Chapter 193: Education Comes First

“Brother, can we really go to school?”

Little Radish looked at the civil education officer Joan’s departing figure eagerly.

Although he was young and didn’t understand the conversation between his brother and the pretty lady, he could grasp their general meaning.

“I don’t know. Let me go and check first.”

Little Kyle didn’t dare to give a definite answer, fearing his brother would be disappointed.

As long as there’s no hope, there won’t be disappointment.

—Uncle Heller told him this, and he deeply agreed.

He handed the half-bought bread to his brother and stepped forward to run to the central church.

“I’m going too!” Little Radish hurriedly grabbed his brother’s sleeve.

“Well… okay, stay close.” Little Kyle thought for a moment and nodded.

He still harbored some hope, whether because of Joan’s sweet smile or the magical Internet.

So he thought, what if this is real? Going back to get his brother would be troublesome, so he might as well go together now since he doesn’t need to sell newspapers this afternoon.

If it’s fake, they would just come back together.

Hearing this, Little Radish was overjoyed and quickly followed his brother.

As he trotted happily, the mouth of his worn-out sneaker seemed to laugh more, showing blackened toes.

They rushed to the central church in haste, and once he saw the church from afar, Little Kyle hesitated no more.

However, he was dumbfounded.

Outside the solemn and dignified church stood a congee tent with countless children holding bowls, queueing up chattering to get food.

A group of young women and old ladies were maintaining order.

Seeing the hesitant brothers, a young woman approached with a smile and leaned closer, “Don’t be shy, come on! Have you eaten? If not, join us for lunch. Go over there to get a bowl and line up for food. No cutting the line!”

“Grrrr…” Little Kyle’s stomach growled uncontrollably at the smell of food.

“These are free, right?” Little Kyle pointed at the congee tent and quickly added, “Joan told me so.”

“Of course, it’s free! Go ahead!”

Encouraged by the young woman’s smile, Little Kyle couldn’t resist anymore. He pulled his brother along.

Thinking, what if they charge? There are so many people, why worry?

There were many kids at the scene. Little Kyle even saw many familiar faces—all kids who sold newspapers together.

He had even fought with them for better newspaper-selling spots! But now, Little Kyle didn’t dare fight, fearing expulsion.

Either way, a free meal is good.

As Little Kyle lined up, more children gathered, making him nervous, afraid there wouldn’t be enough lunch.

Luckily, he was early and got lunch quickly.

Lunch was simple: porridge mixed with breadcrumbs, making it thick and filling.

Additionally, there was mashed potato and some mixed fish jerky like cod, eel, and conger eel.

Even eel jelly.

For Puen City by the sea, these seafood foods weren’t uncommon.

But for Little Kyle and his brother, who hadn’t felt full in ages, lunch was sumptuous, making his stomach visibly bulge.

This made Little Kyle a bit embarrassed.

He even walked slightly hunched, afraid of being seen as too greedy and denied future meals.

After lunch, his brother secretly asked, “Brother, can we come for lunch every day? Just once a day.”

Little Kyle couldn’t answer, only saying, “This might be a noble’s temporary kindness. Don’t expect too much.”

“Oh,” Little Radish replied, seemingly understanding, visibly disappointed.

Then, under the clerk’s instruction, a group of kids lined up by the church’s press well to wash their utensils before entering the church.

The church was grand, with a dome high like the sky, and intricately decorated surroundings.

Little Kyle didn’t get a chance to look closely, as he was seated in the prayer pew.

Today, many children gathered. Though the church was large with many pews, they were filled.

This reminded Little Kyle of the rare childhood scenes of praying with his parents.

This made him a bit sad.

But in the chatter of the young voices, his attention soon shifted.

Soon, a young woman took the stage, usually reserved for the pastor, to preach. It was Joan, the same woman who found the brothers.

She started with a smiling self-introduction, then waved, and a large virtual screen appeared behind her.

Her lesson today was on Akide’s thoughts.

As a newsboy, Little Kyle was already familiar with Akide’s thoughts.

But when Joan explained Akide’s thoughts through pictures and videos, Little Kyle was amazed.

Things he dared not imagine were directly and strikingly presented before him.

In the church, the children were silent as birds!

It was clear most kids couldn’t understand Joan’s words; they were simply astonished by the spectacular virtual screen.

Yet, they didn’t know that some education occurs in such ignorance.

Someday, they might suddenly recall a phrase, understand a saying, or view some theories as common sense or innate talent.

They could naturally like or detest certain things.

Ask them why, and most wouldn’t know.

This is basic education.

For Yu Sheng’an, using the interaction of capital and Internet, and cultural thoughts, to build an imagined community is both creating a nation and forging his cultural barrier.

The lesson ended in silence.

Gradually, the stunned children recovered, getting excited again.

The chattering almost lifted the church’s dome.

This was possibly the liveliest moment for the church since its inception.

At three in the afternoon, Joan suddenly came over and called Little Kyle.

She was ready to arrange a work-study program for him.

Little Kyle was worried about his brother, so with Joan’s consent, he brought him along.

Leaving the church, the noise inside became faint as the heavy wooden doors closed.

“Joan!”

A deep voice interrupted Little Kyle’s thoughts about the work-study content.

A tall man approached quickly.

From his gentleman’s hat, tailcoat, and leather shoes, Little Kyle guessed he was a wealthy noble or businessman.

This made Little Kyle shrink his head in fear.

“Wilbur? Something up?” Joan stopped.

“Yes, I have something very important to ask of you! I heard your father Mr. White Reed and Mr. Ben Keming are quite close. I hope through Mr. White Reed to speak to Mr. Ben Keming.”

Wilbur said with a serious expression and tone.