Reborn in 78, I made my fortune by working in the mountains, supporting three families on my own.

Faced with his mother-in-law's praise, Zhao Lei finally breathed a sigh of relief.

At this moment, the banquet was in full swing.

Zhao Lei briefly showed Su Wanqing's family around the new house before going to greet the guests.

"Mom, the meal is about to begin. Let's take our seats and eat."

"it is good."

Su Wanqing quickly led her mother, second brother, and uncle downstairs to sit down.

Zhao Lei greeted all the guests, and beads of sweat were already forming on his forehead.

He returned to the main table, where Lin Hui was holding Su Wanqing's hand and talking. Seeing him come over, she quickly said, "Lei Zi, you go about your business, don't worry about us. Wanqing is fine with me."

Zhao Lei nodded: "Mom, please sit down first, I'll go and greet the guests."

Lin Hui waved her hand: "Go, go, go, important business is more important."

Zhao Lei turned and walked towards the boss's table. After taking two steps, he turned back and called out to Su Minggui, "Fourth Uncle, please take good care of Mom and Second Brother for me."

Su Minggui, holding the bowl, gestured with his chin at him: "Go ahead, don't worry, I'll take care of things here."

Zhao Lei turned and went to the table.

This table was occupied by Deputy Factory Director Li, Deng Canghai, Wang Jianguo, Zhou Datou, along with Zhou Defu, the brigade leader of Sanhe Township, and Zhu Kaitian, the brigade leader of Zhujia Village.

Zhao Lei walked to the table, picked up his bowl, and toasted everyone: "Brothers, there are many people and things to do today, so please forgive me if I haven't been able to entertain you properly. I'll finish this bowl, please help yourselves."

He finished speaking and chugged it down in one gulp.

Deputy Factory Director Li waved his hand: "Xiao Zhao, you're too kind. The feast is so well-organized, there's no way we could have been inadequate in our hospitality."

Wang Jianguo chimed in from the side, "Exactly! Fourteen tables! These days, you can count on one hand the number of places in Qingfeng Town that can afford this kind of lavish affair. Lei Zi, you've really shown your generosity."

Zhou Datou picked up a piece of braised pork and stuffed it into his mouth: "I, Zhou Datou, have been running this business for so many years, and I've seen countless weddings and funerals in the surrounding villages, but I've never seen anything as grand as today."

Deng Canghai ignored the pleasantries, clinked his wine bowl against Zhao Lei's, and said in a low voice, "Brother, your landmark building is now a success. Several people have already come over to ask me about my cement business."

"Haha, I knew it! See, business is coming in now."

"Yes, yes, yes..."

Zhao Lei nodded and sat down next to Deputy Factory Director Li.

Zhao Lei added another spoonful of steamed pork ribs to Deputy Factory Director Li's bowl, and used this as an excuse to ask, "Brother Li, there's something I'd like to ask you about."

Deputy Factory Director Li, who was gnawing on ribs, put down his chopsticks upon hearing this and said, "Go on."

Zhao Lei considered for a moment: "Is Jinxiu Textile Factory hiring? My wife, Jiang Xinyue, is highly educated, good at accounting, and very hardworking. If you're short-staffed, could you help me find her a position?"

After listening, Deputy Factory Director Li didn't reply. He picked up his wine bowl, took a sip, and then slowly said, "Little Zhao, let me tell you the truth. The textile factory's quotas are very tight right now. When we recruit, it's all about the father retiring and the son taking over. Anyone from outside who wants to get in needs to have official quotas from above."

"But since you've brought it up, I'll keep an eye out for you. If the factory releases any new quotas, I'll let you know first."

Zhao Lei understood and picked up his wine bowl: "Brother Li, your words are enough. I toast you."

Deputy Factory Director Li nudged him and said, "We're brothers, no need for formalities."

Wang Jianguo chimed in, "Hey, Lei Zi, are you trying to get your wife into the factory? Your business is thriving, you don't need that little bit of salary!"

Zhao Lei chuckled: "Xin Yue is a master at managing accounts at home; she's literate. It's a shame she's wasting her talents at home. She could really utilize them if she went to work in a factory."

Wang Jianguo clicked his tongue twice: "You really care about the people in your household. No wonder you were able to marry three such beautiful wives!"

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.

The atmosphere at the table immediately became lively.

Zhou Defu, holding a bowl, chimed in, "I've known Zhao Lei for a long time that he's a kind and honest man. He's righteous and loyal. All the hunters in our village speak highly of him and give him a thumbs up."

Zhu Kaitian nodded: "That's right, people in Zhujia Village also say he's an honest man. He doesn't cheat people when doing business these days."

Zhao Lei was a little embarrassed by the praise: "Brothers, please don't flatter me. I come from a poor background and know how hard it is for farmers to earn money. I'm just putting myself in their shoes."

Immediately, everyone at the table burst into laughter.

At this moment, many villagers at the edge of the courtyard began to look in this direction, whispering among themselves.

"Look, look! Zhao Lei is sitting at the same table as Deputy Director Li of Jinxiu Textile Factory! Also at that table are Boss Wang from the brick kiln and Boss Zhou from Sanhe Township. They are all prominent figures."

"Wow, Zhao Lei has really made it big now. Who respected him before? He was dirt poor after his parents passed away, but now he's so successful."

"Now look at the two-story red brick house that has been built. The three women in the family live together harmoniously, and the children are healthy and chubby. Even relatives from the county town have come to visit."

"I heard he's still doing some kind of business and has made a lot of money. I just don't know what it is."

"Third Brother, don't you know? Zhao Lei went into the mountains to hunt and got some good stuff, which he sold for a good price. Now he's also doing medicinal herb business outside; he has a lot of connections."

Aunt Wang's eyes widened: "Medicinal herbs business? That stuff can make so much money?"

"Of course! I've heard that he has connections with people in the black market, and his relationships are quite strong."

Unconsciously, Zhao Lei's image was also greatly elevated during this banquet.

Because ordinary people, let alone hosting such a high-profile banquet, even if they did, might not be able to invite these prominent figures.

The fact that someone is willing to come shows that the person Zhao Lei is looking for has value and is someone worth befriending.

At this moment, Zhao Lei was busy refilling the wine for several bosses, toasting them bowl after bowl.

Wang Jianguo, his face flushed from drinking, held onto Zhao Lei's hand tightly: "Leizi! From now on, if you need bricks for building your house, just come to me!"

Zhou Datou chimed in from the side, "Boss Wang, you're just drunk and talking nonsense! You're usually incredibly stingy when it comes to selling bricks!"

Wang Jianguo glared: "I'm willing to sacrifice Lei Zi! It's none of your business!"

Everyone at the table burst into laughter.

After several rounds of drinks, the dishes on the table were gradually emptied.

Liu Hongxia brought up the last plate of scrambled eggs from the kitchen and asked Zhao Lei if he wanted any more dishes.

Zhao Lei waved his hand and said that was enough, that would be a waste to continue.

Liu Hongxia responded and turned to get back to her work.

People in the courtyard gradually began to get up and say goodbye.

Villagers believe in holding banquets early rather than late, and that the food must be cleared away as soon as it's finished so that the host can clean up.

Zhao Lei went from table to table seeing off guests, offering cigarettes and exchanging pleasantries, repeating the same things twenty or thirty times until his voice became a little hoarse.

Qin Yuchan assisted him from the side, handing him cigarettes and matches; the two worked together seamlessly.

By 3 p.m., most of the people in the courtyard had left.

Only a few close friends remained in the main room, sitting and drinking tea, including Su Minggui, Su Jianjun, Lin Hui, and the Qin brothers, Qin Mancang, Qin Dashan, and Qin Bowen.