Meng Changhe's remark suddenly thrust Zhang Xiaobei into the limelight.
When all eyes in the room turned to Zhang Xiaobei, some wore expressions of concern, others of pity, but most awaited a spectacle, curious to see how this poor lad would fulfill his impoverished dreams.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Zhang Xiaobei slowly stood up, "Respected uncles and aunts, everyone is aware of our village's plight in Fengning County. There's no need for me to elaborate, for you all know it too well—the people from our village are the face of poverty; some even mock Ji Xian Village as 'beggars' village.' During festivals, when others feast on fish and meat, our village has to go out and perform for alms. Why? It is because we are poor."
At the podium, Zhang Xiaobei spoke at length, while a deep silence hung over the audience below.
Everyone knew that Zhang Xiaobei's words were not an exaggeration; in fact, the situation was likely even more dire than he described.
