Lu Zhenping didn’t co back as soon as he said he would. During that ti, he called Shen ng to inform her that he had received orders to return to the military.
Shen ng knew about it. Lu Zhenping’s regint was being mobilized, and there would be a lot of work to do afterward. She was very understanding; right now, she was doing well managing both her work and the factories of the two communes.
By the end of July, Shen ng had completed her second year of junior high school. She planned to finish her third year in two months. The teacher who tutored her personally felt she was gifted and reported to the director of studies, who then wrote a recomndation letter for her. As soon as Shen ng completed her third year and received her diploma, the director was ready to recomnd her directly to high school.
It was around this ti that the news of the restoration of the college entrance examination (Gaokao) spread, and the educated youths in the communes exploded with excitent.
This news was extrely important for them. If they could get into university, they could return to the city, and after graduating, they would be directly assigned jobs.
Of course, not only the educated youths but almost everyone who could recognize a few characters was excited, as if they themselves had the chance to pass the exams.
Shen ng had not finished work yet when Li Qianqian ca looking for her.
With her own efforts, she had now managed to independently design so decent blueprints. Old John was very satisfied with her performance. In this past half-year, the orders had increased instead of decreasing. The superiors were very appreciative of Mr. Li, with reports that a promotion might be in store for him.
"Sister ng, are you busy right now? There’s sothing I want to discuss with you."
"I have so ti now. I’m not too busy. I’ll be leaving work soon. But you have to be quick; I need to go ho early today. Ming Kai is fussing to eat crispy at, so I have to cook for him!"
The kid not only demands tasty food but insists it’s freshly made. She has no chance to cheat.
"It’s not a big deal. The news about the restoration of the Gaokao ca out, right? My mom wants to enroll at a school just to have a na there. She said that now I’m the factory director at the Head Flower Factory, and if I want to achieve greater things and design more attractive, best-selling products in the future, I’ll need to study more. But you know my situation: the factory is just getting started, and it can’t spare any people. Plus, with a young child at ho, they need their mother even more. I just don’t know what to choose at this mont."
After thinking, Shen ng said, "Qianqian, I can’t give you any advice on this matter. If you really pass the exam, it ans you won’t be able to co ho often for three years. Studying requires focus, and you can’t have both. But Director Qi is also right—if you want to achieve greater things in the future, you’ll have to make so sacrifices. You better discuss this with Hu Biao. The Head Flower Factory is actually alright; there are people here to help you, so you don’t need to worry. But Qianqian, I’ve heard that Mr. Li seems to be getting promoted. At this critical juncture, I think you could bide your ti. There’s no rush for this year’s university entrance—everyone’s unclear about what will be on it since the Gaokao was just restored. If I were you, I would take the ti to study well while working. You are a capable, potential, thoughtful, and conscientious young woman. I believe you can find the right balance between family, work, and study."
Li Qianqian looked down for a long ti before raising her head again.
"I understand, Sister ng. I’m actually uncertain too. Since starting work, I’ve barely picked up a book, and with marriage and childbirth, the thought of taking the Gaokao really leaves feeling unsure. Now, having listened to you, I think I could try to gain so experience and see what the Gaokao is like and what it covers. I believe I can do it. Thank you, Sister ng. Oh right, my father’s transfer order hasn’t co yet, but the biggest rit is yours. My father said that keeping you at the bus company is a waste of talent, and you will have a new position later. I’m congratulating you in advance."
Shen ng raised her eyebrows but said nothing. However, if there was a new transfer order, it ant that her current job would be taken away, and she felt sowhat reluctant to let go.
"Qianqian, could you please ask for , if I am transferred, can my current job be given to soone else?"
"Sure, Sister ng. I’ll ask my dad later. But Sister ng, I still have to say this: you’re too kind-hearted. Are you thinking of using this job to help others again? Take more care of yourself and don’t always think about others; I feel sorry for you just watching."
Shen ng: "...."
No, no, no, I just want to sell out. A position can earn a few thousand bucks, which is a significant sum of practically free money—you can’t turn that down!!!
In the evening, Shen ng and Wu Xianglan, along with Yu Xueli, rode an ox cart towards Lu Family Village. Several other people were also riding with them since the Head Flower Factory had been established in Lu Family Village; every household now had so money.
More people were traveling to the county, and everyone was very polite towards Shen ng when they saw her on the cart.
"Is that a new dress you’re wearing today? I’ve not seen you in it before."
"Old Qian brought it for when he went to the Provincial City with the students, saying that this is what the won comrades wear there—it’s quite fashionable. He bought not only for but also for Daya and Xiao Ya. Look, isn’t it pretty?"
Shen ng nodded. Dr. Qian was a kind man, not only good at pleasing adults but also kids; it looked like good news for these two was on its way.
Wu Xianglan looked a bit jealous on the side.
"At such an age, just get married if you’ve talked enough, don’t wait too long and let soone take advantage. Mrs. Daya, let tell you, the Xu Family is still eyeing you. Be careful when you go ho; just a few days ago, when I took my child to pick vegetables, I saw those two old good-for-nothings mooching around your ho with your unfortunate son. Hey, they might be scheming sothing!"
Shen ng glanced at her; she gave an awkward smile.
"I didn’t an it like that. I’m just afraid Mrs. Daya might be taken advantage of."
Yu Xueli remained silent and didn’t pay much attention to what Wu Xianglan said. Dezi’s grandparents had sought her out not just once or twice, and she had said everything she needed to say. All she could do was provide so money for Dezi’s schooling; beyond that, she couldn’t do more, much less bringing the child to live with her—unthinkable.
The re thought of it ant that she would be followed by attempts to reconcile her with Lai Zi. She could see that the old couple was not really concerned for Dezi, but for Lai Zi, wishing to drag her down into the mire.
Previously, Daya had given Dezi so food, and this had made the family push their luck. After lecturing Daya last ti, since they couldn’t get anything from her, they turned to her instead, using the pretense of a mother’s na, hoping to soften her heart. Ha, they can keep dreaming!
Shen ng and the others took the sa route towards their hos. From a distance, they saw Wang Lianhua hugging Yaoyao, followed by their household possessions being thrown out one by one.
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