As the news of Lu Ming's return spread like wildfire through Lujia Village, it didn't take long for the entire community to buzz with excitement. The villagers, young and old, were all eager to catch a glimpse of the local legend who had made it big in the outside world. They had heard stories of his success, his beautiful girlfriend, and the luxurious car he drove, and now they couldn't wait to see it all for themselves.
One by one, curious villagers made their way to Lu Ming's house to offer their New Year's greetings. While some hoped to catch a glimpse of the stunning girlfriend, others were interested in the tales of Lu Ming's newfound wealth and prosperity. The village was abuzz with chatter about their local hero, and it seemed like everyone had a story or two to share.
Interestingly, there were no matchmakers among the visitors. In a small village like Lujia, where everyone knew each other's family backgrounds, it was clear that the eligible girls in the village were not suitable matches for someone like Lu Ming. The villagers understood this, and they didn't bring up the topic of matchmaking, respecting the unspoken boundaries of social status.
The village had never been livelier during the New Year celebrations. The children, in particular, were thrilled by the prospect of seeing a grand fireworks display. Lu Ming had brought back tens of thousands of fireworks from the county town, and on New Year's Eve, he and An Yirou decided to light up the night sky with a dazzling show. For many children in the village, this was the first time they had witnessed such a spectacle up close, and their eyes sparkled with wonder.
On New Year's Eve, the stage was set in the yard outside Lu Ming's house. As he and An Yirou prepared to light the fireworks, the excitement in the air was palpable. An Yirou, who had adapted quickly to the village's customs, was eager to join in the fun. She asked Lu Ming to share one of the pyrotechnic sticks with her, and he obliged with a playful smile.
However, as An Yirou reached out to take the pyrotechnic stick, Lu Ming, mischievous as ever, quickly pulled it back, leaving her reaching for thin air. He waved the fiery stick in his hand, taunting her with a smirk. An Yirou, not one to back down from a challenge, pouted and protested, demanding her share.
The playful tug-of-war continued, and Lu Ming eventually relented, handing over the pyrotechnic stick to his girlfriend. An Yirou's face lit up with excitement as she held the burning stick, ready to create her own fireworks display. But before she could light it, Lu Ming, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, snatched it back playfully.
Laughing and playfully wrestling over the fireworks, the couple embodied the carefree spirit of the New Year's celebrations. Lu Ming wrapped his arms around An Yirou's waist, holding her close, and they both reveled in the joy of the moment. As the pyrotechnic display continued in the background, their laughter filled the night air.
Inside the house, Lu Ming's mother watched the scene through the open door, her heart filled with warmth. She was overjoyed to see her son so happy with his beautiful girlfriend. It was a heartwarming sight, and she couldn't have asked for a better way to welcome the New Year.
The celebrations continued beyond New Year's Eve. On the second day of the new year, Lu Ming decided to spread even more joy throughout the village. He distributed generous red envelopes, each containing a thousand yuan, to every one of the more than 300 households in Lujia Village. Additionally, he made sure that none of the village's children were left out, giving each child a hundred-yuan red envelope.
The villagers were astonished by Lu Ming's generosity. Some even remarked that he could afford to give more, considering his immense wealth. The atmosphere in the village was filled with gratitude and excitement, and it seemed that Lu Ming's return had brought prosperity to the entire community.
Amidst the festivities, a minibus from the county town arrived in Lujia Village on the second day of the new year. The village cadres, along with several other individuals, disembarked and made their way to Lu Ming's house. They had come uninvited, but it was clear that they had a purpose in mind.
Lu Ming and his family were in the midst of a mahjong game when they received the guests. The village party secretary, along with several county leaders, greeted Lu Ming and his family warmly. The atmosphere was respectful yet casual, reflecting the close-knit nature of the village.
The conversation naturally turned to the purpose of the visit. Secretary Feng, one of the county leaders, acknowledged Lu Ming's success and expressed their intention to seek his advice on economic development, especially in the realm of capital operation.
Lu Ming, ever the astute businessman, shared his thoughts with the county leaders. He stressed the need to shift from traditional approaches of attracting capital to a more innovative strategy that focused on attracting talent, particularly young individuals. He argued that in the 21st century, talent had become the most valuable resource and should be prioritized in local development efforts.
As Lu Ming elaborated on his perspective, he delved into the global economic landscape, emphasizing the impact of the 2008 financial crisis and the changing dynamics of globalization. He pointed out the emergence of anti-globalization trends and the need for strategic adaptations in response to these shifts.
The village party secretary and Lu Ming's father, realizing that the conversation had advanced into complex economic concepts, excused themselves to give the county leaders space for their discussion. They left the room, leaving Lu Ming and the county leaders to continue their dialogue.
Secretary Feng and the other county leaders nodded thoughtfully, absorbing Lu Ming's insights. The conversation gradually shifted to discussions of potential collaborations and investment opportunities. Lu Ming expressed his willingness to contribute to the county's development, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and innovative approaches.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with an invitation for future collaboration and engagement. As the county leaders departed, Secretary Feng thanked Lu Ming for his valuable insights and expressed hope for fruitful endeavors in the future.
Back in the village, the New Year festivities continued, with the villagers rejoicing in the warmth of community and family. Lu Ming's return had not only brought prosperity to his own household but also sparked hope and enthusiasm for the entire village. The scenes in Lujia Village painted a picture of tradition and modernity merging harmoniously, where the echoes of firecrackers blended with the promise of new opportunities and development.