Chapter 249 Hope
"President Li, President Wei, thank you both very much for your support and help to our county."
"County Magistrate Jiang, you're being polite. We just want to help those children and give them an opportunity to receive an education, just doing our bit."
"This is certainly more than just a bit. The assistance from both of you this time is a huge boost to our county, especially in improving educational resources in some of our poorer towns..."
As they spoke, both parties politely made their way into the meeting room.
Seeing this, Liu Bolili and others quickly stood up from their seats.
As Li Jing and County Magistrate Jiang entered together, Liu Bolili and the deputy mayors' expressions slightly shifted. After greeting them proactively, they felt a bit uneasy inside.
Obviously, the content of this meeting was to discuss the donation for school construction, and this was likely the moment when the recipient of the donation would be announced.
Thinking of this, Liu Bolili clasped his hands tightly on the table, with memories of Principal Huang and the school's teachers constantly seeking his help, and his visits to the families of those children coming to mind.
The more he thought about it, the more turbulent his emotions became. Finally, he had to take a deep breath to suppress his inner turmoil, looking gravely at Jiang Suimin in the main seat.
"County Magistrate Jiang, everyone is here."
After the county education bureau chief whispered to him, Jiang Suimin glanced around the conference room and slowly began, "Bringing everyone here today, I'm sure you can guess the reason. It's mainly about President Li and President Wei's public service explorations in various towns of our county recently."
With that, Jiang Suimin gave a friendly smile to Li Jing and Wei Jia, then continued seriously to the group, "During this time, President Wei and Li Jing have indeed worked hard, inspecting eight schools in succession and conducting a detailed analysis of each situation. Their diligence leaves us in awe.
Among these eight schools, according to the original plan, at most two schools can be supported. Based on the current situation analysis, the most urgent and needed are Qianbao Town Primary School and Baishu Primary School in Liujiatan Town..."
At this point, Liu Bolili's shoulders visibly trembled, his hands clenching slightly, deeply lowering his head without speaking, but the last bit of hope in his heart had completely dissipated, replaced by bitterness and helplessness.
But Jiang Suimin wasn't finished speaking. He paused slightly, then turned to look at Li Jing, thankfully saying:
"But after this exploration, having seen the actual conditions of the primary schools in our townships, President Li and President Wei have demonstrated a high sense of social responsibility and great compassion.
President Li has already decided to donate ten million and fifty thousand RMB to completely rebuild all four truly challenging primary schools in our county and restore them to normal use!"
As the words fell, everyone was shocked and turned their gaze toward Li Jing.
Especially after confirming that those four primary schools included his own town, Liu Bolili's hands couldn't help but slightly tremble, tightly staring at Li Jing's face. After an emotional surge, all he could do was silently give thanks in his heart.
When everyone's eyes focused on Li Jing, Wei Jia also turned to look at him. For some reason, she felt a sense of admiration and pride welling up inside her.
She hadn't even realized it herself, but she felt proud and gratified for this man.
Because this man was the one she had chosen.
...
Subsequently, the meeting continued.
Since this donation primarily involved the education sector, it was led by the county's education bureau, with collaboration from the relevant personnel managing charity affairs at the civil affairs bureau, with specific research and division of the next steps.
Finally, County Magistrate Jiang addressed everyone in his concluding remarks, "On behalf of the county government, I extend my sincerest respect and gratitude to President Li, President Wei, and the relevant staff. This donation carries profound significance and will provide us with a significant boost in addressing numerous educational deficiencies.
All those present, especially the colleagues from the towns, are most familiar with the grassroots people's needs, and the education department concerns the future of the children. We must make full use of this donation, ensuring precise planning and efficient execution. President Wei will also send people to supervise the process thoroughly. All departments must work together in coordination and direct alignment. We must ensure every penny is spent wisely and let this goodwill truly take root and bear fruit in our county."
After concluding his words, there was thunderous applause from everyone.
During the applause, many people's gazes unconsciously drifted towards Li Jing and Wei Jia, eyes full of gratitude.
"President Li, President Wei, please come to our town for a meal today, we've already prepared..."
"Thank you, no need, really no need."
"President Li, President Wei, our town has already arranged accommodation and vehicles for you..."
"Thank you, we've already made our own arrangements."
"President Li, President Wei..."
After the meeting ended, several deputy mayors all surrounded Li Jing and the others to express their gratitude.
In the short distance of a few minutes' walk, it took half an hour for Li Jing and Wei Jia to finally reach their Buick car.
"Phew, I suppose half of the work is done, and now it's time for implementation plans and subsequent supervision and management."
After getting in the car, Wei Jia let out a long breath, turned to Li Jing, and said, "At that point, you can transfer the funds to us first, then we'll coordinate with the county."
"Mm."
Li Jing nodded. With the help of Wei Jia's company, he basically didn't have to worry about anything afterward; he just needed to return to Lishui City, transfer the money, and complete the relevant procedures.
"What, feeling the pinch after spending ten million?"
Seeing Li Jing being less talkative after getting into the car, a somewhat relaxed Wei Jia couldn't help but tease.
"Hehe, it's only ten million, not enough to feel the pinch."
Li Jing chuckled and then looked at the county's scenery outside the car window, with a complex sense of sentimentality, "Just remembering that boy named Huwawa from before, he should have the opportunity to attend school this time. I hope he can really study well."
In response, Wei Jia withdrew her teasing expression, "We looked into Huwawa's situation, his grades are good, he ranks in the top three of his grade. Otherwise, Principal Huang wouldn't have wanted us to visit his home."
"Is that so? Then, hopefully, he can change his fate through hard studies."
Watching Li Jing's profile, Wei Jia's mouth slightly lifted, "Didn't you say to my brother that studying isn't the only way out?"
"For families like yours, indeed studying isn't the only way out."
Li Jing replied earnestly, "But for the children in these towns, studying is the only opportunity they have to change their destiny, the one and only way."
He then turned back to look into Wei Jia's eyes, "That's why I don't want this only path to be cut off."
Seeing Li Jing's serious demeanor, Wei Jia's heart was moved, and after a few seconds of being dazed, she quickly snapped back, turned to watch the scenery moving past the car window, "I believe those children won't disappoint your hopes."
"Not mine."
Li Jing corrected her, "It's our hope."
Upon hearing this, Wei Jia was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said, "Yes, our hope."
...
NOVEL NEXT