Now even the bureau director is going to attend.
Originally, her sister held a low status in the Zhang Family, but now that she’s acquainted with the director of the Public Security Bureau and has become in-laws with Fu Chief, the Zhang Family will probably start treating her like royalty in the future.
Si's Father, hearing his tone, felt all the resentment from waiting here for an hour instantly vanish.
“The date was only finalized a few days ago. Considering Director Li and my son-in-law have a good relationship, I came specifically to invite you to dinner. Little Zhou and the others will all be there tonight.”
Director Li nodded repeatedly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Alright, since Battalion Commander Si has personally come to invite me, I can’t refuse. Tonight, it’s a date.”
Si's Father, brimming with excitement, pushed his luck further. “By the way, I noticed you’re on good terms with Boss Wang and Chief Zhang. If it’s not too much trouble, Director Li, could you invite them as well? We’ll have plenty of drinks tonight—no one leaves sober.”
Director Li’s lips twitched. Greedy old fool.
Those two old-timers—do they just attend anyone’s invitation?
Though mentally scoffing, Director Li played along.
“Sure, I’ll ask for you.”
If even Zhou Yueshen is going, those two old foxes would probably love to watch the show.
When Si's Father heard his agreement, he returned to the military compound with his back straighter than ever.
Among the Si family, he was the only one who had achieved some success, but they had no real connections in the military compound.
Back then, it was only because Si Nian was beautiful and academically outstanding that the Si Family gained some reputation in the compound.
But now that Si Nian was gone, it was Lin Sisi’s turn.
Though no one said it outright, many whispered behind their backs, mocking the Si Family for Lin Sisi being unworthy of Fu Yang.
The Si Family’s shortcomings were obvious—no powerful backing, no influential connections, naturally making them easy targets for disdain.
Unlike the Fu Family, whose influence stretched across the military compound, with direct subordinates and connections to chiefs of every district.
They practically crushed the Si Family under their heel.
Tonight, without a prominent figure present, the Si Family would surely be looked down upon.
But now, things were different. He had secured Director Li, Boss Wang, and even Chief Zhang—whose status was no less than Fu Chief’s!
Let’s see who dares to disrespect him now!
At this thought, Si's Father beamed with pride.
——
Meanwhile, Zhou Yueshen and Si Nian had also arrived in the city.
They found a place to park and first took the children to a department store.
With Zhou Yueshen around, Si Nian shopped even more freely.
Toys and clothes were bought in sets—several at a time.
Trips to the city were rare, so they stocked up, ensuring the kids had plenty to wear.
With autumn setting in and the weather turning colder, they also needed to buy coats for the children.
She’d noticed other families already buying fabric to make clothes for their kids.
But sewing was out of the question for Si Nian—she’d rather spend money on ready-made autumn wear.
After picking two coats and shoes for each child, she turned to Zhou Yueshen, who was holding one of the kids. “Zhou Yueshen, pay up.”
Zhou Yueshen stepped forward and wordlessly pulled out his wallet.
By the time they left the store, arms laden with bags, it was already 5:30 PM.
Dinner was at six, so they leisurely made their way to the military compound.
Though it was just a small gathering, Fu Yang’s wedding still drew quite a crowd.
Since the two families lived close, the event was held at the Si residence, with the actual wedding ceremony to take place at the Fu Family’s later.
This had been agreed upon by both sides.
Si's Father had spared no expense for this occasion, digging into his savings to buy top-tier cigarettes and liquor.
When the Fu Family arrived, he hurried to greet them. “Please, in-laws, right this way!”
The Fu Family had always looked down on the Si Family, and their expressions were critical.
“Why are there so few people? Even if it’s a small event, it’s still Fu Yang’s wedding.”
“Battalion Commander Si’s family must not have many relatives or friends.”
Fu Yang, a rising star in the military, was the pride of the Fu Family. Naturally, they were displeased.
Si's Father flushed with embarrassment.
He didn’t have many relatives, and those he did were either poor or constantly asking for favors—hardly the kind of guests he wanted around influential figures.
If they started begging for special treatment in front of these dignitaries, his reputation would be ruined.
That’s why he had gone out of his way to court Director Li—to have someone prestigious to bolster his standing.
At the thought of Director Li, his shame faded, and he straightened his back.
“They haven’t arrived yet. Director Li and the others might be busy and will come later. Please, take your seats—dinner will be served soon.”
The Fu Family members exchanged glances, skepticism evident.
“Director Li? Which Director Li?”
“You know Director Li? Li Dongming?”
Si's Father smiled. “Not too familiar, but he, Boss Wang from the department store, and Chief Zhang all attended Si Nian’s wedding.”
The Fu Family was stunned.
“You know Boss Wang too?”
“Chief Zhang—from the North China region?”
Their gazes toward Si's Father instantly shifted.
Even if he claimed they weren’t close, why would such important figures attend Si Nian’s wedding otherwise?
Who would’ve thought the seemingly ordinary Si Family had such powerful connections?
No wonder Fu Yang, who usually looked down on everyone, agreed to marry Lin Sisi.
The previously dismissive group quickly changed their tune.
“I’ve dined with Director Li a few times—we even planned to drink together soon. Didn’t expect the chance to come so quickly.”
“I heard Director Li, Chief Zhang, and Boss Wang grew up together—inseparable. Guess the rumors are true.”
“Looks like tonight’s guest list is impressive.”
“Our Fu Yang is lucky to meet so many influential figures.”
“Come, let’s go meet our future daughter-in-law.”
Their enthusiasm was palpable.
Si's Father, overjoyed, immediately asked his wife to bring out Lin Sisi for introductions.
Zhang Cuimei was equally thrilled.
She never expected that just mentioning Director Li’s attendance would earn them such respect!
For the first time, she felt the privilege that came with power.
Was her dream of entering high society finally coming true?
She eagerly led the group to Lin Sisi.
Meanwhile, Si's Father, savoring the moment, boasted to everyone about Director Li’s impending arrival.
When the Fu Family’s patriarch arrived and overheard, he frowned.
“You invited Li Dongming too?”
He and Li Dongming had once been rivals, their relationship far from cordial.
Though they occasionally crossed paths at major events, they rarely interacted.
He never imagined Si's Father was this close to him.
Si's Father feigned helplessness.
“I didn’t plan to invite him, but when Director Li heard about it, he insisted on coming. It would’ve been rude to refuse...”
