These people, in the eyes of others, were all big stars, but Zhao Cheng didn't have this concept. He simply saw them as Liangniang's friends, like older brothers, sisters, uncles, and aunts.
Xia Weiliang pulled him to sit beside her, "Is school on break?"
"Yes!" Upon mentioning this, Zhao Cheng eagerly reported to her, "Our school has a one-year exchange student program, with only one spot, which I managed to secure! The location is in City L, very close to Jiangcheng!"
Seeing his proud demeanor, Xia Weiliang was happy for him, but then she frowned, "Such a coincidence? Could it be…"
Her relationship with Zhao Cheng was known throughout the village. Furthermore, the school was rebuilt with funds from two of her endorsement companies, as were the roads and bridges in the village.
For the local residents, solving livelihood issues was the top priority! Therefore, she worried that Zhao Cheng was benefiting from these favorable circumstances, which would go against her original intentions and negate Zhao Cheng's efforts. It would lead to him being labeled a beneficiary of connections no matter what achievements he made in the future.
Knowing her concerns, Zhao Cheng patted his chest, "Liangniang, don't worry. I got in with my own ability! All the other tests were also fair and just, with video evidence! And our village chief supervised the entire process!"
Upon hearing that the village chief was involved, Xia Weiliang had no more worries.
The village chief, though appearing approachable, was actually very principled. He had once said that even though the village was small, precisely because everyone faced difficulties, it was especially hard to manage. Fairness and impartiality were essential. Even if the village was left with just one green onion, it would be measured and then cut into segments before being distributed.
Therefore, with his supervision, the matter could not be faked, and no one would call Zhao Cheng a "connected person."
"Well done!"
Xia Weiliang was truly proud. She had been too fond of playing when she was in school, and coupled with her family's good conditions, her requirement was just to pass.
As a result, she missed out on the stage in life when she should have been working hard. This led to a similar slack attitude when she entered the entertainment industry, and later, being mocked online for her lack of acting skills. In the end, it was a case of reaping what she sowed.
Because of this, she never relaxed her vigilance regarding Zhao Cheng's studies. Even if she didn't have time, Nuomi and Yuan Ge would communicate with the village chief and teachers from time to time.
Zhao Cheng chuckled sheepishly and scratched his head, "As soon as I think about seeing Liangniang soon, I get so happy, and it gives me more motivation to study."
A Ning and Zhang Miaomiao in the front row, twisting their bodies, leaned over the backs of their seats, deeply moved by the entire conversation.
"Little Cheng, your sister is also proud of you!"
"Yeah! You're really amazing!"
In just one year, to catch up on all the lost coursework, one could imagine the immense effort Zhao Cheng put in.
Zhao Cheng became shy again, "The village chief said this is nothing to brag about. He said any brain can learn, except for a pig's brain. If I don't learn well, he'll send me back and let a pig go to school in my place."
Xia Weiliang burst out laughing; this statement was so typical of the village chief.
Xi En was sitting on the other side of the aisle. He turned his head and saw her smiling face.
Her beauty was undeniable, but at this moment, through her smiling face, he saw a more real her, and that was the most beautiful.
Xi En suddenly felt a pang of jealousy towards Xiao Yi. Why was it that he discovered this so early?
Xia Weiliang then asked him, "Then why are you participating in the show?"
"Uncle Huang contacted the village chief, and the village chief found me. He said that many children in this area have no access to education, or if they do, they've lost the motivation. They just go out to work and earn money... just like I used to be."
Zhao Cheng chuckled sheepishly again and said, "Uncle Huang said that my presence could help them. I didn't think too much about it and came."
Actually, there was another more important reason: he missed Liangniang.
Xia Weiliang was only about ten years older than him, not old enough to have a son his age. Zhao Cheng also found it awkward to call her "Mom."
Hearing everyone call her "Niangniang," and her name containing "Liang," he decided to call her by a unique name, Liangniang.
This way, when he said it quickly, it was indistinguishable, and it also set him apart from others. He was quite proud of this.
Xia Weiliang immediately became serious, "Will this affect your studies?"
Studies were paramount. He had already started later than others, so time was even more precious to him!
"Not at all!" Zhao Cheng picked up his black backpack and patted it vigorously, "I brought my textbooks with me!"
The vehicle moved forward. The mountain roads were steep and rugged, and the car drove very slowly.
The driver gripped the steering wheel tightly, fully focused, not daring to be distracted.
Da Zhuang had said that accidents often happened here. A few years ago, a large passenger bus had plunged down a mountain cliff…
Everyone pleaded with him to stop talking, their hearts rising to their throats. Only Brother Qiao Ge was diligent, carrying his camera and filming everywhere, venturing towards dangerous areas the more they were described as such.
Shang Rongrong had spoken very little since getting into the car. She hugged her arms and rested her head against the car window, her brows slightly furrowed.
Just then, a neck pillow suddenly appeared in her hands.
She opened her eyes and saw Lin Zhuonan, who had moved to sit beside her at some point.
"Your cervical spine isn't good; this will make you more comfortable."
"...Thank you."
She didn't stand on ceremony. She was indeed feeling uncomfortable at the moment.
Due to the nature of the program, assistants were not allowed. Her personality was one of casualness. She had only packed a few clothes and daily necessities that morning before leaving, never thinking to bring something like a neck pillow.
At this moment, the item was a great help. After putting it on, she felt much more comfortable, and the frown lines on her brow gradually eased.
The man beside her glanced in her direction, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turning upwards.
After passing the most dangerous section of the road, they had successfully crossed the mountain, and the driver finally let out a sigh of relief.
Driving for another half hour, they finally arrived at their destination, Liujia Village.
The bus stopped at the entrance of the village. Village Chief Ding Yong, along with two key members of the village committee and all the staff, were waiting there.
These included Comrade Shen Chunhua, the village women's director, accountant, health center attendant, and his wife;
And Comrade Shen Xiashu, the village clerk, militia battalion commander, propaganda officer, veterinarian, and his brother-in-law.
"Oh, welcome, welcome!"
Xia Weiliang and the others quickly greeted them.
Ding Yong was in his fifties, short in stature, with dark skin, and looked like a simple and honest person.
His wife, Shen Chunhua, appeared much more spirited and enthusiastic. As soon as she saw Xia Weiliang, she took her hand, "I know you. I've seen you on TV. The show you were on, something about courage, where you saved a little girl. I was really sweating for you then!"
Then, Shen Xiashu also came over. Although he was her younger brother, he was only in his early twenties. Their mother had him late in life, so he and his elder sister Shen Chunhua looked more like mother and son.
However, his gaze was fixed on Shang Rongrong. "Miss Shang, Miss Shang… Wel- welcome you…" After speaking, his cheeks turned red.