Chapter 520: Best to Be Still, Not to Move
Chapter 520: Chapter 520: Best to Be Still, Not to Move
Han Xiaorui could sense the shifting tides in the upper echelons.
However, there wasn’t much she could do about it. She instructed Ye Ling to focus on his studies in high school and not get involved in any chaotic gatherings.
Ye Ling thought of the slogans he had heard. "Sister-in-law, what those people are saying is actually right! There’s bureaucratic corruption, and many people have been corrupted by sugar-coated bullets. It really needs to be fixed."
Han Xiaorui spoke earnestly, "If you think things need to be fixed, then you should study hard. In the future, you can enter that class of society and use your abilities and your character to fix them."
"It’s not something you can change just by shouting a few slogans! I admit that many people are truly patriotic and really want what’s best for the country. But I also know that some people are exploiting this situation to undermine national stability!"
Ye Feng said in a deep voice, "You’re a high school student. What can you change? You talk about bureaucratic corruption? Our dad’s position is so high—has he ever been corrupt?"
Ye Ling was taken aback and shook his head. "My dad has never been corrupt!"
Ye Feng smiled. "Has your mother ever been corrupt?"
Ye Ling gave a wry smile. "My mom’s in Africa. What chance would she have to be corrupt?"
Ye Feng added, "There are many people like our dad and Aunt Wang who work conscientiously! Not everyone wants to be corrupt. Money can indeed buy many things and can corrupt people, but many more people have ideals and faith."
The uncertainty in Ye Ling’s eyes cleared. "I get it now! I’ll study hard!"
Han Xiaorui handed a history book to Ye Ling. "Reading can make a person wise, especially history books! If you have any free time outside of your studies, read them more!"
Ye Ling took it. "Thanks, Sister-in-law!"
Control was tight in Shencheng, and at Ye Ling’s school, it was even tighter.
Some students had been itching to cause trouble, but under Ye Ling’s lead, everyone started studying even more diligently.
It was just as Han Xiaorui had said: if you think something is wrong, then join them and change them from within. That was far better than shouting a few empty slogans.
Han Xiaorui also frequently reminded Han Xiaoqing, "Just focus on your work, and don’t get any funny ideas!"
Han Xiaoqing nodded repeatedly. "I’m so busy with my internship right now! I also have to write my thesis, so I have no time at all!"
"My visa has been approved. I’m just waiting to get my diploma, and then I can go!"
"Sis, the kids are older now. Why don’t you bring them and come abroad with me? The summer break is pretty long, so it’s a perfect time to take them traveling abroad."
Han Xiaorui blinked. ’Go abroad?’
Han Xiaoqing nodded. "We can go to the city where we’ll be studying. Wenxuan’s family bought him a big house near the university."
"When we go, we can stay in his big house! It’ll be a great chance to take the kids around to see things and broaden their horizons!"
Han Xiaorui nodded. "Alright, I’d also like to see the school and environment where you’ll be studying."
That evening, Han Xiaorui discussed it with Ye Feng.
Ye Feng blinked. "Traveling abroad sounds nice. Seeing more of the outside world helps you better appreciate our own country when you come back."
"I’ll talk to Dad about it later. If he agrees, we can all travel abroad together. Ever since we got married, we’ve had the kids, and you’ve been so busy taking care of them these past few years that you haven’t had a chance to go out and have fun."
"Now that the kids are older, we can bring a nanny and go have some fun! Although I can’t be there the whole time, I can still free up a week."
"Okay, it’s a plan!" Han Xiaorui said with a smile, looking forward to the trip abroad.
But when Ye Feng called his father, Ye Zheng, he fell silent for a moment on the other end.
"While I agree it’s a good idea for you to travel and see the world, don’t go this year."
Ye Feng was stunned. "Why?"
Ye Zheng thought for a moment before replying, "It’s better to stay still than to move. Just lay low to avoid getting caught up in anything."
Since his father had put it that way, Ye Feng seemed to understand. He nodded. "Dad, I understand. Please take care of yourself."
Ye Zheng chuckled. "I’m alone now, so I can be completely focused. Don’t worry about me. As long as you all are well, I’ll be fine."
He couldn’t say any more.
"I understand. We won’t go anywhere this year. We’ll stay in Jinshan Bay," Ye Feng replied, his expression grave.
After hanging up, Ye Feng relayed his father’s words to Han Xiaorui.
Han Xiaorui’s expression changed slightly. She tapped her own head. "We’re in the middle of troubled times right now. Father is in a high position, and your real identity is also sensitive. If we all go abroad and leave my father-in-law here alone, it would definitely make people suspicious."
Ye Feng nodded. "It would definitely have an impact."
Han Xiaorui made a swift decision. "Then we won’t go. We can travel anytime. If this year isn’t suitable, we’ll just stay in Jinshan Bay. At worst, I’ll take them out sea fishing. That could be fun too."
"I won’t be able to accompany Xiao Jing abroad. I’ll apologize to her later," Ye Feng said with a smile. "Oh, right, exchange some more foreign currency for Xiao Jing."
Han Xiaorui nodded. "Of course. I’ve already had someone take care of it. My little sister is studying abroad; she can’t be poor."
Later, Han Xiaorui told Han Xiaoqing the reason they couldn’t go.
Han Xiaoqing’s expression changed drastically. She asked in a low voice, "Is Uncle Ye going to be okay?"
"He’ll be fine," Han Xiaorui replied.
A moment later, Han Xiaoqing asked again, "Will my studying abroad affect you and my brother-in-law, and in turn, affect Uncle Ye?"
Han Xiaorui reassured her, "You’re overthinking it! You’re just studying psychology, not anything questionable. It’s a government-sponsored scholarship; the state supports it. As long as you come back, it won’t affect us at all."
Han Xiaoqing nodded. "Of course I’ll come back. I heard before that some government-sponsored students go abroad and never return. They find good jobs overseas, but their families back home are affected."
"Their brothers and sisters then find it difficult to get opportunities for government-sponsored studies. Certain advancements and chances just won’t come their way. You could say one person’s good fortune comes at the expense of their entire family."
"And there’s another very important reason I’ll be back. Our professor said that the cost of sending one student abroad on a government scholarship is equivalent to the labor of ten thousand common people."
"In other words, when I study abroad on a government scholarship, it’s like ten thousand people are paying for my education. When I go abroad and learn something, I must of course give back to the people and the country that supported me."
Han Xiaorui was very moved listening to her sister. "Xiao Jing, it’s good that you remember that. Look at our Jinshan Bay, it’s getting better and better. Honestly, do you think it’s any worse than other countries?"
Han Xiaoqing nodded. "It’s not worse at all. With the annual renovations and planning, I don’t think there’s much difference from other countries. It’s very developed. Back when our country was poor and undeveloped, many scientists returned to build up our nation and make it stronger."
"I, Han Xiaoqing, am studying psychology, and I will use what I learn to help more people. Through Pingping and An’an, I’ve seen the importance and necessity of special intervention education."
"I, Han Xiaoqing, am honored to have the chance to become someone who returns after completing my studies to serve my country, and I will strive for this my entire life."