Chapter 640 - 522: Satisfaction
Life is full of distant and close troubles.
Today, his wife thinks his performance in the competition was too low.
His beloved daughter complains he didn’t win a big prize.
Even though he gave it his all today...
This is a true portrayal of the current predicament faced by Wan Zhenhong...
At this moment, his heart is filled with endless worries, even wanting to sing a song to express his discontent: Today is rather annoying, rather annoying, rather annoying, always feeling a bit unlucky today. He thinks he’s still not used to failure, from being full of confidence to continuous setbacks...
To escape the endless nagging and dissatisfaction from his wife and daughter, he decided to temporarily leave their sight, giving his mind and ears a long-lost peace, healing that imperceptible wound in his heart alone.
So...
Using the excuse that he still needed to accompany Mayor Yang and others on a tour, he decisively turned around, ignoring the subtle disapproval in the eyes of his wife and daughter, and set off to find Mayor Yang and others.
After some twists and turns and searching...
He finally, by the side of the book-laden reading room, luckily reunited with his close friends Wei Guodong and Xin Jinghui, while the figures of Mayor Yang and his team also just happened to enter his view.
This scene, like stumbling upon an oasis in the desert, warmed his heart, and he quickened his steps, smiling as he approached Mayor Yang and warmly greeted him: "Mayor Yang, I’m back!"
"Ah, Vice Director Wan, it’s like we were just talking about you and here you are!"
Mayor Yang and the group turned at the sound, smiles spreading across their faces.
Mayor Yang was the first to ask: "Has your family’s challenge come to an end? How did it go? Did you win the ’family meal voucher’?"
Wan Zhenhong gave a humble smile, responding with a hint of self-mockery: "Mayor Yang, to be honest, I returned empty-handed this time and couldn’t win the ’family meal voucher’, but the experiences and self-reflection along the way, to me, are far more valuable than any prize."
Despite the seeming nonchalance in his words, deep down, it stung like a subtle prick.
For this "family meal voucher," he had prepared well and exerted countless efforts, practicing day and night...
But in the end...
Trying to catch water with a bamboo basket—nothing!
A lot of effort for nothing!
How could this not make him feel heartache?
Coupled with his wife’s complaints and his daughter’s grievances, it felt like rubbing salt into his wounds...
If he’d known this would be the result...
He would have given up from the start...
No!
If time could turn back, he would still choose the same path without hesitation, and he would strive even harder...
Mayor Yang said reassuringly: "Vice Director Wan, don’t take it too hard, participation itself is a victory. What’s important is that you enjoyed the process with your child and gained experience."
"Mayor Yang is absolutely right..."
Wan Zhenhong smiled and nodded, then followed along with Mayor Yang and his team to continue visiting other activities in the garden.
"Old Wan, is there something you’re hiding from me, not telling me?"
Wei Guodong finally couldn’t suppress his inner curiosity and asked Wan Zhenhong in a low voice.
This attitude of seeking accountability made Wan Zhenhong’s heart tremble slightly, and he immediately realized what Wei Guodong implied, but it only strengthened his determination to keep his mouth shut.
After all, he could imagine that the consequences wouldn’t be pretty if he said something...
So!
He would never say it, not even beaten to death!
He quickly adjusted his emotions, showing a bewildered and innocent smile, and said to Wei Guodong: "Director Wei, I can understand every word you’re saying, but when you put them together, how come I can’t make sense of it?"
"Hey, Old Wan, are you leading me on?"
Wei Guodong was amused but also a bit helpless at Wan Zhenhong’s reaction.
He almost pointed at Wan Zhenhong, but then remembered this was an official occasion with a photographer taking pictures, so he restrained himself, feeling a mix of emotions inside.
Xin Jinghui also came over, wore an expression indicating "confess and you’ll be spared, resist and you’ll be punished," and said earnestly to Wan Zhenhong: "Old Wan, let me give you some advice, say what you have to say, don’t hide anything, it’s better for everyone."
Hearing this, Wan Zhenhong blinked his eyes more frequently and looked innocently at Wei Guodong and Xin Jinghui, anxiously saying: "Oh dear, Director Wan, Old Xin, what in the world are you talking about? I really don’t know anything, nor am I trying to hide anything from you, what do you want me to say?"
Look at this acting...
It could simply rival and surpass many young actors today...
Even Wan Zhenhong thought he was a good actor delayed by the education sector!
And Wei Guodong and Xin Jinghui both undeniably felt that if the Oscars had a "Best Improvisation Award," Wan Zhenhong would definitely be a contender without a doubt.
Since you are "playing dumb" and pretending not to know, then we won’t beat around the bush, we’ll ask you directly!
Wei Guodong’s face turned stern as he asked directly: "Old Wan, did you know in advance that Dorami Kindergarten wouldn’t provide lunch today? And did you also guess we wouldn’t get to eat this time, so you intentionally didn’t tell us to serve your own small plans?"
Xin Jinghui chimed in: "Yeah, Old Wan, your daughter goes to school here, shouldn’t you be the first to know any news from the garden?"
Upon hearing this, Wan Zhenhong feigned surprise, widening his eyes: "What? Dorami Kindergarten not providing lunch? Really? How come I didn’t hear about it? You all know, I’m so busy with work, everything at home is handled by my wife. If she didn’t tell me, of course I wouldn’t know."