After discussion, it was decided that Zhang Hongmei and Zeng Zhongkang would ride their bicycles back, while the other three would take the car.
Zhang Hongmei was really not used to it; the driving direction here was exactly the opposite of what she was used to. She was sweating profusely, and seeing the cars speeding towards her from the opposite direction, she was so frightened she didn't know how to dodge. It was Zeng Zhongkang who grabbed her and pulled her back.
"It's so uncomfortable to watch them drive like this."
Zeng Zhongkang looked at the little girl, whose face had turned pale with fright, no longer the righteous and awe-inspiring girl she had been in the car earlier, and smiled to himself. That's more like it.
"You'll get used to it. We're not in a hurry, so how about we push the cart home?"
"No need, I'll have to get used to it sooner or later. I'll just ride slowly. Thank you for earlier."
Zeng Zhongkang shook his head. "You stay inside, and I'll ride outside you."
"So you're just going to shield me from danger? Thanks!"
It's only three stops away, and I'll be home in ten minutes.
"Don't tell anyone about what happened on the way here. I'm afraid they'll worry. With you by my side from now on, and being careful, nothing will happen. Telling them will only make a few more people worry," Zhang Hongmei instructed Zeng Zhongkang before entering the courtyard.
"Hmm, I won't tell." He thought to himself that this girl was really kind. Given her current status, it wouldn't be a problem for her to do something outrageous, but she still thought of others. Such a quality was so rare.
Wang Xinyi came out to greet her, "Hongmei, are you able to adapt to the driving rules here?"
"It's alright. I wasn't used to riding it at first, but I got much better after riding for a while."
"That would be good. It took me a year to get used to it when I first came here, and I still sometimes made mistakes."
What would you like to eat for lunch? I bought a lot of groceries at the market today. Everyone will be home tonight, so let's have a big meal.
"I'll help you, let's just have rice."
"No need for you, I've already prepared the dishes and made the dough. Since there are many people, we'll make two dishes."
“You’re too tired by yourself. Besides, they haven’t decided when they’ll be back yet. I doubt they’ll even be back for lunch.”
As Zhang Hongmei was speaking, Kong Yushun and the others returned.
"Hmph! I knew Hongmei and the others would be here before us, but you insisted on walking back." Jiang Mingyan complained to the others.
"Alright, alright, you guys go and rest for a while, I'll go get you some water," Wang Xinyi said, trying to smooth things over.
Zhang Hongmei's initial goodwill towards Jiang Mingyan vanished completely. However, she didn't show it. It was enough to know what kind of person Jiang Mingyan was; she was an unpredictable factor, and she would just have to be careful around her.
"Hongmei, you bought bicycles?" Dong Yuping looked at the two bicycles parked in the yard. These were much nicer than her old one.
"Well, I won't stay at a hotel unless there are special circumstances. It would cost a lot of money to take the bus back and forth to my home, so I might as well buy a bicycle instead."
"That bicycle is really beautiful, it must have cost a lot of money. I think we should buy one too. The school is so big, walking would be too tiring and a waste of time. We saw quite a few students riding bikes on campus today," Jiang Mingyan said with envy and longing.
"Hehe, not bad, one car costs 150."
"It's too expensive. This is all the money I brought with me. I can't spend it all. How can I manage without money in the future?"
Zhang Hongmei was too lazy to pay attention to Jiang Mingyan. The university here wasn't much bigger than the capital university, and everyone was walking anyway.
The men all went inside, and since the previous topic had been rather awkward, the women stayed outside as well.
Zhang Hongmei went straight into the kitchen to help Wang Xinyi start the fire.
Dong Yuping and the others came in too. Everyone picked, washed, and chopped vegetables, keeping them busy for quite a while.
It was almost one o'clock when the food was finally served. Everyone wolfed down their lunch, and then they divided the tasks and cleaned up.
Seeing that everyone was in the living room, Zhang Hongmei stood up and said, "Since everyone is here today, I have something important to say."
We are able to come here to pursue our studies without any worries thanks to the motherland and the people. I told Cheng Guangxu this today, and I want to say it again here.
I don't want you to be blinded by the allure of this world. You need to remember why you came here. I especially don't want you to succumb to temptation and abandon your country and people, and your identity.
Some people might be thinking, "Who do you think you are, Zhang Hongmei? Do you need to act all high and mighty here?"
Then let me tell you, I am a Chinese citizen, and I have the right and the obligation to supervise you. Of course, we all supervise each other. You must remember how you were able to get here safely? Through a dedicated passenger ship and a dedicated plane. Did you have the capability to achieve this on your own? It was given to you by the country, and it was bought with the blood and sweat of the people.
Furthermore, all your expenses here are covered by the government. Don't tell me you brought your own money; that's money you earned with the government. Besides, is the little money you brought enough to cover a semester's tuition? These are crucial times right now. Do you know what our leaders have sacrificed to ensure we can study here?
So I urge everyone to always remember that you are Chinese. Show your abilities, learn as much as possible, and have the opportunity to serve your country in the future.
I don't care what you think of me, as long as I've acted in accordance with my conscience. And I ask you to put your hands on your hearts and say the same thing: that you've acted in accordance with your country and your people.
After Zhang Hongmei finished speaking, she did not sit down, but looked at the fifteen people in the room.
Zeng Zhongkang stood up and applauded, and the rest of the people also stood up.
Kong Yushun started by expressing his determination. Even Jiang Mingyan, whom Zhang Hongmei disliked the most, sincerely guaranteed her success, so at least Zhang Hongmei was relieved now.
"Here are my personal views, listen to them. The reason why temptation is temptation is that it has something that attracts us. We are a new generation, and most of us want to realize our own value. But you have to think about it, do we want to follow behind others, or do we want to take the lead and forge ahead? I personally like to create."
“Yes, that’s what I think too. When we return to China after completing our studies, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop our talents. We’ve already agreed to keep each other in check.” Han Guangtai clearly expressed his meaning.
There are no fools here; everyone understands this principle.
Those present here today will never forget this scene until they die.
Zhao Tiancheng stood up with a smile. "Alright, everyone, please sit down. I am very pleased that the country has produced such talented people as you."
This afternoon I'll be giving everyone extra lessons on foreign language writing and spelling. Actually, there are some tricks to it. We'll be in the living room. Those who want to learn can stay, and those who don't can go back and rest.
Zhang Hongmei smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Zhao. I'll go upstairs to get my pen and notebook."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com