Chapter 38 You're Really Beautiful
Compared to the cuisine of the East Sea, the cuisine on this side of Suzhou tends to be lighter, even carrying a hint of sweetness.
Worried that Qin Yu might not be used to it, Tang Chunjin even had someone prepare a bowl of dipping sauce with chili oil added.
Considering an afternoon of shopping, everyone refrained from drinking alcohol.
They simply ate and reminisced.
After all, Tang Chunjin's success today could not have come without the help of the Yan Family. Therefore, she was especially affectionate towards Yan Mingyu, and by extension, showed great kindness to Qin Yu, her "brother-in-law."
For a moment, Qin Yu felt dazed and somewhat guilty.
He felt like a thief, having stolen happiness that originally did not belong to him.
The meal, full of color, aroma, and taste, somehow seemed bland.
Of course, a warm smile hung on his face, answering whatever Grandma Tang asked.
There was no helping it, being an adult is never easy.
Almost every moment, he was forcing himself to do things that he deeply resisted, but had no choice but to do.
The meal concluded with both host and guests well satisfied.
Grandma Tang's eyesight wasn't very good, so Tang Chunjin pushed her wheelchair, with Yan Mingyu and Tang Chunjin's wife walking behind with Qin Yu.
They drove to Suzhou's largest People's Park.
"Mingyu, you accompany brother-in-law for a while, and we'll contact each other by phone later. Grandma has an old friend, she's also in the park today, I'll push Grandma over there to catch up!"
After strolling for a while, Tang Chunjin received a phone call and spoke to Yan Mingyu.
"Okay, go ahead!"
Yan Mingyu nodded.
"By the way, Mingyu, your old Hua Xi Primary School has also relocated to the west side of the park. Mr. Hu is now the principal; you can also go over for a visit."
Tang Chunjin said this before leaving.
"Mr. Hu became a principal? Then when I get to the west side, I'll go see him!"
Yan Mingyu definitely remembered her primary school teacher, because that time was her most innocently playful and naive period.
When she returned to the Yan Family, the parental quarrels, the family strife, and the endless extracurricular tutoring sessions.
Made Yan Mingyu feel as though she had completely become someone else.
She became the "Yan Mingyu" that the elders had in mind, not an independent, barely teenage girl in the bloom of youth.
"Miss Yan?"
Lost in memories, Yan Mingyu blankly stared into space until Qin Yu called out to her.
"Oh, let's go!"
Yan Mingyu snapped back to reality, smoothing her long hair beside her ear as she walked casually shoulder to shoulder with Qin Yu.
She was wearing a white long dress today.
She looked as though her shoulders were carved out of ice, her waist slender as if tied with silk.
Her ink-black hair, smooth as satin, draped softly over her shoulders, lacking the detachment and coldness of the corporate world, but with a touch more tenderness and allure.
"Miss Yan, you really look beautiful!"
The park scenery was picturesque, and at that moment, Yan Mingyu was like a figure in a painting, prompting Qin Yu to speak without restraint.
"Oh? You've said that line to quite a few women, haven't you?"
Yan Mingyu stopped walking, her eyes unblinking.
"Heh, you wouldn't believe me if I said I hadn't!"
Qin Yu gave a wry smile.
He could see the doubt in the depths of Yan Mingyu's eyes.
"Yes, I definitely don't!"
"..."
And so, Qin Yu, who had been eager to chat with Yan Mingyu, saw the conversation die that day.
They continued on in silence.
When Yan Mingyu and Qin Yu arrived at the gates of Hua Xi Primary School, a half-bald old man, accompanied by a few teachers, was surprisingly waiting for them.
"You... you are Yan Mingyu?"
Teacher Hu, no, now she should be called Principal Hu, pushed her black-framed glasses up the bridge of her nose, somewhat unable to believe her own eyes.
In the past, the Tang Family's circumstances were not as good as they are now, so to hide her identity, Yan Mingyu's everyday life was no different from that of an ordinary child.
Back then, she seemed just like an ordinary Cinderella.
Who could have imagined that, after more than ten years, she would not only transform into a great beauty but would also become the well-known billionaire female boss of the Four Seas Corporation in East Sea.
How could anyone not be astonished?
"Teacher Hu! It's been so long, you haven't changed a bit!"
Yan Mingyu approached Principal Hu and said warmly.
"Haha, I'm almost bald, and about to retire, old!"
Principal Hu touched the top of his head.
"That's because you've been worrying too much about the children! By the way, how did you know I was coming?"
Yan Mingyu finished speaking and asked curiously.
"Mr. Tang called me. The school library was all donated by Mr. Tang! You've forgotten, back then, he practically came to pick you up every day; I recognized him early on! Now, all you kids have become successful!"
Principal Hu said with emotion.
Then, with a gesture of invitation, he said, "Mingyu, let's go inside and talk!"
"Sure, Teacher Hu!"
Yan Mingyu nodded.
After being led around the school by Principal Hu and visiting several other subject teachers from the past, Yan Mingyu finally said, "Principal Hu, if there's anything the school needs, I would like to make a contribution to my alma mater!"
"Our school is newly built, so we're not short of anything at the moment. However, if you're willing to help, I can take you to a place!"
Principal Hu deliberately kept her in suspense.
"Okay, no problem!"
Yan Mingyu readily agreed.
"Follow me!"
Principal Hu drove personally, taking Yan Mingyu and Qin Yu to an old and rather dilapidated courtyard.
Once inside, there were quite a few children playing and frolicking.
"Ah, all of these children are orphans I have taken in over the years. Their household registration details can't be found, and there's no way to enroll them in school. They can only be taught by our school's teachers who take turns coming over. However, our teachers don't earn much, and the cost of living, clothing, food, and future tuition for middle school and high school for these children... it's all a significant expense!"
Principal Hu sighed softly.
"Teacher Hu, here's what we'll do, I'll sponsor the orphanage with two million a year, and you'll distribute the funds where they're needed most for the children."
Yan Mingyu looked at each of their naive, childish faces, her eyes growing misty.
She truly hadn't expected that, in today's beautiful society, there would still be such a group of pitiful children.
"Alright, Mingyu, on behalf of the children, thank you."
Principal Hu also said, his eyes reddening.
"Clap clap... Kids, from now on, you can have milk to drink every day, chicken legs to eat, and even buy a cake when it's your birthday!"
Principal Hu clapped his hands, and the playing children quickly ran over and gathered around.
"Thank you, Grandpa Hu, thank you beautiful sister, thank you big brother!"
The group of children spoke up crisply.
Their understanding demeanor was somewhat touching.
"Teacher Hu, stay with the children for a while; Qin Yu and I will be right back!"
Yan Mingyu blinked, her eyes hadn't felt this sore for a long time.
"Yes! Kids, back to the classroom. I'm going to teach you today's Chinese lesson!"
Principal Hu led the group of children into the worn-out room.
Once outside.
Qin Yu looked at Yan Mingyu's flawless profile and couldn't help asking, "President Yan, where are we going?"