Chapter 49 : Rewards

Liang Qingqing’s kiss on Yanxing’s lips that day was actually part of saving someone!

No one expected that Liang Qingqing, who usually kept a low profile would know so much. If it hadn’t been for the doctors giving this science popularization talk, they wouldn’t have known about this at all! The admiration in the crowd’s eyes was palpable.

Hadn’t she been wronged before?

Realizing this, some people’s hearts swelled with an overwhelming sense of guilt and regret. The accusations they had made were like slaps to the face, stinging painfully, causing their faces to flush red and pale alternately certainly not a good look.

The scene on stage undoubtedly clarified and put a perfect end to the recent gossip, restoring her reputation and even elevating the matter to a higher level.

As expected, not long after, the squad leader and the village head stepped forward to commend Liang Qingqing for her brave actions, even inviting her to speak a few words on stage.

At the moment she stood up, Liang Qingqing cast a discreet glance at Yanxing. The timing of this science popularization conference was impeccable, and the reasons given were more than adequate. It also neatly resolved one of her most troubling issues.

However, the more perfect it seemed, the more she felt something was amiss. When coincidences pile up, they often cease to be coincidences.

The only person beside her who had both the capability and the motive to orchestrate this was Yanxing.

No wonder Yanxing hadn’t mentioned this matter to her lately, it turned out he had already thought of a solution and quietly handled it behind the scenes.

But why hadn’t he told her? If she hadn’t known about Yanxing’s background, she would probably believe, like everyone else, that this was an initiative from the higher-ups, not something someone had meticulously arranged for her.

Could it be that Yanxing still hadn’t planned to reveal his identity to her? Or was he just the type to work silently behind the scenes?

Her mind was a jumble, but her steps remained steady as she walked up to the stage, finally standing beside the squad leader.

“There’s actually one more thing I must commend Comrade Liang Qingqing for!”

Xie Qingbao’s face was flushed, and his tone was excited. “Before the heavy rain, preparing sandbags and waterproof materials and clearing the drainage ditches… all of this was Comrade Liang Qingqing’s idea. As the squad leader, I certainly can’t take credit from a young girl. If she hadn’t suggested these preventive measures, the village would have suffered much more damage. Otherwise…”

The squad leader didn’t finish his sentence, but everyone could guess that without Liang Qingqing’s reminder, the village’s granary would likely have been flooded. It was said that the neighboring village had been criticized by the commune leaders for several days due to this issue, and there were even reports of deaths from flooding in other villages.

Thinking back, it was truly frightening.

Moreover, following Xie Qingbao’s reminder, everyone remembered Liang Qingqing’s repeated emphasis on making ample preparations. As they looked at the graceful figure on the stage, their expressions visibly changed.

On a smaller scale, she had helped save everyone from unnecessary losses. On a larger scale, it was a life-saving grace!

Indeed, it was a matter of life and death. Without food, the only outcome would be starvation.

After Xie Qingbao’s speech, the village head approached with a big red flower, followed by two young men carrying rice, oil, and a large piece of pork.

“We were originally going to commend her at the end-of-month meeting, but we’re taking this opportunity to do it now!” Although the words were casual, Xie Qingbao’s gaze briefly flicked towards the county leaders standing nearby, with unspoken meaning.

Liang Qingqing curled her lips. Since Xie Qingbao wanted to make an impression in front of the leaders, she was happy to cooperate. Clearing her throat, she took the loudspeaker from him and expressed her thanks to everyone from the national and local leaders to her family elders, covering all bases.

Her words flowed smoothly and eloquently, captivating the audience. Even the leaders on stage, who were used to grand events, couldn’t help but twitch their lips.

They had never seen someone flatter so elegantly and uniquely! Nevertheless, everyone’s faces lit up with smiles, as who doesn’t enjoy praise?

Yanxing, sitting in the crowd, covered his mouth with his fist to stifle his uncontrollable smile.

When Liang Qingqing finished, Liang Junqiang was the first to stand up and applaud, his face beaming with pride. The other Liang family members quickly followed suit, and the applause became deafening.

“Well said!”

They hadn’t expected Qingqing to have such skills! Especially to express gratitude in front of so many people! Their hearts warmed, and even their eyes felt a bit teary, as if something might overflow.

Watching the Liang family take the spotlight and receive so many accolades, others felt envious but also respectful, recognizing that they lacked the same brains and courage.

“Besides this, Comrades Su Jinchuan and Xu Qiao also deserve praise. Their reconstruction plans were approved by the commune secretary, and the feedback from the villages has been very positive. Comrade Su Jinchuan is specially promoted to team leader for our village, and Comrade Xu Qiao is appointed as a first-grade teacher at the commune’s primary school.”

The announcement caused a stir. Until now, they hadn’t heard any rumors about Su Jinchuan and Xu Qiao achieving such significant accomplishments!

“Please welcome Comrades Su and Xu to the stage.”

Liang Qingqing had known about this matter for a long time, so she wasn’t particularly surprised when she heard it now. Instead, it seemed quite normal to her, considering they were the main characters in the book, and being excellent was to be expected.

She couldn’t help but glance a few more times, noticing that the relationship between Su Jinchuan and Xu Qiao, whom she hadn’t seen for many days, had visibly improved. As they went up the stage, Su Jinchuan would occasionally look back, as if worried she might fall.

It seemed the plot was progressing smoothly.

Liang Qingqing shifted her gaze and saw that everyone’s attention was now diverted, no longer focused solely on her. She felt a sense of relief and quickly stepped aside, understanding her place.

Liang Qingqing initially wanted to get off the stage directly, but she couldn’t move the rice, oil, and pork on her own. Afraid of the scene getting chaotic and items being stolen, she had no choice but to guard them. She kept giving subtle signals to Ma Xiuzhi and the others below, hoping they would come up and help. However, they misunderstood her gestures, thinking she was just excited about winning, and instead, they made calming gestures towards her.

“……”

She could only look helplessly towards Fan Yanxing. Their eyes met amidst the noisy crowd. She suddenly felt a sense of aggression and danger from his dark eyes, causing her heart to race involuntarily.

Her fingers curled up, puzzled by Fan Yanxing’s sudden displeasure, especially since things had been fine before.

While she was still wondering, she saw Fan Yanxing shift his gaze and say something to Ma Xiuzhi, who then partially stood up and walked towards her through the crowd.

No matter what, it seemed Fan Yanxing had effectively communicated her need.

“Qingqing!” Ma Xiuzhi’s happiness was evident, her face lit up with joy, and her smile nearly reached her ears. With her strong hands, she efficiently carried all the reward items, not letting Liang Qingqing touch them.

“Oh, this is all thanks to you, Qingqing! I can’t wait to see what those gossipy women have to say now!” Ma Xiuzhi was still resentful about the gossipers from yesterday. After spitting out her disdain, she cheerfully asked Liang Qingqing, “What do you want to eat tonight? Mom will make it for you.”

Seeing Ma Xiuzhi’s adoring gaze, Liang Qingqing couldn’t help but smile. After a moment of thought, she said with a gentle smile, “I want to eat sweet and sour ribs.”

There was a large piece of meat among the rewards that was just right for making ribs, and seeing it earlier had given her the idea.

The sweet and sour ribs she had eaten in the county town had made her crave them for a long time. Now that she had the pork, she felt justified in ordering it.

Ma Xiuzhi was more than happy to oblige. She smiled widely and nodded, “Alright, I’ll make sweet and sour ribs tonight! Is there anything else you want?”

“No, that’s all. I’ll leave it to Mom.” Liang Qingqing’s lips curved into a lovely smile, her eyes full of warmth, which delighted Ma Xiuzhi even more.

The two of them returned to their seats, chatting and laughing. The people around turned to look, with those who were close asking questions and offering compliments. Liang Qingqing felt a bit embarrassed, but the other Liang family members grew increasingly enthusiastic, their words tinged with pride and boasting.

Previously, people said they had a lazy and gluttonous daughter, pretty but foolish. But now? Times had changed and it was clear that their daughter had earned this honor for the family!

The Liang family finally let out years of pent-up frustration.

As the focus of the topic, Liang Qingqing couldn’t escape the attention. However, her mind was still occupied with Fan Yanxing’s sudden change in mood. While she smiled and was friendly to everyone, she anxiously stole glances at him. Despite sitting so close to her, he refused to make eye contact.

At this moment, the names were being called out on stage, and Fan Yanxing’s name was among them.

Liang Qingqing realized that the ceremony had reached the segment for awarding those who had been injured in the line of duty.

This gave her a legitimate reason to look at Fan Yanxing. He remained composed and calm and as he stood up from the wooden chair, he seemed to finally notice her gaze. He glanced at her briefly before heading onto the stage.

“Why is he sulking for no reason?” Liang Qingqing pouted and muttered softly, just as Ma Xiuzhi beside her overheard. Curious, Ma Xiuzhi asked, “Qingqing, what did you say? I didn’t catch it.”

“Nothing, nothing.”

Liang Qingqing gave a forced laugh and brushed it off.

“Young people are impressive. With so many talented individuals in our village, we’re sure to develop better and better in the future! Everyone should study hard, read more books and newspapers and strive to be useful in times of crisis!”

“There’s also something very important, Our village is going to set up a broadcast station. At the end of the month, technicians will come to the village to repair cement poles and install equipment. Everyone should not crowd around and must maintain order…”

The meeting started with great fanfare and ended on a lively note. Those who won awards happily took home rice, oil, and pork, while those who didn’t win, though disappointed, understood that the winners deserved their awards. Moreover, not having to work was a small blessing.

The Liang family joyfully carried their rewards and benches home, everyone’s face glowing with happiness. Even Huang Shumin, who usually didn’t like Liang Qingqing, unusually chatted with her a few times.

Liang Qingqing looked at her in surprise but responded with a smile.

These were secondary concerns. The main issue was why Fan Yanxing was still so serious. Was he upset? She needed to find an opportunity to ask him what was going on!