Song Ziqing wandered around the ancestral hall and took pictures of the scene inside. The clicking sound of the camera was particularly clear in the quiet ancestral hall.
After she finished taking the photos, she put the camera back in her bag. At that moment, Song Youjun looked at the camera and asked eagerly, "Auntie, since everyone is free today, why don't you help us take a group photo in front of the ancestral hall?"
Lin Chengyu said with a smile, "Your aunt is also considered one of the people from your Shengang Village, so let me take the photos for you! It's a way to celebrate the opening of the seafood dried goods workshop and commemorate the occasion!"
Song Ziqing smiled and patted her small bag, saying, "Today I brought two whole rolls of film, which can help each family take a group photo. However, I can pay for the film, but the cost of developing the photos will depend on how many photos each family takes!"
Song Youjun scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Auntie, most people in our village don't have that much money right now. Could you give it to me later?"
Song Ziqing understood Song Youjun's family situation, and she readily said, "Youjun, it's alright. Your aunt isn't in a hurry for money. You can give it to her whenever you want."
Song Youjun's grandmother, who is also Song Jingtao's wife, had been ill and had used up almost all of the family's money, including Song Youying's tuition fees, which were later sponsored by Song's father.
After the Song couple were sent to the countryside, Song Zinan thought of having his son visit them, worried that they might not be able to make a living there.
In her previous life, Song Zinan had also left Hainan, but because she got lost, it took her a month to be brought home by the police.
Lin Chengyu had also heard Song Ziqing talk about the Song village chief's family, and he immediately chimed in, "Yes, Youjun, your aunt isn't an outsider, why are you being so polite just to take a picture!"
Song Youjun looked at Song Ziqing gratefully, then said somewhat shyly, "Thank you, Auntie. Once our village sells its seafood this year, we'll definitely send you the money."
Song Ziqing smiled and waved her hand, indicating that Youjun should not be reserved. She said kindly, "Youjun, you child, why are you being so polite with me! We are all family, so let's not talk like strangers."
Lin Chengyu also laughed and said, "That's right, Youjun, your aunt doesn't treat herself like an outsider, so don't be shy either."
Hearing this, Song Youjun felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He looked at Song Ziqing and Lin Chengyu, his eyes filled with gratitude and affection.
Then, Song Youjun began to tell everyone about Song Ziqing's good deeds, such as taking photos for all the families in the village.
He spoke in a loud and passionate voice: "Dear elders and fellow villagers, I would like to share with you a good deed done by my aunt, Song Ziqing. She plans to use her camera to take photos of all the families in our village as a memento! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so everyone should hurry home and discuss it with your families."
He paused, then continued, "However, to be honest, taking photos is free, but developing them costs money. Of course, if a family really can't afford it, they can have the whole village take a group photo together. They don't keep a copy for themselves, but they can visit other people's houses from time to time to look at the photos, which is also nice."
As Song Youjun spoke, Song Zinan came over to help his son take notes. He held a small notebook and carefully noted which families were willing to have their photos taken and which were not.
When encountering families whose circumstances truly prevent it, Song Ziqing would patiently explain.
She wanted to meet everyone's needs as much as possible and didn't want to disappoint anyone. During this process, Song Ziqing felt the warmth and kindness of the villagers. Although they lived in poverty, they had simple, honest hearts and were filled with gratitude and respect for Song Ziqing.
However, there were a very few families who left Song Ziqing feeling helpless. They wanted Song Ziqing to take photos for them, but didn't want to pay for developing the photos.
Song Ziqing directly refused such a request. She wouldn't be kind forever; that would only encourage others to take advantage.
She knew that her time and energy were limited and she couldn't waste them on these ungrateful people.
She also knows that her kindness has its limits and cannot be taken advantage of or harmed by others.
She didn't want these people to affect her mood and work efficiency, so she chose to refuse decisively.
No matter where you are, there are good and bad people, especially in impoverished rural areas like this.
People without money can't see any hope for the future, and even the best person might develop a distorted personality over time.
Some people become insecure and sensitive because of poverty, some become greedy and selfish because of poverty, and some become lazy and negative because of poverty.
They blame their misfortunes on society and fate, but are unwilling to work hard and strive to change themselves.
They only think about taking and getting from others, but are unwilling to give or contribute to others.
Their lives were filled with complaints and grievances, devoid of any joy or hope.
Song Ziqing understood that these people needed more than just material help; they needed spiritual support and encouragement.
They need someone to tell them that life isn't so bad, and that there are many wonderful things waiting for them to discover and create.
They need someone to inspire their confidence and courage, so they can rediscover their value and dignity.
Therefore, while taking photos, Song Ziqing would also chat and communicate with these villagers, sharing his experiences and feelings, and listening to their thoughts and suggestions.
She was filled with passion and determination, wanting to inspire them with her actions and words, letting them know that as long as they have dreams and work hard, they will definitely be able to overcome difficulties and realize their life's value.
She knew that simply reasoning with people wouldn't truly move them; she had to find a development path suitable for Shengang Village so that the villagers could see hope.
So, after careful consideration, she came up with a bold idea: to take advantage of the unique geographical conditions of Shengang Village to develop a dried seafood industry, so that everyone would only need to contribute manpower and effort without having to spend any money.
She explained her plan to the villagers in detail. She told them that Shengang Village is located by the sea and has abundant marine resources, with a very broad market prospect for fish, shrimp, crabs, and seaweed.
When conditions permit, everyone can further process the seafood to increase its added value. She believes that as long as everyone works together, they will definitely be able to realize this dream and make Shengang Village more prosperous.
Once they arrived there, Shengang Village finally had a stable source of income, and every household could receive a monthly salary and receipts just like city dwellers, leading a comfortable life.
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