Now, even the Director was going to attend the wedding. Zhang Xiaoyun felt even more frustrated. Her sister had never been highly regarded within their family, but now, with connections to both the Director of Public Security and a prominent in-law like Fu's family, the Zhang family might start treating her like royalty.

As for Si's father, hearing the familiar tone from Director Li made all the resentment he felt after waiting for an hour disappear instantly.

"Well, we only just finalized the date a few days ago," Si's father said, his tone warm. "Considering the good relationship between you and my son-in-law, I wanted to personally invite you to join us for dinner tonight. Xiao Zhou and the others will all be there."

Director Li nodded repeatedly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Alright, since Captain Si personally came to invite me, I can't refuse. Tonight, I'll be there—wouldn't miss it for the world."

Si's father, full of excitement, decided to push his luck. "By the way, I noticed you have a good relationship with Boss Wang and Commander Zhang. If it's not too much trouble, could you invite them along as well? We've got plenty of drinks ready for tonight—no one's leaving sober!"

Director Li's smile tightened, and he couldn't help but think, Greedy old man.

*Those two old men? Not just anyone can invite them.* Though Director Li was inwardly grumbling, he still played along.

"Alright, I'll ask around for you," he said. If that guy Zhou Yue Shen is going, those two old fellows would likely be happy to come and watch the show too.

Hearing Director Li agree, Si's father returned to the military compound with his back a little straighter. The Si family had done decently for themselves, but they lacked connections within the military compound.

Back then, it was Si Nian's good looks and excellent academic performance that made the Si family known in the compound. But with Si Nian gone, it was now all about Lin Sisi.

Although no one said anything to their faces, there was plenty of gossip behind their backs. Many people believed that Lin Sisi wasn't a good match for Fu Yang.

This was the Si family's weakness. Without any real backing or influential connections, they were naturally looked down upon. Unlike the Fu family, which had direct subordinates all over the military compound and connections with commanders in every district, the Si family couldn't hold their heads high.

If they didn't have a prominent figure at their event tonight, the Si family would be completely dismissed.

But now things were different. He had secured the presence of Director Li, Boss Wang, and even Commander Zhang, who was just as significant as Commander Fu! He was eager to see who would dare look down on him now.

At this moment, Si's father was all smiles.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yue Shen and Si Nian had arrived in the city. They parked the car and took the kids to a department store first. With Zhou Yue Shen around, Si Nian felt more at ease, buying things without hesitation.

They bought several sets of toys and clothes. Since it was a rare trip to the city, Si Nian wanted to stock up on items for the kids. With the weather cooling down as autumn set in, she also needed to buy coats for the children.

She had noticed that other families were already starting to make clothes for their kids. Si Nian knew she couldn't make clothes herself, so she had to rely on buying autumn clothes with money.

After selecting two jackets and pairs of shoes for each child, Si Nian turned to Zhou Yue Shen, who was holding one of the kids. "Zhou Yue Shen, give me the money."

Zhou Yue Shen stepped forward, his expression unchanged as he pulled out his wallet. By the time they left the department store, their arms full of packages, it was already 5:30 PM.

Dinner was at 6, so they took their time making their way to the military compound. Even though it was just a dinner and not a grand event, Fu Yang's wedding still drew a considerable number of guests.

The two families lived relatively close, so they decided to hold the dinner at the Si family's place and reserve the wedding ceremony for the Fu family's venue.

For this wedding, Si's father had spared no expense, draining years of savings to buy the finest cigarettes and liquor.

When the guests from the Fu family arrived, Si's father rushed to greet them. "Welcome, in-laws, this way please, this way!"

The guests from the Fu family, who looked down on the Si family, were very particular. One of them commented, "There aren't many people here. Even if it's a simple dinner, it's still for Fu Yang's wedding, after all."

"It seems like Captain Si's family doesn't have many relatives or friends," someone from the Fu family remarked.

Fu Yang was a young man with impressive achievements in the military and a source of pride for the Fu family. Naturally, they were dissatisfied.

Si's father felt awkward, his face reddening slightly. He had few relatives, and with only himself making something of himself, he had chosen not to invite any poor relatives, fearing embarrassment. His wife's side of the family was even more problematic, constantly bothering him to help with various matters, which was quite annoying.

Inviting them might lead to awkward situations where they'd try to get favors from important guests, which would be embarrassing for him. That's why he had made repeated efforts to curry favor with Director Li, hoping he would show up and lend some prestige to the event.

Thinking about Director Li, Si's father's feelings of inadequacy vanished, and he straightened his back. "They haven't arrived yet. Director Li and the others might be busy and will come later. Please, make yourselves comfortable. Dinner will be served soon."

The Fu family members paused, exchanging glances with some skepticism. "Director Li? Which Director Li?"

"You know Director Li? Li Dongming?"

Si's father smiled and nodded. "Not exactly close, but when Nian Nian got married, Director Li, along with Boss Wang from the department store and Commander Zhang, all attended."

The Fu family members were taken aback.

"You know Boss Wang from the department store?"

"Commander Zhang, from the North China region?"

The way they looked at Si's father changed instantly. Although Si's father downplayed their familiarity, it was clear that such high-profile figures wouldn't attend Si Nian's wedding without a significant connection.

It was surprising that the seemingly ordinary Si family had connections to so many prominent figures behind the scenes. No wonder Fu Yang, who was so selective, would marry Lin Sisi.

The previous condescension from the Fu family members quickly vanished.

"I've had a few meals with Director Li before and even planned to get together for drinks next time. Didn't expect the opportunity to come so soon."

"Yes, I heard Director Li, Commander Zhang, and Boss Wang have been good friends since childhood. They're always together wherever they go. It seems it's all true."

"It looks like there are quite a few important figures here today."

"Our Fu Yang is truly lucky to be surrounded by so many big shots."

"Come on, let's go and check out our Fu family's future daughter-in-law!"

Everyone was lively and enthusiastic. Si's father, beaming with joy, quickly asked his wife to bring their daughter out for introductions.

Zhang Cuimei was also thrilled. She hadn't expected that the news of her husband inviting Director Li and others would generate such enthusiasm!

At this moment, she felt the superiority that came with power and influence. It seemed her dream of entering a prominent family was finally coming true!

She happily led the group to find Lin Sisi.

Si's father, savoring the positive reactions, made sure to mention to everyone that Director Li and the others were coming.

When Fu Yang's family arrived, they overheard this conversation.

Fu's father frowned. "They even invited Li Dongming?"

He and Li Dongming used to be competitors, and their relationship was not particularly warm. Although they would occasionally invite each other to major events, they didn't have much personal interaction.

He was surprised to learn that Si's father seemed to be so familiar with Li Dongming.

Si's father responded with a tone of helplessness, "I wasn't planning to invite them initially, but when Director Li and the others heard about the event, it wouldn't have been right to keep them away..."