Chapter 945: Chapter 945: The Most Precious Memory
When they saw this, people couldn’t help but whisper to each other, even Zhao Chuanchun was momentarily stunned.
Though it’s a Qingshui Government, these gifts are indeed a bit too humble.
"County Magistrate Zhao, you’re right, I can’t afford that Golden Jade Buddha. A bowl of longevity noodles and a pair of layered cloth shoes, I hope to bring some good luck!"
Lin Fan smiled as he placed the tray on the table, and before he could speak again, Wang Cangdong’s voice sounded from behind.
"County Magistrate Lin, today is the old lady’s eightieth birthday, are you pulling this stunt to play the poor man, or to mock someone?"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone immediately reacted.
Both are of the same rank as deputy county magistrates; while Zhao Chuanchun has such a grand residence, Lin Fan merely has a bowl of plain noodles, this is clearly a form of irony.
"Gifts are about the thought, not the expense."
Lin Fan calmly turned his head to look at Wang Cangdong and said, "I would like to ask Director Wang, is my gift for the birthday person or for you? Do you have the right to speak arrogantly here?"
"I... I just can’t stand someone acting!"
Wang Cangdong immediately argued, and just as Zhao Chuanchun was about to interrupt their quarrel, the old birthday star, who had been smiling all along, suddenly spoke up.
"Child, are these noodles... made from elm bark?"
"That’s right, grandma. These are made from elm bark that my parents personally went to the mountain to gather, dried for days, and ground into powder, mixed with fresh cornmeal, and those layered soles were also embroidered by my mom’s own hands, it’s meant to be a gift of memories for you!"
Lin Fan looked at the old birthday star who was beaming with joy and smiled slightly, it seemed he indeed gave the right gift.
"Chuanchun... come, come over here!"
Ignoring the rest, the old birthday star hurriedly called Zhao Chuanchun over, cradling the plain noodles in her hands, with tears in her eyes: "Back then, your father came to Red Flag County during the mountain and countryside campaign, and there was little food. Once, he was so hungry he fainted, and it was with a bowl of noodles mixed with elm bark that I made for him that he pulled through... and those layered soles... they were his favorite to wear back then... every pair of shoes was hand-embroidered by me... it’s been decades since I’ve seen them..."
When mentioning Zhao Chuanchun’s deceased father, the old birthday star’s eyes were filled with tears of longing, the sight prompting memories became tangible at this moment: "When you were a child and hungry, you loved to eat these elm bark corn noodles the most... come, taste it, see if it’s still the taste from back then!"
"Yes... Mom, I’ll try it!"
Zhao Chuanchun’s eyes were also slightly moist, he hurriedly picked up the chopsticks, and along with the siblings who gathered around, each took a chopstick and divided the bowl of noodles. As they ate, they shed tears, only those who lived through the famine years knew how precious this seemingly unpalatable food was.
Especially the old lady who clung tightly to those layered soles; now, the glamorous clothes couldn’t compare to the taste from the past, so at this moment, she was both laughing and crying, and all of this left everyone silent. Only Zhao Qianyue secretly gave Lin Fan a thumbs up, this gift was perfect.
"County Magistrate Lin, your birthday gift is truly heartfelt, indeed gifts are about the thought, not the expense, come, sit next to me!"
After wiping his tears, Zhao Chuanchun took Lin Fan’s arm and led him to the main table, a scene that left Wang Cangdong blushing, and for Huo Ben in the corner, his heart was chilled; the torment akin to ants on a hot pan left him with nowhere to vent, afraid if he were to leave now, he would be arrested directly.
"I thank you all for attending my mother’s eightieth birthday today..."
After everyone took their seats, Zhao Chuanchun finally raised his wine glass and stood up with a microphone, after a generous and high-sounding toast, he then announced another shocking revelation to everyone.
"Today’s gifts, I will cash them all and donate to the Red Flag County Scholarship Fund, names of those who converted their gifts will be recorded, and thank you all for your support of Red Flag County’s development..."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone’s hearts sank, and those guests who had spent millions felt their money going down the drain.
After all, in this way, the favors turned into charitable donations, Zhao Chuanchun didn’t receive any personal gratitude, thus negating any future obligations.
Zhao Qianyue slyly bumped Lin Fan with her elbow and said, "Counting it this way, today my grandma only received your birthday gift, and no one will be able to take those layered soles from her."
"That was a happy accident!"
Lin Fan smiled at Zhao Chuanchun, indeed, his way of doing things was unpredictable.
"How did you know my grandma would like it so much?"
Zhao Qianyue looked at Lin Fan curiously, this guy always managed to do something unexpected.
"Memories are beautiful, so just find something from that era, as long as you are thoughtful, anyone can think of it."
Lin Fan shrugged, his relaxed demeanor made Zhao Qianyue pout and say: "Then what gift will you give me to make me happy?"
"Isn’t that simple?"
Lin Fan lowered his voice: "How about giving you a child?"
"Get out!"