NABC Chapter 204: 205: Going Home
Chapter 204: 205: Going Home
Chapter 204: Chapter 205: Going Home
“Have you heard that Xiao Han hasn’t returned in the past few days?” Deputy Director Zhang asked.
“This child, he said the interviews from reporters were too bothersome.” Mother Xiao said helplessly, “He told me he went out to play for a few days. I haven’t been able to contact him for a while.”
“It’s alright, no problem!” Deputy Director Zhang laughed heartily, “Every genius loves tranquility. Faced with such a commotion, I wouldn’t like it either. But no worries, Student Xiao Han has brought glory to our province, and to the city of LJ.”
“It’s the school’s excellent training, and the merit of our national education system,” Mother Xiao hurriedly said.
“It’s not easy.” Deputy Director Zhang looked around Xiao’s family’s home and said, “We’ve truly asked too much of Xiao Han. But it also proves that saying, ‘Children from impoverished families take on responsibilities early.’ Just as the saying goes, ‘Scholars from humble beginnings...'”@@@@
“Yes,” Auntie Zhou nodded and said, “These years have not been easy for the Xiao family. A woman alone supporting this family, raising a child. It’s been hard.”
“Indeed!” Deputy Director Zhang agreed and said, “This time, the Provincial Committee decided to award Xiao Han with a scholarship of five hundred thousand.”
At this moment, the secretary hurried over, then took out a kraft paper envelope from his bag and handed it to Deputy Director Zhang.
Deputy Director Zhang held the envelope, gently opened it, and took out a card, saying, “There are five hundred thousand in here. The password is Xiao Han’s student ID. I hope it can improve your living conditions and your living environment as well.”
“Thank you, leaders, thank you so much!” Mother Xiao said, nodding her head quickly.
Deputy Director Zhang and his entourage sat in Xiao Han’s home for over ten minutes, and work staff from the Residents’ Committee like Auntie Zhou gathered around. Deputy Director Zhang and everyone sat together happily chatting until it was time to leave, all appearing especially reluctant to part, seemingly very unwilling.
“Alright, I should be going now,” Deputy Director Zhang stood up, patted his clothes, and said, “Sorry to have disturbed everyone.”
“Deputy Director Zhang, you’re from LJ city, and so are we. We’re fellow townsfolk, what disturbance could there be between us?” Auntie Zhou said with a cheerful smile.
“Hahaha...” Deputy Director Zhang laughed out loud.
Although he didn’t see Xiao Han, Deputy Director Zhang felt the trip was worthwhile. He had the opportunity to see the top scholar’s home and even personally delivered the scholarship on behalf of the Provincial Committee to Xiao Han. On the way back, Deputy Director Zhang continued to feel deeply emotional.
“Deputy Director Zhang, what’s the matter with you?” the co-driver secretary curiously asked, “Why do you look so down?”
“I just feel we have let down a group of people,” Deputy Director Zhang sighed.
“Let down who?” the secretary asked, puzzled.
“The people who have made contributions to our country and our citizens,” Deputy Director Zhang smiled and said, “The people like those living in the Fuxing Community. They once served the country, but now they live in poverty.”
“That’s a historical issue,” the secretary said with a smile, “It has nothing to do with you.”
“Right,” Deputy Director Zhang sighed and then said, “Even though it has nothing to do with me, as a public official, as a public servant of the people, I should think of the people and serve the people.”
“Uh...” The secretary was briefly taken aback and said, “Deputy Director Zhang, there is a saying, ‘One should not concern oneself with things outside one’s role.’ You are in charge of education, so... you just need to do your job well.”
Xiao Han hurriedly got up and rushed home.
......
In Fuxing Community, after a day of hustle and bustle, everyone had gone home for dinner, and the lively community finally quieted down.
Xiao Han walked with light steps, humming a tune. In his hand, he held a twig, swaying it as he walked. Just as he arrived at his doorstep, he heard voices coming from the house. From the sound of it, it seemed like Eldest Uncle and Second Uncle were talking.
Xiao Han’s Second Uncle had always been working in LJ City, and his son, Xiao Dahai, went to Shenzhen with Eldest Uncle, Xiao Mingguo. Xiao Minghua had only recently found out that his nephew was the national high school exam topper; especially today, when he heard that the leaders from the Provincial Committee personally visited Xiao’s family and even presented a fifty thousand yuan bonus. This news shocked Xiao Minghua; he hadn’t expected his once disappointing nephew to become the national topper, and what’s more, to receive a hefty bonus of several hundreds of thousands.
Therefore, Xiao Minghua hurriedly called his elder brother.
Upon hearing the news, Xiao Mingguo immediately brought Xiao Dahai back to LJ City. That very evening, the three families paid a visit to Xiao’s family together. Xiao Han’s Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, and Auntie all went to Xiao’s house, each carrying some fruit.
“Why have you all come?” Mother Xiao frowned.
“Oh, sister-in-law,” Xiao Han’s aunt hurried forward, grasping Mother Xiao’s hand and said, “We heard Xiao Han became high school topper, so we specifically came to congratulate.”
“Right, right!” Xiao Mingguo nodded hastily and then said, “This is a joyous occasion for our Xiao family, how could we not come?”
“Sister-in-law, congratulations,” Xiao Minghua said with a cheerful smile.
Guests had come, so of course, they couldn’t be sent away. In fact, Mother Xiao had never expected them to pay a visit. But having a son who’s the high school topper was definitely something to be proud of. It wasn’t strange that they came, so she wasn’t surprised either.
“Come in,” Mother Xiao glanced at them. She was still nursing a grievance over the New Year’s incident; she had good intentions when she paid a New Year visit but ended up being driven out. Anyone in her place wouldn’t be happy.
A group of people entered, and the house, which was already small, became cramped with five more people.
Three sat on the sofa, and two chairs were brought in. After everyone sat down, nobody spoke a word, and the two families, who usually didn’t mingle, were suddenly sitting face to face, making the atmosphere slightly awkward. Xiao Mingguo had a cigarette dangling from his mouth, while Xiao Minghua also lit one.
“Sister-in-law,” Xiao Xiaomei chuckled and said, “Now that Xiao Han has become the high school topper, shouldn’t we have a good celebration?”
“How do you propose we celebrate?” Mother Xiao asked.
“Throw a banquet,” Xiao Xiaomei said eagerly, “Invite all the friends and relatives, right?”
“Yeah,” Xiao Minghua nodded urgently and said, “You’re not lacking that bit of money at home now, right? I heard the Provincial Committee gave you a fifty thousand yuan bonus. Is it true?”
“Nonsense,” Mother Xiao immediately shook her head.
“How can there be none?” Upon hearing this, Xiao Mingguo became anxious, “The whole city knows the Provincial Committee awarded your family fifty thousand.”
COMMENT
0 comment
Vote
3 left
SEND GIFT