Chapter 560 Slight Smile
Gao Yuliang looked at Qi Tongwei's excitement, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down: "Tongwei, let's not quarrel for now. Let's calm down and think about it carefully. I know you have deep feelings for these grains, and I don't want to hurt you. But you have to think about it from my perspective. I really have no ill intentions."
Qi Tongwei calmed down a little, but still said firmly: "Teacher, I understand your concerns, but I believe in my own labor more. I can assure you that there is absolutely no problem with these grains. If you really regard me as your student, please trust me this time, accept them directly, and taste this most authentic rural flavor."
Gao Yuliang was silent for a while, then slowly said: "Tongwei, I know you are sincere, but I really can't just blindly accept it. I have been in the officialdom for many years, and I must think carefully before doing anything. I can take these things back first. If the test results are OK, I will enjoy them and apologize to you, admitting that I wrongly blamed the farmers for their hard work. But if I don't test them, I really can't feel at ease."
When Qi Tongwei heard Gao Yuliang's words, his anger was ignited again: "Teacher, you still don't believe me! Your so-called official style of doing things doesn't work with me. I don't need your apology, I just need you to accept these grains now and trust me like before. If you don't agree, this matter today will not end!"
Gao Yuliang looked at Qi Tongwei's face, which was flushed with anger, and an indescribable sadness surged in his heart. He never thought that his visit with concern would lead to such a fierce conflict. The student who used to be respectful, humble and polite in front of him has now become so stubborn and extreme, as if he has become a different person.
"Qi Tongwei, you've really changed." Gao Yuliang's voice trembled slightly, his eyes full of disappointment and heartache. "I have gone through so much trouble to come all the way to this remote place. I wanted to see how you are doing and give you some support and encouragement. But now you treat me like this. You're fighting with me for this little bit of food. Have you ever thought about how I feel?"
Qi Tongwei was slightly startled. Gao Yuliang's sad expression and trembling tone made his heart suddenly clench. He opened his mouth and wanted to refute, but found that his throat seemed to be choked by something, and he was speechless for a while. His mind flashed through the bits and pieces of his past with the teacher, those times when he listened to the teachings in class, and those past times when he relied on the teacher's support in his career, all of which were like sharp blades, piercing his heart.
"Teacher, I...I didn't mean it." Qi Tongwei's tone softened a little, but still with a hint of stubbornness, "It's just that this food means a lot to me. It represents my new life here and is proof of my hard work. I don't want it to be despised or doubted."
Gao Yuliang smiled bitterly: "Tongwei, you only see your own feelings, but you don't care about my situation at all. I have been in the officialdom for many years and have developed the habit of acting cautiously. This is not a lack of trust in you, but a kind of self-protection. But you misinterpreted it as an insult to you. Your idea really chills me."
Qi Tongwei lowered his head, feeling mixed emotions. He knew his behavior was a bit extreme, but the pride deep in his heart and the cherishment of his own labor made it difficult for him to compromise easily. "Teacher, I understand that you have your concerns, but I also hope that you can understand my persistence and dedication to this land. Every day I am here is not easy. These grains are the bond between me and this land, and the symbol of my rediscovering myself."
Gao Yuliang sighed deeply: "Tongwei, I understand your persistence, but I cannot accept your way. You can't force others to act according to your wishes just because of your emotions. Your behavior will only make you farther and farther away from others, and eventually fall into a situation of isolation and helplessness."
Qi Tongwei raised his head, his eyes flashing with complex thoughts: "Teacher, I know I was wrong, but I don't want to back down. I have experienced too many setbacks and hardships in this village, and I don't want to be looked down upon again. This grain is my bottom line, and I must defend it."
Gao Yuliang looked at Qi Tongwei, feeling helpless. He knew that Qi Tongwei was already trapped in his obsession and could not be easily persuaded. "Tongwei, your obsession will only hurt yourself. You think you are defending your dignity, but in fact you are pushing yourself into a deeper abyss. If you really want to start over, you should learn to let go of your past pride and learn to understand and tolerate others."
Qi Tongwei was silent for a long time, struggling in his heart. On the one hand, he knew that the teacher's words made sense; on the other hand, he could not give up his obsession with food. "Teacher, I will think about your words, but I hope you can give me some time. I don't want to give up easily on this matter."
Gao Yuliang nodded: "Tongwei, I can give you time, but you have to think it through as soon as possible. You can't let this matter become an obstacle to your new life. You still have a lot of things to do in this village, and there are still many people who need you. Don't ruin your future because of a momentary impulse."
Gao Yuliang saw that Qi Tongwei just remained silent, and his eyes still showed stubbornness and indifference, and he couldn't help but feel more worried. He knew Qi Tongwei's inner entanglement and struggle at the moment, but he also knew that if he didn't wake him up in time, this student might go further and further on the wrong path, and even in this remote rural area, it would be difficult for him to truly find inner peace and salvation.
"Tongwei, please listen to me." Gao Yuliang's tone became serious and deep. "I know that you have a strong sense of identity and pride in your current life and contribution in the countryside. This is certainly a good thing, but you can't be blinded by it and lose your sense of proportion. You think I don't understand you, but have you ever really understood my painstaking efforts? I am not trying to restrain you with the set of officialdom, but I hope you can look at the problem from a more macro and long-term perspective."
Qi Tongwei snorted coldly: "Teacher, when you talk about the macro and long-term, are you still standing on your high and mighty position? I have already stayed away from the disputes in the officialdom and just want to live a simple and pure life on this piece of land. Why can't even this little persistence be recognized by you? Now that things have come to this, there is no point in saying more. You go your way and I will go mine."