Chapter 344 The Orphanage's Handsome Boy 44 (Burst Update, Please Vote!)
After saying that, he asked Shen Ci about his situation over the years, since he was someone from his own village and this matter had caused quite a stir back then.
What a lovely and young girl she was, she disappeared for more than a decade, becoming the subject of much gossip among the villagers.
Shen Ci then asked how many children in the village were still in school, how many were boys and how many were girls.
After asking, I found that, as I had imagined, there were more boys than girls, one or two of whom was Secretary Li's own youngest daughter.
Many of the children who came to watch the festivities with their parents today were dressed in rags and were not well-off. It was considered good if each family could send one child to school, and most families chose to support their sons.
Shen Ci thought for a moment, since she was already in Shenjia Village, she might as well do whatever she could.
The butterfly effect of a powerful person can change the fate of many people. She is not a powerful person, but she thinks she is quite rich.
Clearing her throat, Shen Ci already had an idea in mind: anything that can be solved with money is not a problem.
"Secretary Li, fellow villagers."
I, Shen Ci, have been away from my hometown for many years, traveling all over the country and seeing a bit of the world. I deeply understand the importance of reading and having culture.
When I came back today and saw how difficult it is for the children in our village to go to school, I felt really bad.
She paused, looked around, and then announced her decision.
"I've decided to personally fund the construction of a school in our Shenjia Village!"
This will allow children from our village and neighboring villages to attend school nearby, without having to travel so far and early in the morning! They can now study right at their doorstep!
Like a thunderclap out of nowhere, everyone who came today just to watch the excitement and gossip never expected to encounter such a big event, and the crowd immediately erupted in chaos!
How can someone casually talk about building a school, as if it were easier than eating or drinking?
Before Secretary Li could even react, his mind was still processing her words when he suddenly realized what she had said.
His expression instantly turned serious; Shen Ci's words didn't sound like a joke.
"You...what did you say? Build a school? This is a huge deal! You can't joke about this!"
Shen Ci's expression was firm as she reiterated her thoughts, adding that she would ask the village secretary to help her check records from over a decade ago.
Returning home in glory and doing something for one's hometown is normal; sponsoring children's education is the most fundamental change.
“Secretary, I’m serious. This is a small token of my affection for my hometown.”
Chen's mother quietly tugged at her daughter's sleeve and asked in a low voice.
"Ni, how much will this cost? You..."
She feared her daughter was just putting on a show, saying those things to save face, and questioned whether she actually had that much money.
Shen Ci patted her mother's hand and whispered words of comfort.
"Mom, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Secretary Li was so excited that his lips were trembling. Shen Ci's clothes and appearance were obviously different from those of the villagers, so he must have made a fortune outside.
Unexpectedly, everyone was worried that the little girl might have died outside, but they didn't dare say it in front of the Shen family.
It was Shen's mother who insisted that her daughter was not dead, but just out there and hadn't returned. Therefore, the information the village gave Shen Ci was always marked as "not returned".
Rather than death or disappearance.
Comrade Shen Ci!
If you can really build the school, then you will be a great benefactor to our Shenjia Village, no, to several surrounding villages!
Everyone in the village, young and old, will remember your kindness! From now on, whenever a child goes to school, they will always remember your good deeds!
There is no school in Shenjia Village. If the children want to go to school, they have to go to the town. They have to get up at four or five o'clock in the morning to rush to school. This has been the case year after year, day after day.
Shen Ci nodded and shared his next idea.
"Not only that, after the school is built, I'm willing to sponsor some children's education, with tuition waived and lunch provided!"
Not only was Secretary Li speechless with shock, but all the onlookers outside the courtyard were also stunned.
Not only is education free, but schools are built for them, and a meal is provided. Even if a child doesn't do well in school, a meal can still raise them!
No matter what, we must send our children there; it will save us some food!
Some families with limited food supplies only eat one meal a day, so sending their children to school allows them to get a free meal.
"Is this some kind of good thing? I want to send my child there too!"
"Old Shen's son has really made something of himself. He's become successful but hasn't forgotten his fellow villagers. He's a truly good person!"
"I need to send all my kids to school so they can learn something."
However, Shen Ci's next words made some people unable to laugh. He had a brilliant plan, but he had also thought things through very thoroughly and had expected this.
"Building schools is a good thing for everyone. Whether it's a boy or a girl, as long as they are willing to learn, they can come."
However, the free education and meals I provide are only for girls.
Shen Ci said that building a school is not a big problem. She has money, and she could even provide food and lodging for all the students, but she is unwilling to do so.
When too many things are given away for free, people start to take them for granted and no one feels that they are doing them a favor.
Moreover, almost every household in the village supports a boy's education, while girls are often part of the support for boys, the part that is sacrificed.
Men will naturally protect their own interests, so she cultivates women, and quantitative change leads to qualitative change.
As for the boys in the village, even if I don't sponsor their families, I will do my best to support their education; that's the key.
As for the girls, without her help, some might never have stepped into school in their entire lives.
"What? Only girls get sponsored?"
"Why? What's the use of girls going to school?"
"Exactly! Even if you study, you still have to get married. And then you'll be someone else's family!"
"This is not fair!"
As soon as this condition was announced, an argument broke out in the crowd. Some people questioned it, some people objected, especially some families with boys, who felt that they simply could not understand this rule.
Faced with these doubts and some unfriendly voices, Shen Ci remained even calmer.
"Why only sponsor girls? Because I, Chen Ci, am a girl myself!"
I know all too well how difficult it is for girls in rural areas to get an education!
I'm making this clear today: the girls who receive this financial aid will not be forced into marriage by their families before they turn twenty.
If this rule is violated, all tuition fees, meal expenses, and scholarships must be refunded! And I will also have to pay compensation.
The children I sponsor to go to school don't have to pay any tuition or fees, and they even get meals. Those with excellent grades can even send money home. What more could they ask for?
When this additional condition was introduced, many people who were initially interested backed out. If you can't get married by the age of 20, wouldn't you become an old maid?
How much betrothal gift can we still receive then?
These conditions are too harsh and not worth it at all. Who would care how old a girl is when she gets married if they were sponsoring her?
Amidst the noise, Secretary Li looked at Shen Ci with eager eyes. He understood Shen Ci's meaning and felt that this was appropriate for a family with a daughter.
At least, this rule is very good for his family, and they can truly benefit from it. Why? Because Secretary Li dotes on his daughter.
He waved his hand forcefully, raised his voice, and silenced the murmurs of the crowd.
"What's all this fuss about?! Comrade Shen Ci is funding the construction of a school for our village. This is a great deed that will benefit future generations!"
Are you still being picky?
If anyone dares to say anything more and ruin the school construction, I will be the first to not let them off!
"You've built a school and you're still not satisfied?"
He turned to Chen Ci and solemnly promised.
"Comrade Shen Ci, on behalf of the village and all the girls who will be able to go to school in the future, thank you for your kindness!"
When the time comes, I'll send my little daughter to school first!
Others can give gifts if they want, or not if they don't. Stop nagging! Your daughter may not be studying, but other children are!
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