Qi Tongwei: Sign-in relationship started during student days

Chapter 957 Sign-in Ud (2)

Time flew by and it was evening.

With Ude personally overseeing the arrangements, the banquet was arranged in a very solemn manner.

It not only showcases German rigor but also incorporates Chinese elegance.

The long dining table was covered with a snow-white linen tablecloth, the edges of which were embroidered with ginkgo leaves and peony patterns in gold thread, symbolizing the friendship between Germany and Wales.

Each set of tableware was carefully selected. The silver cutlery gleamed under the light, while the porcelain plates were made in the style of blue and white porcelain from the Meissen kiln in Germany. The delicate blue and white patterns outlined a design that intertwined traditional elements from both China and Germany.

I heard that these tablewares were urgently dispatched from the state government by Ude this afternoon.

The table was decorated with a beautifully arranged flower arrangement, with the German national flower, the cornflower, complementing the Chinese magnolia and peony. Small Chinese and German flags were adorning the flower branches, swaying gently in the breeze.

When Qi Tongwei led the delegation into the banquet hall, enthusiastic applause immediately erupted.

German officials showed great surprise when they saw Qi Tongwei walking at the front of the procession.

too young!

After a brief handshake and exchange, the host and guests took their seats, and the Ude representative from Munich stood up, raised his glass, and began his formulaic speech.

First, a warm welcome was extended to the delegation. Then, the history of cooperation between China and Germany in the political, economic, and cultural fields was reviewed, and the importance of the delegation's visit for further deepening bilateral relations was emphasized.

It was all the same old-fashioned and unoriginal political procedure, but everyone listened "very seriously" and nodded from time to time.

Qi Tongwei felt that the political atmosphere in Germany was actually quite similar to that in China.

As Tian Fengyi listened, his gaze frequently drifted to the German noblewoman in a sexy dress, exuding exotic charm.

Seeing the ladies nod in response, Tian Fengyi became even more excited. He straightened his back and smiled back at them in a gentlemanly manner, looking exactly like a rooster seeking a mate.

The other representatives attending the gala behaved in a proper and even somewhat nervous manner, as if afraid that their words or actions might damage the country's image.

Finally, with a "Cheers!" from Ude in German, the tedious speech came to an end, and everyone raised their glasses in genuine joy!

The crisp clinking of glasses echoed throughout the banquet hall, like a joyful melody, playing a beautiful tune of friendship and cooperation between China and Germany, and also bringing the banquet to its climax.

One after another, carefully prepared dishes were served.

The appetizer was a German-style cold platter, featuring tender salmon sashimi, smoked ham, sauerkraut, and crisp pickles, all served with a special sauce, creating a rich and layered flavor experience.

The next main course was roasted German pork knuckle, with a crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, juicy meat inside, emitting an enticing aroma. Served with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut, it showcased the unique flavor of traditional German cuisine.

Next, a dish blending Chinese and German characteristics appeared on the table—beef stewed with Munich beer. The meat was tender and flavorful, with the malty aroma of the beer perfectly complementing the richness of the beef. The plating adopted a traditional Chinese symmetrical layout, garnished with broccoli, carrots, and other vegetables, making it colorful and pleasing to the eye.

The dessert is Munich's famous apple pie, with a crispy crust encasing a sweet apple filling, topped with a layer of caramel. It's soft, sweet, and has an unforgettable aftertaste.

Each dish was served with a detailed introduction from the waiters. To cater to the delegation, Ude even brought in a translator to explain the ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural significance of the dishes in fluent Chinese, allowing the delegation members to experience the unique charm of Bavarian food culture while enjoying the delicious food.

The members of the inspection team enjoyed the meal very much.

It wasn't that the taste was particularly good, but rather that this authentic Western food satisfied everyone's vanity to the extreme.

The public's admiration for Europe and America is practically an open secret in this era.

"So, Qi, are you satisfied?" Ude wiped his mouth with a napkin, turned his head slightly, and looked at Qi Tongwei sitting next to him.

“Mr. Ude, I am very satisfied and thank you for your hospitality.” Qi Tongwei paused and then said, “We Chinese have an old saying, ‘It is impolite not to reciprocate.’ I hope that Mr. Ude can come to China one day so that I can also treat you with the most solemn etiquette in the East.”

Ude laughed and said, "No problem, I really like Chinese culture and food."

I have benefited greatly from Mr. Mao's work, in particular.

He is the only person I acknowledge who surpasses my husband, both in thought and political acumen. He pulls a classic revolutionary book from his pocket. "If my husband had obtained this book and drawn inspiration from it, our country would be vastly different."

Qi Tongwei nodded, not daring to comment further on the topic, "Then you really should come and visit us. The treasures he left behind are far beyond what can be shown in books."

To this day, our country continues to follow his guidance.

A longing gleamed in Ude's eyes. "I really look forward to having that opportunity. Mr. Mao's ideas and practices not only changed China, but also had a profound impact on the world. His courage and wisdom are something that everyone should learn from. If I have the chance, I will definitely go to that land to find the red imprint."

...

Seeing that the two mayors were getting along well, the atmosphere at the banquet became lively.

With the help of translators, both sides became acquainted with each other.

Several German ladies took the initiative to invite Tian Fengyi to talk.

Upon entering, the translator introduced Tian Fengyi's identity as the deputy head of the inspection team and also a mayor.

Women are naturally more drawn to and curious about men who wield power.

Tian Fengyi naturally welcomed everyone, and before long, these noblewomen were amused by him, becoming a unique sight at the banquet.

Knowing Tian Fengyi's character, Qi Tongwei was worried that the guy might talk nonsense later, so he quickly gave a wink to a member of the Youth League who was at the deputy director level next to Tian Fengyi. The latter hurriedly reminded Tian Fengyi to be mindful of his image.

But Tian Fengyi did not restrain himself and continued to do as he pleased, chatting enthusiastically with the ladies.

Ude noticed this too and winked at Qi Tongwei, "Qi, don't worry, we don't have so many rules here. As long as both parties are willing, they can even have a wonderful night tonight."

This is a cultural difference.

Consider the many Western leaders of later generations who made no attempt to conceal their private lives.

Ude's voice wasn't loud, but it was clearly transmitted to everyone present through the translator.

The ladies gave Tian Fengyi flirtatious glances with half-smiles, seemingly eager to experience the allure of this mayor from the East.

Similarly, some noblewomen were very interested in Qi Tongwei. If Qi Tongwei hadn't been talking to Wu De at the time, there would have been even more noblewomen coming to talk to him.

Upon hearing this, Tian Fengyi looked at Qi Tongwei with a glimmer of hope in his eyes, but this hope was suppressed by Qi Tongwei's gaze.

Qi Tongwei said with a wry smile, "Mr. Ude, this would be a mistake in our country."