't be polite!" After she was about to push the wheelchair out, Mrs. Xu handed Zhang Jing something wrapped in a black plastic bag:
"Don't ask any more questions. Just keep it! We'll look at it when we get back," Mrs. Xu said solemnly. Seeing Mrs. Xu's serious expression, Zhang Jing didn't dare to say anything more. She quickly stuffed the mysterious object into the back of the wheelchair and replied softly, "Okay, leave it here for now. I'll put it in my bag when I leave later."
"You must remember, don't let anyone take it away!" Old Mrs. Xu once again solemnly reminded Zhang Jing.
Zhang Jing nodded repeatedly and agreed, "Don't worry, godmother, I promise I won't let anyone take it away!"
Then, the two of them slowly walked out of the room. By this time, most people had already left the scene, leaving only a few. But Li Xiangyue still stood there, quietly waiting for Mrs. Xu so that she could escort her home safely.
Zhang Jing pushed Old Lady Xu and handed her to Li Manyue, who came forward. She then swiftly took out the things Old Lady Xu had given her and stuffed them into her own bag. At this time, the mother-in-law came over and told Zhang Jing that the children had been sent home by Achen first, and left in Zhang Yongle's car.
After Mrs. Xu and Li Xiangyue left, Zhang Jing turned to her mother-in-law to settle the bill. She pulled out a thick stack of cash and said to her mother-in-law, "Mom, take this money and see how much you need. If it's not enough, I'll make up for it. As for the gift money, leave it unopened for now."
After they settled the bill, the father-in-law and uncle also drove and waited. The father-in-law handed the gift money and the list to the mother-in-law, who then handed it to Zhang Jing. There were still some undelivered gift packages in the car. The father-in-law said that the extra ones would be shared among Zhang Jing's brothers, sisters and family members. Zhang Jing said, "Dad, Mom, you've worked hard today! Go back and have a good rest. After you're rested, we'll have a good meal together."
My mother-in-law said, "Don't worry so much, just take good care of the child."
"Grandpa didn't come today. Should we go see him?" Zhang Jing knew that the old man was old and couldn't stand the noise, so she didn't come.
"No need, you've been tired all day. Go back and have a good rest!" said the mother-in-law sympathetically, "The child can't live without you either!"
Zhang Jing remembered Old Lady Li again and asked hurriedly, "Mom, Old Lady Li asked you to arrange the collection of the membership fees, so why did she ask my sister-in-law and niece to write it? Do you want to be paid?"
The mother-in-law hurriedly said, "That old lady Li was just helping out, she's kind-hearted, just eat at the banquet. Don't worry about it. Your brother-in-law's niece was forced into marriage by your brother and his wife. If they didn't want her, they would have had her. It's really old lady Li who was smart enough to catch her and write about her." Your brother-in-law's wife...
The father-in-law interrupted her: "Old woman, you are not tired, right? Why don't you take a rest?"
Zhang Jing smiled bitterly: "Dad, Mom, I understand. You're right, this is mine and Achen's, I'll keep a close eye on it."
When he got home, the two children were already asleep. His mother had also gone to bed, but Ah Chen was still foolishly accompanying Zhang Yongle. Zhang Jing had returned, so he could rest assured. Zhang Yongle stood up and said goodbye, "You should rest well too. Call me if you need anything."
Zhang Jing saw that everyone had gone to bed, so she endured her fatigue and calculated the accounts on the computer. Unexpectedly, she not only did not lose money, but also made money!