Chapter 59 - Unwavering pillar
Just as HuMing had anticipated, the old director did not agree after learning about the matter.
The director had also met Ye QiuXue. Given her excellent grades, he believes she should not waste time on such matters. Weekends are crucial for rest and self-study, so why not put them to better use?
Isn't coming over for these children a waste of her energy?
"Ah-Ming, you always come up with such terrible ideas! Did you invite this girl over to help you with your work? Can't you think a little better?"
The old director looked at HuMing, disappointed.
To him, it was a waste to have such a good girl caring for children when she could be doing something more productive. Why not spend some time improving their relationship instead?
"Grandpa, I really need to do this. If your health deteriorates, what will happen to these children in the future?"
HuMing's solemn expression was a far cry from his usual carefree demeanor.
His change also intrigued the two girls present.
Standing in front of the old director, HuMing exuded a commanding presence, and the sincerity in his eyes was impossible to miss.
The old director was somewhat at a loss for words against HuMing. He wondered how, in such a short time, HuMing's rhetoric had become so sharp.
"Oh, don't bother about us old people's affairs. I'm in great health now. There's nothing to worry about."
HuMing wanted to say more, but Ye QiuXue stepped in.
When the old director looked at the girl before him, his demeanor weakened slightly.
"Grandpa, HuMing is correct. After all, health is the most important thing. If you are concerned about the children's long-term future, you should schedule a check-up. I noticed you coughing nonstop when you came over. Small illnesses, if left untreated, can quickly turn serious."
Ye QiuXue spoke with sincerity. Her tone was coated with a hint of tenderness and persuasion.
Looking at the old director, she couldn't help but think of her grandmother.
Back then, when her family had been struggling financially, her father had not provided any financial support for a long time. Her grandmother worked tirelessly from sunrise to sunset, never pausing after waking up, all to gather enough funds for her education.
It was precisely because of such prolonged hard work that her grandmother's health deteriorated.
Ye QiuXue wanted to take her grandmother to a doctor, but her grandmother refused because it would cost money that was for her education.
She was almost in tears from worry at the time, and if it hadn't been for the neighbor, who insisted on taking her grandmother to the hospital, she might have been alone now.
Ye Qiexie always maintained a kind and tolerant attitude towards the elderly.
From the moment she set foot in this place, she could feel the weight of its financial struggles. To provide for these children, the two elderly individuals must have been living frugally, with medical care not being a priority for them.
The old director's refusal was most likely due to these considerations.
Ye QiuXue let out a soft sigh, her eyes filled with increased respect for the two elderly individuals.
To go to such lengths for a group of unknown children--- How many people could do that?
"Grandpa, I understand your concern. But, since HuMing asked for my help, he must have handled the necessary preparations. Now, we only need your approval."
Ye QiuXue glanced at HuMing. For some unexplainable reason, she was convinced that HuMing grasped the depth of her intentions.
That guy is not the same HuMing he used to be!
Hearing Ye QiuXue mention his name, HuMing also broke into a bright smile.
"Grandpa, what my president said is right. You don't need to worry about the money. I'll handle it. What you need to do is agree and then get your health checked!"
Looking at the two seemingly compatible children before him, he was unexpectedly overwhelmed with emotion, almost on the verge of tears.
He hadn't experienced such a comforting warmth in a while. These two were genuinely concerned about his welfare.
And HuMing's sister, Han YunXi was now taking care of the children for him!
However, he was reluctant to let Hu Ming foot the bill.
If necessary, he could just spend a little more money and go for the check-up himself!
The old director sighed, his head shaking in a gesture of acceptance as if he had already been convinced by the pair before him.
"Well, fine. I'll go for a check-up this week. But I'll pay for it on my own. There's no way I'll let HuMing you pay for it!"
"Well then, I'll cover the expenses for the teaching materials and food." HuMing immediately agreed, not giving the old director a chance to back out.
"You..."
The old director gritted his teeth in frustration. Seeing HuMing's grin, he realized that he had been outwitted.
This kid was as sly as a fox. He couldn't even say no.
After all, HuMing had previously said that whenever he wanted to donate teaching materials, the old director could not refuse, or he wouldn't come.
At that time, HuMing had grown to be very important to the children, so the old director naturally agreed.
But now this kid is using it as an excuse!
"Fine, fine. I'll get checked. It has indeed been many years since I last had a check-up."
Hearing her husband at last relent, the old director's wife also showed a smile.
And the old director, seeing this, playfully stuck out his tongue at her, rarely acting so unserious.
Ye QiuXue stood beside HuMing, observing the heartwarming scene before her, feeling a sense of warmth enveloping her.
The thought that spending some time could result in countless smiles was heartwarming.
And the person who made all this happen was standing right beside her.
Seeing HuMing, who had his hands on his hips, contentedly watching the scene, Ye QiuXue couldn't help but smile. Her gaze then shifted towards the back of the old director.
There, Han YunXi was coming over with a group of children.
"Grandpa, you can rest assured and go for your check-up. We'll be good!"
The head of the group called out loudly, followed by similar words from the children behind.
The old director looked at the children, a faint smile forming on his cracked lips.
Watching these children grow up might be his greatest accomplishment in life.
The worn-out building resonated with the sweet sound of the children's choir, their melodic voices carrying beyond the worn-out walls and into the overgrown land surrounding it.
In a tranquil oasis, far from the bustling city, lay a pristine expanse of land brimming with the untainted dreams and hopes of the children. And the old director was the unwavering pillar safeguarding these children.
Given this, how could HuMing allow him to fall?
Seeing the smiles before him, HuMing couldn't help but smile softly.
He raised his eyes to the crimson sky above as if reminiscing.
Ye QiuXue was about to ask HuMing what to do next but fell silent when she saw him.
It was because she noticed the loneliness in HuMing's eyes.