The golden rays of the setting sun, like molten glass, spilled across the threshing ground of the Hongqi Production Brigade, bathing the scattered tables and chairs in a warm glow. The clamor of the banquet gradually subsided, leaving only the lingering aroma of food and the villagers' unfinished joy in the air. Lin Wanqiu held Nian'an's little hand, while Chen Tingzhou carried the sleeping Nianxi in his arms, as they walked slowly along the country road. The evening breeze, carrying the fresh scent of wheat seedlings, brushed against their faces, ruffling the stray hairs at Lin Wanqiu's temples and stirring the turbulent thoughts in her heart.
The villagers' sincere smiles at the banquet, the tears welling in Liu Ersao's eyes, and Old Chen's dreams of building a house and getting married—all these scenes flashed through her mind, warm and clear. From being isolated and helpless when she first arrived to becoming a trusted leader in the village, only she truly understood the hardships and gains along the way. Her spatial resources and advanced skills were her reliance, but the villagers' simplicity and mutual assistance were the true strength that carried her further.
"What are you thinking about?" Shen Tingzhou's voice was deep and gentle, carrying a hint of concern that he had noticed her thoughts. He gently adjusted Nianxi's position in his arms, his movements tender, as if afraid of disturbing the child's sweet dreams.
Lin Wanqiu looked up, the setting sun outlining his sharply defined profile with a golden edge, his deep eyes filled with affection and tenderness for her. She smiled faintly, her voice tinged with emotion: "I was thinking, we owe our current situation to everyone's help. The villagers' lives are gradually improving, but I always feel there's still something I can do."
Shen Tingzhou stopped and turned to look at her earnestly: "I will support whatever you want to do." He knew that the woman in front of him had never been confined to her own family; her vision and kindness had long been integrated into this land.
Nian'an looked up, shook Lin Wanqiu's hand, and said in a clear voice, "Mom, can we help more children like my second aunt's brother who have no food to eat?" The little guy remembered that the last time Liu Ersao brought her son to the house, the child was as thin as a bean sprout, his eyes were full of timidity, and he swallowed his saliva when he saw the steamed bun in his hand.
Nian'an's words were like a pebble, stirring up ripples in Lin Wanqiu's heart. She thought of the poor children in the village, some of whom had dropped out of school early because their families couldn't afford it and worked in the fields with their parents; others wore patched clothes, their hands and feet red from the cold in winter, yet they still peered into the school through the windows with eyes full of longing for knowledge.
In her past life, as a food blogger, she traveled all over China and saw too many children who missed out on education due to poverty, a regret that lingered in her heart. Now, in this era of scarcity, educational resources are even more scarce. These children are like seedlings growing unattended on a field ridge, possessing the potential to thrive, yet they may wither away due to the harsh realities of life.
“Yes,” Lin Wanqiu’s eyes gradually hardened. “The children are the hope of our village and the future of our country. We can’t let them lose their path to education just because they don’t have money.” Her voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable determination. “I want to sponsor those poor students in the village so that they can all go to school with peace of mind and have the opportunity to leave the mountains and see a wider world in the future.”
A hint of approval flashed in Shen Tingzhou's eyes, and he gently put his arm around her shoulder: "This is a great thing. Let's go talk to the Party Secretary tomorrow and get this done."
As night deepened, countless stars dotted the sky, and the evening breeze carried the sounds of frogs and insects, creating a tranquil and peaceful rural night. Lin Wanqiu lay in bed, unable to sleep. She pictured children studying diligently in the school, her heart filled with anticipation. She had enough resources and funds in her spatial dimension to support this endeavor, but she hoped even more that this act of kindness would be like a seed, taking root and sprouting in the children's hearts, eventually growing into a towering tree that would repay the land that nurtured them.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Lin Wanqiu, carrying a basket of exquisite pastries taken from her spatial storage, arrived at the village secretary's house with Nian'an in tow. The village secretary had just finished breakfast and was about to go check on the fields when he saw Lin Wanqiu arrive. He immediately greeted her warmly, "Wanqiu, come in and sit down! Nian'an is here too. Let Grandpa see if she's grown strong and healthy."
After sitting down inside, Lin Wanqiu explained her purpose. The village secretary was initially taken aback, then his face lit up with excitement, his eyes reddening slightly. "Wanqiu, you are truly... truly a great hero to our village! So many children in the village can only watch others go to school because their families are poor. It's always been hard on my heart, but you know the village's conditions; we simply can't afford to help them. Your idea to sponsor these children is a huge help to me, a huge help to the entire village!"
The village Party secretary's voice choked with emotion. Having served as village Party secretary for so many years, his greatest concern had always been the village's education system. Looking into those eyes yearning for knowledge, he felt powerless and filled with guilt. Lin Wanqiu's offer to sponsor impoverished students was undoubtedly a timely and much-needed help.
"Secretary, you're too kind." Lin Wanqiu smiled slightly. "I've only done what I can. Let's first take stock of the children in the village who need financial assistance. I'll cover all their tuition, book fees, and even writing materials. In addition, I'd like to improve the conditions of the village school, get some new desks and chairs for the children, and add some books."
"Okay, okay!" The village secretary nodded repeatedly, excitedly saying, "I'll go and do the statistics right away! I'll go right away!" As he spoke, he was about to get up and walk out, as if delaying even a second would disappoint Lin Wanqiu's good intentions.
"Secretary, don't worry." Lin Wanqiu called out to him, took out a wad of money from her cloth bag, and handed it over. "This is part of the money I've taken out. Use it first, and let me know if you need more."
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com