“That sounds really inspiring!” Xiao Chen, the hostel owner next door, chimed in, holding a freshly brewed cup of hot tea, his face filled with genuine admiration. “In today’s society, there aren’t many people like you who are willing to go deep into the mountains and genuinely help others. Your deeds make us outsiders feel our blood boil.”
“Indeed, I came here to look for business opportunities, but now it seems that the real wealth is this passion for life and care for others,” said another backpacker, A-Qiang, whose camera captured all the heartwarming moments of the night.
The discussion around the campfire grew increasingly heated, and even the distant barking of dogs seemed to join in this nighttime conversation about dreams and dedication.
“I have a suggestion.” A-Qiang suddenly stood up, looked around seriously, and said, “I am a freelance photographer. If you agree, I would like to follow in your footsteps and use my camera to record every little thing along the way, so that more people can see this subtle yet radiant hope.”
Su Mo and the others exchanged glances, a tacit understanding and gratitude that needed no words. "Welcome to the team, A-Qiang. Our story will travel even further because of you." Su Mo extended his hand, and A-Qiang shook it firmly, thus completing the bridge between the two worlds.
In the days that followed, with the addition of new members, the team's energy seemed to double. They not only solved the funding problem, but also garnered widespread attention on social media through the stories captured by A-Qiang's lens. Many anonymous kind-hearted people donated money and supplies, injecting new vitality into the education and technological development of remote areas.
"Have you heard? The children in that remote village are now using the latest teaching equipment, all thanks to Su Mo and his team!" In a city coffee shop, two white-collar women whispered to each other, their words full of surprise and envy.
"Really? That's amazing. I wish I could contribute to something like this too," another customer exclaimed overhearing the conversation.
Meanwhile, the dilapidated town where Su Mo's team was located had quietly begun to change. The previously isolated villagers started to actively learn new knowledge, Old Zhao's general store began to sell some novelties ordered online, and Old Zhang's teahouse became the center of information exchange in the town, with posters about how technology changes lives plastered on its walls.
"Look, these are all the changes they've brought about. We have to keep up with the times, and we can't let our children follow in our footsteps." Old Zhao said with deep emotion, showing the newly arrived smart bracelet to the customers next to him.
One morning a month later, when Su Mo and his group returned to the original village with more supplies and hope, they were greeted by a grand celebration. The villagers, dressed in their festive best, sang and danced, and the air was filled with sweetness and joy.
"Brother Su, you're really back!" Xiao Bao was the first to rush over, clutching a perfect score test paper tightly in his hand, his eyes shining with confidence. "I did it! I got first place!"
Su Mo smiled and ruffled Xiao Bao's hair: "I knew you could do it, Xiao Bao. You are the best proof of all our efforts."
As night fell again, Su Mo, Mo Qingxue, Li Haoran, and all their companions sat around the campfire, gazing up at the starry sky, their hearts brighter than ever before.
"Although the journey has been difficult, what we have gained has far exceeded our expectations." Li Haoran's voice rang out in the night wind, with a slight, barely perceptible sob in it. "It is love, it is trust, it is the resonance of countless hearts."
“That’s right,” Su Mo continued, “and this is just the beginning. In the future, we will face many more unknown challenges, but I believe that as long as we are together, nothing is impossible.”
"So what's next? What are our plans?" Xiao Bao asked expectantly, his eyes seemingly filled with the stars and the sea.
Su Mo smiled, turned to look at her companion, her eyes sparkling with a new dream: "What we need to do next is to build an open school, where knowledge can flow without boundaries, and where more children like Xiao Bao can let their dreams take flight and touch the future."
Mo Qingxue and Li Haoran exchanged a smile, a smile that contained boundless determination and expectation.
"Then it's settled!" Li Haoran raised his hand, and everyone responded enthusiastically. Applause and laughter echoed in the night sky, as if announcing the arrival of a new era.
On this land ignited by dreams, passersby continue to tell the story of the young hero, but this time, their eyes hold not only surprise and awe, but also heartfelt respect and anticipation.
“Look, they are climbing even higher mountains. This time, they will sow the seeds of hope in even more distant places, until that light illuminates the whole world,” an old man said slowly to his granddaughter, his eyes full of tenderness and longing.
"Grandpa, are they really superheroes?" The little girl blinked her big eyes, her face full of curiosity and admiration.
The old man smiled and shook his head. "No, they are just like you and me, ordinary people. But they have dreams, love, and an unyielding spirit. That is their most powerful weapon."
In another bustling city, inside a brightly lit television station, the anchor, his expression fervent, reports to the camera: "Tonight, let's focus on how a group of young people are creating miracles in adversity, demonstrating the meaning of youth and responsibility through their actions. According to the latest news, the 'Light of Hope' project has attracted national attention, and the government plans to extend this model to more impoverished areas across the country, benefiting more children."
In front of the screen, a young couple held hands tightly, their eyes slightly moist. "Let's go help too, even if it's just a little bit," the husband said softly. The wife nodded, her eyes shining with the same firm determination.
Back in the burgeoning town, Su Mo and her group began their day in the morning light. The town was exceptionally vibrant that morning; children, carrying their books, walked in twos and threes toward the makeshift classrooms, their faces beaming with unprecedented hope and joy.
"Brother Su, when will the school be finished? I dream of studying there!" Xiao Bao held Su Mo's hand, his eyes full of longing for the future.
Su Mo squatted down to be at Xiao Bao's eye level. "Soon, Xiao Bao. By then, there will be state-of-the-art equipment and teachers from all over the country. Most importantly, you will be there, along with every child who loves learning."
Just as they were talking, a vehicle bearing official markings slowly drove into the town, causing a small commotion. The car door opened, and several government officials in suits stepped out. The middle-aged man leading the group smiled and walked towards Su Mo and the others.
"You must be the initiators of 'Light of Hope'? I am Director Zhang from the Education Bureau. I've come here specifically to understand the situation and see what kind of support our government can provide."
Su Mo and the others were slightly surprised, but then politely stepped forward to greet them. For a moment, the center of the town seemed to become a stage where dreams and reality blended, with passersby, villagers, and children surrounding it, witnessing this extraordinary moment.
"This is really something new. I never thought our remote little town could attract the attention of the higher-ups," Old Zhao remarked, the smart bracelet on his wrist flashing, reflecting the pride and satisfaction on his face.
As night fell once more, Su Mo, Mo Qingxue, Li Haoran, and every member of the team sat around the familiar campfire, engaging in an in-depth conversation with the government representatives. In the firelight, every face appeared exceptionally earnest and focused.
“We believe that with the support of the government, the ‘Light of Hope’ project can go further and have a deeper impact.” Su Mo’s calm words revealed his determination. “But at the same time, we also hope to maintain the original intention of the project, so that every reform can truly benefit the local area and make education the light that illuminates the hearts of children.”
The conversations intertwined in the night sky, each suggestion and promise shining like a star, illuminating the path ahead. When everything returned to calm, with only the crackling of the campfire and the occasional chirping of insects remaining, Li Haoran gently clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"Alright, friends, tomorrow we will usher in a new chapter. No matter how unknown the road ahead may be, we have each other, we have faith, and we have the support of millions of people behind us."
"Then let's work together to make this world a different place because of us!" Xiao Bao shouted excitedly, drawing laughter and applause in agreement.
The story ends here for now, but everyone knows this is just the beginning. In the distant sky, stars twinkle, as if foretelling the coming glory and challenges. And those stories of courage, dreams, and love will forever live on in people's hearts.
"Goodnight, world," Su Mo whispered, a gentle farewell to the night and to the infinite possibilities of the future. Everyone around the campfire silently responded in their hearts—
Good night, see you tomorrow.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com