After Tian Mengyao told Xia Deya about Luofeng Village's plans for a medicinal herb planting cooperative, she added with a smile, "When the goji berries are ready, I'll personally deliver some to Uncle Xia for you to taste."
"Oh, young people have such spirit. That's quite an investment, isn't it?"
Xia Deya was immensely envious. If he had a good father, he could also find investors to help him achieve some political achievements. Although he had some money, it was his own, and there was no principle of profiting at public expense.
"The initial investment is about one million, which Lin Fan helped to secure."
Tian Mengyao said this not to praise Lin Fan, but to avoid others thinking that her father was helping her behind the scenes, giving her an advantage.
"Him?"
Xia Deya was greatly surprised and instinctively looked at Lin Fan.
Lin Fan chuckled and said nothing.
"That's right, Lin Fan is the miracle doctor of our village. He also treats patients in the city and has good relationships with some wealthy individuals."
Tian Mengyao pointed to Lin Fan and smiled, "He is also one of the managers of the cooperative, mainly responsible for investment progress and supervision."
Xia Xiangqian and Xia Cui'e were stunned. Their eyes widened. They didn't sound like ordinary villagers! Had the Lin family truly prospered? Had someone capable emerged?
Lin Fan took a deep breath and lowered his head slightly. "Can't you be more modest? Just say your medical skills are excellent, why 'miracle doctor,' that's too much!"
Thinking this, Lin Fan subtly extended his foot and nudged Tian Mengyao's calf under the table.
With a jolt, Tian Mengyao shivered.
"Little Tian, what's wrong?" Xia Deya asked.
"Nothing, I just remembered some matters in the village that need attending to. We'll talk about it later."
"Oh, young people are so energetic, even during meals they think about work. Little Tian, I see a promotion is imminent for you!"
"Not at all, it's just my job."
Tian Mengyao finished speaking and quietly reached her hand under the table. Lin Fan, who was eating a chicken leg, suddenly felt something was amiss. A fair, jade-like hand slowly reached out and rested on his thigh. In an instant, Lin Fan felt his throat dry. Could this be a misunderstanding? Just as Lin Fan thought this, he felt a sharp pain. His eyes widened, and his face contorted.
Xia Xue saw this and immediately asked, "Xiao Fan, what are you doing?"
"Nothing, nothing." Lin Fan forced a smile at Xia Xue, enduring the sharp pain in his leg.
Xia Xue poked Lin Fan's arm and reprimanded, "Don't fool around."
"Understood, sister-in-law." Lin Fan quietly moved his hand away, thinking, "Little girl, you must be tired of living!"
"The situation of some five-guarantee households and impoverished households in Luofeng Village is truly shocking. I never imagined before..."
As Tian Mengyao spoke, her expression suddenly changed, her eyes reddened, and tears welled up. Lin Fan quickly withdrew his hand in alarm. He hadn't used much force, just a pinch, but who knew Tian Mengyao would cry from pain.
"Little Tian, don't be sad or upset," Xia Deya said with a sigh. This child who had never experienced hardship was so moved by the plight of the poor that she cried. Little did she know, there were many such people all over the world. And they themselves felt they were living decent lives and were content. However, this contentment was mixed with so much helplessness! Xiajiagou was similar to Luofeng Village, both equally poor. Even Xia Deya, the village secretary, was extremely poor before opening the felt factory.
Seeing Tian Mengyao's sad expression, Xia Xiangqian and Xia Cui'e felt their hearts ache. Their initial disdain vanished instantly. Regardless of how young she was or if she was just a young girl, at least she genuinely cared about the people, shared their hardships, and grieved with them. Few officials could achieve this. Xia Xiangqian even thought that this college student village official could truly change the poverty of Luofeng Village. With this thought, his gaze towards Tian Mengyao was filled with admiration, respect, and the affection of an elder.
Lin Fan then activated his dantian, releasing his purple energy to alleviate Tian Mengyao's pain. If this little girl cried out, Xia Xue would surely fall out with him! Moreover, in front of so many people, it would be difficult to salvage the situation. He put down his chopsticks, extended both hands under the table, gently took Tian Mengyao's jade hand, and slowly caressed it. Tian Mengyao's expression gradually returned to normal. Her eyes were still a little red, making her look like a cute little white rabbit. The others hadn't noticed. They continued to offer words of comfort.
"I'm fine now." Tian Mengyao shot Lin Fan a fierce glare. If it weren't for the timely topic of people's hardships, she, the village secretary, would have lost face completely. It was all Lin Fan's fault! Lin Fan could only offer a fawning smile, gently massaging the back of her hand.
Xia Deya said with deep emotion, "Little Tian, poverty alleviation work in rural areas is not a task that can be accomplished overnight. Even with the state's great efforts, it can only be said to have achieved some improvement. However, I believe that as long as we have persistent determination, we will eventually bring a good life to all our people!"
Xia Xiangqian and Xia Cui'e just smiled along. They had seen many storms in their lives. They didn't expect Xia Deya to achieve much in Xiajiagou anyway. They only hoped he wouldn't harm the people.
Tian Mengyao nodded, "I'm sorry, I lost my composure. I'm going to wash my face." With that, she yanked Lin Fan's hand away and stood up to walk out.
"I'll go get water for her," Lin Fan followed her out.
After they left, Xia Xiangqian sighed, "Luofeng Village might not be good at other things, but this new secretary is truly remarkable."
"Dad, what are you saying?" Xia Xue frowned. Her father had lived half his life, yet he still managed to offend people with his words. The current village secretary was right there; what would he think?
Indeed, Xia Deya's expression changed, and he looked slightly awkward. Xia Xiangqian realized his mistake and quickly explained, "Old Liu, don't misunderstand. I didn't say you're doing a bad job; I meant that young girl is quite something."
"It's alright, we're all family. Speak your mind." Xia Deya waved his hand and said, "Eat your vegetables, eat more today."
"Yes, let's eat quickly." Xia Cui'e glared at her husband, then looked at her daughter and asked, "Xue'er, what's going on with your little uncle?"
"Yes, yes, I want to ask too." Xia Deya was even more curious than Xia Cui'e. Being able to bring one million in investment to the village made him a capable person in any village!
"Xiao Fan now... how should I put it, he's doing very well." When it came to Lin Fan, Xia Xue was very proud. She recounted how Lin Fan opened a clinic, treated people, earned money, and built houses. She also mentioned Lin Fan's current official position in the village committee, as the older generation valued such things.
The more Xia Xiangqian listened, the wider his eyes became. It seemed this Lin family boy had truly prospered! But... "I heard that your little uncle somehow became paralyzed before?" The three of them were very confused.