Rebirth 08: Equipment God

Chapter 252 The system is a tool, not an end (to be continued)
Before leaving the welfare home, Zhai Da found Li Huifen and expressed his concern for Tang Xiao Kui.

Whether it's useful or not, just a word of advice: it's normal for this child to be unaccustomed to things since they've just arrived here, so please be patient with them.

Regarding the funding, Zhai Da changed his mind after visiting today.

Actually, sponsoring all nine children wouldn't cost much money.

Even after asking for a number, it was so low it was almost laughable.

For children before graduating from junior high school, the state provides free education, including tuition and miscellaneous fees. Zhai Da's subsidy is simply for food and nutrition expenses.

With the government already providing subsidies, an extra 200 yuan per person, or about seven yuan a day, would be enough to greatly improve the quality of their diet, especially since it's 09 now.

This was even with Li Huifen holding the small card.

As long as it's not excessive, Zhai Da can accept it.

A person who does good deeds may not have a kind heart, nor does he have to be a saint without selfishness, and he may not or cannot be poor.

As for the period after junior high school graduation, apart from the 200 yuan food donation, there is about 500 yuan for accommodation and 900 yuan for tuition per semester, which is only about 300 yuan per month.
The price is the same as that of Maofang Middle School, or rather, the price is basically the same regardless of the region.

In this country, public education is incredibly cheap, ridiculously cheap.
In theory, the government's subsidies could cover this part of the expenses, but Zhai Da paid for it, and the excess could then be used to improve the quality of life.

Therefore, for Zhai Da, donating 2000 yuan a month at this stage can improve the quality of life for all ten children in the welfare home. Once the two older children graduate from junior high school, the donation will increase slightly depending on their academic progress.
Not many, really not many.
The number was so small that even Zhai Da felt Li Huifen had miscalculated.
Finally, Zhai Da suggested adding a "pocket money" allowance of 100 yuan per person per month, but Li Huifen refused, saying it was too much.

40 yuan a month is enough. Any more and the kids will squander it, which is pointless and might even lead to bad habits.

Most of the children have to go to school every day, and Li Huifen is all alone, making it impossible for her to manage them effectively.

Instead of giving pocket money directly, it's better to occasionally bring some snacks or daily necessities and stationery.

Li Huifen's refusal of "useless" donations shows that she does not have a "just grow up and it's fine" attitude towards the children's growth, which also indirectly confirms what Wang Guofeng said last night.

This unkempt, overweight middle-aged woman from the streets is actually doing quite well.

Zhai Da left 2400 yuan and took a receipt. As for supervising how the money was used, it was difficult. He could only ask for frequent feedback and at most ask Wang Guofeng for help, since the latter was very familiar with the area.

After leaving the orphanage, Zhai Da took a deep breath of the cold air. Even though this was a suburban area with fresh air, the courtyard always felt oppressive.

It has nothing to do with the environment. When you are in a place where you "can't get out", it doesn't matter if it's a mountain or a tall building, a garden or a barren hill.

Both can make people feel uncomfortable.

Zhai Da sent a message to Wang Guofeng, and then walked along the road for about ten minutes before finally encountering a taxi.

We got on the bus and left for the "Utopia" gathering place.

------

"Wu Family Old Brand Local Cuisine Restaurant" was the obvious choice for the gathering, even though the young master, Wu Yue, hadn't returned yet.

As soon as Zhai Da entered the door, Wu Yue's father raised his head and said, "Little Zhai is here! Happy Chinese New Year!"

"Happy Chinese New Year, Uncle! How's business lately?"

Wu Yue's father shook his head: "That's all there is to it, just earning a meager living."

However, he immediately beamed and said, "Your side is really amazing. Xiao Yue is so lucky to be with you!"

"Yueda Catering" is making a fortune every day. Wu Yue may not have told his father, but his cousin Wang Xiaolong, who loves to show off, knows that Wu Yue has started another company with Zhai Da in Harbin.

Of course, the exact scale is unknown, but it is known to be thriving and making money.

"That brat Wu Yue hasn't caused you any trouble, has he? If that kid acts up, you kick him for your uncle!"

Zhai Da smiled and said, "Wu Yue is not the same as before. He is now Brother Yue, and he is well-known throughout the Nangang District."

"What Yue-ge? You're the real older brother!"

Perhaps Mr. Wu doesn't yet have a real sense of "his son doing well," and this situation can only be improved after Wu Yue returns.

Of course, it might not change for several years. No matter what kind of brother you are, when you go home for the New Year, come and sing a song for your relatives.

As they were talking, the restaurant door was pushed open again, and Chu Xiang jumped up and hugged Zhai Da: "Boss! Were you waiting for me?!"

Zhai Da quickly pushed away the overly enthusiastic Chu Xiang, saying, "You're overthinking it. Get out of here."

Just then, another person walked in. Lu Wei, who had been accompanying Ms. Yu shopping all day, strolled in leisurely, took a few steps, and smiled as she took Zhai Da's hand: "Sorry to keep you waiting, let's go upstairs."

Chu Xiang was captivated by the smile, but also stunned.

Has Miss Lu finally seen the light? Does Harbin have some kind of miracle cure?

Zhai Da was also a little surprised. Little Wood was changing every day. He had learned a new skill and could hold hands now?

The three of them walked upstairs and pushed open the familiar door to the private room. Seven or eight of their Utopia friends, including Ao Wen, Xiang You, Li Dongdong, Li Haili, and Liu Meng, were already seated there.

"Zhai Da~!"

"They're here! The big boss is here!"

Amidst a warm welcome, Zhai Da was led to the head seat, and Xiao Mutou naturally sat down beside him.

Chu Xiang was the most exuberant, saying as he took off his coat, "I've missed you guys so much!"

Just as he was about to start recounting his interesting experiences at university in Shanghai, Lin Shuyao walked in. She was dressed even more elegantly than before. She greeted him and glanced around the private room, her gaze lingering briefly beside Zhai Da.

Feeling a vague sense of disappointment, Lin Shuyao sighed and went to Chu Xiang's side.

The exquisite khaki trench coat and tall boots accentuated her stunningly long legs, while the fitted thin sweater revealed her excellent waistline, leaving Chu Xiang completely bewildered.

Lin Shuyao: "Is there anyone next to you?"

Chu Xiang was stunned for a moment, then nodded vigorously with great joy: "Nobody's here! There's nobody next to me!"

As he spoke, he quickly wiped the chair, gesturing for Lin Shuyao to sit down.

Is his spring finally coming?!
Lin Shuyao said, "That's good."

Then he took the chair away and placed it between Liu Meng and Li Haili, and started chatting with his best friend. Chu Xiang: ???
Just then, the last person arrived. His tall figure required him to bend over to enter. Fan Junwei, who was even more muscular than during the National Day holiday, exuded a strong sense of oppression as soon as he entered.

However, his face still had an honest look. Fan Junwei smiled and said, "Sorry I'm late."

Finally, apart from Wu Yue, who was far away in Harbin, the last participant also arrived.

Alcohol is indispensable, but it's also the least important thing; the lively gathering is filled with laughter and chatter.

Ao Wen found a photo of Wu Yue on his phone, then placed it in the center of the table to indicate that not one of them could be missing.

Its location, nestled perfectly between sunflower seeds, peanuts, and tangerines, creates a particularly cozy atmosphere.

Zhai Da occasionally held Lu Wei's little hand and occasionally observed the changes in everyone.

Compared to other college students at the winter break gathering in Dongyang County, the biggest difference here is their confidence and high spirits.

When Utopia was selecting students, most of them came from average families because those from well-off families would go out and play during the summer vacation. However, the six months of university life away from home did not wear away the small-town boy spirit, but instead cultivated the spirit of a young man.

Zhai Da hopes everyone will do well, but he doesn't expect everyone to necessarily follow his success or imitate his style.

Well, with China's economy taking off in the next decade and countless new opportunities emerging in various fields, coupled with having our own guiding light ahead, there is ultimately a certain probability of success.

But among the dozen or so people, some will always have stable jobs, ordinary lives, or even experience ups and downs.
It's normal for some people to lose heart; life is so long, and summer vacation is so short.

It would be too exhausting to demand good "results" for every little "good deed" one does.

Suddenly, Zhai Da had a sudden realization about the Dongyang County Welfare Home.

And that Polaroid camera as a keepsake.
He was guided in the direction by the system, but he didn't have to let the system control his behavior. He could have avoided this by focusing on the equipment.

Tang Xiao Kui, and the other children in the orphanage, he will definitely help them if he can.

But we plant flowers so that they will bloom, not so that they will wither.

Just like the system, it was a tool for his life, but not the purpose of his life.

Otherwise, the moment he was reborn, he could have started searching the world for equipment, taken the college entrance exam, gone to university, and acquired ten times more equipment than he does now. In doing so, he missed Lu Wei, missed high school life, missed becoming a writer, and then missed university life.
That would probably be a different story.

Midway through, Zhai Da got up to go downstairs to use the restroom and happened to run into Li Haili, who was returning.

As they passed each other, Zhai Da said, "Wait a moment? Shall we chat?"

Li Haili didn't seem surprised and leaned against the wall, saying, "Okay."

A few minutes later, the two stood in front of "Wu Family Old Brand Local Cuisine Restaurant".

"Thank you for chatting with Lu Wei. She has changed a lot recently."

At that moment, they felt they should have something in their hands, but they never smoked, so Zhai Da and Li Haili each took a small glass bottle of Coke.

Because of the air bubbles, the straw, like the unpredictable hands of a pocket watch, freely changes direction.

Li Haili laughed and said, "It's alright. It's just some topics that girls often talk about, and I had a lot of fun chatting about it. What specific changes have you noticed, Senior Lu? Tell me about them."

Zhai Da recalled for a moment, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up: "He can hug, he can walk hand in hand, he can express his gratitude and affection, and most importantly, he knows when to smile."

Li Haili exclaimed in surprise, "Such a big change? Did she digest and absorb everything I said?"

"I do not know then."

"Did she accidentally leave her underwear in a conspicuous place?"

"Uh, no."

"Fell down while wrapped in a bath towel?"

"No."

"When it thunders, go find me and tell me you're scared. Surely you can do that?"

Zhai Da's expression gradually became subtle: "What kind of nonsense have you been teaching?"

Are they filming an idol drama here?
Li Haili thought to herself, "No wonder. If Lu Wei had used even one, she probably would have already taken off from where she started."

The girl flashed her signature "hehe smile":
"Don't worry about the details. You two are a perfect match, the official couple! It's okay if the process is a little awkward, and it's okay if things progress rapidly. Seize the day, boss, you've worked hard too."

Given Zhai Da's qualifications, if it were a normal person, like Lin Shuyao...
She should already be taking measures to prevent miscarriage.

Zhai Da glared at Li Haili and suddenly asked, "Has Wu Yue contacted you recently?"

Li Haili asked in confusion, "Wu Yue? You mean contacting him privately? No, we did chat in the group though."

Zhai Da's eyes darted around, and he chuckled. "A strategist, huh!"

I can be one too!

After a brief exchange, the two returned to the private room, and as soon as they entered, they heard Chu Xiang shouting:

“Celebrating the Spring Festival every year is quite boring. The eldest brother still rents out No. 99 Luochuan Road. How about we go there on New Year’s Eve? We can set up a table, prepare everything, and have hot pot in the courtyard.”

This suggestion immediately sparked everyone's thoughts, and upon closer examination, it actually seemed quite unique.

But some people said, "Don't I spend New Year's Eve with my family? My grandma definitely won't let me out."

Chu Xiang refined the plan: "We can come out after the New Year's Eve dinner. After that, we can just watch TV and chat, right? That should be fine."

"That sounds interesting."

But ultimately, Zhai Da's approval was required, and many people looked over.

Zhai Da thought for a moment, rubbing the little wooden fingertip in his hand: "We can make some plans. Eating hot pot is quite troublesome. Chu Xiang, you can prepare and see if it's easy to arrange."

"Don't worry! Leave it to me!"

　The next chapter will probably be after midnight, so please don't wait.

　　Another writer's block, the endless revisions and cuts are so exciting, there's enough scrap for a whole chapter.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)