As the conversation continued, more educated youth gathered, including men and women in different conditions.
Some people look energetic, while others look pale, probably due to the long journey and motion sickness.
Xu Qinghe introduced himself to everyone again and briefly described the situation in the village so that everyone had a general idea of the situation.
Then she made a suggestion: "We should set off as soon as possible. It's getting late and the mountain road is difficult to travel. Young men, why not help the girls around you? Let's help each other and overcome this journey together."
However, one girl in the crowd was clearly dissatisfied with the arrangement. She frowned and complained repeatedly, "This is too much! We've come all this way here, and it's one thing not to have a car to pick us up, but now we have to carry all this luggage up the mountain by ourselves. Isn't this deliberately making things difficult for us?"
There were several bulging woven bags piled beside her, each of which was very heavy. It took a lot of effort just to lift them, let alone carry them up the mountain.
Xu Qinghe felt mixed emotions. She knew very well that this was indeed an unprecedented challenge for the girls who came from the city to remote villages to support construction.
However, facing the village director's arrangement, she felt helpless but had no choice.
"Well, it looks like you have quite a lot of luggage. I can share some of it and put it on the back seat of my bicycle, but for the rest, I'm afraid you'll have to figure it out yourself." Xu Qinghe pointed to his old but reliable bicycle. Although there was space for carrying things on the back seat, it was limited and could not bear too much weight.
The girl's expression was filled with displeasure, her tone a matter-of-fact. "Even if you help me share some of the burden, I won't be able to carry all the rest back. As the person who came to pick us up, shouldn't you have arranged transportation beforehand? You rode here so leisurely, but did you ever consider our difficulties and embarrassing situation for even a moment?"
"No." Xu Qinghe's answer was concise and direct. Her face darkened slightly, and a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes. "Didn't you hear my explanation clearly? The village simply couldn't spare any extra staff to greet you, so the village director asked me to guide you. I'm helping you out of kindness, not to repay some fabricated debt."
The other party clearly hadn't anticipated such a direct and forceful response from this seemingly weak country girl. A flash of embarrassment and anger crossed her face. Just as she was about to retort, Xu Qinghe interrupted her again: "Please remember, you are here to support our rural development, not to enjoy privileges or play princess. Recognize your own roles and missions. It will benefit both of us."
Then, Xu Qinghe turned to face the crowd and said, "This is the actual situation. The village hasn't arranged any special transportation. This isn't just for our village, the surrounding villages are the same. If you have the ability, please solve this problem yourselves. I have no objection."
After saying that, she pushed her bicycle hard and prepared to leave. The kindness she had in wanting to lend a helping hand had been completely worn away by the other party's attitude. She thought to herself: Let them deal with it however they want!
However, the girl didn't seem to be willing to give up: "You haven't helped me with the luggage yet!"
Xu Qinghe stopped, turned around and smiled, but there was a sharp edge hidden in that smile: "Do I owe you anything? Unfortunately, I have a good memory, especially for those impolite behaviors. Now, I don't want to help you anymore, please do as you please."
She was most disgusted by the behavior of asking for help from others while putting on an arrogant attitude, and she was determined not to condone it.
Everyone looked at each other, shocked by Xu Qinghe's determination and straightforwardness. They didn't expect that she looked quiet but had such a strong character.
Just when the atmosphere reached a deadlock, people realized that the girl's accusation was actually groundless.
It is the busy farming season, and Xu Qinghe has done her best. What's the point in blaming her?
In the end, Xu Qinghe's kind nature prevailed.
She noticed a thin and obviously malnourished girl and decided to lend a hand by helping her carry her luggage.
The girl burst into tears of gratitude and shyly introduced herself: "Thank you so much. My name is Zhao Fangcao, you can just call me Xiaocao."
Inspired by Xiaocao, other team members also began to introduce themselves one by one, and the atmosphere gradually eased.
In addition to Bai Xue, who had a bad attitude before, there is also the sunny and cheerful boy Wan Qiang, and two other girls - the energetic Xiang Qin and the initially indifferent Bai Xue.
Although Bai Xue has an impatient personality, her outstanding appearance still makes Wan Qiang offer to help share her luggage.
Wang Song tried to help Xiang Qin, but she declined. Xiang Qin smiled confidently and said, "I'm here to contribute to the countryside. If I can't even carry this little thing, then what am I doing here?"
Xu Qinghe silently praised Xiang Qin in his heart. It was this kind of perseverance that truly embodied the spiritual outlook of contemporary youth.
As expected, girls like Xiang Qin choose to come here mostly on their own initiative.
"Well said. The future of our village needs ambitious and responsible young people like you!" Xu Qinghe sighed sincerely.
When Xiang Qin heard this, her chest couldn't help but straighten out even more, and her face was filled with pride.
The people around had different expressions. Some pulled their lips awkwardly, while others had flickering eyes.
Although Xu Qinghe was anxious and eager to start her journey home, she remained gentle and courteous. Instead of riding her bicycle away alone, she chose a more decent way - pushing the old bicycle and walking side by side with everyone.
Along the way, several youthful figures stretched out in the sunshine. Although their steps were heavy and they had to stop to rest from time to time, with panting sounds coming one after another, they also built a bridge of communication between each other during these short stops.
Everyone took turns introducing themselves, giving Xu Qinghe a clearer idea of everyone's background.
It was originally thought that Xiang Qin was the only one who came to this land voluntarily with passion, but unexpectedly, Wang Song was also a passionate young man who shouted that he wanted to take root in this loess.
However, when Xu Qinghe noticed Wang Song's slightly weak body, and every breath was like the last struggle of an old ox carrying a heavy load, he couldn't help but worry about him.
Can someone with this kind of physique withstand the hardships of rural life?
Bai Xue, a girl full of fantasies about the future, could not find a satisfactory job in the city, so she had no choice but to go to the countryside.
Zhao Fangcao was forced to find another way out because of her family's financial difficulties and the pressure of supporting her.
Wan Qiang's situation is similar to Bai Xue's. The severe job market leaves him with no choice.
This group of young people had their hearts filled with beautiful visions of the future, but they never anticipated how difficult the road ahead would be.
Xu Qinghe looked at them, with complicated emotions surging in his heart.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
