This house, even if it had been renovated recently, was only a bit cleaner and sturdier than before. Otherwise, the Pan couple would undoubtedly be living in a makeshift shelter outdoors now.
Bai Yonggui would have been overjoyed if they weren't a burden, and he certainly wouldn't expect them to lend any significant help.
Though he thought this, Bai Yonggui put on a show of being very moved and comforted.
"It's truly wonderful that you can have such thoughts."
"Village Chief, you are too kind. After all, we are all neighbors. This is what we should be doing, isn't it? Moreover, you know our circumstances perfectly well. We can only do what we can within our means. If you expect us to do more, we are powerless, wouldn't you agree?" Wu Shan said with a chuckle.
Bai Yonggui nodded after listening, thinking to himself that at least they had some self-awareness. They knew their limitations and wouldn't overreach or try to be someone they weren't. That was enough.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Having this kind of heart is enough," Bai Yonggui said, giving Wu Shan an appreciative glance. He continued, "A person should only take on what they are capable of."
"Yes, yes, Village Chief, you are right. Then I'll go and prepare some things, and I'll deliver them with you later," Pan Shi said, standing up to leave.
Seeing Pan Shi's action, Bai Yonggui was taken aback for a moment before quickly saying, "Hey, where are you going?"
Pan Shi looked at Bai Yonggui in confusion and asked strangely, "I'm going to pack the things we just talked about, and deliver them to those in need later."
After hearing Pan Shi's words, Bai Yonggui felt a sense of helplessness.
He had always thought that Pan Shi and Wu Shan were honest people.
He liked such honest people.
Honest people were good; they were obedient and sincere, doing as they were told.
But now, he suddenly felt that honest people weren't necessarily all that good.
Because, when you spoke to honest people, it took extra effort.
He had been beating around the bush earlier, but an average person should have been able to understand what he meant.
Since people should only do what they are capable of, Pan Shi and Wu Shan could only donate some food and clothing. Then what about those who were capable?
Bai Yonggui had hoped that they would naturally bring up Shen Xiaoyan's name and understand his intention. But half the day had passed, and the couple hadn't caught on at all, let alone mentioning Shen Xiaoyan and Zheng Wei in cooperation.
With things having reached this point, Bai Yonggui had no choice but to state his intentions clearly.
"I mean, if those who are capable contribute less financially and labor-wise, then shouldn't those who are truly capable... do their utmost to help those in need?"
After speaking, Bai Yonggui looked at Wu Shan and Pan Shi with great anticipation, hoping they would agree with his words.
Bai Zhong, sitting to the side, finally understood what Bai Yonggui was trying to achieve.
He opened his mouth to remind Pan Shi and Wu Shan, but he saw Bai Yonggui looking at him with a stern face.
"Why have you all fallen silent?" Bai Yonggui waited for a long time, but when Wu Shan and Pan Shi didn't respond, he grew anxious.
Despite his anxiety, he maintained a calm demeanor, and his tone of voice carried a hint of annoyance.
After hearing Bai Yonggui's words, Pan Shi and Wu Shan had been pondering his meaning.
Why had he come to their home on such a day to say these things to them?
They were not surnamed Bai, and in Baiyun Village, they were considered outsiders. They were not influential families in the village, so what was the point of him saying all this to them?
Moreover, why had he brought Bai Zhong with him?
Although Bai Zhong was surnamed Yun, his interactions with the Village Chief's family weren't that extensive. They were of the same lineage but different branches.
Under these circumstances, every word Bai Yonggui spoke seemed to carry a hidden meaning, making them hesitant to agree or respond lightly, for fear of falling into one of Bai Yonggui's traps.
However, their family had no money, no power, and no influence. There was truly nothing for a village chief to scheme about, which was the most frustrating thing for Wu Shan and Pan Shi.
The two looked at each other, unsure of how to respond, when they saw Bai Yonggui's gaze shift to Bai Zhong.
This look was different from the gentle, appreciative, and hopeful one before; it was cold and warning.
This gaze startled Pan Shi and Wu Shan.
They quickly glanced at Bai Zhong.
It was only a fleeting glance. After looking, they immediately turned their heads away, resuming their hesitant demeanor.
Therefore, when Bai Yonggui turned his head and looked at them again, he saw them in the same hesitant state as before. In reality, their hearts were in turmoil.
The reason was simple: when they glanced at Bai Zhong, his face was filled with extreme hesitation.
It was as if he had something to say but couldn't. Recalling the two words Bai Zhong had uttered when he entered the room, Pan Shi felt as though she understood something.
"Village Chief, one cannot speak like that."
Seeing Bai Yonggui's face growing increasingly displeased and him about to lose patience, Pan Shi sighed and said.
"Oh? Then tell me, if one cannot speak like that, how should one speak?" Bai Yonggui asked with a hint of surprise.
He had originally assumed that people like Pan Shi and Wu Shan, upon hearing his words, would stand on his side and indignantly declare that those who are capable should do more.
But to his surprise, after half a silence, it was Pan Shi who spoke first.
Furthermore, her first words were a rebuttal. He looked at Wu Shan, only to see him lowering his head, lost in thought, making no move to stop Pan Shi from speaking.
"While it's true that one should act according to their abilities, and eat from as big a bowl as one's capacity allows, that's an old saying of ours, and it's certainly not wrong."
Pan Shi spoke with a smile, and her words didn't seem disagreeable to Bai Yonggui. He nodded, looking at Pan Shi, waiting for her to continue.
"However," Pan Shi said, smiling at Bai Yonggui, "you cannot, just because someone else is capable, demand that they act according to your requirements, can you, Village Chief?" She waited for Bai Yonggui's reply.
Bai Yonggui was somewhat stunned by her words. Did she understand his intention?
But wasn't she clueless just moments ago?
Could it be that Bai Zhong had told her?
Thinking this, Bai Yonggui immediately dismissed the idea.
Bai Zhong was sitting quietly to the side, not having said a word.