Stepping inside, the furnishings remained simple yet tidy. Nian'an's award certificates hung on the wall, and several potted plants sat on the table, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere. After everyone sat down, Chen Xiaoya took out a gold-embossed university admission letter from her bag, presented it to Lin Wanqiu with both hands, her eyes filled with pride and appreciation: "Aunt Lin, look, this is my university admission letter."
Lin Wanqiu accepted the admission letter, her fingertips gently tracing the gold-embossed university name, her heart filled with emotion. This thin piece of paper carried the dreams and future of a rural girl, and witnessed her years of perseverance and dedication. She carefully examined the handwriting and said with a smile, "This is wonderful! A prestigious university in Beijing, it's not easy to get in. After you get to Beijing, study hard, take good care of yourself, and write home anytime you encounter difficulties."
"I understand, Aunt Lin." Chen Xiaoya nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with determination. "I will definitely study hard, achieve academic success in the future, come back to build my hometown, help more children like me, and live up to your expectations."
The other students also expressed their determination to repay their hometown and Aunt Lin's kindness in the future. They chatted amongst themselves, recounting their school life, the wonders and vastness of the outside world, and their hopes and plans for the future.
Shen Tingzhou sat quietly to the side, listening to the children's stories, a look of approval in his eyes. Looking at Lin Wanqiu's gentle profile, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He knew that his wife not only possessed a talent for business but also a kind and compassionate heart. She had used her own strength to illuminate these children's lives; this act of kindness was far more precious than any accumulated wealth.
Nian'an also came over, looking at the admission notice in Chen Xiaoya's hand with envy in her eyes: "Sister Xiaoya, you are so amazing! I want to get into a good university in the future and be as successful as you."
Chen Xiaoya smiled and patted his head: "Nian'an is such a good boy. As long as you work hard, you will definitely be able to get into a better university than your sister in the future."
As the sun set, golden rays streamed through the windows, bathing everything in a warm hue. The group was engrossed in their conversation when Shen Tingzhou suddenly received a phone call from the city. His previously gentle expression gradually turned serious, and his brows furrowed tightly.
After hanging up the phone, he was silent for a moment, then looked at Lin Wanqiu, his tone heavy: "There's been a problem at the food shop in the city. Someone reported us for using prohibited ingredients, and the industry and commerce department has already gone to the shop to investigate, and the accounts have been sealed."
Upon hearing this, Lin Wanqiu's heart tightened. She had founded "Natural Flavors" food shop from scratch, growing it from a small workshop to branches throughout the commune and county town—every step had been incredibly arduous. She had always adhered to the principle of honest business practices, using only green and healthy ingredients, making it absolutely impossible for her to use prohibited ingredients. Clearly, this was a deliberate attempt to frame her.
The atmosphere in the room instantly became heavy. Chen Xiaoya and the others also sensed that something was wrong, and the smiles on their faces gradually disappeared. They looked at Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou with worried expressions in their eyes.
Lin Wanqiu took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. Years of hard work had honed her composure; the more difficulties she encountered, the calmer she needed to be. She looked at Shen Tingzhou and said firmly, "Don't panic. This is definitely someone deliberately targeting us. We have nothing to fear. As long as we find out the truth, we can clear our names."
Her eyes were clear and firm, seemingly containing boundless strength, which gradually calmed Shen Tingzhou's originally heavy heart. He nodded: "That's what I think too. It's just that the accounts are frozen now, and the store can't operate normally for the time being. If this can't be resolved as soon as possible, it may affect the store's reputation and subsequent operations."
Lin Wanqiu pondered for a moment and said, "Here's what we'll do: you go back to the city first and cooperate with the industry and commerce department's investigation. Try your best to collect evidence and find out who's behind this. Leave the things at home and in the village to me. I'll arrange everything here and also try to find other clues."
She knew that the crisis before her was not to be underestimated. It not only concerned the survival of the food workshop, but also the livelihood of her family and the villagers who depended on it. She had to come up with a way as soon as possible to help Shen Tingzhou overcome this crisis.
Looking at Lin Wanqiu's composed demeanor, Chen Xiaoya felt even more admiration for her. She hesitated for a moment before saying, "Aunt Lin, although we can't be of much help, please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything we can do. We study in the city, so perhaps we can help you find out some information."
The other students chimed in, "Yes, Aunt Lin, we'll definitely do our best to help!"
Looking into their sincere eyes, Lin Wanqiu felt a surge of warmth in her heart. At this crucial moment, the children's support gave her immense strength. She smiled and shook her head: "Thank you for your kindness. You've just been admitted to university; the most important thing is to prepare well for the start of the semester. Your Uncle Shen and I will handle things here."
Although she knew the children's abilities were limited, their gratitude still deeply moved her.
As night fell, Chen Xiaoya and the others rose to say goodbye. Lin Wanqiu saw them to the door, repeatedly reminding them to take good care of themselves in the capital and to contact her immediately if they encountered any difficulties. Watching their receding figures, she was filled with emotion. These children were like birds with growing wings, about to fly to a wider sky, and all she could do was offer them warmth and support when they needed it.
Back inside, Nian'an and Nianxi were already asleep. Shen Tingzhou sat at the table, his brow furrowed as he pondered a solution. Lin Wanqiu went over and gently draped an overcoat over him, saying softly, "Don't rush things. Go back to the city first thing tomorrow morning. I suspect this might be related to an old enemy; perhaps Zhao Jianjun or Lin Moli are behind it. Keep a close eye on those two while you investigate."
Shen Tingzhou looked up at her, a hint of agreement flashing in his eyes: "I also think it's possible. Zhao Jianjun has always held a grudge against what happened back then, and Lin Moli also resents us because of what happened before. They both have a motive to frame us. I will focus my investigation on them."
"Also," Lin Wanqiu paused, then continued, "the food workshop's raw material purchase records and quality inspection reports are all backed up in my space. I'll give you this evidence tomorrow; it should be helpful. In addition, I will contact the leaders of the commune and county to explain the situation and seek their support."
With Lin Wanqiu's analysis and arrangements, Shen Tingzhou's thoughts gradually became clearer. He grasped Lin Wanqiu's hand, his eyes filled with gratitude and reliance: "Thanks to you, Wanqiu. With you here, I'm not afraid of anything."
Lin Wanqiu grasped his hand in return and smiled slightly: "We are husband and wife, and we should face everything hand in hand. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we will shoulder them together."
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