The celebration on-site was a fireworks display, while the luncheon was arranged at the Fengqi Hotel.
Over three hundred people attended the banquet, including all the migrant workers who participated in the construction of Chunfeng Building, as well as over a hundred workers from Lijian Timber Industry. The entire first floor hall was booked for the event.
"Distinguished guests, good afternoon. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend the topping-out ceremony of Chunfeng Building. Over the past year and more, Yang Jian has received tremendous support from all of you; without it, there would be no Chunfeng Building today. I want to take this opportunity to express my most sincere gratitude to you all."
As the banquet began, Yang Jian took the stage and delivered a brief speech, bowing deeply.
The audience erupted in applause. Many were amazed at how quickly Yang Jian had grown. Just over a year ago, he was a migrant worker toiling on construction sites. Now, he not only owned a formwork factory with over a hundred workers but also this Chunfeng Building, spanning over five thousand square meters.
Setting aside whether the formwork factory was profitable, this building alone was a significant asset. At this moment, he had already entered the affluent circles of Chengguan.
"Your father, why don't I see Huihui and Daqiang? And Lulu and Yangyang? Where is their family? Why haven't they come on such an important day?"
Liu Xingzhi, sitting with Lu Yao's family, watched her son speak on stage, her heart brimming with excitement. However, after searching the room, she couldn't find her daughter's family.
Yang Shuanglin knew he could no longer hide the truth: "Huihui was in a car accident two months ago. A few days ago, she had a second surgery in Hancheng. Daqiang and both grandsons are at the hospital there."
"How could you all keep such a big thing from me? How is Huihui now?"
"Huihui has completed the surgery and is past the critical stage. She can be discharged in another month. Don't worry, she's fine now."
"You old fool! If you ever hide anything major from me again, I'll never forgive you."
Liu Xingzhi was so angry that her old ailments almost flared up.
Lu Yao, beside her, quickly patted her back: "Auntie, please don't get upset. I just came back from Sister Hui's place yesterday. Sister Hui is fine now; she'll make a full recovery with some rest. It's just because you haven't been well that they didn't dare to tell you. Today is a joyous occasion, so please don't let it make you angry and harm your health."
Seeing Lu Yao's thoughtfulness, Liu Xingzhi calmed down: "Yaoyao, thank you. And thank your father too. I heard he personally oversaw the construction of this building."
"Auntie, you're being too formal. My father works in this industry, and it's also close to our home. He hasn't started working yet, so he's been idle and comes over to check on things from time to time. He hasn't really helped much."
"Yaoyao, you're so eloquent. By the way, when are you and Er Jian going to get engaged?"
"Brother Jian said he wants to finish the interior decoration of two apartments in Chunfeng Building by the end of this year. One will be for Sister Hui's family to live in, and the other will be our marital home. So, our wedding date can only be set for next year."
"That makes sense. Our house back in our hometown is too small to be a bridal home. Since you work in the city, it's natural for you to live in the city."
As the two future mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were chatting warmly, they suddenly noticed Yang Jian, who had just come off stage, being stopped by a young woman. Liu Xingzhi's expression changed instantly because she recognized Chen Xiaoli, the girl who had dumped her son.
"Yang Jian, congratulations on the topping-out of your building. This is a small token of my regard, please accept it."
Chen Xiaoli handed a red envelope to Yang Jian.
Yang Jian frowned and did not take it: "How did you know my building was topped out?"
"Chengguan is not that big. With such a commotion, it's hard for me not to know."
"I'm sorry, I no longer have any dealings with you, and I cannot accept this red envelope."
"Yang Jian, are you still holding a grudge against me? I've already explained. It was my mother who confined me at home and wouldn't let me out. I really didn't intend to break up with you."
"Enough, Chen Xiaoli. We have already broken up, and I have a girlfriend. I plan to renovate our marital home before the end of the year and get married after the New Year. Please do not interfere with my life anymore."
Chen Xiaoli was unwilling to give up: "Fine, let's not talk about our matters. I came today not only to congratulate you but also to discuss business with you."
"What business do I have to discuss with you? Didn't you sabotage my loan application?"
"Don't wrongly accuse me. I didn't interfere with your loan application at all. The reason the bank didn't disburse the loan was partly due to the lengthy procedural requirements.
Also, your factory later had a quality accident that led to a work stoppage. The bank's assessment showed risk, which had nothing to do with me.
On the contrary, I even approached the director several times, hoping to get you preferential treatment. However, your conditions at the time did not meet the loan requirements.
If you reapply, I can guarantee that it will be approved because you now have fixed assets as collateral."
Yang Jian sneered: "Thank you, but I don't need a loan. Even if I did, I would seek out other banks. If there's nothing else, please leave. My girlfriend's family is all here, and it might cause misunderstandings."
"I do have something important. I'm here on behalf of the bank to discuss renting your property. We want to set up a branch at your location. If you agree, we can begin substantive negotiations tomorrow, and we'll handle the renovations ourselves."
Chen Xiaoli was clearly on a mission. Setting up a branch in Chunfeng Building was indeed a good location. The city was expanding rapidly. In just a few months, most of the land near Gaojiazhuang had been requisitioned, and that area would soon become part of the city.
Chunfeng Building was situated at the intersection of two main roads, next to a planned traffic roundabout. Although its geographical advantage wasn't fully apparent yet, in a year or two, it would be a prime location. Renting it now would be much cheaper, as renovations also take a considerable amount of time.
Before Yang Jian could speak, Lu Yao walked over: "I'm sorry, the first two floors of Chunfeng Building are not for rent. We plan to open a large supermarket ourselves."
Chen Xiaoli glared at Lu Yao with jealousy for a moment, then said to Yang Jian: "Yang Jian, please consider it. Our bank is offering very favorable terms. Not only will the rent be satisfactory, but your loan amount can also be increased, up to ten million. No other bank would offer you such good conditions."
Lu Yao still wouldn't let Yang Jian speak: "You're quite amusing. I already said we're not renting. Didn't you hear me say I'm opening a supermarket? Is ten million that impressive? Chunfeng Building itself is worth more than ten million. Next year, I can secure a twenty million loan."
"You."
Yang Jian finally had a chance to speak: "That's right, my wife decides everything regarding Chunfeng Building. As for loans, don't even mention it. I've sworn that even if your bank begs me to take a loan, I won't. There are many banks in Xinhe besides yours, and I have plenty of options if I need a loan."
"Don't regret this."
Chen Xiaoli was so angry that tears welled up in her eyes. She uttered a parting shot and rushed out of the hotel.