A new work is ready, welcome everyone to go to the Tomato Novel app to read my work. I hope you will like it. Your attention is my motivation to write, and I will work hard to tell every story well...
In the late spring of 1990, a warm breeze caressed the face, and greenery spread across the land. In the fields of the Hongqi Production Brigade, the freshly turned soil exuded a moist fragrance. At the "Natural Delight" planting base, greenhouses stood in neat rows, with fruit and vegetable vines climbing up the supports, laden with tender fruit, full of vitality. Inside the food workshop, the roar of machines mingled with the laughter of employees, creating a thriving scene. Amidst this vibrant life, a warm current of love was quietly spreading—the "Natural Delight" Special Educational Assistance Fund, established for nearly two years, was continuously expanding its support for impoverished students, rapidly illuminating the path to education for children in remote mountainous areas.
Lin Wanqiu sat in the office building's reception room, holding a thick stack of scholarship application materials. Her fingertips gently traced the childish handwriting on the paper, her eyes filled with tenderness and solemnity. She wore a light purple silk blouse paired with beige wide-leg trousers, her long hair loosely tied back. Time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to her, leaving only faint wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, which only added to her gentle and intellectual temperament. In the past two years, she had devoted a great deal of energy to the operation of the scholarship fund, personally screening recipients, connecting with schools in impoverished areas, and supervising the use of funds. She handled every step personally, daring not to slack off in the slightest.
"Mr. Lin, these are application materials that just arrived from the mountainous area of Southwest China. There are thirty in total, all from impoverished students recommended by the local education department who are excellent in both character and academics." Office Director Xiao Zhang gently pushed open the door and placed a stack of brand-new materials on the table. His tone was somewhat emotional. "You see, these children are in such difficult circumstances. Some have lost both parents and live with their grandparents, while others have families plagued by serious illnesses and can't even afford basic tuition fees. Yet, they all have a strong thirst for knowledge, and their grades are all among the top in their grade."
Lin Wanqiu picked up a document and carefully read through it. On the application, a girl named Su Xiaoyan wrote: "I want to study, I want to leave the mountains, see the outside world, and repay my grandparents' kindness in raising me with knowledge, and help more children like me." Her handwriting was delicate yet strong, revealing an indomitable spirit. Attached to the application was a transcript with almost perfect scores in all subjects, along with a teacher's comment: "This student is diligent and hardworking, exceptionally talented, and it is truly a pity that she faces dropping out of school due to family poverty."
Looking at these words, Lin Wanqiu felt a pang of sorrow. She recalled the difficult years at the beginning of her rebirth, the frail and timid appearance of Shen Nian'an as a child, and the children struggling in poverty yet still yearning for knowledge. If it weren't for activating her spatial ability and her own hard work, she and Nian'an might also be struggling in poverty. Now that she had the ability, she naturally wanted to do everything in her power to help these children break free from the shackles of poverty, allowing them to study in peace and realize their dreams.
"Xiao Zhang, distribute these materials and have the members of the foundation management team carefully review them. Make sure to verify the actual situation of each child and ensure that the funding is given to those who truly need help." Lin Wanqiu raised her head and said firmly, "In addition, contact the local education department. I want to personally go to the southwestern mountainous area to conduct an on-site inspection of the teaching conditions and the living conditions of the children there."
"President Lin, you're going in person?" Xiao Zhang was a little surprised. "The roads in the southwestern mountainous area are long and the road conditions are not good. Besides, you've been busy enough lately. The food workshop's new product development and overseas market expansion cannot be separated from you."
Lin Wanqiu smiled, her eyes full of determination: "No matter how busy I am, this matter cannot be delayed. The scholarship fund is the children's hope, and I must go and see for myself to feel at ease. Only by understanding their real needs can our assistance be more targeted and truly help them."
Xiao Zhang knew Lin Wanqiu's personality well; once she made a decision, she would stick to it. He nodded: "Okay, Ms. Lin, I'll make the arrangements right away. I'll contact a local guide, plan the route in advance, and ensure your safety."
As Shen Tingzhou pushed open the door, he overheard their conversation. He had just returned from an inspection trip, still carrying a faint scent of travel. He wore a dark gray suit, his posture upright, his eyes deep and penetrating. In the past two years, he had not only managed the food shop's business but also assisted Lin Wanqiu in managing the student aid fund. Meanwhile, the unresolved issues from the mission years ago were gradually coming to a head. He often needed to travel to handle related matters, but he always prioritized Lin Wanqiu and his family, striving to balance work and life.
"Going to the southwestern mountains?" Shen Tingzhou walked to Lin Wanqiu's side, gently took her hand, felt the slight coolness of her fingertips, and his eyes were full of tenderness. "The conditions there are harsh, and the journey is bumpy. Can your body handle it? Why don't I go in your place?"
Lin Wanqiu looked up at him, her eyes full of warmth: "I'm fine, don't worry. You've been quite busy lately, with the food workshop and your own affairs, so it's better if I go instead. Besides, I also want to see the children in person, chat with them, and find out what they're thinking."
She paused for a moment, then continued, “In the past two years, the number of children sponsored by the foundation has increased from the initial twenty-odd to more than one hundred, covering more than a dozen impoverished counties in five provinces. But I always feel that we haven’t done enough, and there are still many children who need help. This time, I’m going to the mountainous areas in Southwest China. I want to not only expand the scope of our sponsorship, but also establish long-term cooperative relationships with local schools, donate a batch of books and teaching equipment, and improve their teaching conditions.”
Looking at the light shining in her eyes, Shen Tingzhou felt a surge of admiration and support. He knew that this woman cared not only for her own family but also for the greater good; her kindness and magnanimity had always deeply impressed him. "Okay, I support you," Shen Tingzhou said firmly, squeezing her hand. "I'll arrange things at the company and go with you. It'll be good to have someone to look after you on the way."
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!