【推荐2】During the Eastern Han Dynasty (25—220) there was a government official (官员) named Yang Zhen.

One day Yang ran into _________ old workmate of his—Wang Mi during a trip. In the past, Yang _________ Wang’s talent and promoted (提拔) him. Wang had always kept Yang’s help _________ mind. He was so _________ to him that he invited Yang to stay over for the night.

It was near midnight when Wang knocked on the _________ of Yang’s bedroom. When the door _________, Wang handed Yang a bag and said, “This is to thank you for teaching me and leading me _________ who I am today.” Yang looked in the bag. _________ was full of gold.

“Do I look like a person who accepts bribes (贿赂)? I thought you knew me well,” Yang said _________.

“It’s late at night. No one will know __________ we keep it a secret.” Wang said.

“What do you mean no one would know? Heaven knows, Earth knows, you know and I know,” Yang said.

Wang left the room in shame.

【推荐3】Jim lived in a village in China. His father was _______ hard-working farmer. Lots of corn, beans, strawberries and tomatoes _______ around his house.

“I’m going to plant tomatoes today, my son.” Jim’s father said. “They grow best in summer heat, _______ I need to plant them early in spring. That way there will be tall, healthy tomato vines (藤) when August ________”

“How do you make sure _______ they can grow tall and healthy?” Jim asked.

“The vines grow strong _______ you give them care and attention,” His father laughed.

When Jim was free, he managed _______ his father with the tomato plants. He spent one whole day _______ wooden sticks into the ground where he planted the young tomatoes. After the tomato vines had grown taller, Jim tied the tomato vines to the sticks _______ so that they would not fall over.

“The tomatoes certainly need a lot of attention!” Jim said one late afternoon.

“Most valuable things do require a lot of attention, Jim. So we ________ pay close attention to things ________ make our lives better.”

“I know you pay attention to Mom,” said Jim.

“Yes,” replied his father, “both to you and Mom because you two make ________ life more beautiful.”

The rest of Jim’s work that day went by ________ quicker. Jim imagined the tomato plants that he looked ________ were like his mom and dad. With a little bit of family magic and a lot of attention, Jim was certain these would be the best tomatoes that he had seen. ________ amazing!

Life is just like the tomato vine. If we give it enough care and attention, it will grow stronger and finally give us the best tomatoes we want.