"Haha~ Actually, I should have come a long time ago, but I've been too busy lately. Thank you so much, Comrade Ye Nian'an, for your kindness in donating so many books and newspapers to our school."

“I’ve kept all of this in mind. I wrote a letter of praise for your actions and sent it to the commune. The commune made a banner to reward you for your deeds, and I’m bringing it to you here specifically.”

This was beyond Ye Nian'an's expectations.

I never expected to receive a banner like this.

After all, those books and newspapers were all salvaged from a recycling center.

Although there are many items, they are not worth much money overall; they are just time-consuming to move around.

"Principal Meng, this is too formal..."

"Don't be a stranger. Although our Liangtian Primary School is in a better situation than the other townships, we still suffer from a severe lack of books."

"You have been donating all kinds of books and newspapers to our school since last year, which has greatly relieved our urgent needs. The key is your perseverance and the fact that you donate so much each time. This banner is well-deserved!"

"Quickly, everyone, give Comrade Ye Nian'an a round of applause!"

Meng Yi was the first to applaud.

The rhythmic crackling sound echoed throughout the educated youth settlement.

Many people peeked out at the commotion and saw that Ye Nian'an's family had been praised again.

That's amazing!

Since arriving at the educated youth settlement more than two years ago, Ye Nian'an has received banners and certificates of merit—things that most people would never encounter in their entire lives—as easily as eating and drinking!

"Niannian, congratulations."

Chu Yan clapped his hands until they were red, and two burning flames rose in his eyes.

His eyes were filled with pride and admiration as he looked at Ye Nian'an.

His thoughts always lead him to unexpected feats.

They hadn't expected the recycling station to buy so many books and newspapers.

Instead, Ye Nian'an bought them herself and donated the ones she didn't need to the primary school.

When those books, bearing the marks of time, were neatly packed and sent to remote primary schools, Ye Nian'an's donation was not just of paper and ink.

What she planted was the seed of a change in destiny.

Sometimes a book can truly change a child's destiny and their worldview, leading them to love reading, expand their knowledge, and strive for the future!

Instead of confining themselves to this small world, thinking that when they grow up they will be like their parents, working the land and making a living.

It's not that this choice is wrong, but we can't let children's world only have this one choice.

The canvas of fate is not just a single color; the road of life can meander towards a more expansive distance.

Every spark will eventually converge into a vast galaxy that illuminates the future.

"Thank you everyone."

Since the banner had been delivered to his door, Ye Nian'an had no reason not to accept it.

After Ye Nian'an accepted the banner, she winked at Chu Yan.

Logically speaking, Chi Xinyao and Chu Xin'er couldn't possibly be unaware that the school was preparing a banner for Ye Nian'an; they were probably planning to give him a surprise.

But Chu Yan is really something, keeping things completely secret, not letting out a single word for so long.

Chu Yan shrugged, indicating his innocence.

He genuinely didn't know about it.

It seems his mother and sister kept it from him as well.

Ye Nian'an withdrew his gaze and said with a serious expression, "It is only right. A strong youth makes a strong nation. I hope these books can provide them with valuable knowledge, so that they can leave this place and go to a wider world."

These were both polite words and Ye Nian'an's true feelings.

Since she decided to do good deeds, she never thought about receiving any reward.

Everything is done according to one's own heart.

You can say it's about doing good deeds and accumulating merit, or about building a reputation for yourself.

Let's just consider it as accumulating good fortune for the children in my belly.

Of course, her kindness was seen and turned into a banner, which brought many benefits to her family, and they were equally grateful.

"Comrade Ye Nian'an said it very well!"

"Yes, we should all learn from Comrade Ye Nian'an."

"On behalf of the children of our village, I thank you!"

Seeing Ye Nian'an receive another banner of appreciation and be praised by the school, with countless people casting envious glances, Jiang Nuan felt extremely distressed.

Jiang Nuan received a certificate of merit for helping to catch Su Mingyue, and many educated youths came over to express their envy.

Don't underestimate this award certificate; it can have a significant impact.

In this day and age, people who possess certificates, banners, and medals always have an advantage, whether they are looking for a job or going elsewhere, as long as they show them off and people know about them.

It's admirable and enviable. For example, when applying for a job in a factory, if you have won an award, the other party will definitely choose you without hesitation if you have the same abilities as other people.

Jiang Nuan wrote a letter home, and her family was overjoyed when they heard about it. They even sent her a lot of gifts as a reward, encouraging her to keep up the good work and to tell all her relatives and friends.

Jiang Nuan was incredibly happy during that period. She walked with a swagger, and when she got tired, male educated youths would come over to help her out. She was treated like a queen.

Because she had enjoyed the privileges of privilege, seeing Ye Nian'an receive so much honor, with her whole family working for the government, and the man being so handsome and considerate...

Jiang Nuan felt a surge of envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Not only will Ye Nian'an live a good life and eat good food every day, but when he returns to the city with so much glory on his shoulders, won't he be so arrogant?

Why do so many good things fall on Ye Nian'an alone?

"Jiang Nuan, didn't you help Ye Nian'an catch Su Mingyue before? If it weren't for you, their things would definitely have been stolen. And yet they don't even acknowledge you. That's too much."

Some male educated youths began to stand up for Jiang Nuan.

Jiang Nuan gave a self-deprecating laugh: "Maybe they have high standards and look down on me."

"How is that possible? Jiang Nuan, you are young and beautiful, and you even helped the Chu family by catching a thief, for which you almost died."

"Yes, even if there were many conflicts with the Chu family in the past, shouldn't this debt be settled by now? How come the Chu family doesn't know how to be grateful at all?"

"Even Leng Zhaodi can get along so well with the Chu family. I don't believe the Chu family looks down on Jiang Nuan. They must be deliberately targeting her. Maybe Leng Zhaodi said something bad about Jiang Nuan on purpose."

A casual remark by a male educated youth caught Jiang Nuan's attention.

Yes, why hasn't the Chu family accepted me yet?

Despite their humility and obsequious flattery, they ignored it and instead became increasingly close to Leng Zhaodi.

They almost lost their lives helping them catch a thief, yet they showed no gratitude whatsoever.

After thinking it over, I'm sure there's something fishy going on here!

Could it be...?

Just as the male educated youth said, Leng Zhaodi had secretly spoken ill of him behind his back.

So why is it that the Chu family still refuses to accept him and include him in their activities?