The villagers, though slightly disappointed they couldn’t appear in the newspaper, were nevertheless happy to have free photographs taken.
After all, many villagers had never been photographed as it cost quite a few dimes for a single shot in the city.
"This is enough, thank you to both journalist comrades," the village chief expressed gratitude on behalf of the villagers.
"Thank you," the villagers followed in thanks.
"You’re welcome, please wait a moment," said Photographer Wu.
After saying that, he first took a solo photo of Jiang Mianmian and then a group photo with a few leaders and Mianmian’s family.
Then he began to take photos of the villagers in batches.
Under the brilliant and warm sunshine, the honest peasant folks, wearing their worn-out work clothes, slung their arms around each other’s shoulders. Staring at the dark lens, they smiled with a simple and radiant cheer.
After the photography session, the reporters had thoroughly completed their interviews.
"Thank you, comrades, for accommodating our interview. It’s getting late, and we should be heading back to the city," they announced.
Upon hearing this, the old lady immediately grabbed the wrists of the two visitors and warmly insisted, "Reporter comrades, don’t rush off. You’ve come all this way. Have a meal at our home before you leave."
"Yes, reporter comrades, our homemade smoked meat is really delicious. You won’t regret staying for a meal," added Sun Lixia, trying to persuade them.
Reporter Zhao laughingly declined, "Granny, I truly appreciate your offer, but we have to get back to write our articles and develop the photos. Next time I’ll have the opportunity to taste your smoked meat."
"Alright then, you must stay for a meal next time," said the old lady, unable to insist further after his polite refusal.
Jiang Changhai also said, "When you two come to town again for work, remember to look me up, I’ll treat you to a meal."
"Sure, Granny, Brother Jiang, we’ll remember," responded Zhao and Wu, already accustomed to such scenes, with ease.
They then looked toward Jiang Mianmian and encouraged her with a gentle gaze, "Jiang Mianmian, study hard, uncle believes you can definitely make it to university."
Jiang Mianmian: ...When had she ever said she intended to go to college?
But in front of so many people, she couldn’t tell the truth and could only nod her head obediently, "Thank you, uncle, I will work hard."
The leaders, seeing that the reporters had left, also took their leave.
The Jiang family members and the villagers accompanied the guests to the entrance of the village, watching them depart by car.
After seeing them off, Zhang Guihua turned with eyes full of affection toward Jiang Mianmian and said, "Eldest, why don’t you stay? Have dinner at home before you go back."
Today, San Ya had really made her proud. The envious and admiring looks from the other villagers filled her with delight.
Initially, she had planned to flaunt the county newspaper at her mother’s house tomorrow.
But now there was no rush; she decided to wait for the newspaper featuring her granddaughter’s interview to be published before showing off.
That way, her maternal relatives could see just how impressive the granddaughter she had raised was!
She even took out the few candies she had been saving for her grandsons and gave them to Jiang Mianmian, her voice sweet as honey, "My dear granddaughter, have some candy. These are specially saved for you by Granny."
Most of these candies had been given by Director Zhou and the good candy sent by Yu Cheng.
She would usually only allow her grandsons to have a little, which is why there was still some left.
This gesture left the villagers in stunned silence: Was this the same Zhang Guihua known for favoring boys over girls?!