https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-553-Bringing-Honor-to-the-Family-2-/12580357/
Chapter 554: Donating to Pave the Road
Chapter 554: Donating to Pave the Road
Lu Jiaxin frowned and asked, "If they said they would allocate funds to build a school, then the money must have been allocated to the county. Now the county is saying they don't have it, so it's most likely been embezzled."
Lu Dabai shook his head. "No, the funds were redirected to road construction. Ah, the saying goes, 'To get rich, build roads first.' We also know how important road construction is, but education is just as important!"
Diverting funds meant for building a school to road construction? What a ridiculous move. However, some people in power tend to abuse their authority this way. It was a blessing that she went to Hong Kong. Doing business in the mainland would have meant dealing with a lot more red tape and who knows how much frustration.
There was no point in dwelling on things she couldn't control. Lu Jiaxin asked, "What are the conditions like in the middle school?"
"The middle school is in town, and the conditions are slightly better than here."
Lu Jiaxin nodded. "Uncle, how much money would it take to build a primary school and a three-story teaching building for the middle school? We're not talking about building cave houses here."
Lu Dabai had no experience in this area and couldn't give a definite answer.
There was no rush to decide on this matter. Lu Jiaxin said, "Calculate the cost and give Big Brother a call to let him know. He can then inform me, and I'll have someone bring the money over."
"Alright."
As the two chatted, they made their way back to the village and spotted Lu Jiayao just as they neared the entrance. He hurried over and said, "Dad, Jiaxin, the county leaders are here."
Lu Dabai was overjoyed, but Lu Jiaxin's face remained impassive. In her past life, she had worked in France and then for a large company in Shenzhen. She had never dealt with government officials at the grassroots level. The incident in Yixian County had left her averse to interacting with these local leaders. However, since they were already here, it would be impossible to avoid them.
Lu Dabai's face lit up like a blooming chrysanthemum upon seeing the two leaders. Although Lu Jiaxin disliked being disturbed, she couldn't very well show a cold face with so many of her family members present.
During the conversation, the two leaders subtly expressed their hope that Lu Jiaxin would invest in her hometown. This was a request that Lu Jiaxin had no intention of agreeing to. Firstly, the geographical location was unfavorable, secondly, there were no advantages or incentives, and most importantly, the business environment was lacking.
The coastal areas were booming, but policies here had not yet fully opened up. The complex web of relationships in small towns, coupled with meager returns, made this a thankless task that she had no interest in undertaking. Donating could at least earn her some good reputation, but investing would be like throwing money into the water.
The two leaders left somewhat disappointed, with one of them even trying to appeal to Lu Jiaxin's sense of hometown pride.
Lu Jiaxin found this remark amusing. The original body, Lu Jiaxin, had been born and raised in Siyucheng, and before the incident, she had only visited her ancestral home twice. Including this visit, she had only been here twice as well, so it was hard to talk about a deep connection to her roots.
However, since the leaders had made the request, it wouldn't do to completely reject them. Fortunately, she had an idea on her way back. "The road from the county seat to Majiacun is in terrible condition. I felt nauseous from the bumping during my drive back yesterday. If the government could pave this road, I'm willing to donate one million yuan."
The donation would be in Chinese currency, not Hong Kong dollars, and it was still a substantial amount. As long as they could integrate resources effectively, there would even be a surplus.
The two leaders, who had expected to leave empty-handed, were pleasantly surprised. "Comrade Jiaxin, the project to pave the road from the county seat to Lujia Village has already been approved. It's just that the finances are tied up, so it's been put on hold."
This meant that as long as Lu Jiaxin's donation was in place, the project could start immediately.
Lu Jiaxin did not mention the donation to build a school to the two leaders. That matter could be left to her uncle to handle. The last time she had seen him in Siyucheng, he had looked listless and lacking in energy. Now, his face was flushed, and his voice was strong and clear. With this vigor, he could easily continue for another ten years. As long as her uncle took care of himself and maintained this spirit, her aunt would also be at ease, as he was her pillar of support.
Lu Jiaxin's father, Lu Jiaguang, had initially wanted to bring his parents-in-law to Siyucheng to live out their retirement, but after hearing Lu Jiaxin's analysis, he abandoned the idea. He realized that making them feel valued and useful, rather than simply waiting for their end, was more effective than any medicine.
The two leaders left after their discussion without staying for lunch. Lu Dabai saw them off with a beaming smile at the village entrance. As for Lu Jiaxin, she stayed indoors due to the scorching sun.
Just as they were about to sit down for lunch, Seventh Uncle came by and shared that he had gathered the villagers that morning, and they had agreed to Lu Jiaxin's two requests.
True to her word, Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "Seventh Uncle, then I'll donate 100,000 yuan to renovate our Lu family ancestral hall and make it more impressive."
Lu Dabai laughed and said, "Two county leaders came by this morning, and Jiaxin promised to donate one million yuan to repair the road from the county seat to our Lu family village. The leaders also promised that construction will start this year."
Seventh Uncle was delighted and said, "Jiaxin, when they repair the road, ask them to fix the roads in our village too. They're all in disrepair."
Lu Jiaxin smiled and replied, "I'll have my secretary discuss it with the leaders. It shouldn't be a problem. Seventh Uncle, have you eaten? If not, join us for lunch!"
With yesterday's sudden arrival, Lu Dabai's wife only had time to prepare two main dishes. Today's spread was more lavish. The table was filled with braised pork, four-happiness duck, lotus leaf chicken, fish head vermicelli stew, stir-fried lamb with scallions, pickled vegetables with minced meat, three seasonal vegetables, and a lamb bone soup.
Seventh Uncle hadn't eaten yet, and upon hearing that the county leaders had left, he hurried over to share in the joyous occasion. He was eager to drink to celebrate: "Tie Jun, where's the wine? Bring out the good stuff you've been saving."
Lu Jiaxin didn't stop them, but concerned about their health, she called out to her aunt, who was still busy in the kitchen.
Auntie knew their excitement and personally poured them some wine. "The doctor said no alcohol, but today is a special occasion, so I'll make an exception. Just half a bowl each."
She was well aware of Lu Dabai and Seventh Uncle's drinking capacity, and half a bowl of homemade brew was within safe limits. Especially for Seventh Uncle, who was five years older than Lu Dabai and had to be careful with his diet.
After lunch, Lu Jiaxin returned to her room to rest. Surprisingly, the cave dwelling was quite comfortable. Despite the hot weather, she didn't need to turn on the air conditioning and only needed an electric fan to stay cool.
She had just dozed off when Lu Erbo and his wife came looking for Lu Dabai. As soon as they saw him, they asked, "Big Brother, we heard that Jiaxin is donating 100,000 yuan to build the ancestral hall and another one million yuan to repair the road. Is this true?"
Lu Dabai was taken aback by how quickly Seventh Uncle had spread the news: "It's true. Jiaxin said so herself."
He understood the nature of these two individuals, and before they could speak further, he said, "This money is Jiaxin's hard-earned money, and it's her decision how she wants to donate it. It has nothing to do with any of you. If you go to Jiaxin and cause a ruckus, don't blame me for not acknowledging you as my younger brother."
Auntie also chimed in, "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, please go home. Jiaxin said yesterday that she doesn't want to see you. It's rare for her to come back, and I want her to have a pleasant trip."
Lu Dabai recalled what his wife had said to him the night before, and he added, "Second Brother, you brought this upon yourselves. Now go home."
If they hadn't harbored ill intentions toward Jiaxin's property, they wouldn't have been rejected by their niece, who now didn't even want to see them.
Second Auntie wanted to argue, but Second Brother covered her mouth and dragged her away. They had already offended Jiaxin enough; if they upset Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law as well, their children might not take care of them in their old age.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
