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Holding the scissors, Chu Qingzhi stepped onto the Li Family Bridge under the watchful eyes of the community and made two cuts on the red silk on both sides.

“The Li Family Bridge is officially complete!”

Applause thundered from both banks of the river.

Elder Li, moved to tears, had fulfilled a lifelong dream of seeing the Li Family Bridge rebuilt in his lifetime.

After Chu Qingzhi descended from the bridge, a group of children excitedly ran onto it, and the gathered villagers started crossing it, experiencing the feel of the new bridge.

“Now we don’t have to take the boat to cross the river anymore. I was always afraid of falling into the river.”

“Getting married across the river felt like being separated by a mountain. Now it will be much easier to visit my parents.”

“It’s going to be so much easier to visit relatives now. No more waiting for the boat.”

Elder Li, wiping away his tears, stepped onto the Li Family Bridge. Slowly, tears filled his eyes again, his lifelong wish now fully realized.

Chu Qingzhi stood by the river, watching everyone cross the bridge.

Many approached her to bow and express their gratitude.

“Miss Chu, thank you!”

“Sister, thank you!”

“Miss, we are grateful!”

After a while, Chu Qingzhi quietly left.

…

In Shuiyun County,

Inside the county office, Chu Xujin handed the suggestion box to Chu Qingzhi, “Fifth sister, many people have come to submit their suggestions in the past few days. The box is full.”

“Let’s see.” Chu Qingzhi opened the box, picking up a slip of paper at random, “Agree on building a charitable hall.”

Chu Xujin picked another, “As long as it benefits the public, we support it.”

“Agree on building a charitable hall.”

“Hope to distribute porridge to the poor on New Year’s Eve, so they can have a full meal.”

Many suggestions were made. After tallying, Chu Qingzhi found that 70% agreed on building the charitable hall, 10% suggested distributing porridge, and the rest varied, deemed irrelevant.

Considering the community’s feedback, Chu Qingzhi decided to allocate the funds in two parts: one for the charitable hall and the other for distributing porridge on New Year’s Eve, addressing both needs.

She posted the decision for everyone to see.

Soon, the entire county was aware and supportive of her proposals. No objections were raised.

As they were discussing this, a yamen runner introduced two men seeking an audience with Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi nodded for them to enter.

The runner brought in He Wenyong and Duan Qidao, “Miss Chu, these are the men seeking an audience.”

He Wenyong and Duan Qidao bowed together, “I am He Wenyong (Duan Qidao), at your service, Miss Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi sized them up, intrigued by the contrasting pair, “What brings you here?”

He Wenyong spoke, “We saw the notice and came to offer our services for the construction of the charitable hall.”

Chu Qingzhi, observing their honest faces, felt reassured. Handing the project to such diligent men would ensure its success.

“It just so happens we haven’t found suitable people for the charitable hall construction. Since you’ve offered, you’re welcome to stay.”

“Thank you, Miss Chu.”

“Rest here for a bit. Later, we’ll visit the old site of the charitable hall together and decide whether to reinforce or rebuild.”

Duan Qidao suggested after a moment’s thought, “Miss Chu, perhaps rebuilding would be best?”

Chu Qingzhi raised an eyebrow, “Why?”

Duan Qidao hesitated, finally saying, “You’ll understand once you see it.”

Chu Qingzhi responded, “We’ll discuss it then.”

After waiting a while, Chu Qingzhi and the construction team headed to the charitable hall.

Located in a somewhat secluded area, it took a while to reach.

Upon seeing the dilapidated building, Chu Qingzhi understood Duan Qidao’s suggestion for rebuilding.

The charitable hall, on the verge of collapse, housed dozens of homeless orphans, all wearing thin clothes in the dead of winter, their small faces and hands red with cold.

The caretaker, Elder Zhang, a limping man in his fifties, had reluctantly stayed to look after the children, ensuring their survival.

Hearing Chu Qingzhi’s plan to rebuild the charitable hall, Elder Zhang had been eagerly waiting for days. Disappointed by the lack of action, he had lost hope.

Zhang Lingmei, planning to collect leftover food from the back door of a restaurant, was surprised to see Chu Qingzhi. Some kind-hearted restaurant owners had been providing leftovers for the orphans.

Her excitement was palpable as she shouted, “Miss Chu is here, Miss Chu is here…”

The small charitable hall quickly buzzed with activity as everyone rushed to the doorway, barely believing Chu Qingzhi had come.

Elder Zhang knelt before Chu Qingzhi with tears in his eyes, “I’ve been waiting for you for days, Miss Chu. You’ve finally come.”

Chu Qingzhi helped him up, “It’s alright now. I will take responsibility for the charitable hall. Rest assured, Elder Zhang.”

Touched, Elder Zhang cried, “Thank you, Miss Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi had her team count the children and immediately buy cotton jackets for them, prioritizing their immediate needs.

Elder Zhang was moved, “Thank you, Miss. The children will always remember your kindness.”

Chu Qingzhi sent someone to buy grain and then contemplated the next steps, realizing that with the charitable hall set for reconstruction, the current living conditions were not suitable for the children.

“There’s an empty house next door; I’ll rent it for you to live in temporarily. Once the charitable hall is rebuilt, you can move back. How does that sound?” Chu Qingzhi proposed.

Elder Zhang, cooperative and grateful, agreed, “We’ll follow whatever arrangements you make, Miss Chu.”

“Alright, then start packing your belongings. I’ll go rent the house, and you can move in a bit later,” Chu Qingzhi instructed.

After making arrangements, Chu Qingzhi went to the mentioned empty house. Upon inquiring, she found the owner, explained her intentions, and to her relief, the owner, moved by her cause, agreed to let the children stay without charging rent. The only condition was to clean the house upon their departure. The keys were promptly handed to Chu Qingzhi.

Returning, just as the food arrived, the children began cooking their meal. Nothing could beat the warmth and satisfaction of eating freshly cooked food compared to leftovers.

Soon, smoke curled up from the kitchen, spreading the aroma of cooking throughout the area.

“The cotton jackets have arrived,” He Wenyong announced, returning with a load of jackets distributed among the children.

Now with warm clothing and hot food, Elder Zhang, watching the children’s joy, couldn’t help but tear up again.

Zhang Lingmei handed him a worn handkerchief, comforting, “Grandfather, don’t cry. Sister will laugh at you.”