Chapter 93

A Vision for Change

McDonald's expansion has come to an end. In the next two months, the first group of franchisees will begin training in building a duplex structure. Lawrence is entrusted with a crucial task: vetting individuals who wish to qualify for the second batch of franchise opportunities, selecting the best possible partners for the venture.

"What are our criteria?" Lawrence asked, casually sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea in hand.

"Good connections, reputation, a positive image, and a passion for their career," Charlie Lee responded. He placed his cup down, raised his hand, and added, "First and foremost, we focus on Chinese individuals."

"Of course, you always take care of your countrymen," Lawrence teased.

"No, it's just that I want my career to have real meaning," Charlie Lee retorted, his gaze turning to his pocket watch. "It's time for me to leave work. Now, it's your time to shine."

"I hate this exclusive time," Lawrence grumbled with a grimace.

With the little elk in tow, Charlie Lee returned to area 22. As he entered, he found the owners gathered in the barracks. Yan Yan stood at the front, addressing the group with something important.

"What's going on here?" Charlie Lee asked, curiosity piqued.

"Boss, Yan is holding a meeting to discuss the construction of community hospitals and the acquisition of school buses in District 22," Hans responded, flashing a sly smile.

"That's a novel approach." Charlie Lee couldn't help but admire the initiative. "Who would have thought this young girl would wield so much influence? She's truly blossoming!"

"A solid education is the foundation for both wealth and family business. Do you want your children to grow up like you, struggling with communication issues?" Yan Yan was articulating her vision with confidence.

As she spoke, Norma and her brother noticed Charlie Lee's arrival. Norma's face lit up, and she hurried over to him.

"Charlie!" Norma exclaimed, running to hug his leg in excitement.

"Come, sit with me." Charlie Lee beckoned her, lifting her into his arms and settling down on the bedside.

"Sister Yan is so impressive," Norma began eagerly, "She wants to build a community hospital and raise funds for school buses to ensure the children's safety."

Though Yan Yan spoke in Chinese, she had shared her plans with Norma and Eric before preparing for the speech.

"Eric, come here," Charlie Lee called to the little boy, who had been lingering nearby.

"How's school going?" Charlie Lee asked as Eric approached.

Under Lao Huang's guidance, the two children had been enrolled at Bell Primary School, a popular choice among many Chinese families. Located on Oakley Avenue, 14 kilometers away from District 22, the school was about a 30-minute tram ride each day. The security in Hebei district was relatively good, with a church beside the school entrance, which eased any concerns about their safety during school hours.

However, Charlie Lee was concerned about ensuring their safety in other ways. Sending four bodyguards to follow the children every day just didn't seem like the right solution. They deserved a childhood without such precautions.

"I don't like school," Eric grumbled, his expression darkening.

Charlie Lee, having heard little complaints from Eric in the past, was curious. "Why is that?"

From what Charlie Lee knew, Bell Primary School was a diverse place with both Chinese and Black students, so he couldn't fathom any significant discrimination occurring.

"They called me a refugee from Africa and told me to leave," Eric muttered, clearly frustrated.

"Charlie, the other kids aren't friendly!" Norma added, nodding.

"Hmm," Charlie Lee chuckled, surprised. He had heard that Black Americans sometimes held prejudices against African Americans, but he hadn't expected it to manifest so blatantly among children.

"Eric didn't want to argue with them. He was too embarrassed," Norma explained, showing her perceptive nature.

"Do you need help?" Charlie Lee asked, offering his support.

"No, it's just some kids. They're naive," Eric dismissed it nonchalantly, seemingly unwilling to let it affect him.

Charlie Lee respected his wishes. "Well, if you ever change your mind, let me know."

"Uncle Charlie, what are you talking about?" Yan Yan, having just concluded her speech, approached them.

The owners who had been listening to her presentation were now mingling, preparing for a secret vote.

"School matters. When you were at Bell Primary School, did anything bad happen?" Charlie Lee asked, genuinely interested in her experience.

"Oh, sure," Yan Yan replied casually, "The Black boys there liked to steal money. They'd keep an eye on who had cash, and their older brothers would do the actual robbing."

"They like to bully the younger kids," she added with disdain, a hint of frustration in her tone.

"Did you ever encounter that?" Charlie Lee inquired further.

"No, I quickly figured it out. After school, I'd go to the church and pray with the nuns. They were kind, and they'd take me to my car afterward," Yan Yan said with a smile.

Charlie Lee admired her calm and clever approach. The girl knew how to leverage her relationships and navigate difficult situations. If she could do this now, she was bound for even greater success in the future.

"If this happens to you two, go to Sister Larry and let her know you're friends with Yan Yan," he advised, knowing that they had someone who could help them should the need arise.

"I agree, prayer is important. It usually takes about an hour," Yan Yan added cheerfully before running off to tally the votes from the meeting.

Norma's eyes sparkled. "Sister Yan is so smart!"

Eric, who was quietly observing, was also filled with admiration for the girl, though his feelings were a bit more subtle.

Charlie Lee smiled as he watched the children, reflecting on how quickly they were growing up. "It's like she has a group of boys wrapped around her little finger," he thought with a bemused expression.

"Alright," Yan Yan said, holding up the results. "220 votes for, 107 votes against. It's passed!"

Charlie Lee stood up, holding Norma in his arms. As everyone turned to look at him, he smiled and spoke up. "As a member of this community, I also agree with this proposal."

The owners who had voted in favor began to look hopeful, but Charlie Lee's next words would bring a new twist.

"But," he continued, pausing for dramatic effect, "I have another suggestion. Why not build a community school here?"

There were murmurs of surprise as the owners processed what he had just said.

Charlie Lee wasn't one to sit back and wait for others to take action. He had long recognized the untapped potential within the community. The residents had the financial means and the desire to improve their lives, but they needed direction. Once Yan Yan had proposed her healthcare and transportation plans, Charlie Lee knew it was time to push further.

Rather than relying solely on McDonald's or other external sources of income, Charlie Lee believed it was time to foster a sense of self-reliance through education. "We can tap into the best education teams, purchase top-tier facilities, and create a nurturing teaching environment," he said confidently.

The idea of a 12-year school, which would include elementary, middle, and high schools, was no small undertaking. The investment of time, energy, and money would be significant, but Charlie Lee had faith that the community could make it happen.

The group was hesitant at first, especially with questions about funding. Charlie Lee quickly reassured them.

"We have 126 Chinese families, and 142 Black families in the 24 districts. If each family contributes $10,000, we would raise around 2.68 million dollars," he explained, emphasizing the potential for unity among the different groups.

"To lead by example, I will personally invest $1 million into the construction," Charlie Lee added, further securing the support of the group.

The room erupted in murmurs of approval. The owners were beginning to see the possibilities before them.

"I agree!" Yan Yan immediately raised her hand, leading the way.

Norma, though not entirely understanding the complexities of the discussion, eagerly followed her idol's example, raising her hand and exclaiming, "I want it, too!"

Eric, ever the quiet observer, remained silent, but the small gesture of him raising his hand in support did not go unnoticed.

One by one, the owners began to voice their approval, and before long, the idea had gained overwhelming support.

"This is a way for our children to learn and thrive," one owner declared passionately. "Anyone who disagrees is just holding us back."

As more and more hands went up in favor, Charlie Lee knew that the seeds of change had been planted. He was no longer simply a business owner—he was becoming a beacon of hope for the future of his community.

With the school initiative now gaining momentum, Charlie Lee knew that this was just the beginning.