The other members of the Jiang family, seeing that they were all going to join, were also somewhat eager to try, for who wouldn’t want to be seen by the entire city in the newspaper?
Just then, two leaders from the Education Bureau arrived at the Jiang family on their bicycles, having picked up the commune secretary and brigade leader along the way.
"Oh my, all the leaders, what brings you here?" Jiang Changhai asked in surprise, unaware of how the town officials had learned the whereabouts of his home.
"Haha, Changhai, what are you all doing here?" Director Wang asked, feigning ignorance with a smile.
"Oh, we’re conducting an interview and just about to take a group photo," Jiang Changhai replied without exposing him.
Jiang Changhai didn’t call Director Wang out, instead introducing the reporters: "Director Wang, let me introduce to you, these two are reporters from the city, Reporter Zhao, Photographer Wu, this is Director Wang and Director Zhao from our town’s Education Bureau, and this is the secretary and the brigade leader from our commune."
The villagers only recognized the commune leaders and the brigade leader, having no idea that the two middle-aged men, dusty from travel, were leaders from the town’s Education Bureau.
Once they knew their identities, the villagers tacitly stepped aside to make room for the leaders.
The Jiang family members were thrilled beyond measure, having all these important figures come to their home was, to use a phrase often uttered by the educated, truly an honor that graced their simple dwelling.
"Nice to meet you, leaders, just call us Xiao Zhao, Xiao Wu," the two reporters said, greeting them with a smile.
The officials, seeing the photographer setting up his camera, exchanged glances, understanding that it was time for a photo.
You see, the very reason they had rushed over so urgently was for this fantastic opportunity to appear in the city newspaper,
The commune secretary rubbed his hands together, speaking to Reporter Zhao: "Hmm, hello there, reporters. I hear you’re about to take photos?"
"Yes, we’ve just finished the interview and are about to take a few pictures, then we’re almost done," Reporter Zhao explained.
The commune secretary then jovially asked, "Do you think it’s possible to include us as well? Jiang Mianmian is a child of our commune, and now that she has made something of herself, we’re all very proud of her."
"Of course, we can do that," Reporter Zhao replied warmly, understanding their desire to be featured in the newspaper.
Seeing his chance, the village chief quickly said, "Reporter Zhao, add me in as well, I’m the village chief of Stone Bridge Village. I watched Mianmian grow up, and my daughter even tutored her for a while."
"Comrade reporter, I want a photo too."
"And me, I want in as well."
Seeing how approachable Reporter Zhao was, the villagers boldly spoke up.
If they could be in the photo, they too might bask in the glory of appearing in the newspaper. Afterward, they could boast about it to comrades nationwide for a lifetime.
But there’s only so much space in a photo, and the newspaper page is only so big – it simply couldn’t accommodate so many people.
Besides, Reporter Zhao was there to interview Jiang Mianmian. Having so many people in one photo clearly didn’t seem appropriate.
So he explained gently, "Folks, there’s limited space for the photo, and it won’t fit that many people. I’ll take a photo of Miss Jiang Mianmian first. After her, we’ll take photos of everybody else, okay?"
The villagers: "Comrade reporter, will we still be able to appear in the newspaper with Mianmian?"
Reporter Zhao, looking apologetic, replied, "I’m sorry, but this is a special feature on Jiang Mianmian. The number of photos we can publish is limited, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be featured. However, although you might not make it into the newspaper, I can print extra copies of the photo for you and mail them to you later."