Once December arrived, the weather in Beijing grew increasingly frigid. Biting winds swept through the streets and alleys like sharp knives. If they could, everyone would have preferred to hole up indoors forever, but the bitter cold could not deter Shen Jianan and his companions. They were completely immersed in a different kind of enthusiasm, and despite the punishing chill outside, everyone was filled with anticipation for the upcoming grand event.
To host this highly anticipated banquet at the manor, Gu Yu had spared no expense, hiring three times the usual number of workers to rush the construction, which was finally completed at the beginning of the month. Every day after class, Shen Jianan would lead a group of over a hundred people in and out of the manor, busy decorating the venue. Zhong Ning, Su Lie, Qu Feng, and Zhang Qiao also came to help. Shen Jianan had them join Lin Qi, Fang Chen, and the others, who had recently returned from Lv City, to go out and collect the custom-made decorations and goods.
Feng Yi, Song Yichen, Lu Xiaoyue, and the other educated youths were not idle either. Following instructions, they split into two groups: Jian Dan and the others helped rush the work at the tailoring shop, while Lu Xiaoyue, Wang Wenwen, and their team followed Song Yichen to the manor to set up the venue. As a close friend of Shen Jianan, Chen Ming felt duty-bound to support the work, so he would come over every day, armed with his sketchbook and tools. When there wa…
Chapter 122