Chapter 258: Getting Cocky

Chapter 258: Chapter 258: Getting Cocky

Thanks to their efforts, the impact of the drought gradually eased, and the commoners’ lives slowly returned to normal. Yang Wentao and his group’s good deeds earned widespread praise from the public. The Ling family only learned of this after arriving in town, where people on the streets spent that entire period discussing Yang Wentao’s righteous actions.

Even before the drought relief efforts began, Ling Qianjun and the others had already set their sights on Yang Wentao. So, when Yang Wentao organized his team, Ling Qianjun arranged for Ling Qianfan to join and get acquainted with him. Yang Wentao was only fourteen, roughly the same age as Ling Qianfan. Ling Qianjun was several years older and gave off a less approachable vibe. Ling Qianfan, on the other hand, could easily strike up a conversation with the boy. Furthermore, Ling Qianfan had a sincere look about him that naturally inspired trust. If it had been Ling Qianjun, people would have found him too intimidating and instinctively kept their distance.

The group didn’t leave Lingnan; instead, they conducted their relief efforts in the northernmost reaches of the region. While some teams ventured outside Lingnan, Yang Wentao and Ling Qianfan were not among them, remaining entirely within its borders. Braving the scorching weather and parched earth, they worked tirelessly.

Through this shared ordeal, Ling Qianfan and Yang Wentao forged a deep friendship. They supported each other, overcoming obstacle after obstacle. Ling Qianfan realized that Yang Wentao was not only brave and resolute but also possessed a truly kind heart. He was always deeply concerned for the disaster victims and did everything in his power to help them.

Eventually, they successfully completed their mission and returned to town, exhausted but triumphant. By then, the bond between Ling Qianfan and Yang Wentao had grown so close that they treated each other like brothers, acting as if they had been friends for years.

Ling Qianfan said earnestly, "Wentao, this experience has really let me get to know you. You’re a truly good person. When you have some free time later, come hang out with me."

Yang Wentao smiled and nodded. "Of course. We’re brothers, after all!"

After returning home, Ling Qianfan naturally gave the Ling family a detailed account of everything they had done, placing special emphasis on Yang Wentao’s character and work ethic. Although Ling Qianfan was usually carefree and easygoing, Ling Qianjun completely trusted his judgment. Since Ling Qianfan vouched for Yang Wentao as a good person, it meant they could interact with him more in the future.

When Ling Qianfan returned, he looked like a completely different person. He had grown taller and stood straighter. His clothes now seemed a bit too short and tight, stretching across his frame to reveal the firm lines of his muscles. His skin had been tanned to a dark, healthy bronze; when he smiled, his bright white teeth stood out in stark contrast. His eyes shone with a newfound confidence and determination, forged through the grueling trials of the drought. Even his footsteps were firm and powerful, carrying an invisible strength that commanded admiration.

Seeing this transformation, the Ling family felt both surprised and immensely gratified. His growth and progress made them see him in a new light and filled them with anticipation for his future. Ling Qianjun patted Ling Qianfan on the shoulder, unable to hold back a few words of praise.

"You’ve worked hard during your time away, Qianfan," he said. "You’ve grown so much you’re almost catching up to me in height. I’m very proud. It seems you’ve learned quite a bit from going out with Yang Wentao. This is a very good thing."

Ling Qianfan offered a goofy grin, self-consciously rubbing the back of his head. He rarely heard Qianjun praise him, so just these few words of approval were enough to have him puffing his chest out with pride.