Unfortunately, the two sides didn’t clash.
The more Su Li ignored Yun Jiaojiao, not only did Yun Jiaojiao not bla Su Li, she grew to resent the other two won of the Su Family even more.
Conversely, both Mrs. Su Song and Su Zhaozhao had long believed that Su Li’s less diligent and considerate behavior was due to Yun Jiaojiao’s instigation.
In their hearts, they also hated each other deeply.
Sadly, Yun Jiaojiao really was a Phoenix from the city, and after a brief stay in the countryside, she filed a report and returned to the city, never to co back.
Many people in the village regretted it, saying such a beautiful person would have been a delight to look at even if she just stood there.
Only Mrs. Su Song and Su Zhaozhao secretly rejoiced, thinking the troublemaker was finally gone.
But the normal life they had anticipated didn’t materialize; Brother Li seed like a changed person, becoming increasingly out of control.
He no longer cared about chores at ho, and wasn’t even diligent during work assignnts.
Where he used to earn full work points, now he earned at most seven or eight.
In reality, this was still quite good, akin to the average adult man in the village, but compared to his past, it fell far short.
With fewer work points, the Su Family received less food rationed by the village, making life increasingly difficult.
Mrs. Su Song had no choice but to take on so simple work at ho, earning a few extra coins for oil and salt.
Truth be told, although Mrs. Su Song was of grandmother age, she wasn’t actually that old. People used to marry early, so she was only in her fifties.
She had enjoyed wealth and comfort for half her life and was particular about her appearance.
Having indulged her grandson, she endured a few years of hardship, but after the original owner took over, she hadn’t had much to worry about. As a result, her appearance was well maintained and she looked much younger than contemporaries.
However, now, she didn’t dare look into the mirror, unable to face the aged reflection staring back.
Actually, Mrs. Su Song’s feelings were sowhat exaggerated. Her appearance was typical for a woman of her age, with no shortage of wrinkles or lines.
But Mrs. Su Song couldn’t accept this reality.
What she couldn’t accept, she still had to accept; life continued indifferently for over a year.
The news of the reinstatent of the college entrance examinations reached the little mountain village, causing an uproar among the educated youth.
The Su Family was similarly thrown into chaos by this news.
Because the lazy Su Li decided she would also participate in this college entrance exam.
"No way."
"No way."
Su Zhaozhao and Mrs. Su Song objected in unison.
Study?
Mrs. Su Song shook her head.
Su Li’s own father left to study and never returned.
At first, she felt sowhat fortunate, thankful he didn’t encounter the turmoil; no news ant good news, suggesting he was living well sowhere, safe and sound.
There was always the possibility they might et again soday.
But as her grandson’s character changed drastically, she gradually harbored many regrets.
She often wondered if her son had been around, how things might be different; surely not like this.
In truth, Shaofeng has always been quite filial and likely wouldn’t defy her like the grandson does.
Mrs. Su Song sighed deeply, realizing there was always a gap when not birthed by oneself.
With ti, Su Shaofeng’s mory had been beautified in Mrs. Su Song’s mind; the more she thought about it, the more she believed the grandson was inferior to her son.
Just like his mother.
Mrs. Su Song began to completely reject all the efforts the original owner had put in over the years.
The human heart can indeed be ungrateful.
"I’ve already signed up," Su Li nonchalantly said, "Don’t worry, I am confident I can get in."
Mrs. Su Song, in a fit of rage, said, "Are you trying to drive to my grave?"
"You, a landlord’s child who has never read a book, competing with those educated youth?"
"Be realistic, Brother Li..."
Su Li’s eyes turned cold, "I’ve made up my mind."
In his past life, the original owner didn’t have this dilemma.
For his grandmother and sister, he gave up even the woman he loved most. Filial to the elderly and loving to his sister, Mrs. Su Song and Su Zhaozhao never had anxieties, particularly convinced that when the grandson/brother achieved success, he would only lead them to a better life.
If it weren’t for the ergence of Su Shaofeng, the three of them might indeed have continued to live so "harmoniously."
Only there was no "if."
Just after the college entrance examination was completed, a call from the county leadership completely ignited Tangshui Village’s enthusiasm.
They never expected that, after so many years, the Su Family would have a chance to rise again.
Granny Su’s second son had been living well abroad, and he had beco a wealthy businessman.
This ti he was returning with funds to build his hotown, which made the leaders take special notice.
The Su Family
Mrs. Su Song both cried and laughed, wiping her tears with clasped hands: "Thank heavens, thank heavens... My Brother Feng is okay, wonderful, he still rembers the family."
Mrs. Su Song’s gloom was swept away, spiritedly offering incense to the ancestors to tell them the good news.
Her son was coming back, and what’s more, he was especially accomplished. So in Mrs. Su Song’s heart, the disobedient and unfilial grandson Su Li was no longer that important.
She and Su Zhaozhao, filled with joy, looked forward to the day their son would return ho.
It had been over a decade since they’d last seen him, and they wondered if Brother Feng still looked the sa as when they parted.
Su Zhaozhao was full of anticipation too.
Only Su Li was indifferent, quietly waiting at ho for the admission notice to arrive.
Su Li’s attitude infuriated Mrs. Su Song, prompting her to call him heartless in anger.
With her son back, the Su Family had another pillar of support, and she increasingly disliked Su Li’s disinterest.
She planned for her son’s return to set his father straight about him.
But Mrs. Su Song did not await Su Shaofeng’s triumphant return, only receiving three train tickets to Shanghai.
Su Shaofeng never intended to return to the village that bore and raised him; he had grown accustod to urban life.
Mrs. Su Song felt uneasy, being a traditional person with a deep-rooted attachnt to her ho village.
Yet, for her son, she still considered making a visit. What could compare to the reunion of family?
"Su Li, pack everything up. We’ll depart for Shanghai tomorrow. Read your father’s letter carefully; he says to follow the address in the letter ourselves, and make sure you don’t get it wrong."
Mrs. Su Song ticulously applied a thick layer of Snow Cream to her hands while instructing, "You should be diligent in the future. Your father has been abroad for so many years, who knows if he has taken another wife or has other children... But rest assured, with granny here, I will stand by you and handle it, even if such people exist."
Su Li, amused by his grandmother’s veiled hints and threats, slowly replied, "I have been admitted to a university in Jing City and cannot go with you."
Reviews
All reviews (0)