Chapter 44

There is true love and compassion in the world.

When he saw his old colleagues eagerly donating for his livelihood, although the scene was somewhat comical, Tang Feng was quite touched.

But there is always some rat feces in the world.

Just as a heartwarming scene unfolded in the group, someone suddenly interjected, “Heh heh, I advise you not to meddle.”

The person speaking was named Feng Hao, the director of the sales department where he worked.

He had heard other colleagues gossiping in private that Feng Hao had secured the director position because he had let his little auntie sleep with the boss for one night.

He didn’t know whether it was true or false; in any case, this guy was always good at ingratiating himself with superiors.

When facing them, he always acted arrogant and self-important.

But in front of his bosses, he was like a groveling dog.

Mrs. Luo was straightforward and, upon seeing his sudden comment, immediately retorted, “What kind of remark is that? What do you mean we’re meddling? Tang Feng is at least an old colleague of ours, what’s wrong with giving a little help?”

Feng Hao quickly replied, “Tang Feng was fired by the company for assaulting someone. His descent to this point is his own doing, he doesn’t deserve sympathy.”

Mrs. Luo quickly tagged him again, “I can’t stand what you’re saying. What do you mean ‘his own doing’? Why did he assault someone? Do we even need to spell that out?”

It was clear she was very agitated, with several typos in her message.

However, the others were not as brave as she was.

Asking everyone to donate a little money is one thing, but asking them to confront a superior for a colleague who had left the company, that’s something only someone like Mrs. Luo could do.

It took a while for Feng Hao to reply this time, “I’m just kindly giving a warning, take it if you will. If you don’t want to listen, then do as you wish.”

Mrs. Luo replied a few more times below, but he did not speak again.

The group quickly quieted down. Except for Mrs. Luo’s comments, no one else joined in the conversation, and no one mentioned the donation again.

After Feng Hao’s interference, it became clear to everyone.

If they continued to donate now, they would definitely offend the boss and Director Feng Hao.

For an old colleague who had already left, it was simply not worth it.

Tang Feng smiled and shook his head, then clicked to exit the group.

He didn’t blame those colleagues.

People are very pragmatic; who would offend their current bosses for an old colleague they might never meet again in their lifetime?

It was rare to have someone as kind-hearted as Mrs. Luo.

For these colleagues to fundraise for him today was already very kind.

If they ever needed his help in the future, he would lend a hand if he could.

But he would never take the initiative to contact them again.

Just as he was reflecting on this, the 100,000 yuan prize money just happened to be deposited into his account, immediately lifting his spirits.

Who says there’s no future in picking up trash?

He could pick up an aluminum can casually, and it would be worth someone else’s annual salary.

Just as he was basking in self-satisfaction, he suddenly saw a slender figure walking toward him.

The sky had already darkened, and although there were streetlights, the person’s features were still unclear, revealing only that it was a girl.

As she gradually approached, her appearance became clearer and clearer.

“Class monitor?”

When he clearly saw the girl’s face, he couldn’t help but exclaim.

That girl was none other than Jiang Zi.

Hearing someone calling her, Jiang Zi paused for a moment, “Tang… Tang Feng? What are you doing here?”

“I… I just finished something with a friend and was about to go home. What are you doing here so late at night?” Tang Feng looked at her with a puzzled face.

“I’m looking for something. I’ve already been here once before and didn’t find it. I’ve turned my house upside down too, but to no avail,” Jiang Zi said anxiously, handing him a flashlight, “Since you’re here, can you help shine it for me while I search?”

Tang Feng subconsciously took the flashlight and scanned her with it.

He saw that her white T-shirt had become dirty, stained with a lot of mud and dust.

“What is it? Is it that important?”

Seeing her as a girl rummaging through a pile of trash, Tang Feng grew curious.

“It’s our family’s only portrait, it’s very important to me, I must find it today,” Jiang Zi replied while continuing her search, her voice already carrying a sob.

It was apparent that the photograph was very important to her.

Hmm? Photograph?

Suddenly he thought of something and hurriedly pulled out the photograph he had just picked up from his shirt pocket, “Is this what you’re looking for?”

Jiang Zi wiped the sweat from her forehead with her hand, instantly turning into a little “flower cat,” and glanced back at the photograph in his hand.

“Yes, yes, that’s the one, how did you find it?” She hurriedly took the photograph, as if she had regained a lost treasure.

Then she threw herself into Tang Feng’s arms, tears streaming down her face, “Tang Feng, thank you so much, I really would have gone crazy if it weren’t for you…”

Tang Feng’s hands hung in the air, unsure of what to do.

Are girls nowadays so open?

Why do they keep hugging him at every turn?

“No need to thank me, it was just a small effort.”

He wanted to continue enjoying the feeling of warmth and softness.

But Jiang Zi had already let go of him, bowing her small head, not daring to look at him again.

Tang Feng, inconsiderately shining the flashlight on her face, saw it had indeed turned red.

“Class leader, your face is red,” he said, poking where it wasn’t wanted.

“You’re the one whose face is red,” Jiang Zi quickly turned her head away, stubborn as a mule.

“Is that photograph so important to you that it made you, a beautiful girl, rummage through a trash heap?” Tang Feng, seeing how easily embarrassed she was, didn’t dare to tease her further and changed the subject instead.

“Yes, it’s the only family portrait we have. If I lost it, I truly would go insane,” Jiang Zi said, gazing at the photograph with a sincere expression.

Turns out she was a classmate with a story.

Tang Feng really wanted to delve deeper, but after all, it was her private affair, and it probably wouldn’t be right to pry any further.

“Ah, Tang Feng, I’m sorry for dirtying your clothes,” Jiang Zi suddenly noticed that Tang Feng’s white T-shirt had some dirt smudges, presumably from when she had hugged him.

“Hey, it’s nothing,” Tang Feng said generously with a wave of his hand.

“I’m really sorry. My house is nearby, why don’t you take a shower?”

“No… when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Tang Feng, while speaking, glanced at her twice.

He wanted to say you’re dirty too, how about we shower together?