After returning home, Xu Mengyao was still upset. She sat on the sofa, staring blankly ahead, her thoughts still lingering on the guesthouse where the villagers were being accommodated.
Huang's father noticed her strangeness.
"Daughter, did you go to the guesthouse today? How are the villagers?"
Xu Mengyao took a deep breath and said slowly:
"I saw the children's legs were covered with sores. But when they ate the steamed buns, their eyes sparkled with satisfaction..."
Huang's mother gently stroked her head and encouraged:
"Juan, you are a kind-hearted child. Although our abilities are limited, at least we can help in any way we can."
Xu Mengyao's eyes became firm.
"Dad, Mom, I think we can't just do this. Why don't we mobilize more people to help them? Strength lies in numbers. They need not only food, but also clean clothes and medicine to prevent the spread of disease. After the flood recedes, they will have to rebuild their homes."
Huang Nai nodded aside.
"That's right. After a major disaster, there will inevitably be an epidemic. We must be prepared for this."
After thinking for a moment, Father Huang made the decision:
"Okay, we can't just sit there and watch. Let me talk to the mine leaders and see if we can organize a fundraising event. Those who have money can contribute money, those who have food can contribute food, and if that's all that matters, you can just wash and clean your old clothes and bedding."
Xu Mengyao's eyes lit up when she heard this. "Great! Dad! You're so thoughtful!"
The family sprang into action. Huang's father contacted the mine's leadership, while Xu Mengyao began preparing a list of food and supplies. Huang's mother busied herself at home sorting out unused clothing and belongings, meticulously washing and neatly folding each item.
Even the younger aunt and the older aunt took out some food for her: "Juanzi, our two families only have food left. These have been dried. Don't be disgusted. It's also a token of our appreciation."
As word spread, more and more people joined the charity relay. Miners donated their savings, and some families even contributed vegetables and fruits they grew themselves. Even small vendors around the mining area generously donated their own stocks.
Organized by the miners' union, a massive fundraising campaign began. Some donated money, some donated supplies, and some volunteered to help in the disaster area. The entire mining area was filled with a strong atmosphere of solidarity, mutual assistance, and overcoming difficulties together.
A few days later, thanks to everyone's concerted efforts, the affected villagers of Dongshan received timely aid and medical support. Trucks laden with food, clothing, medicine, and other essentials slowly made their way to Dongshan Village. Upon seeing the aid, the victims' faces lit up with long-lost smiles. No longer was there despair, but a longing for a new life.
Television screens reeled with the devastating consequences of the disaster: a staggering 7.3 million hectares of crops were affected in Anhui and Jiangsu provinces, with direct economic losses reaching 15 billion RMB. Over 90 million people, representing over 60% of the total population of the two provinces, were affected. Roads, bridges, and other infrastructure within the affected areas also suffered varying degrees of damage, requiring an estimated $200 million USD investment and various disaster relief equipment.
As the nation was consumed by the devastation of this disaster, on July 11, 1991, China resolutely held a press conference for an "urgent appeal for disaster relief," issuing its first international appeal for humanitarian assistance. This move not only demonstrated the nation's resilience and courage but also resonated with and resonated with Chinese people around the world.
At this moment, Huang Wenbin also called home, his voice filled with unquestionable determination:
"Mom and Dad, I'm going out on a mission and I'm not sure when I'll be back. The entire army is mobilized. We're going to fight the floods and participate in the country's post-disaster reconstruction work."
Soon, aid poured in from around the world. The United Nations donated over 50 million RMB, and the British Hong Kong government allocated 50 million Hong Kong dollars. In the face of adversity, goodwill became a powerful force. The Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industry responded enthusiastically, with many celebrities not only donating generously but also traveling extensively to organize fundraising events.
The leading figure in Hong Kong's entertainment industry, Anita Mui, vowed to "use whatever means necessary" to help mainland Chinese compatriots. Following her call, hundreds of celebrities flocked from far and wide, demonstrating an unprecedented spirit of solidarity. On July 27th, the entire entertainment industry mobilized for the "Selflessness Gala" in Happy Valley, Hong Kong.
The four major radio stations in Hong Kong put aside their prejudices and worked together to broadcast this grand performance. They crossed the boundaries of the strait and interpreted "One Family on Both Sides of the Taiwan Strait" with practical actions.
In the Huang family's living room, the family sat around the TV, watching this grand broadcast.
"It's so touching that so many people are lending a helping hand," said Huang's mother.
Huang's father nodded in agreement. "Yes, these celebrities not only donated money and materials, but also personally organized the activities. They are truly worthy of respect."
Xu Mengyao's gaze traversed the passage of time, resting on the young "Big Brother." He and a host of other stars not only shed tears on stage but also carried a donation box, weaving through the crowd, pleading for help. An entertainment company boss asked for donations in exchange for watching him do five somersaults. In return, Big Brother thrilledly performed seven somersaults, tumbling to the audience's applause, his face flushed but beaming.
The beauty who plays the role of Dongfang Bubai, despite the fatigue of the journey, took the stage in casual clothes right after getting off the plane. She called out to the audience with deep emotion: "Dear friends, please lend a hand to help our compatriots, help our own people!"
To raise funds, Andy Lau, the evergreen in the entertainment industry known as "Workaholic," performed a live performance of breaking a stone with his chest. A business owner donated HK$1 million on the spot, but the stone remained intact after one hammer strike. He held his breath and took another blow, but the stone remained intact. It wasn't until the third hammer struck that the stone cracked, and Andy spurted out a mouthful of blood. The fans in the audience screamed in fear, but he smiled and comforted them, "Blood is thicker than water!"
Grandma Huang pointed at Hua Zai, who was spitting blood from his mouth on TV, and said, "This young man is kind and righteous! He will definitely make a name for himself in the future."
The lead singer of a famous Hong Kong band stood on the stage, his voice firm: "The Chinese people can withstand all hardships! The most important thing is to build and avoid future disasters."
The seven-hour benefit concert lasted from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Hundreds of celebrities took turns singing, dancing, and performing stunts, all to raise more money. This was an era of idols Xu Mengyao had never touched before. These were true stars, worthy of the admiration of millions of Chinese people!
A scrolling screen below the TV displayed a list of individual donations, while the large screen in the center of the stage displayed a growing total. In an era where the average salary is less than 200 yuan, this fundraising event surprisingly raised over 100 million Hong Kong dollars! This broke the record for charitable donations in Hong Kong!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
