First spoiled, then love

Chapter 603 Dabie Mountains Exploration
Tang Xiaoru said, "If I go to investigate, I'll probably stay for two or three days. I don't feel comfortable staying any longer, since the baby is still at home."

Before having a child, Tang Xiaoru felt that as long as Chen Qingrong was by her side, she could go wherever she wanted and stay in other places for as long as she wanted. But now that they have a baby, they both have someone to care about, so naturally they can't stay away from home for too long.

Chen Qingrong hummed in agreement, showing no objection.

The plane carrying Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru slowly landed at an airport in a city in the Dabie Mountains. As they stepped out of the cabin, a breath of fresh air rushed towards them, carrying the unique fragrance of soil and vegetation characteristic of the mountainous area.

They took a deep breath, their hearts filled with anticipation for this field trip.

Du Hu, the local official in charge whom they had contacted in advance, had been waiting outside the airport for a long time. As soon as he saw Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru, he immediately went up to them warmly, grasped Chen Qingrong's hands tightly, and said excitedly, "Mr. Chen, Ms. Tang, you've finally arrived! We've been waiting for you for so long!"

Chen Qingrong smiled and patted Du Hu on the shoulder, saying, "Mr. Du, you're too kind. Our Young Eagle Project has always been dedicated to helping children in remote areas, and it's an honor for us to be here in the Dabie Mountains this time."

Tang Xiaoru smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes, we have always been concerned about impoverished children in mountainous areas. Being able to visit in person this time will allow us to better understand their needs and provide stronger support for our subsequent funding plans."

Upon hearing this, a look of gratitude flashed in Du Hu's eyes. He quickly said, "That's wonderful. With the support of your Young Eagle Project, our children in the mountains have hope. Come on, let me take you to our department first, so we can meet and make some arrangements. Then I'll drive you to the mountains to take a look."

As he spoke, Du Hu led Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru into his car. Along the way, he gave a detailed introduction to the situation in the Dabie Mountains and the efforts his department had made for impoverished children in the mountainous areas over the years.

“We have started to pay attention to impoverished children in the mountainous areas in recent years and have allocated funds for relief, but there are just too many poor households in the Dabie Mountains, and our funds are really just a drop in the bucket.” Du Hu sighed, a helpless look on his face.

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong frowned slightly. He knew the hardships of impoverished mountain areas and understood that what Du Hu said was not an exaggeration.

He said in a deep voice, "Mr. Du, rest assured, our Young Eagle Project is here today hoping to do something practical for the children in the mountains. Although our funds are limited, we will do our best to help those children who need help the most."

Tang Xiaoru nodded in agreement and asked, "Mr. Du, could you tell us approximately how many households are there in the mountainous area, and how many children and elderly people live there? We would like to understand the specific situation so that we can develop a more suitable assistance plan."

Upon hearing this, Du Hu immediately replied, "Of course. According to our latest statistics, there are about 500 households in the mountainous area, of which about one-third are impoverished families. There are about 200 children, many of whom are left-behind children whose parents work away from home. There are also quite a few elderly people, many of whom are unable to leave the mountainous area due to health or family reasons. Their living conditions are very difficult, and they really need our help."

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru felt heavy-hearted upon hearing this.

They know all too well that these numbers and the meaning behind them represent the hardships and helplessness of countless families.

They looked at each other and saw the determination and resolve in each other's eyes.

The car drove along the winding mountain road for a long time before finally arriving at the entrance to the mountain area.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru got out of the car and looked around. All they could see were rolling mountains, shrouded in mist, like a beautiful painting. However, when they entered the mountains and saw the dilapidated houses, muddy roads, and ragged children, their hearts became unusually heavy.

"This is the mountainous area we're going to sponsor," Du Hu said, pointing ahead. "Look at these children, their living conditions are really tough. Their school is dilapidated, and the teaching facilities are pitifully rudimentary. We really hope your Young Eagle Project can help them."

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru nodded silently, their hearts filled with determination.

They knew that this trip to the mountainous area was not just a field investigation, but also a spiritual baptism and a commitment to responsibility.

They will use their actions to bring hope and warmth to the children in the mountains.

They followed Du Hu into the depths of the mountains. Along the way, they saw many impoverished families and children, their eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge and a sense of helplessness in the face of life's hardships.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru felt heartbroken watching this. The old woman said nothing, but these children were all of school age.

And so, they traveled through the mountains, visiting one impoverished family after another, and learning about their lives and needs.

Whenever Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru see the children's innocent smiles and expectant eyes, a strange power surges within them, driving them to keep moving forward.

As darkness fell, they finally concluded their day's visits.

Although they were physically tired, their hearts were filled with satisfaction and contentment.

They knew that this trip to the mountains would be an unforgettable chapter in their lives.

And the Young Eagle Project will shine even brighter here.

After finishing their visits that day, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru felt physically and mentally exhausted, but their hearts were filled with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Looking at their sweat-soaked faces and mud-covered shoes, Du Hu said with concern, "Mr. Chen, Ms. Tang, you've worked so hard. Come on, I'll take you to a nice hotel in the city so you can get some rest."

Chen Qingrong smiled and shook his head, saying, "Mr. Du, we appreciate your kindness. But we think it's more convenient to stay in town so we can set off earlier tomorrow to investigate the second mountain area. Please don't trouble yourself; we can find a place to stay ourselves."

Tang Xiaoru chimed in, "Yes, Mr. Du, we really have nothing to do with each other. You've had a long day, you should go home early, your family is waiting for you."

Hearing their explanation, Du Hu didn't press the matter further and could only nod, saying, "Alright then, since you insist, I'll head back now. If you need anything, feel free to call me anytime."

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru smiled gratefully, said goodbye to Du Hu, and then found a hotel in town that looked fairly clean to stay in.

The hotel room wasn't big, but it was fairly clean, with a large bed, a small table, and an old television.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru were both very satisfied, after all, they came here to do practical things, not to enjoy themselves.

After a long day, both of them were starving. Tang Xiaoru picked up her phone, looked at the nearby food delivery options, and then smiled at Chen Qingrong, saying, "Honey, I saw that this stir-fry restaurant has pretty good reviews. How about we order takeout from here?"

Chen Qingrong nodded and said, "Okay, it's up to you. I just want something hot to eat right now, something to fill my stomach."

The food arrived shortly after.

Tang Xiaoru opened the lunchbox, and a fragrant aroma wafted out.

Inside were two simple stir-fries: one with green peppers and shredded pork, and the other with shredded potatoes and eggs. Although the dishes were simple, they looked very appetizing.

The two sat down at the small table, picked up their chopsticks, and began to eat.

Chen Qingrong picked up a piece of stir-fried green peppers and shredded pork with his chopsticks, chewed it, and then nodded in praise, "Hmm, this dish tastes pretty good, it goes well with rice." Tang Xiaoru also tasted a bite of stir-fried potato shreds and eggs, and said with a smile, "Yes, although it can't compare to the delicacies of a big hotel, it has a taste of home. Moreover, every penny we spend on food now is saved for the children in the mountains, which makes it feel very meaningful."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong was moved. He looked at Tang Xiaoru with admiration and gratitude in his eyes.

He knew that his woman, Tang Xiaoru, was not only a kind woman, but also a wise and responsible one.

During the meal, Tang Xiaoru suddenly thought of Manager Wu. She picked up her phone and dialed Manager Wu's number.

Manager Wu's voice came through the phone quickly: "Hello, Mr. Tang, how are things? What's the situation in the mountainous area?"

Tang Xiaoru swallowed the food in her mouth and said, "Manager Wu, everything is fine here. We visited several impoverished families today, and the situation is even more difficult than we imagined. The children's living conditions are really poor, and the school is also very dilapidated. I think we need to raise some supplies and send them over as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Manager Wu immediately replied, "No problem, Mr. Tang. Then tell me what supplies you need? I'll start procuring them right away."

Tang Xiaoru thought for a moment and said, "It's mainly school supplies and daily necessities. Pens, notebooks, and school bags are definitely needed, as well as daily necessities such as towels, toothbrushes, and laundry detergent. Oh, right, and clothes too. The children's clothes are all very worn out, so they need some new clothes."

Manager Wu wrote everything down and then said, "Okay, Mr. Tang, don't worry, I'll gather these supplies as soon as possible. However, regarding funding..."

Tang Xiaoru interrupted him, saying firmly, "Manager Wu, you can rest assured and raise funds boldly. I will take care of the funding. I've always kept track of the funds for the Young Eagle Project. As long as it's for the children, I'm willing to spend any amount of money."

Manager Wu felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this.

He knew that Tang Xiaoru was a truly loving and responsible person.

Moreover, he is someone who genuinely wants to get things done.

He said gratefully, "Thank you, Mr. Tang. I feel much more at ease knowing that you said that. I'll get to work right away and get the supplies ready to go as soon as possible."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Xiaoru continued eating with Chen Qingrong.

As she ate and chatted, she said, "Honey, do you think our trip to the mountains this time was very meaningful?"

Chen Qingrong nodded and said, "Of course. I think this is one of the most meaningful things we've ever done. Seeing the living conditions of those children really breaks my heart. If we can help them, even just a little bit, it's good."

Tang Xiaoru smiled and said, "Yes. Moreover, I think this trip to the mountainous area has strengthened my resolve to carry out the Young Eagle Project. What we need to do is not just provide some supplies, but also bring hope and warmth to the children. Let them know that there are still people in this world who care about them."

Chen Qingrong was deeply moved upon hearing this.

He looked at Tang Xiaoru, his eyes sparkling.

He knew he had found someone truly worth spending his life with.

After finishing their meal, the two cleaned up the dishes and then sat on the edge of the bed to chat.

After chatting for a while, Chen Qingrong suddenly said, "Wife, you must be exhausted after walking so much today. Come on, let me massage your legs to help you relax."

Tang Xiaoru smiled and nodded, then stretched out her leg.

Chen Qingrong gently kneaded her leg; his technique, though not professional, was very gentle and attentive.

Tang Xiaoru felt Chen Qingrong's care and her heart was filled with happiness and contentment.

And so, the two ended their day in a warm and cozy atmosphere.

They knew that even greater challenges awaited them tomorrow.

But they also believe that as long as they have love and faith in their hearts, nothing can stop them from moving forward.

The next day, after getting up, Chen Qingrong and his companion did not trouble Du Hu again, but went to the next place to investigate on their own.

When I chatted with Du Hu yesterday, they had already figured out the exact locations of all the impoverished villages near the Dabie Mountains, so they rented a car and drove there to investigate.

Everywhere they went, Chen Qingrong and his companion were deeply moved.

It's hard to imagine that in today's seemingly affluent society, there are still many people who can't even afford clean water, not to mention that many children in mountainous areas are forced to stay at home to farm because they can't afford to go to school, and then go out to work with their parents when they turn sixteen or seventeen.

Whenever Chen Qingrong saw such a scene, he couldn't help but feel grateful that he was born in such a wonderful place.

He told Tang Xiaoru, "Before coming to a place like this, I always thought our village was relatively remote and poor. Now it seems that our village is in much better condition."

Tang Xiaoru said helplessly, "There's nothing we can do about it. After all, our country is so big, there are always some places where welfare can't be extended. So we need kind-hearted people like us to go out and make more discoveries."

"I am increasingly realizing how right it was to propose the Young Eagle Project."

"Me too."

And so, the young couple spent three days exploring the Dabie Mountains before finally flying back to Shanghai.

After returning to Shanghai, Tang Chengshan asked about their investigation, and Tang Xiaoru told her father about it.

My dad's reaction was okay, but my mom and the others got teary-eyed.

Wang Xiue even said, "Xiaoru, does your foundation accept donations from outside? Otherwise, your father and I will donate some money too. Those children are too pitiful."

Tang Xiaoru quickly said, "Mom, you don't need to donate money. Chen Qingrong and I represent our whole family's sentiments."

(End of this chapter)