Chapter 302 - 303: The Emperor’s Third Young Master Ascends!
The villagers all came out to see off Di Mingjue as he had promised to fund the development of their village into a camping base to attract camping enthusiasts before he left.
He even planned a particularly eye-catching signboard, naming it the Natural Oxygen Bar Camping Base.
This was a considerable investment, requiring significant upfront costs with uncertain returns, but he still agreed to finance it.
This project would start as soon as the training phase of Gu Qibao and his team was completed.
In order to continue this training course, the project would be divided into two parts. One part would be the camping base, and the other part Di Mingjue planned to create a specialized base for student training.
Training was designed to test one’s endurance. Whether it was performing manual labor in the countryside or intensive physical training, it was all part of the process.
Those who persevered under strict training and did not give up would have the opportunity to enter university.
This was a humanistic reform to the examination-based education system. Di Mingjue believed that this reform would undoubtedly garner support after its implementation.
After all, not everyone excels in academics, but those who don’t should still have avenues to strive for their own success.
Di Mingjue’s decision moved the villagers to tears. They could never have imagined such a day would come for their poverty-stricken village.
Especially the village chief, he was the happiest of all.
His rough, coarse hand held Di Mingjue’s, expressing his thanks in an incoherent ramble, "Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. You truly are a renowned philanthropist, Mr. Di. On behalf of everyone in the village, young and old, thank you, truly."
As he spoke, he wiped away his tears in excitement, "If the economy could develop, the young people might return. There would be no need for families to be separated. This is really fantastic."
An economically undeveloped place could not retain its youth, and they would inevitably go out to work, leaving behind the elderly and little children at home. Separation was an unbearable situation for a family.
But out of financial need, they had no choice but to do so. So, their gratitude was unspoken but immensely felt.
Listening to the old village chief’s ramblings, Di Mingjue remained exceptionally calm and patient, attentively lending an ear without any disdain.
In the crowd, Gu Qibao gazed at his handsome features, deeply moved.
Wasn’t Mr. Di really good at heart?
Despite his usually arrogant and icy demeanor, he was unstinting in his charity work.
He showed no disdain towards these kind, albeit impoverished, people. His overall demeanor was oozing class.
Her Mr. Di was truly magnificent, and for the first time, she felt a sense of pride.
She was proud to be his wife and to stand by his side for a lifetime.
After the village chief’s tearful farewell speech, Di Mingjue finally patted his rough, dark hand and said solemnly, "Don’t worry, everything will get better."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Di." The old village chief was overcome with emotion, then, slightly embarrassed, he let go of Di Mingjue’s hand, wiped it on his clothes and managed a shy smile, "Look at me, my dirty hand. I didn’t notice in my excitement. I am sorry if I dirtied your hand, Mr. Di."
"It’s nothing." Di Mingjue did not mind at all, and he replied in his warm and deep voice, "The hands that labor are never dirty."
At this moment, applause broke out in the crowd, led by an unknown person, soon joined by everyone else.
Gu Qibao was stunned for a moment, then found herself in awe of the majestic Duke.
"What are you staring at?" Nangong Ran, clapping excitedly, nudged her. "Your Duke is too impressive, start clapping."