0p0 Chapter 111 Remuneration and Responsibility
Chapter 111 Remuneration and Responsibility
"Fang'er, what are you looking at?" Jiang Rufeng's voice rang out, interrupting her thoughts.
"I was thinking... people in this city always seem to be busy, and no one seems to notice those who need help." Chen Fang came back to his senses, his gaze still on the street, with a hint of worry in his eyes.
"Are you talking about those beggars? Their lives are already hard." Jiang Rufeng swung the sword in his hand casually, with a free and easy attitude in his movements.
"Yes." Chen Fang sighed softly, "But have we ever thought that our own power might be able to change their situation? If we can help them and allow them to live a better life, isn't that something worth doing?"
Jiang Rufeng stopped and frowned slightly: "Fang'er, I understand how you feel, but helping others is not an easy thing. You have to know that our own strength is limited. If you make efforts but don't get the expected results, you will be even more disappointed."
"But should we give up just because the result may not be what we want?" Chen Fang retorted, with a determined light in her eyes. "Everyone should take up their own responsibilities and help those in need. This is our obligation as a member of this world."
This emotion seemed to ferment in her heart and infect the air around her. Seeing her persistence, Jiang Rufeng sighed softly: "I understand your thoughts, but reality often makes people helpless. It is better to consider your own safety first, so that you can better help others. If you want, I can accompany you to visit those beggars, but I hope you can be cautious."
"Thank you, Rufeng." Chen Fang's eyes sparkled with emotion. "I am not afraid of danger. It is my duty to help others. Let's go together!"
So, the two decided to go deep into the corners of the city to visit those people who were trapped in life. Walking on the cobblestone road, the afterglow of the setting sun gradually cast a layer of warm golden color. The fire in Chen Fang's heart became more and more vigorous, and it seemed that even the air around her changed.
In front of him, a frail old man leaned against the wall, his clothes were ragged and he looked as pale as paper. Chen Fang's heart tightened, and he immediately walked over, squatted down, and stretched out his hand: "Old man, are you okay? Do you need help?"
The old man raised his head and trembled slightly: "Little girl, I'm fine, I just hope to have a warm meal."
Chen Fang felt a pain in her heart and turned to Jiang Rufeng and said, "Let's go find some food for him."
"Wait a minute," Jiang Rufeng said to stop her, "She is just a beggar, not necessarily worthy of your help."
Chen Fang looked at him angrily: "Rufeng, how can you say that? Everyone has dignity, and no one is immune to adversity at some point in their life. Have you ever thought about how it would feel if we were all that kind of people, living our lives accepting the indifference of others?"
Jiang Rufeng was stunned and said hesitantly: "I... just hope you don't get hurt."
"As long as I have light in my heart, I will not be swallowed by darkness." She responded firmly, with an innate warmth in her eyes. Then she hurriedly found a roadside store, bought hot meals, and came back with a face full of expectation.
She handed the meal to the old man and said with a smile, "Uncle, your dinner is here. I hope you can eat enough."
The old man mumbled "thank you" and then wolfed down the food, his eyes showing gratitude. Looking at this simple moment, Chen Fang felt relieved, as if all her hard work had been rewarded.
Jiang Rufeng was standing by, deeply moved by this persistence, and reflected in his heart: Perhaps, every small act of kindness can shine in this world and illuminate the lives of others, and they are the force surging in the long river of ancient history.
"Fen'er, I think I understand," Jiang Rufeng finally made a wish, "We need to form that force together to help more people."
"Fang'er, today is the day you go to meet that official," Jiang Rufeng raised his hand and pointed inside the teahouse, his eyes filled with concern, and said, "Remember to be careful, your good deed may cause some unnecessary trouble."
"Rufeng, I will try to keep a low profile," Chen Fang smiled slightly, and although she felt a little uneasy, her eyes flashed with determination. Since she helped those in need, she found that a sense of responsibility had awakened in her heart.
"If the officials really want to give you a reward, you must refuse!" Jiang Rufeng reminded seriously, "We do good deeds out of conscience, not for money."
"I know, but...if that's his true feelings, how can I refuse?" She frowned, obviously hesitant about this matter.
"You have to believe that some things cannot be measured by money," Jiang Rufeng gave her a supportive look, "It's the thought that matters most."
"I will be cautious, Rufeng." Chen Fang nodded. Although she had made up her mind, she could not completely get rid of the pressure from the outside world.
Not long after, the two walked into the teahouse. A middle-aged official in a gorgeous robe was already sitting on the seat. He had a kind face and eyes full of wisdom. Chen Fang's heart tightened slightly and his expression was a little nervous.
"Hello! I've heard about you for a long time, little girl. I came here specially to visit you after hearing about your good deed yesterday." The official nodded slightly with a smile on his face.
"Greetings, sir." Chen Fang bowed respectfully, knowing in his heart that the person in front of him was the benefactor who rescued the old man last night.
"Sir, we have a lot of daily affairs to deal with. Can you please tell me the reason directly?" Jiang Rufeng asked politely but firmly.
"I want to express my gratitude to this kind-hearted young lady." The official smiled sincerely, took out a Ruyi box from his sleeve, slowly opened it, revealing a glittering ingot of gold, and continued, "I hope this can be used as a subsidy for your charity and help more people."
Chen Fang was shocked when he saw this, and immediately shook his head: "Sir, you are too kind. I only did my duty, and I didn't have any other thoughts."
"But I believe that your kindness deserves recognition." The official said softly, with admiration in his eyes. "In this complicated world, it is not easy to have a kind heart. Many people would rather be numb in indifference, but you chose to move forward. Please be sure to accept this kindness."
Chen Fang felt even more embarrassed after hearing this. She knew that donations were also meant to encourage others to do good, but such success did not seem to come from her own efforts. "Sir, I really cannot accept this reward. I help others not for money."
Jiang Rufeng also took a deep breath. The atmosphere seemed to have changed quietly. Although he opposed it in his heart, he didn't know how to persuade them.
"Fang'er," Jiang Rufeng tried to interrupt, but didn't know where to start.
"My little girl, if you do good things, there will be good results," the official was unwilling to give up, and his tone gradually became firm. "I will register this gold for you. If you need it in the future, you can use it at any time. This is also my encouragement to those who do good deeds. Please don't refuse."
Looking at the sincere official in front of her, Chen Fang's hesitation gradually wavered. She thought about how many people who needed help were left behind her, the homeless, the lonely elderly, and perhaps she could indeed make more changes with this gold.
"If this gold can really help more people... I can accept part of it." She finally sighed slightly, made a decision, and her tone softened a lot.
"This is the attitude I hope to see." The official smiled with satisfaction and no longer insisted on taking out more. Instead, he gently put the ingot of gold back into the Ruyi Box. "Then, as a severance pay for charity, I will leave it to you for now. Come on, Fang'er."