120: Chapter 120 Promotion and Small Gathering

"Alright!" Township Head Mao Yungang beamed.

"I'll go arrange it right away. I guarantee it will be lively but not extravagant. I'll come get you before we get off work!"

After saying this, he quietly closed the door and walked with a light step toward the Party and Government Office.

In the hallway, Township Head Mao Yungang unconsciously hummed a tune. He suddenly felt that following such a promising leader might not be a bad stroke of luck; as long as he did his work well, why worry about not having a future?

...

Near the end of the workday, Township Head Mao Yungang lightly knocked on the door of Secretary Li's office: "Secretary Li, everyone is here and waiting for you."

Li Dakang closed his file, stood up, straightened his clothes, and followed him out of the office.

Downstairs, the leadership team members were already waiting. Seeing Secretary Li walk over, they stepped forward one after another to greet him: "Hello, Secretary Li!"

"Congratulations, Secretary Li!"

...

Li Dakang smiled, his gaze sweeping gently over everyone. His demeanor held both the dignity of a leader and an approachable kindness that felt like a spring breeze.

"Township Head Mao, where did you set the location for the dinner?"

Li Dakang asked casually as he walked out.

Township Head Mao Yungang immediately took a few quick steps to catch up: "It's arranged at the newly opened 'Three Meals a Day' in the township, just over seven hundred meters east of the Township Government compound. The environment and the dishes are both quite good."

"Since it's so close, let's just walk there."

As Li Dakang said this, he had already started walking toward the main gate with a steady and vigorous stride.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto his straight back, casting a long shadow on the ground.

Seeing this, the leadership team members followed in tacit understanding. The group walked through the Township Government compound, chatting and laughing, drawing glances from passersby.

Li Dakang, walking at the front, would occasionally turn back to converse with those behind him, sometimes asking about work progress, other times showing concern for their family situations. His conversation was caring yet maintained a measured distance.

Township Head Mao Yungang followed closely at his side, interjecting with supplements from time to time. On the country road where twilight was deepening, the group formed a harmonious and vibrant scene.

Before long, they arrived in front of the "Three Meals a Day" restaurant.

The economy of Guantian Township was gradually booming; with more outside investors and migrant workers, the catering industry had sprung up as well.

This newly opened restaurant was started by a local entrepreneur who had returned home, specializing in authentic farmhouse flavors.

In the twilight, two large red lanterns in front of the restaurant were particularly eye-catching, swaying gently in the evening breeze, reflecting the four gilded characters "Three Meals a Day" on the lintel.

Upon entering, one was met with a faint woody fragrance; the decor was not luxurious but showed care in every detail.

The log-colored tables and chairs were polished smooth and shiny, the ink paintings on the walls depicted the pastoral scenery of Guantian Township, and a few potted plants in the corners added a touch of vitality.

"The environment is quite nice."

Li Dakang looked around and nodded in satisfaction.

Through the open windows, one could see the rolling green mountains in the distance, which matched perfectly with the cozy atmosphere inside.

The smell of food wafted through the restaurant, and one could faintly hear the sound of spatulas colliding in the kitchen, which involuntarily whetted one's appetite.

"Oh my, welcome, Secretary Li!"

The restaurant owner, with his round belly, hurried over in two or three steps.

This local man in his early forties wore an eager smile on his face and reached out to shake Li Dakang's hand firmly: "I heard that Secretary Li was coming, so I specially cleaned up the best private room."

Li Dakang smiled gently and shook his hand back lightly: "You're too kind; we're just here to taste your restaurant's cooking."

While speaking, the owner led everyone through the main hall, looking back as he walked: "Rest assured, Secretary Li, everything used today is vegetables just picked from the fields this morning and free-range chickens from the back mountain. I guarantee the leaders will be satisfied!"

The private room was bright and clean, with exquisite tableware set on the round table.

Township Head Mao Yungang stepped forward quickly and pulled out the chair at the head of the table: "Secretary Li, please take the seat of honor."

Li Dakang looked around at everyone, waved his hand, and smiled: "We are all our own people, no need to be so formal."

After saying this, he sat down calmly.

Township Head Mao Yungang and the Township People's Congress Chairman Gan Xianzhou sat on either side of Li Dakang, and the other leadership team members also sat down in order of their positions with tacit understanding.

Just then, the restaurant owner knocked on the door of the private room and leaned in: "Leaders, may I serve the dishes now?"

Li Dakang put down his teacup and nodded kindly: "Go ahead and serve them now."

Before long, the waiters filed in, serving one dish after another, each with appetizing color, aroma, and taste.

The blue and white porcelain plates held golden, glistening braised free-range chicken, the clay pots were stewed with fragrant steamed cured meats, and there were fresh green seasonal wild vegetables, each dish exuding authentic farmhouse flavor.

The restaurant owner had specifically instructed the kitchen to prepare a few signature dishes: river seafood soup stewed with mountain spring water, slow-cooked pork with preserved mustard greens, and an exquisitely plated platter of mixed grains, all of which were mouth-watering.

Li Dakang picked up his wine glass, his gaze sweeping gently over everyone present: "For this first glass of wine, I want to toast everyone here. The achievements Guantian Township has today are the result of everyone's concerted efforts."

"Tonight, let's put aside work and relax properly."

"Come, let's finish this glass together!"

Township Head Mao Yungang immediately stood up, holding his glass with both hands: "Well said, Secretary Li!"

He looked around at everyone, his voice resonant: "We toast Secretary Li with this glass! First, to congratulate Secretary Li on being promoted to a member of the County Party Committee; second, to thank Secretary Li for his contributions to Guantian Township; and third, to wish that under Secretary Li's leadership, our Guantian Township will flourish day by day!"

"Cheers!"

More than a dozen wine glasses clinked in the air, emitting a crisp sound.