Chapter 64: Poverty Alleviation

The roads in the village were far from smooth. As Jiang Xiaofei entered, he saw several elderly men sitting at their doorways, chatting and passing the time. Noticing Jiang Xiaofei and the large group of city dwellers coming into the village, the old men grew curious and asked, "Young man, where are you all headed?"

Jiang Xiaofei smiled, "We’re here to help alleviate poverty, to assist you in improving your lives."

"Poverty alleviation?" The elder tapping his tobacco pipe frowned slightly, "Were you sent by the authorities?"

"No, we came of our own accord," Jiang Xiaofei replied with a smile. He stepped forward, took a bundle of cash from his bag, and handed it to the old man, "This is ten thousand yuan, Grandpa. Please use it to improve your life."

The old man accepted the money at once, smiling, "Young man, I thank you on behalf of my whole family. If everyone were as kind as you, my eldest son wouldn’t have had to go out and work hard, only to die in the mines."

As he spoke, tears streamed down the old man’s face.

Seeing this, Jiang Xiaofei comforted him, "Grandpa, don’t be sad. I believe your son wouldn’t want to see you grieve. By the way, didn’t the mine manager offer your family any compensation?"

The old man shook his head, "No, just a few thousand for funeral expenses."

Jiang Xiaofei frowned, "You could appeal, take legal action against them!"

"We tried, but it was impossible. I’m old, I can’t leave this village," the old man said, wiping his nose and tears.

Hearing this, Jiang Xiaofei felt a surge of anger and consoled him, "Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ll help you."

The old man, moved, asked, "Can you really help us?"

Jiang Xiaofei nodded firmly, "Of course."

The old man sighed, shaking his head, "But my younger son says the mine manager is already colluding with the district government. They have powerful connections. As the saying goes, the higher the official, the heavier the oppression. Young man, I know you mean well, but perhaps it’s best not to get involved."

Jiang Xiaofei said nothing, taking another bundle of cash from his bag, "I didn’t bring much with me, but here’s another ten thousand. Take it, Grandpa. I’ll figure out a way to get you more later."

The old man refused, shaking his head, "That’s too much. You’ve already given me ten thousand, enough for years. Besides, my younger son is still out earning."

"Please take it, Grandpa. Look at this house—it’s old. You should have a new home," Jiang Xiaofei insisted, pressing the money into the old man’s hands.

The two other elders nearby, seeing Liu, the old man, receive another ten thousand, eyed the scene enviously, staring expectantly at Jiang Xiaofei.

"Don’t worry, there’s enough for everyone," Jiang Xiaofei said with a smile, pulling out two bundles and handing one to each. The fifty thousand he’d brought was nearly gone, but he felt no pain—only the joy of helping others.

The two elders accepted the money, grinning broadly, "Thank you, young man. You’re a good person."

Jiang Xiaofei said nothing further, turning to the group of students waiting below, "Let’s keep going."

The students nodded and continued deeper into the village.

The further Jiang Xiaofei and his group walked, the more children they saw. The children wore patched, old clothes, their faces smudged with dirt, looking both pitiful and endearing. For Jiang Xiaofei, it was as if he saw his own childhood reflected in their faces.

The children, seeing Jiang Xiaofei and the others approach, watched curiously. They seemed unused to city folk, especially so many stylishly dressed visitors.

Among them was a taller girl in a floral dress. Her round, plump face gave her the look of a porcelain doll.

With innocent curiosity, she smiled and greeted them, "Hello, big brother and big sisters!"

The students paid her little mind, surveying their surroundings.

Only Jiang Xiaofei smiled, "Little sister, what’s your name?"

She replied, "My name is Zhang Xiaocui, but everyone in the village calls me Cuihua. What’s your name, big brother?"

"My name is Jiang Xiaofei," he answered with a gentle smile.

"That’s a very unique name," Zhang Xiaocui mused. Then she said, "But big brother, you’re really handsome! I want to be your girlfriend. Is that okay?"

Jiang Xiaofei was speechless, surprised by Zhang Xiaocui’s innocence—so naive it was actually quite endearing.

He laughed, "Cuihua, let me tell you something. Don’t trust strange men so easily, and never give yourself to someone you don’t know."

"Why not?" she asked with curiosity.

"Because the world can be dangerous. When you grow up, you’ll understand what I’m telling you today," Jiang Xiaofei replied.

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaocui frowned, "Will you do something bad?"

"No," Jiang Xiaofei answered, then turned to the students who were wandering aimlessly, "Weren’t you here to help the children left behind? What’s the matter, are you regretting it?"

The students from the gifted class quickly responded, "No!"

"Then what are you waiting for? Hurry and give the things you brought to these children."

Upon hearing Jiang Xiaofei’s words, the students immediately set down their bags, opened them, and handed out toys and new clothes to the children.

Seeing the gifted class begin their work, Lan Lianshuang had her own group distribute the snacks they’d brought, sharing them among the children.

The children, receiving their gifts, were delighted, calling out, "Big brother, big sister!"

While the students were busy helping the children, Lan Lianshuang walked over to Jiang Xiaofei, smiling, "I never thought Professor Jiang was so compassionate. Why not build a school for the children?"

"I’ve considered it, but I don’t have enough money," Jiang Xiaofei replied.

Lan Lianshuang smiled, "No need to worry. As long as you’re willing, I’ll help you build a school. Of course, I’ll lend you the money."

"In that case, perhaps it's best not to," Jiang Xiaofei said.

Seeing Jiang Xiaofei shake his head, Lan Lianshuang smiled, "I know you can’t repay it, so just return the favor someday."

Jiang Xiaofei frowned, "Return the favor? That’s your promise, right?"

Lan Lianshuang laughed, "You don’t even know what it is, and you’re already agreeing. Don’t you want to think about it?"

Jiang Xiaofei shook his head, "It’s just a favor. What could be the harm? Of course, I won’t do anything against my conscience."

Lan Lianshuang smiled, "Naturally, I wouldn’t ask you to."

"So what is it?" Jiang Xiaofei asked, frowning.

Lan Lianshuang gave a mysterious smile, "I’ll tell you when I think of it."

"Alright then," Jiang Xiaofei nodded, "Could you help me with something else?"

Lan Lianshuang smiled, "You want me to handle the issue of Liu’s son dying in the mines, don’t you?"

"Exactly," Jiang Xiaofei nodded.

Lan Lianshuang nodded, "Don’t worry. Even if you hadn’t asked, I’d take care of it. Once we return to Sanjiang City, I’ll make sure someone comes to clean up the corruption here."

"Thank you."

Seeing Jiang Xiaofei so grateful, Lan Lianshuang smiled, "No need to thank me. It’s what I should do."

Just then, a middle-aged man in a white shirt approached, thanking the students while asking who was the leader of the poverty alleviation team.

The students all answered it was Professor Jiang, leaving the man somewhat puzzled.

Seeing this, Li Xiaofang pointed to Jiang Xiaofei, "He’s over there. Go thank him."

Hearing Li Xiaofang, the village chief walked up to Jiang Xiaofei, "Hello, you’re Professor Jiang, right? On behalf of the entire village, I thank you for helping the children left behind."

Jiang Xiaofei frowned slightly, "May I ask who you are?"

The man introduced himself, "I’m the chief of Fengtai Village, Li Dalu."

"So you’re the village chief. I was about to look for you. Now that you’re here, I’d like to learn more about Fengtai Village."