Chapter 003: The Unbearable Impulse

Eh? Where did that old man go just now

... ...

In fact, Wang Yufei has few friends at school, as he does not have peers here... The age gap may not become a chasm, but when the classmates around you are at least six or seven years younger, it inevitably makes you seem quite different.

Moreover, there are school regulations; Wang Yufei enjoys attending school and does not want to give anyone a reason to force him to leave this place

On the first day of school, there were still not many people in the cafeteria

Upon exiting the cafeteria, the playground was already bustling with activity

This society has never been accommodating towards those who are different, and elementary schools are no exception

Many classmates secretly call him a fool

He knows, yet he is too lazy to care, after all, everyone here is just little brothers and little sisters

"Oh? It seems like I've grown quite a bit during this winter break. Hmm, it is indeed the time for growth," the aunt murmured to herself, looking at the pitiful little boy outside the window. She decisively took two more steamed buns and tossed them into a bag. Just as she was about to hand them out, she thought for a moment, pulled them back, and picked two freshly made buns instead. Only then did she extend her hand to the young boy again, saying: "Here, take this, and make sure not to tell anyone else!"

Although the area around Daowang Village is classified as a poverty-stricken mountainous region, it is nonetheless adjacent to a scenic area. Over the years, the development of the scenic area has not significantly enriched these villages, but as long as one is resourceful, it is always possible to make a decent living. Therefore, the number of children who hurried to school early today for the free breakfast is actually not very large

I feel so hungry today that I could eat a whole cow! Wang Yufei said innocently

The steaming buns are truly fragrant! Especially the meat-filled ones! In no time at all, two servings of breakfast have once again disappeared into Wang Yufei's stomach

Thank you, Aunt Luo!" Wang Yufei, beaming with joy, took the food and was about to turn to leave. However, after a moment's thought, he stopped in his tracks and, with a serious demeanor, bowed to the lady serving the food through the half glass partition, saying in the same earnest tone as usual: "I will definitely repay you in the future!"

Aunt

Wang Yufei suddenly felt that he should start running; if he did not begin to run immediately, he would feel uncomfortable all over, his bones would itch, and he would be anxious and irritable... an unbearable restlessness.

This is the portion for two meals on a regular day. But who can blame the young man for feeling particularly hungry today

However, the aunt heard that now when going to the city for odd jobs, one must have a certain level of education, at least a high school diploma... But will that family even let this child finish high school? It seems unlikely that they would even allow him to complete middle school... Sigh... What a pity!

When he, as usual, crossed the bustling playground to go to the classroom to study, his brain sent him a signal that he needed to exercise

I also do not know what is going on, today I seem to be particularly hungry

"Child, can you finish that?" the cafeteria lady asked.

But today is different

On the first day of school, there are no classes. The children in the mountain village are not as delicate as those in the city, and it is rare for parents to accompany them for registration on the first day. In the refreshingly cool morning, a group of children, still with runny noses, are joyfully playing and frolicking on the small playground of the school, enjoying the happiness that belongs to children.

When Wang Yufei walked into the school cafeteria, the steamed buns and congee had already been prepared. Of course, there were also buns and noodles, but only the steamed buns and congee were free

Certainly, this does not belong to Wang Yufei's happiness

... ...

Indeed, it is exercise, specifically the simplest form of exercise—running steps.

... ...

The school cafeteria at the Hope Primary School in the mountains provides caring breakfasts. Although not lavish, for a child in a mountainous area, having a full meal is a source of happiness

The steamed buns in the cafeteria are quite large, and although they may not be very nutritious, finishing a meal in one sitting remains a challenge

Indeed

Fortunately, after consuming the capsule-like objects from the unfamiliar bag, although his stomach still felt uncomfortably hungry, Wang Yufei finally regained control of his body. At least his brain was able to think about things other than food and he could stand up again

Are you still hungry

Although there are no side dishes, the fully fermented flour still offers a hint of sweetness on the palate, not to mention it can provide comfort to a growling stomach. Paired with a bowl of fragrant congee, for a child who has endured hunger during the winter break, this feeling must be happiness

After all, a child is still closer when it is one's own flesh and blood. What difference does it make if it is the child of one's own brother? Ultimately, there is still a layer of separation

At this moment, Wang Yufei was very pleased with this kindness. As soon as he sat down at the dining table, he began to stuff a steamed bun into his mouth. This way of eating was quite unique; he would swallow half of a large steamed bun in one bite, chew it, and then swallow it down, followed by directly stuffing the other half into his mouth. Before long, four steamed buns had been consumed.

Everyone in the village is familiar with Wang Yufei's situation

On weekdays, it is either to care for one or two, or to be able to express the greatest goodwill that can be released

After looking around in all directions, there was no trace of the strange old man. A sense of confusion arose in his heart, but when the hunger in his stomach struck again, Wang Yufei could no longer afford to dwell on these chaotic thoughts. He picked up the patched-up backpack from the ground, brushed off the weeds stuck to it, and immediately quickened his pace towards the school.

Rural people may not articulate profound principles, and although they feel that Wang Yufei's uncle and aunt are in the wrong, they cannot express it clearly. At most, they can only sigh a few words for Wang Yufei in private and casually poke fun at the adults, but this is evidently of little consequence

... ...

A poor rural child, whose parents passed away early, now has to rely on unreliable uncles and aunts for a living. Being able to have a full meal is something to be grateful for, but what can she repay them with? The greatest achievement she can hope for is probably to find a job in the city

Go away! Go away! Go away! All you know how to do is say nice things! Aunt Luo is already of a considerable age, what more do you want in return? Just take good care of yourself, that is enough!" The aunt waved her hand, making a gesture as if to drive someone away

... ...

Ah... the youth sighed in satisfaction, feeling truly comfortable with a full stomach

"Alright, here you go, hurry up and eat, don't let others see you." The kind-hearted aunt looked around and, seeing that no one had come to get their food yet, simply took two more steamed buns and stuffed them into the bag she handed over. As Wang Yufei happily turned to leave with his bowl of porridge, the aunt sighed while watching his back, saying, "Alas, poor child! He can't even get enough to eat..."

Thus, very few people witnessed the terrifying appearance of Wang Yufei as he devoured food like a starving ghost

Oh dear, I am starving. Aunt Luo, could you please give me four steamed buns and two bowls of congee? Standing at the ordering window, Wang Yufei swallowed his saliva and spoke to the busy aunt inside.

There are still some issues; when the table is completely empty, Wang Yufei still feels somewhat unsatisfied, as if his stomach has not yet been filled... Moreover, the lingering aroma in the cafeteria makes the young man unconsciously salivate once again...