Noon.
More and more people filled the restaurant, and the atmosphere gradually grew livelier. At that moment, a middle-aged man with a somewhat commanding bearing emerged from the back. His steps were slow, yet each one was steady and forceful. Several younger relatives and military officers followed beside him, crowding around him as they escorted him to the first main table. When everyone saw who had arrived, nearly all of them immediately stood up.
"Commander."
"Chief."
"Commander Xiong."
"May you live to be a hundred!"
Everyone offered their congratulations, and the chatter in the room gradually quieted down.
Only then did Dong Xuebin, Li Feng, and the other Dafeng County officials realize that this was Deputy Commander Xiong. It was their first time seeing him. He looked to be only a little over fifty, nothing like a man in his sixties. They promptly rose with everyone else. Of course, they did not offer birthday wishes or flattery, since their voices could not reach him from beyond the first two tables. Even if Deputy Commander Xiong heard them, he probably would not know who they were. Standing up was enough to show courtesy.
Deputy Commander Xiong was in excellent health, and his voice was full of vigor. He smiled as he greeted several nearby friends. "Thank you, thank you."
"Commander Xiong, say a few words for us."
"Old Sun, are you trying to make a fool of me? Huh?"
"Haha, it's your sixtieth birthday today. You have to say something."
The birthday banquet had been properly arranged. Though it was low-key, everything that should have been there was there. A staff member immediately brought over a microphone.
Xiong Liping had no choice but to take the microphone and clear his throat. Seeing the room fall silent, he chuckled. "You all know