After dinner ended at around eight o’clock that night, Hong Xiaofu brought Shen Xiaoling home.
“Oh, I am so full,” Shen Xiaoling rubbed her little belly and smiled, “Brother Li He’s treat was really delicious.”
Li He had initially wanted to treat the siblings to a high-end restaurant, but Hong Xiaofu had declined as they had not done anything. In the end, the trio decided to dine at a restaurant that looked clean enough. It had not been a feast; in fact, the trio had merely ordered two dishes, a soup and a couple of bowls of rice. For Shen Xiaoling, however, that was a lavish dinner.
“Now that you are full, go finish your homework.” Hong Xiaofu said as he rubbed his sister’s head. After all, Shen Xiaoling was still in junior high, and knowledge was essential.
Shen Xiaoling soon began humming as she completed her homework. Hong Xiaofu cleaned the dirty candied gourd before leaving on a plate next to Shen Xiaoling’s hand. Shen Xiaoling took a bite and exclaimed with a smile, “It’s so sweet!” Then, she added, “Brother, give the good one to grandpa.”
“Okay,” Hong Xiaofu nodded in agreement. Hong Xiaofu removed the strawberries from the stick and cut them into smaller pieces before transferring them onto a plate. He then took the plate and knocked on neighbor Grandpa Liu Huajun’s door.
Soon, he opened it. When he saw Hong Xiaofu, he immediately broke into a broad smile, “Oh, Xiaofu, you are here?” Then, he caught a glimpse of the strawberries Hong Xiaofu was holding and gasped in surprise, “Is that for me? Hurry, come in.”
Hong Xiaofu chuckled, “Yes. I didn’t know if you would like it grandpa, but I still brought some for you.”
“Look at you,” Liu Huajun knew that life had not been easy for Hong Xiaofu and that the kid had been struggling to make ends meet. Liu Huajun sighed, “You brought such a treat for me…” Then, he grabbed a toothpick to pick up a piece to try. Liu Huajun grinned so widely that the wrinkles on his face curved into smiles, “That’s delicious!” Liu Huajun thoroughly enjoyed the food, and Hong Xiaofu was happy.
After Liu Huajun had eaten two pieces of strawberry, Hong Xiaofu placed the plate on the table and said, “Grandpa, I am glad you liked it. You can continue enjoying it. I will head back to complete my homework.”
“Sure, no problem,” Liu Huajun smiled, “Go ahead.”
Watching Hong Xiaofu leave, Lou Huajun smiled in contentment. He understood Hong Xiaofu’s circumstances and knew that it was not easy for Hong Xiaofu to give up his candied gourd. The boy was far more sincere and generous than those good-for-nothing students who gave him lavish gifts such as the Maotai Five Grain liquor.
As he thought about it, Liu Huajun’s eyes lit up and he was reminded of his worthless son…
Then, he thought of his useless grandson…
Lastly, he was reminded of the good-for-nothing Zhao Qimin. What a little shit, was it so hard to ask for something? There was still no news from him, was he asking to be beaten up?
—-
When Hong Xiaofu returned home, Shen Xiaoling was still doing her homework.
However, there was a sweet smile on her face. Although the journey to enjoy this candied gourd had been extremely difficult that day, at least she had gotten to eat it—she was satisfied.
Hong Xiaofu grinned as he shook his head. He took out a notebook from the drawer of his desk and placed it on the table before recalling the events of the day.
As a person who knew gratitude, Hong Xiaofu would record the acts of kindness others had shown to him to not forget them in the future.
Liu Mingpeng: treated me to lunch: 6 times.
Wang Lixuan: treated me to lunch: 5 times.
Mr Li Hong: bought me dinner: 44 times.
Su Ying: sold me a computer worth at least 2800 yuan after depreciation for only 500 yuan.
Zhao Ming: from 12 September 2017, provided 820 yuan in September. October: 1200 yuan. November: 1340 yuan…
The entire notebook was packed densely with the acts of kindness of his classmates, and none were missing.
Hong Xiaofu picked up his pen and jotted down a line solemnly.
Li He: 20 March 2019, treated Xiaoling and me to a delicious meal of noodles! He even said that we would be best friends from now on, the best of the very best kind! Happy!
After writing that, Hong Xiaofu lightly sighed, and he placed the notebook back into the drawer. At that moment, Shen Xiaoling smiled, “Brother, are you writing your diary again?”
“Yeah,” Hong Xiaofu replied cheerily as he opened his laptop, “Of course, we have to remember how kindly others have treated us. We cannot forget that. In the future, when we start working, we have to return the favour and treat others well, too.”
Shen Xiaoling firmly nodded her head, “Yes, that’s how it should be.”
Their idea was simple. They had to never forget those who had treated them well.
As for those who had treated them poorly… Hong Xiaofu had completely forgotten about them.
After training Zhao Ming’s game character, Hong Xiaofu tidied up before heading to bed to practice his Awakening talent. After skillfully striking the pose…
…he once again fell asleep within seconds.
—-
The next morning was calm and peaceful. During the 8th period of self-study class, Mr Li Hong entered the classroom.
“Hong Xiaofu, Su Ying, follow me.”
Hong Xiaofu and Su Ying looked at each other. What was happening?
The two of them left the classroom, and Li Hong asked with concern, “Have you practiced these two days?”
The two nodded, “We practiced.”
Li Hong smiled, “That’s great. Follow me, Principal Liang wanted to see your progress. It will be a simple test of your Awakening index.”
So, it would be a simple test of the Awakening index. That did sound simple.
The two immediately answered, “Alright.”
They followed Li Hong up the stairs. As they walked toward the principal’s office, the group met Zhang Yang and Li Tianqi. Hong Xiaofu greeted them with a smile. “You guys are here too.”
“Oh, Brother Fu!” Zhang Yang raised his right hand and struck a superstar Roy Cheung pose, replying, “It’s an Awakening index test again. I am anxious, I’m not sure how much I’ve improved.”
Li Tianqi glanced at Hong Xiaofu and gulped, “Brother Fu, please spare me!”
Hong Xiaofu: “…”
He made it seem like Xiaofu was going to eat him. Was he that scary?
Soon the group, together with Li Hong, arrived at the Principal’s office. Li Hong lightly knocked on the door, and Principal Liang’s voice can be heard, “Come in.”
“Principal Liang, we are here.” Li Hong brought the three students into the room and smiled, “Well, shall we begin the tests?”
Principal Liang looked at Hong Xiaofu as he entered the room, his facial muscles tensing up. At that moment, Principal Liang decided that he would not get up from the sofa to avoid any accidents. He sternly nodded his head, “Sure, let’s test.” As he spoke, Principal Liang brought out the tester. He silently prayed in his heart that Hong Xiaofu wouldn’t do anything funny, for his own honor.
Zhang Yang and Li Tianqi were people who craved chaos and trouble. As they stood together at the side, Zhang Yang whispered, “Little Brother, do you think Brother Fu’s ability works on the principal?” Li Tianqi could not hold back and nodded firmly, “I think it does!”
Principal Liang hesitated.