Returning wealthy individuals develop their hometowns and become rich in the 1980s

"Not holding this event would be a waste of talent!"

Principal Fang's words were meant to put Chen Zaiguang in his place, but Chen Zaiguang was no longer the lowly counter who worked at the Water Transport Bureau. He now had over a thousand employees and an annual output of nearly ten million US dollars. How could a mere principal force him to pay?

They even said they would hold the event despite all opposition, which was basically telling Chen Zaiguang that our school was holding this awards ceremony under pressure so that his daughter could get some recognition. Mr. Chen, it wouldn't be right for you not to show your appreciation!

Chen Zaiguang took out a pack of Huazi cigarettes and politely offered one to each of Principal Fang and Director Li. Then he sat down and started smoking, pondering how to respond.

If I refuse her outright, my daughter is still looking at me with those expectant eyes. The school has probably already talked to her about it. If the awards ceremony falls through, what will she think?

He couldn't swallow the anger of being forced to hand over money like that. It wasn't a lot of money, but he had to give it willingly. No one would willingly be forced to pay!

Chen Zaiguang tapped the ash from his cigarette and calmly said to Principal Fang, "Principal Fang, I support holding an awards ceremony to encourage outstanding students; it's a good thing!"

"I know the school is having difficulties," Chen Zaiguang paused, then changed the subject, "Director Li and I have been through this together, and we know that some of the school's infrastructure is indeed a bit old, and there isn't a proper auditorium or anything like that."

Hearing Chen Zaiguang's words, Principal Fang thought the fish had taken the bait and quickly replied, "Boss Chen, you are truly sensible. However, our school's conditions are..."

"However, I came here suddenly without any preparation," Chen Zaiguang interrupted Principal Fang. "The school needs renovations and new equipment, which is no small expense. I came here today mainly for Huiqin's sake, and I didn't bring a secretary or accountant with me. How about this?"

Chen Zaiguang stood up and waved to his daughter Chen Huiqin, "Principal Fang, I'll have someone come over to check on the specifics you mentioned. We'll see what the school is lacking and how much, and then we'll discuss it further."

Chen Zaiguang's words were watertight; he neither directly rejected Principal Fang's words nor explicitly stated that he would donate money to help renovate the school. Instead, he used delaying tactics to make Principal Fang back down.

Principal Fang's smile faltered slightly as he stood up, but he quickly recovered, grasping Chen Zaiguang's outstretched hand and saying, "Boss Chen is very thoughtful. It's my fault for not communicating with you beforehand. We can talk about it later, that's fine too!"

"Then I'll be going now, Teacher Zhou. I'll ask Huiqin for leave this afternoon. I'll take her to run some errands," Chen Zaiguang said, leading his daughter Chen Huiqin out of the principal's office.

Zhou Shuwen and Director Li escorted Chen Zaiguang and his daughter to the corridor outside the office, watching them leave before turning and entering the principal's office. Director Li frowned and said to Principal Fang, "Principal, this Chen Zaiguang is very slippery. I think he doesn't want to donate!"

"You think money is so easy to get?" Principal Fang, no longer the upright figure he had been in front of Chen Zaiguang, leaned back on the sofa with his hand on the armrest. "No matter how slippery he is, his three children still have to attend high school in our county!"

Zhou Shuwen frowned slightly upon hearing this, but quickly relaxed. Principal Fang said to her, "Teacher Zhou, when Chen Huiqin comes to school tomorrow, talk to her alone. Holding an awards ceremony is very beneficial for her. Tell her not to have any resistance and to communicate more with her parents!"

"We also need to help her understand the difficulties our county high school faces. The school has nurtured her for so many years; giving back to the school and benefiting the many struggling students in the county would be a great way to honor her father, Chen Zaiguang!"

Zhou Shuwen simply nodded without speaking. Seeing this, Director Li knew that Zhou Shuwen was upset. "Teacher Zhou, you are also a part of our county high school. The school has been renovated, and the learning environment is much better. You teach and nurture students at the county high school. People will give you a thumbs up and praise you. If you have something on your mind, just say it."

Zhou Shuwen hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "I don't have anything on my mind to say. I'll listen to Principal Fang and Director Li. I still have homework to grade in my class, so I'll be leaving now!"

Chen Zaiguang led his daughter towards the Mercedes-Benz 450 parked downstairs in the school building. Chen Rongjie, who was playing with some classmates, saw his younger sister get into the car with her father and ran over in confusion. "Dad, doesn't Huiqin have class this afternoon?"

Chen Zaiguang did not answer his son's question, but said to him, "Go and ask your teacher for leave, and call your brother over too, and ask him for leave as well. We'll go back to Lianzhai this afternoon to see your Uncle Dong."

"Oh, okay, I'll go right now." Chen Rongjie was thrilled to have been granted leave by imperial decree and quickly ran into the teaching building. A short while later, Chen Rongfei followed him out of the building. Only after seeing his father and sister sitting in the car did he believe his younger brother's words.

"Get in the car, we can talk on the way," Chen Zaiguang said without saying much to his two sons. After they got in the car, he started the car and drove away from the county high school.

Upon learning of this, Principal Fang frowned and looked at Director Li, "What does this mean? Why were all three children given leave and taken away?"

"Perhaps there's some urgent matter at home," Director Li could only offer an ambiguous answer, as he had no idea what Chen Zaiguang was up to.

"Studying abroad? Dad, are you serious?!"

In the Mercedes-Benz 450, Chen Rongjie excitedly clung to the front seat. After his fifth uncle went to America with Uncle Dong and the others, he came back and told his nephews about the prosperity of America. Chen Rongjie had long wanted to go to America to see the world.

Chen Rongfei looked on incredulously. "Dad, why are you suddenly sending the three of us abroad to study? What happened?"

"I don't want to study abroad," Chen Huiqin pouted, sitting in the back row with a displeased look. She was still young, and the thought of leaving her parents and going to a foreign country alone made her feel resistant.

Chen Zaiguang listened attentively to his three children's reactions, focusing on driving. "Dad is just asking for your opinions. It's not like I'm going to arrange for you to go abroad right away. If you don't like it, you don't have to go. Dad can't force you to go!"

"I do!"

Thank goodness we're in the car, otherwise Chen Rongjie would have jumped up and down, raised his hand and said he was willing. Going abroad to study, taking a long-haul flight, how cool is that!

Chen Huiqin frowned and pushed Chen Rongjie. "Hey, Second Brother, you stepped on my foot! You've made my leather shoes dirty! How annoying!"

"hey-hey!"