Song Xiaodong drove for nearly two hours and arrived at the township, where the office was just two rows of single-story houses, clearly showing the poverty of this place.

Zhao Qiang directly led Song Xiaodong and the others to a Deputy Township Chief's office.

The Deputy Township Chief was a man in his forties, wearing a white undershirt and black dress pants, with a protruding belly and a glowing face, looking every bit like a middle-aged man with the prosperity of belly fat.

Zhao Qiang introduced, "This is Chen Zhengmin, the Deputy Chief of our township, who oversees education. The elementary school in our village is under Deputy Chief Chen's management."

"Hello, hello! You are truly good people. Today we finally meet you," Chen Zhengmin greeted enthusiastically, shaking hands individually with Song Xiaodong and the others, and added, "You are both donating money and volunteering to teach; you've done a great deed for the children in our township. On behalf of the township government and the children in the school, I thank you."

Although Chen Zhengmin was only a Deputy Township Chief, far below her father's rank, hearing Chen Zhengmin's praise here still gave Shen Yue a feeling of indescribable excitement and pride. However, she modestly said, "Deputy Chief Chen, please don't put it like that. We're just doing our best to help the children."

"Education is the foundation of our nation. Things that our township government can't do, you've accomplished. How can we not be grateful? Please, have a seat."

Everyone sat down separately, and Song Xiaodong said, "Deputy Chief Chen, they are here to volunteer teach, but I have been entrusted to check the usage of donations. I need to trouble Deputy Chief Chen to let us have a look at the accounts so that I can report back."

Chen Zhengmin immediately said, "Simple, simple! Our accounts are recorded meticulously, every penny clear. This money is earmarked specifically for its purpose; no one dares move it. Anyone who tries to move even a penny would be depriving the children, which would be unethical. I'll call for Accountant Xiao Liu right away."

Zhao Qiang quickly said, "I'll go call Xiao Liu." Then he walked straight out.

Chen Zhengmin personally poured water for the three and sighed, saying, "Our place is a poor and remote area lacking everything. We can't retain teachers. Anyone with competence is sure to leave. The main reason is that our township's educational funding is too little, and assistance to teachers insufficient. This is all my incompetence as a Deputy Township Chief; I can't secure funds."

Shen Yue felt this Deputy Township Chief truly was a good official wholly dedicated to education and promptly said, "Deputy Chief Chen, don't worry. We're here to volunteer teach and won't be using township funds or village money. We'll manage our living costs ourselves."

Chen Zhengmin hurriedly said, "That cannot be! We must do our best to provide some support to both teachers. No, no, this wouldn't be termed assistance; it's merely us doing what little we can. It is you who are helping our children."

Shen Yue slightly smiled and said, "Chief Chen, if you really hold such thoughts, just give more things to the school, that will suffice for us."

Chen Zhengmin gave a big thumbs-up and said, "Good teacher! You are indeed good teachers; you are definitely the most dedicated volunteer teachers I've ever met. No need to say anything more. Rest assured, since you can achieve what you do, if I, responsible for education, still cannot fulfill my duty, then I might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes."

Getting these compliments from Chen Zhengmin made Shen Yue slightly embarrassed, her face blushing a little, she said, "Deputy Chief Chen, please don't say that. I just want to do what I love."

At this moment, Zhao Qiang returned, but was alone. Chen Zhengmin immediately asked, "Where's Xiao Liu?"

Zhao Qiang said, "Xiao Liu is not in the office."

"Where did Xiao Liu go? I specifically called him last night to make arrangements," Chen Zhengmin frowned and said, "Sorry, I'll call him now."

Shen Yue immediately looked at Song Xiaodong, initially being fooled by Chen Zhengmin's attitude, now with the accountant in charge of accounts absent, she immediately recalled what Song Xiaodong had said.

Song Xiaodong smiled slightly at her, and Shen Yue remained calm. After all, with Song Xiaodong present, things would be easier to handle; if he weren't here, she feared she might have trusted the other side and then been deceived.

"Hello, Xiao Liu, why aren't you in the office?... What's going on? Sick at this time, how serious? ...Oh, you can't get out of bed. Your illness really chose the time well. Alright, take good care and come over as soon as you can. We can't let people wait too long, nor let their hearts grow cold; this is for our township, for our children, a great deed."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Zhengmin said apologetically, "This is truly embarrassing. Xiao Liu suddenly caught a cold and fever last night, and can't get out of bed now. I think it would be better if, since you're here anyway, you stay for a couple of days more; once Xiao Liu's well, you can check the accounts."

He immediately added, "Our place isn't a tourist spot, and rather impoverished, but at least it's purely natural. Additionally, there are several historical relics, quite rich in history. I'll take you to have a look around."

Song Xiaodong smiled slightly and said, "I have things to attend to and need to return early. How about we go and see Accountant Liu first?"

Chen Zhengmin hurriedly said, "No rush for these one or two days. Let's enjoy for two days first, then review it later, no harm in delaying. Rest assured, our accounts are clear; once Xiao Liu recovers, within half a day you'll be able to see them all."

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