"Oh, not at all. As journalists, although we have to travel to many places to chase news, which sounds tough, compared to the farmers working in the fields, we are so much better off," Reporter Zhao said with great humility.
Jiang Changhai then complimented him, "What you’re doing is really impressive for someone so young. To be a reporter and have already traveled to so many places at such a young age is quite amazing."
"Haha, you’re giving us too much credit. Speaking of impressive youths, neither of us can hold a candle to Jiang Mianmian. She is the truly impressive one. I’ve read her essay, and it’s full of flair. Moreover, the future life she describes is simply enviable," Reporter Zhao praised enthusiastically.
He had come to interview Jiang Mianmian of his own accord, having requested it from his editor.
The moment he read that essay, he knew he had to meet this young author.
Now, seeing Jiang Mianmian in person, he was not disappointed.
When Jiang Changhai and Su Wanyu heard such lavish praise for their daughter from a reporter from the city, they couldn’t help but feel proud and confident, and they began to speak more naturally.
Reporter Zhao, with several years in the profession, was very experienced in social interactions.
Noticing that the Jiang family members were a bit tense, he casually chatted with them, waiting until they relaxed before getting down to business.
"Well, Brother Jiang, shall we start the interview?" Reporter Zhao suggested.
Jiang Changhai had a certain charisma about him, and after only a short chat with Reporter Zhao, their relationship had warmed significantly; they were already on brotherly terms.
"Ah, yes, of course," Jiang Changhai responded with a smile and a nod.
Reporter Zhao looked at Jiang Mianmian with a gentle gaze and said, "Jiang Mianmian, don’t be nervous. We’ll interview you first. Just answer our questions with whatever you’re thinking."
"Okay," Jiang Mianmian nodded obediently.
Photographer Wu, shouldering his camera, took a photo of Jiang Mianmian first.
After that, Reporter Zhao took out a notebook and a pen. Opening it, he looked at Jiang Mianmian and asked, "Jiang Mianmian, I’ve read your essay and it’s very well written. Can you tell us why you wrote it that way?"
"Because I read about the social development of foreign countries in the newspapers, and I believe that our country will definitely achieve a life as happy and prosperous as theirs in the near future, if not better. Our proletariat is the most resilient and creative," Jiang Mianmian said earnestly.
If it weren’t for the interview, Reporter Zhao and Photographer Wu would have liked to put down what they were holding and applaud Mianmian for her statement.
Such a young child, yet so insightful and profound in her speech. She really is a young hero indeed.
Reporter Zhao took a deep breath, calming the emotions stirred by Jiang Mianmian’s words.
He continued, "Then why do you study so hard? As far as I know, you completed all the primary school curriculum in just one year, and you scored 215 points on the entrance exam, tying for first place with the students from the town. You must have worked very hard for such an achievement, right?"
Jiang Mianmian straightened her back, and spoke with conviction, "I study for the rise of China! We primary school students are the future of the country, and we must learn cultural knowledge well. When we grow up, we can carry on the work of our ancestors and build our nation even better. Although studying is hard, achieving these results makes me feel that it’s all worthwhile."