CHAPTER 451: CHAPTER 449: HIDDEN AGENDAS EMERGE

Taking advantage of the others’ delay in reacting, Jiang Kechu said "See you later," and led his family away from there.

A stone causes a thousand ripples; the military families quickly reacted, shocked by the news of the school donation.

"Are they going to donate a school?"

"Does that mean our military families’ children can also attend school here?"

There weren’t many schools nearby, and it wasn’t very practical to establish a school just for the soldiers’ children, so many military families had not accompanied their spouses due to concerns about their children’s education.

Those who were concerned about schooling immediately became happy. This meant that the families could accompany the soldiers, ending the separation, and enjoying the warmth of being together.

Thus, some people immediately felt that Wan Chu’er’s ideology was different, that this cause must be supported. They decided to wait for a chance to ask Captain Jiang if there was any way they could help, eager to lend a hand when the time came.

"Wouldn’t starting a school require teachers?"

"Right, our military spouses are educated enough to teach elementary students. Since the school is donated by Captain Jiang’s spouse, shouldn’t the teaching positions give priority to us from the military families?"

Some people began to think creatively; being a teacher would be great—respectable, not overly tiring, and close to home. It seemed too good to be true.

In no time, many were keen on this idea. Some family members pulled their husbands and headed home, needing to discuss this matter and mention it to Captain Jiang and Wan Chu’er as soon as possible to get ahead of others.

Even Wang Hongmei was tempted. She had an associate degree, which was more than enough to teach at an elementary level. She somewhat regretted not having fostered a good relationship with Wan Chu’er before.

However, there were also those who cooled everyone’s enthusiasm.

"It’s not that easy to start a school, right? Today it’s just a notion, and if it really happens, we’d at least need to have the buildings constructed."

Right, starting a school is no quick task. Regardless of whether it materializes, they should use this time to build a good rapport with Wan Chu’er, who is so generous; they couldn’t possibly lose out in the end.

Just as Jiang Kechu’s family of four reached the entrance of the infirmary, they heard a ruckus inside.

Hunter ran over with his short legs, pushed open the door, and ran inside.

Wan Chu’er recognized Xiao Huaili’s yelling—wasn’t he supposed to wake up at night? Why had he awoken so soon? She hurriedly followed her son inside.

Seeing Wan Chu’er and the others, Xiao Lan sighed in relief, "It’s good you’re here. The kid from Huangjia Gully just woke up and is insisting on leaving. I dare not let him leave. All my attempts to reason with him have failed—he’s very stubborn. His cast was just applied; you should go check on him."

Wan Chu’er said, "Thank you," and quickly entered the inner room.

Upon entering the ward, she saw two nurses with their arms open, blocking the door, Xiao Huaili’s eyes were red, and Little Hunter was tugging at the hem of his clothes. Xiao Huaili seemed to be careful not to knock Little Hunter over, as he had stopped moving.

"What’s the matter?" Wan Chu’er asked.

Seeing Wan Chu’er, Xiao Huaili spoke anxiously, "Aunt, let me go home. My sister is only five years old; she will be scared alone at home. She’s most afraid of the dark; she might be crying and looking for me everywhere right now."

Wan Chu’er asked, "Isn’t there another adult at your home?"

Xiao Huaili paused, his face becoming somber as he said, "My dad died while working away; my mom ran off, and my grandpa passed away from illness last year. It’s just me and my sister at home."

That explained it—he was probably malnourished. Wan Chu’er wondered, didn’t Huangjiagou Village take any measures for these two children?

A ten-year-old child living with a five-year-old little girl, the hardship is unimaginable.

Just then, Jiang Kechu came in carrying Chuanqi and said, "I asked the doctor, we can take him out of here."

The sudden appearance of Jiang Kechu startled Xiao Huaili. This uncle from the liberation army was somewhat frightening; he blinked his eyes, looking eagerly at Wan Chu’er.

"Alright, we will take you home, but we need to drive there first. You should drink up your rib soup while we wait for the car," said Wan Chu’er, instructing Jiang Kechu to get the car while she and the two kids stayed to keep Xiao Huaili company.

Xiao Huaili looked at the food container opened by Wan Chu’er, the steaming soup with its meaty aroma made him swallow hard, but he did not move.

Wan Chu’er guessed the boy’s intention in an instant and said, "There’s rice as well as soup, you need to drink some meat soup because you’re injured, but you can take the rest back for your sister to eat."

Xiao Huaili’s face turned red instantly when his thoughts were voiced; he stammered a thank you, then picked up the container and began to drink without looking up.

Tears dripped into the rib soup, drop by drop. Xiao Huaili did not dare to lift his head, drinking the soup mouthful by mouthful with fervor.

The Hunter’s eyes were sharp, noticing that the young brother’s arm was trembling, and also hearing the sound of him sniffing, he couldn’t help but say to his mother:

"Mom, the little brother is crying."

Wan Chu’er was well aware but smiled, "The little brother thinks the rib soup isn’t salty enough, so he’s adding a few tears to it."

Chuanqi, not understanding, asked, "Why?"

Little Hunter promptly said, "Silly sister, tears are salty."

Xiao Huaili of course heard their conversation, his touched and choked up emotions somewhat eased by it. The soup was finished, and outside, the sound of a car was heard.

Hunter and Chuanqi cheered "Dad’s here," and rushed outside. Xiao Huaili secured the container lid, placed it carefully in his bag, quickly wiped his tears when Wan Chu’er wasn’t looking, then turned to her and said:

"Aunt, can I take the food container home today? I’ll give it back to you tomorrow when you come to play with your siblings."

He was embarrassed to give Wan Chu’er a dirty food container, thinking it would be better to wash it at home and return it with the lunch box.

"Up to you," Wan Chu’er said nonchalantly.

She picked up her things and walked out with Xiao Huaili.

So, the group slowly drove off towards Huangjiagou Village in the night.

...

During the day, Village Chief Huang and Accountant Zhou verbally confirmed with Wan Chu’er and then led the villagers back to the village, immediately using the loudspeaker to gather all the villagers.

"Today, we have wonderful news for our village that we want to announce to everyone," Village Chief Huang and others settled down and then spoke out loudly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd below buzzed with excitement, all wondering what the jubilant news could be.

Zhang Gouzi said rogishly, "Village Chief, you had people carry me back here, what’s the meaning of this?"

The village chief didn’t answer him but raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, then continued, "Our village is going to have a school soon, and our children will no longer have to run to the neighboring Sha Jiatan to attend school."