Chapter 95 The boy can walk now!
Shen Rong went to Cao Fengyi and told her her idea, and she readily agreed.
"That's a good thing, I naturally agree. Tell me, what do you want to do?"
This was also a good opportunity for Cao Fengyi to salvage Dou Wenliang's image in the public eye. Ever since Dou's army retreated to Pingcheng without a fight, people outside had been talking about it, and the newspapers had been hurling insults at him, calling him a coward, a coward, and someone like Meng Chang.
The Dou family has been reluctant to go out these days. If they could take the lead in organizing a donation dinner, they could salvage some of their reputation.
Although it's just a cultural relic, it can still be elevated to a matter of national sentiment, which is a way to enhance one's image. Why wouldn't she be happy to do it? It's just donating a sum of money, not a lot. She's still very willing to do it.
"Sister-in-law, you truly are a heroine among women, so righteous! Although we can't fight on the front lines like those soldiers, we can still do what we can from the rear. These are not just antiques and cultural relics, but also our national treasures, the very foundation of our nation." Shen Rong didn't hold back in praising Cao Fengyi's righteous act, elevating her to a higher level, as if she had done something extraordinary, making Cao Fengyi unable to suppress the smile on her face.
Cao Fengyi took her hand and promised, "I will definitely do a beautiful job for you."
Shen Rong naturally believed that with Cao Fengyi taking the lead, the amount of donations raised would certainly be substantial.
On the day of the banquet, prominent figures from Pingcheng's political and business circles attended. Professor Hao was Lin Wenhui's teacher, the head of the cultural center, and a nationally renowned expert in cultural relics and archaeology.
He rarely attends banquets like this, but today he not only came but also gave a speech. Which of these wealthy people doesn't have a few antiques in their collection? Experts like Professor Hao are usually hard to invite, so naturally he wanted to make the most of this opportunity to build a relationship. He was incredibly generous when donating money.
Professor Hao was even busier than the host, surrounded by a crowd of people seeking his advice. His face grew increasingly stiff, and his patience had reached its limit.
Lin Wenhui took Shen Rong to help him out of the predicament.
Professor Hao breathed a sigh of relief. He was a scholar by nature, with a touch of aloofness in his bones. He disliked these social engagements and preferred to bury himself in research.
"You're Shen Rong? I've heard Wen Hui mention you. How's your reading going?" Sure enough, she asked a question as soon as they met, a common trait among teachers.
Shen Rong's smile was somewhat stiff: "I just looked at a bit."
Actually, she had only turned two pages and was still looking at the table of contents he had written; she hadn't even gotten into the main text yet. She was praying in her heart that he wouldn't ask any questions.
Heaven must have heard her heartfelt words, because Professor Hao simply nodded: "If you have any questions, you can ask me anytime, or you can ask Wenhui. You are friends, so it will be easier for you to communicate."
"Thank you, Professor Hao."
"I should be thanking you. Thanks to your brilliant idea, you solved a huge funding problem for us, and the relocation of cultural relics to the south has become much easier."
The reason most people disagreed was because they considered the relocation would be difficult, there might be damage during the journey, and there might be insufficient funds.
Now that the money is in place, many problems can be easily solved.
Professor Hao was truly grateful to Shen Rong. Even if an ordinary person came up with this idea, they wouldn't be able to succeed so successfully. Using the Dou family's banquet to raise funds is something that not everyone can do, or at least has the face to do.
Shen Rong blushed slightly, feeling a little embarrassed by his praise: "I like cultural relics. They all represent a piece of history. Protecting them is protecting our culture. If there's anything I can do, I definitely will."
Professor Hao nodded: "You're right. Many people only know that they are valuable, but they are more than just valuable. These cultural relics are witnesses to our thousands of years of history and our cultural heritage. We must leave the things left by our ancestors to future generations and not let them be taken away by foreign enemies. They are our roots."
His eyes lit up as he looked at Shen Rong, showing even more appreciation: "In that case, I'll go back and help you choose a few books that will quickly help you understand this knowledge. If you have time, you can come to our cultural center as an assistant."
He joked, "But there's no salary, so I'm just working for free."
Shen Rong couldn't be happier: "I don't want a salary, I don't want a salary, just let me broaden my horizons and learn something."
Lin Wenhui joked from the side, "Is the teacher planning to take on a last disciple?"
Shen Rong was astonished, her expression shifting rapidly.
Professor Hao shook his head, feigning modesty: "She's not ready yet, she hasn't even started. Don't ruin my reputation."
In other words, once you get started, you're on your way. Shen Rong seized the opportunity and said, "Don't worry, I'll try my best to get started as soon as possible."
Lin Wenhui also admired her shamelessness, and everyone laughed.
Dou Wenliang and his wife led a group of people this way. Two of them looked unfamiliar; they must be the special envoys from Jincheng.
The two sides introduced themselves to each other.
"This is Special Envoy Yao from Jincheng, and this is Mr. Wen from Shencheng."
Shen Rong noticed that Dou Wenliang and his wife were more affectionate toward Mr. Wen.
Mr. Wen had a refined and scholarly air about him, and was around thirty years old. His eyes lit up when he heard the introduction of Shen Rong.
"Your father was also my teacher, and your brother and I are good friends." He asked Shen Rong with a smile, his tone friendly. "Your brother said his nephew is very cute, did you bring him today?"
Shen Rong used a smile to cover up her embarrassment. Shen Jiashi had never mentioned to her that he had such a good friend, or perhaps it was a friend from a long time ago.
However, the fact that Mr. Wen could name Xiaoming suggests that Shen Jiashi had at least recently contacted him.
"This unreliable person!" Shen Rong complained about her older brother.
"He was too noisy, so I didn't bring him," Shen Rong replied with a smile.
Cao Fengyi remarked from the side, "So it turns out we're all acquaintances."
Shen Rong was a little embarrassed: "This is the first time I've met Mr. Wen."
Mr. Wen smiled nonchalantly: "That's how we got to know each other."
Special Envoy Yao, who had been standing in the background for a while, stepped forward and said, "Yes, we are all friends. When Commander Lu returns in a few days, Mrs. Lu will also go to Jincheng. Mr. Wen will be the host then."
Mr. Wen smiled and took a puff of his cigarette: "It's possible, but I'm afraid Special Envoy Yao won't have time. You're a very busy person."
Shen Rong glanced at Cao Fengyi. Was Lu Lin coming back?
Cao Fengyi nodded, indicating that she would speak in a moment.
Mr. Wen then chatted with Professor Hao about the relocation of cultural relics. Mr. Wen said that he had friends in the Ministry of Transport who could help make contact.
This was a pleasant surprise, and Professor Hao was extremely grateful.
Mr. Wen handed the cigarette to a passing waiter, took a glass of wine, and said to Professor Hao with respect: "Those cultural relics are national property. Professor Hao is very righteous and has gone to great lengths to protect them. It is only right for me to do my part."
Special Envoy Yao also took a glass of wine: "Mr. Wen is right. I would also like to toast Professor Hao. These antiques have been a great help to you."
Shen Rong noticed that Professor Hao's lips twitched slightly.
Mr. Wen glanced at Special Envoy Yao with a slightly contemptuous smile.
She and Lin Wenhui exchanged a glance, somewhat puzzled as to who this Mr. Wen was, that even the special envoy from Jincheng would fawn over him and follow his lead in everything. He must be no ordinary businessman.
Finding an opportunity, Shen Rong secretly asked Cao Fengyi.
Cao Fengyi was surprised, and Shen Rong explained with a bitter smile, "I really don't know who he is. My brother..." She sighed deeply, her words carrying a heavy burden. "He doesn't tell me much about things outside."
Cao Fengyi understood: "Men always feel that what happens outside has nothing to do with us, but he has a lot of connections."
She lowered her voice: "He himself is fine, he's just a businessman, but you should know his older brother and sister, have you heard of the Wen family in Shencheng?"
Shen Rong opened her mouth wide, then closed it tightly, and nodded emphatically: "I know."
How could anyone not know? Even a commoner knows the Wen family—they're rich and powerful. Who can rival them now?
"Judging from his tone, he seems to have a close relationship with your family, which is a good thing," Cao Fengyi said from the side.
People just said it casually; who knows what kind of relationship they actually have? Being good friends might just be a polite way of putting it. Compared to the Wen family, Shen Rong is more curious about something else right now.
"That Special Envoy Yao said Lu Lin is coming back?"
This matter.
Cao Fengyi nodded: "Yes, he came to oversee this matter. He has urged Wen Liang several times to transfer Lu Lin back to the interior."
"But they are still fighting the Japanese army." Are we really going to hand over the four northeastern provinces to them?
Cao Fengyi shook her head: "Yes, who knows what Jincheng is thinking? They probably think Wenliang is dragging his feet and they've sent people to keep an eye on things. It won't be long before Lu Lin withdraws."
She smiled and comforted Shen Rong, "This is a good thing, so you won't have to worry about whether your Lu Lin will get hurt."
Shen Rong's smile was more like a grimace.
She wanted Lu Lin to be safe, but not in this way. On the way back, Lin Wenhui noticed that she was in low spirits and asked her what was wrong.
Shen Rong opened her mouth, looking at her concerned face, and finally said, "They said our Lu Lin is going to be withdrawn."
Lin Wenhui understood what this meant, and her expression changed.
"So we still couldn't hold on?"
No, it's not that we can't hold it anymore, it's that we're not allowed to hold it anymore.
Such a government, such officials, "They are truly disgusting!" Shen Rong suddenly blurted out.
Professor Hao looked over and said, "Mrs. Lu, please be careful with your words."
Shen Rong took a deep breath, turned to Professor Hao and said, "Professor Hao, I think you should hurry up and make the arrangements."
Professor Hao nodded, but he still had some doubts.
There are many cultural relics in the palace, and they need to be packed and transported, which will take time. But even if the Northeast cannot be defended, it doesn't mean that Pingcheng cannot be defended either. Why does she sound as if Pingcheng is about to fall as well?
It was bound to happen sooner or later, Chen Rong whispered to himself.
The next day, the little villa received a big gift, partly for the children and partly for her, from Mr. Wen.
Shen Rong made a phone call to Shen Jiashi.
Upon hearing the whole story, Shen Jiashi laughed and said, "You did ask. You can keep it, I'll return the gift to him."
Shen Rong: "You two are really good friends. I've never heard you mention having such a remarkable friend before."
Shen Jia chuckled on the other end: "He's not that great, still a bit worse than me. I asked about it but didn't want to get involved in his family affairs. I didn't befriend him just because he's surnamed Wen. He didn't benefit from his family's connections; all his achievements are due to his own hard work."
Shen Rong curled his lip. No one would believe such a thing if he said it out loud. If he weren't surnamed Wen, Dou Wenliang would have treated him like a distinguished guest last night. If he hadn't benefited from his older brother and sister's influence, then Special Envoy Yao would have been bowing and scraping.
"Then give him a call and tell him to express my gratitude. Lu Lin isn't home, so it's not convenient for me to invite him over for dinner. Please do him a favor for me."
Shen Jiashi muttered, "All you know is how to take advantage of your brother."
"Well, that's because you're my brother. If you hadn't mentioned me and Xiaoming to him, he definitely wouldn't have been so polite in giving you a gift. In the end, it's all because of your influence. Oh my, my brother is so influential. His sister is really benefiting from it."
"I haven't seen my sister for a few days, and her flattery skills have improved quite a bit." Shen Jiashi felt rather pleased.
Shen Rong snorted and heard a noise on the other side, which sounded like her father's voice.
Then I heard Shen Jiashi say that she was his younger sister.
"I'm hanging up, Dad wants me to go to a meeting." He lowered his voice, "He knows you called me but I didn't call him, his face turned dark. I feel like he's going to make things difficult for me later. Sister, Dad's jealous." He gave his own father a good scathing jab.
Shen Rong smiled and hung up the phone. Just then, Zhang Ma made a lot of Pingcheng pastries, so she asked them to pack some and have Uncle Zhang send them to Wen Wenqing.
***
A month later, Lu Lin's unit gradually withdrew.
Since he learned to walk, Xiaoming has been restless. He can't walk alone yet and needs to pull others along. When Chen Rong threw a toy into the distance, Xiaoming immediately grabbed Er Mao's hand to pick it up.
He was all smiles, drooling, thinking his mother was playing with him, unaware that his own mother was treating him like a dog.
"Madam, why don't you go out and take a look around the street?" Zhang Ma asked her again.
Shen Rong reiterated her stance: she wouldn't go.
Zhang Ma didn't understand. Didn't Madam miss her husband a lot? Why does she seem unhappy now that she's coming back?
There was a noise outside the door. Zhang Ma thought it was her husband coming back from shopping, so she opened the door and went out to see.
Soon, Zhang Ma's voice calling Er Mao could be heard outside the door.
Xiao Ming reluctantly let go of his older brother's hand and rushed into his mother's arms.
Familiar footsteps came from the doorway. Shen Rong paused for a moment and turned to look.
A disheveled and haggard figure stood there, still so tall, his back slightly hunched, leaning against the doorway. A faint smell of gunpowder lingered in the air, emanating from him.
Shen Rong jumped up, paused for a moment, and then lunged at him with all her might.
Lu Lin reached out and put his arm around her, and smiled.
"Why are you crying again? You cry even more easily than your son."
Shen Rong hugged his waist tightly. His waist seemed much thinner than before, and he didn't smell good.
"It stinks so bad, it made me cry."
Lu Lin lowered his head and kissed her cheek.
Shen Rong flinched slightly: "It itches." His beard must have been unkempt for a long time, it was a bit prickly.
Lu Lin maliciously stabbed her neck, and Shen Rong hid in his arms.
"I'm back," Lu Lin said softly.
Shen Rong sniffed: "Welcome home."
They wanted to be happy, but their hearts were heavy. Lu Lin picked her up, took two steps, stopped, and looked into the distance with some surprise: "This kid can walk now!"
Shen Rong turned her head and saw Xiao Ming walking towards her, trembling slightly. When he saw his mother looking at him, he excitedly took two quick steps, and then collapsed.
The heartless parents burst into laughter.
Xiao Ming pouted, his eyes filled with tears. Lu Lin lowered his head to pick him up, but was swatted away by his chubby little hand and glared at fiercely.
The little guy didn't recognize him. Lu Lin squatted down and hugged him. Xiao Ming struggled and asked his mother for help.
To everyone's surprise, the elderly mother not only refused to help, but also laughed loudly.
Xiao Ming cried in grievance. Just now, this bad guy bullied his mother, and he was so anxious that he ran away on his own. Why won't his mother save him now?
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