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Chapter 294: Chapter 294: A Role Model for Youth Learning in the County
In Chuxia’s previous life, Bai Qifeng had already been transferred when she became wealthy, but she also heard quite a bit about his deeds, a down-to-earth leading official.
During these years of rapid development due to reform and opening up, he greatly supported the growth of private enterprises, and promoted many individuals, increasing the county’s fiscal revenue by a significant step and allowing Ancheng County to be the first to stand out among several neighboring administrative regions.
Chuxia smiled generously, "I’m 22 years old this year."
In their local custom, they speak of nominal age, and Chuxia was also aware that her age was indeed tender for her position, so she simply reported a nominal age.
Even so, County Magistrate Bai was surprised, repeatedly exclaiming how impressive it was.
"The national construction needs young people like you who are brave and resolute, old-fashioned thoughts will not do."
Director Wang also echoed on the side, "Indeed, Lin is not only smart, but also skilled and versatile."
"The leaders are too complimentary, I’m just doing what I should be doing. In every aspect, I am a newcomer, still with a lot to learn."
County Magistrate Bai was even more satisfied, "You are now the leader for our private enterprises. Xiyang Food’s reputation has not only taken over the markets in Ancheng County but has also captured a lot from the surrounding markets. At such a young age to have achieved this, neither arrogant nor rash, and with a passionate and helpful heart, you are indeed a model for all the county’s youth to learn from."
"County Magistrate Bai, you really flatter me."
Bai Qifeng waved his hand, "That’s not true at all, I’ve heard about you more than once from your town mayor and Director Feng. Your Xiyang Food Factory not only provided hundreds of job opportunities for our county but you’ve also been involved in the chicken and pig farms in Qin Family Village. This year, Qin Family Village is set to be recognized as a model by the county, and you’ve played an indispensable role in this. Keep up the good work, and should you encounter any difficulties, bring it up with the county authorities; I have high hopes for you."
Chuxia hadn’t expected to receive such recognition today; to have won the appreciation of Bai Qifeng would certainly add wings to a tiger in her future development.
She also promptly responded, "Thank you, County Magistrate Bai, for your recognition. I will certainly double my efforts and will not let down the expectations of the county leadership."
..........
Because it was published in the newspaper, the story of Chuxia’s courageous and righteous act quickly spread throughout Ancheng County.
Before this, Chuxia had never mentioned the rescue.
When Sun Hao and Chen Ping visited her home, the Qin Family thought it was just because Sun Hao had a good relationship with Chuxia, and had borrowed Yuan Bao for a case.
To their surprise, in addition to Yuan Bao, Chuxia was even more formidable.
On the day the newspaper was printed, Qin Han spent his own money to buy a thick stack to put in Qin’s Bun Shop for customers passing by to read.
They were free to take away if they wished, sharing in the glory.
Coincidentally, at the train station’s bun shop, Sun Lanlan also bought a stack and placed them at the entrance of Qin’s Bun Shop.
Every customer who bought steamed buns was given a free newspaper, which left Chuxia not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
It was not until she saw Old Sir He that Chuxia truly backed down.
Old Sir He also came directly to the bun shop after seeing the newspaper.
Upon seeing Chuxia there, he didn’t say another word and went to take her pulse.
"Master, look I’m fine, really nothing wrong..."
Before Chuxia could finish, Old Sir He fixed her with his fierce gaze and she had no choice but to close her mouth and extend her arm.
Old Sir He half-closed his eyes as he took her pulse, his expression finally softening a bit.
"I told you I was fine. Do you believe me now? At that time, I just helped someone out, I really didn’t do much."
Old Sir He didn’t believe her words; were courageous acts just casual talk? Was the certificate just cabbage?
But by this point, it was useless to argue about it anymore.
He stared at her displeasedly, "Stop with the jokes and smiles with me. When you became my apprentice, you did say that you’d take care of me in my old age. This life of yours isn’t just your own; you must take good care of yourself."
"I get it, I get it," Chuxia stepped closer to pound on his shoulders, "Master, don’t worry. Next time something like this happens, I’ll just stay far away and not play the hero."
Old Sir He glared at her again. Is that what he meant?
Seeing her smug little expression, he huffed, "If there’s a next time, I’ll just go straight to Qin Yang."
Chuxia’s hands froze as she suddenly realized a serious problem.
The Qin Family and Lanlan may be worried after hearing about the incident, but they were mostly proud of her.
Old Sir He was concerned about her health and, after checking her pulse and finding nothing wrong, managed to calm her down.
But what if Qin Yang found out?
At first, even when Sun Hao and Chen Ping went to Qin Family, she didn’t mention it at home for fear that Qin Yang would find out.
Now, there was no hiding it.
Old Sir He scoffed with a cold smile, "Look how little ambition you have."
Chuxia pounded on his shoulders again, her voice soft and sweet, "Master, if Qin Yang gets mad at me, you have to take my side. After all, I’m your apprentice."
"It depends on the situation."
Chuxia: "..."
Time flew, and suddenly it was September, the day Lin Jiadong was to report.
Chuxia had already agreed with Lin Jiadong that she would arrange for him to board at the school to facilitate his studies.
The reporting was in the afternoon the day before school started, and in the morning, Lin Jiadong had already brought his luggage to the Bun Shop to wait for Chuxia.
Zhang Guilan knew Chuxia was different with her brother. The young man was going to study at Ancheng First High School, and Zhang Guilan had said many encouraging words.
It wasn’t until Chuxia arrived that she gave the siblings some space.
Chuxia glanced at his simple luggage, "Did you pack everything?"
Lin Jiadong was somewhat dazed, "I guess it should be enough."
He didn’t know what he needed to prepare for staying at school; his mother had packed everything for him.
Chuxia squatted down to check his things and then stood up, patting her hands, "Let’s go, I’ll take you shopping for some things first."
Apart from the bedding, there was only an old towel; even a toothbrush, tooth mug, and washbasin were missing.
In those days, it wasn’t uncommon for students, especially from poorer rural families. Being able to pay the tuition fees was hard enough; other living essentials were spared where possible. Washing one’s face would happen directly under a tap, and people would drink directly from the same tap.
In the dead of winter, many would be bent over the tap, drinking cold water.
But Chuxia didn’t want Lin Jiadong to live like that; since she had promised to support him, the least she could do was ensure he wasn’t too strapped in terms of living conditions.
Lin Jiadong followed her with a smile, "Second Sister, what else do we need to buy? I think what I have is enough. With a mattress and a quilt, as long as I’m not freezing at night, it’s fine."
Chuxia looked back at him; he was wearing clothes she bought for him.
The teenager’s skin was a healthy wheat color, his smile clean, slightly simple and naïve.
"When you’re staying at school, there will be at least 10 people in one room. It’s not just about not freezing, personal hygiene is also something to be mindful of, like brushing teeth and washing feet. We are there to study, alright, but there’s no need to be too extravagant in other areas. At least make do and follow what others do."
Lin Jiadong scratched his head and smiled again, "Got it, Second Sister."
