Saturday 31 October 2020

BTTS 171




Chapter 171. Chain reaction

Even if the whole village pointed and scolded her behind her back, she never explained a word.

Then she suddenly became a teacher in the community's junior high school.

In the future, not only will she get five work points, but also a monthly salary of more than ten yuan. This was simply more than old Fourth's earning.

With such an iron rice bowl, who would dare to talk Fourth's wife's shortcoming?

Use that old saying, what Fourth's wife did was called 'endure self-imposed hardships'.

What's more old Fourth, that guy really makes one envy. He was able to make money before. But now he can't make money and got to dig field. However, his wife can make money.

Although it was only 13 yuan a month, which was far from what old Fourth earned before, there were still work points. After adding up those five work points, how much was that?

So old Fourth's life was pretty exceptional.

He married marry such a wife who can cook, take care of the family, and can make money. No one can compare.

Second Brother was emotional when he heard it. Second Sister-in-law wept even more sadly.

She wanted to compare with Lin Qing He, but she will never outmatch her in this life.

Second Brother can approximately grasp her thoughts and didn't bother about her. Once she cried it out, she'll think it through.

In fact, many in the village had the same feeling as Second Brother.

The village had kept on talking about Lin Qing He behind her back regarding the matter of her spending habits and never entering the field,

They have seen someone who didn't know how to live, but never to this extent. A perfectly fine person actually didn't work to support themselves. Can you believe this?

If the saliva can drown people, then who knows how many times the previous Lin Qing He drowned.

Who would have thought that Lin Qing He was studying in private by herself? And out of nowhere, she threw out such a big surprise.

In one swoop, all the educated youths were suppressed. They couldn't refute a word. She became the official staff of the community's junior high school.

This was really amazing.

They used to think that Lin Qing He dressing up as a city folk was very ostentatious. But now, the more they looked, the more they felt that this was the style that a teacher should have. She had studied, so she had that kind of temperament.

The two full scores were spread throughout the few production teams in the community. Not a false exaggeration added.

After all, all ten miles radius and eight villages had caught a wisp of Lin Qing He's reputation. She was the only strange one who won't go to the field.

Right now, when this was spread, it had become a legend. Without even needing Lin Qing He giving the script, everyone can make up the studious image of she studying hard for all these years without caring about the slanders outside.

When she goes out, people's gazes toward her were filled with admiration. And when they saw her, they were willing to say hello.

Lin Qing He wasn't that cold and clueless about socializing. When people greet her, she will also reply and not act too rude.

It's just that the generation gap was there. It was really impossible to communicate, so she didn't say much.

Her title had also instantly changed from Da Wa's mother to Teacher Lin.

Lin Qing He went home with a basket of wild vegetables on her back. Finally, she can breathe. It was very exciting to be a teacher in the community's junior high school. But it had been so many days, and unexpectedly, the heat of this still didn't drop at all.

What's more, she had been praised until she blushed when she heard it. Was that her? Did she have it that hard?

Still, Lin Qing He liked the title of Teacher Lin.

Not long later, San Wa came back. Lin Qing He was forming the dough in the kitchen and said to San Wa, who was outside the window: "San Wa, wash the wild vegetables. I will make wild vegetable dumplings for you tonight."

"Okay." San Wa answered, and then went to wash the wild vegetables.

This kind of work was already very familiar to him. Lin Qing He often got him to do chores, even if he was the youngest son of the family. What should be done was never cut down.

It's just in terms of food, Lin Qing He treated him very preferentially.
For example, when he wanted to eat milk mantou, Lin Qing He will make them for him even if it's troublesome.

"Mother, there are still many people outside who praise you." San Wa beamed while washing the wild vegetables.

With how glorious his mother was now, as her sons when they go out they felt they had a lot of face.

They all say 'this is Teacher Lin’s youngest son. He is so good-looking, so handsome, and has beautiful eyes, etc...'

What they said was really pleasing.

Lin Qing He chuckled, "Had anyone praise you?"

"They did. They said Teacher Lin's youngest son looks like Teacher Lin. He must be smart in the future!" San Wa replied.

"Ain't that right. My San Wa is smart." Lin Qing He nodded.

Then she was a little helpless.

Really, the people in the village have never thought about it. Although she did well on the exam as a teacher, it didn't mean if she can teach students?

It seems that in their mind, if she can score a double hundred on exams, then she can definitely teach.

If this was another inexperienced person, they would be a little frustrated.

However, Lin Qing He didn't. She had worked as a tutor before. The grades of the students she taught had improved by leaps and bounds.

When she was in college, she had worked part-time. How could she rest when she had to rely on herself to support herself?

So she was really experienced in teaching students.

What's more, it was the first year of junior high school. She had already remembered it by heart. There won't be a problem. This wasn't a lie.

Da Wa and Er Wa will soon get off school.

The two brothers were also very high spirits these days. Lin Qing He had beat them down frequently- don't get too smug.

"Mother, what are we eating tonight?" Da Wa asked.

"Wild vegetables and pork dumplings." Lin Qing He answered.

Da Wa acknowledged and then went with Er Wa to get the candy. One for each person. As they snacked on it, they grabbed the pigweed basket and went out.


Both brothers had to go gather pigweed.

It was four o'clock now. They didn't come back until half-past five.

Lin Qing He let them be. She continued to work with San Wa. When the dumplings were all wrapped up, then she finished. Once the guys return, she'll cook it then.

Lin Qing He went to get the soles.

Mother Zhou brought little Su Cheng over and smiled when she saw that she was sewing the soles of the shoes: "Occasionally, take a break. I never see you rest once all day long."

When Mother Zhou said this, she felt ashamed.

It wasn't easy for Fourth's wife. She let her whole family lived comfortably and still had time to study and get grades to suppress the educated youths. Why didn't she(Mother Zhou) think of acting considerate before?

Lin Qing He didn't know what her mother-in-law was thinking, otherwise, she would have been speechless.

"It's okay. I must take advantage of the time I have to make two more pairs for Qing Bai as spares." Lin Qing He said.

Once the school start, then it'll be really busy.

"From now on, leave the needlework to Mother. You only need to take care of teaching. Mother is free to cook the meals." Mother Zhou smiled.

Friday 30 October 2020

BTTS 170

I'm adding a new feature to the blog. If you see a dotted underline on word, hover your mouse over and see what happens. Hope this help conveys the meaning! 

P.S. Sadly this feature doesn't work on a smartphone and possibly tablet ( as I don't own a tablet, I can't be sure)

Edited 26/9/23: Changing some of the hover over to click and switch





Chapter 170. Envious of old Fourth's good fortune


Lin Qing He's success in becoming a first-year teacher in the community junior high school soon spread throughout the village.

It caused a stir within the whole Zhoujia Village.

What?

Zhou Qing Bai’s prodigal wife became the junior high school's first-year math teacher?

How was this possible? This got to be false. It's a rumor!

Let alone the people in the village, even the other branches in old Zhou family were all astonished when they heard the news.

Third Sister-in-law accepted it very well because she had seen Lin Qing He study in private. What's more, her writing was particularly good.

Eldest Sister-in-law had heard from Da Ni and the others about their fourth aunt tutoring them on their homework. She discussed with Third Sister-in-law and found it wasn't too difficult to accept.

While Second Sister-in-law can't. She couldn't completely swallow this.

How could this be? How? With the way Lin Qing He was, how could she be admitted as the first-year math teacher in the community's junior high school?

To actually get this kind of person to teach, is there no one left in the community?

"Do you think it was your fourth brother-in-law who used his connection?" Wang Ling, who was on good terms with her, couldn't help asking.

Second Sister-in-law did not speak.

"I guess nine out of ten that it's like this. With how she is, she won't have the ability to teach the community's junior high school if it weren't for your fourth brother-in-law. Even our production group's elementary school doesn't want her." Wang Ling said.

Second Sister-in-law finally couldn't stay put, saying: "I guess it's a good bet that it's due to my fourth brother-in-law's connection. However, I heard that many educated youths applied for such a position this time. If she did use connections, then this matter won't stop at here"

The educated youths had troubles before, so they joined forces later and created a place called the educated youth committee. If there was any injustice, the educated youth committee could go to the city to report. At that time, the entire community will have to bear the consequences.


These educated youths weren't accustomed to hardship and have long targeted this teaching position.

Whether it was the production group's elementary school or the community's junior high school, their eyes were similar to those of a wolf eyeing on meat as long as a vacancy appeared.

How great it was to be a teacher?

They can get work points without being exposed to the wind or the sun. Especially the community's junior high school. Heard one can get a salary of more than ten yuan per month. Was there a better job than this?

If Lin Qing He relied on Zhou Qing Bai's relationship, it would be useless. Those educated youth would never agree.

Wang Ling's eyes were bright when she heard it: "If this cause trouble, then this matter won't be small. Will she get thrown in jail?"

Second Sister-in-law also looked forward to Lin Qin He's arrest and receive good teaching. This will let her know to not act so wild all day long!

As she waited and waited, nothing happened.

Several days passed without the educated youths causing a ruckus.

"Mother, the educated youths hadn't made a fuss?" Finally, after the fifth day, Second Sister-in-law couldn't sit still and asked Mother Zhou.

So many days have passed, and there was no news at all. This really made one anxious.

Mother Zhou frowned when she heard this, and replied, "Why would the educated youth make a fuss?"

"The fact that Da Wa's mother used fourth brother-in-law's connection and became a teacher of the community's junior high school," answered Second Sister-in-law.

"San Ni's Mother, what are you talking about? Da Wa's mother was admitted due to her own merits." Eldest Sister-in-law directly responded when she heard it.

"That's right. We've all asked about this in person. Da Wa's mother got full marks on two test papers. Those educated youths couldn't beat her. She was admitted on the basis of her strength. How did it become her using her fourth brother-in-law's connections? "Third Sister-in-law also frowned.

She was pretty far along with her pregnancy and was close to her due date.

When Mother Zhou heard this, she approximately understood the situation. She sneered at her second daughter-in-law: "Were you waiting for the educated youth committee to come over and make trouble in our old Zhou's house these days?"

At this, Second Sister-in-law quickly responded: "Mother, I didn't..."

"If you didn't, what do you mean by this? The villagers are all congratulating Fourth's wife, while you are awaiting the bad? Every time Xia Xia went over there to do homework, Fourth's wife always gave him a share if there was anything delicious. He had eaten a lot of food from there and you want Fourth's wife to meet with ill?" Mother Zhou eyed at her.

Second Sister-in-law turned pale and replied, "Mother, don't talk about me. Let's talk about this first. She can deceive others, but can she deceive our own family? Let her surrender. It's not a joke when the educated youth committee causes a ruckus. The whole old Zhou family will be shamed along with her."

"I think you are "span id ="switch1" onclick = "farting!" Mother Zhou straightforwardly spouted: "Why surrender? Fourth's wife's scores were based on her ability. You have no ability, so you don't wish for Fourth's wife to have capability? Why does Fourth's wife going into the teaching profession require Qing Bai's connections? What connections does Qing Bai have in junior high school?"

"I heard that so many people watched during the exam and the teachers made the questions early in the morning. No one had the chance to know in advance." Eldest Sister-in-law pointed out.

"Besides the guy called Chen Shan who happened to pass both subjects, the rest of the educated youth didn't pass. While Da Wa's mother got all full marks. It is said that those teachers were all convinced." Third Sister-in-law unhurriedly added.

"Those educated youths were not convinced at the beginning. I heard that they asked questions and none of them could challenge Da Wa's mother." Eldest Sister-in-law continued.

"They all aim for this position. If they could beat Da Wa's mother, how can they stop and wait for so many days?" said Third Sister-in-law.

Second Sister-in-law was stunned.

"You stay with that Ma family's woman all day long. You are about to become brainless as her!" Mother Zhou criticized Second Sister-in-law.

Second Sister-in-law was so deeply embarrassed that she turned around and went back to her room to cry.

She felt wronged in her heart. When Second Brother came back, he had a stumped face and asked: "What's wrong? Who dare to bully you?"

It wasn't unexpected for him to ask like this. At the old Zhou's side, whether it was Eldest Sister-in-law or Third Sister-in-law, they won't look for trouble. No one will bully her.

"Say, did Da Wa's mother really got admitted on her own merits?" Second Sister-in-law asked as she wiped her tears.

Until now, she still didn't believe this fact.

Second Brother was befuddled: "Doesn't this go without saying? If she didn't suppress those educated youths with her own ability, the educated youth committee would definitely be making a scene."

Seriously, Second Brother was really envious. Envious of old Fourth's good fortune.

He thought he married a wife who couldn't save money. So even if they lived well, Second Brother wasn't that envious.

After all, life wasn't a matter of one day. The family still had to save money.

If they can't save money, what can they do in the future?

But the fourth's wife didn't think so much and didn't even head down to the field.

But who knew, the reason why she didn't go to the field was because of this reason.

She devoted herself to studying. Because of studying, she didn't go to work. And the admirable point was that for so many years, Fourth's wife had never leaked a word.

Thursday 29 October 2020

BTTS 169




>Chapter 169. Community's junior high school teacher


"You dare to engage in feudal discrimination against working women? It can't be that you disagree with leaders' talk of women supporting half the sky?"

Lin Qing He displayed no hesitation at all and instantly squinted at this educated youth.

The angry educated youth felt like cold water was poured on his head and hurriedly responded: "No, I'm not discriminating against working women. I respect the leaders' statement. However, do you count as a working woman? Have you ever worked in the field!"

Toward the end, he directed a mocking look at Lin Qing He.

"Your awareness is really equal to nothing. I haven't been to the field, so I'm not a working woman? Your mind and awareness are only limited to this. I take care of everything inside and outside the house and let my man work in the field without any unease to increase the output of the production team. How am I not a working woman?"

"My family raises two pigs for the production team. Go to our village and ask, whose pigs are as fat as ours? Am I not a working woman?"

"I have three sons in a row. Now they are all thriving and will contribute to the country in the future. I also use that free time to study hard and improve. I'm still not a working woman?"

"In the city, those employed never entered the field. In your eyes, they aren't working women either?"

Lin Qing He stated with a sneer.

"You are...are simply forcing logic!" Flushed red, the educated youth angrily uttered.

"I'm stating the truth. In your eyes, working women are the so-called rural women? You dare to discriminate against the great working women. You dare to discriminate against the working women personally recognized by the leaders. With this mind of yours, you're worthy to come over to teach students? Also, this test result of yours, it's about 50 percent. You still have the face to teach students?" Lin Qing He mocked mercilessly.

However, she was also lamenting.

With such a simple test paper, he actually scored such a mark. What's more, such a score can actually be ranked third.

The second place turned out to be that damned Chen Shan, who passed both courses.

As expected on the only educated youth in the surrounding area, who got admitted to the university and returned to the city on his own ability, after the college entrance examination resumed later.

Of course, he was far from getting her perfect scores in both subjects.

"Principal, I'm suspicious that the exam questions were leaked in advance. How could she get a perfect score for such a difficult exam!" the educated youth gritted his teeth.

"What nonsense! This test paper was pushed out by working overtime this morning and it was only finished coping out earlier on!" Several teachers from the community junior high school became displeased and immediately objected.

In fact, they also found it extremely surprising that someone could actually receive full marks on such test papers.

They had heard Lin Qing He mentioned that she studied hard by herself in her free time just now. Still, it was incredible to be able to get full marks on the exam.

"Are you questioning the prestige of the community's junior high school!" Junior High School's principal was amazed too. He also swept a disgruntled gaze at the male educated youth.

"This is impossible. Simply impossible!" The male educated youth bit out through his teeth.

Zhou Qing Bai frowned. He wanted to say something but was stopped by Lin Qing He. She sneered at this male educated youth, whose name she didn't even know: "Why can't I obtain this score? Do you think I am you? Give back what you have learned to the school. And, not allow others to make progress? Principal, now I’m here, let whoever has any questions to ask me directly. You can let them look at my test paper too."

"That's right. Bring the test paper." The principal finally recalled.

One of the female teachers passed Lin Qing He's test paper to the principal and sent Lin Qing He a kind smile.

She believed Lin Qing He didn't cheat at all because she made a good few questions, which she wrote out after squeezing her brain.

Not a second person knew about it.

And apart from Lin Qing He, no one else worked it.

There was also Lin Qing He's handwriting. It was also written upright and delicately. One can see that it was someone who had worked hard.

Wasn't this enough to prove it?

The principal examined the two test papers, especially on the Chinese composition. Then he turned to Lin Qing He: "You learned these by yourself?"

"My Qing Bai taught me a little bit. The rest of the time, I lazily stayed at home to study." Lin Qing He replied with an embarrassed smile.

Zhou Qing Bai glanced at his wife.

Lin Qing He sent him a look of love.

So Zhou Qing Bai didn't say anything and sheltered his family.

"Qing Bai is blessed." The principal and Father Zhou had known each other well. He mostly treated Zhou Qing Bai as his nephew, so he nodded with an approving smile.

Lin Qing He looked at Zhou Qing Bai proudly. The gaze Zhou Qing Bai directed towards his wife couldn't be any gentler.

As the two of them exchange looks, the principal had already distributed Lin Qing He's test papers: "Alright, you can see for yourself. Whether it is handwriting or answers, compare them with your own."

Lin Qing He's test papers circulated among the educated youths. No one in the room could compare to Lin Qing He's visibly graceful words.

Chen Shan's calligraphy was pretty good, but it was only good, not excellent.

On Lin Qing He's two answer sheets, the strokes were very clean and tidy.

"I'm not going to go in-depth on the math. You can actually calculate it like this. My draft is here. You can take it if you want the steps." Lin Qing He took out the draft from her pants pocket. There was always a draft paper for the exam.

"As for the language, as long as it is written from memory, I can recite it all now. I know it thoroughly, so you can test me if you want." Lin Qing He said indifferently.

The male educated youth, who was still unconvinced, immediately got her to recite the long essay without reservation.

Lin Qing He really did open her mouth and recite.

She recited this long essay without missing a word.

The principal and the few teachers looked at Lin Qing He with admiration.

There were several other female educated youths who weren't willing to admit defeat. As long as it was reciting, Lin Qing He did not hesitate. It continued one after another.

After five texts, even the male educated youths were speechless.

Lin Qing He's enunciation was clear with no stammering at all. Her fonts were graceful. At first glance, one can tell she was very knowledgeable. Also, the draft, the method of ​​solving the problem was refreshing.

Chen Shan's gaze on Lin Qing He carried even more radiance. He never expected that this woman would have such an unknown side.

The whole person seemed to be shining.

At this point, Lin Qing He had officially become a math teacher in the community junior high school.

However, classes have not officially started yet. It was summer vacation. It will not officially start the lessons until September 1st.

The salary was also calculated from that time.

She will teach the first year as the second year and the third year already got teachers.

But these were not important.

The important thing was that Lin Qing He will have employment!

See if anyone would still dare to call her the laziest woman in the village in the future or dare to say Zhou Qing Bai gained eight lifetimes of unluckiness by marrying her!


Previous

Wednesday 28 October 2020

BTTS 168




Chapter 168. You're an illiterate rural woman

It was also at this time that Mother Zhou completely believed that Da Wa and Er Wa's ability to study were exactly like their mother.

The old Zhou family didn't have the gene for studying.

For example, Second Sister-in-law's Zhou Xia. His academic performance was really average.

And this was with the help of Er Wa, who taught him. Otherwise, it was needless to be said how bad the grades could get. Also, when he got back, he was never seen studying and was always playing. His mother chased after him as she yelled about squandering money and he needn't study if he can't get admitted in the future.

At this time, it was necessary to have a certain mark to move up a grade, otherwise, they will repeat the year.

Zhou Xia hadn't fallen to the point of repeating the grade. Still, it was impossible for him to achieve full marks like Er Wa.

It wasn't until the summer harvest that Lin Qing He's studying progress slowed down.

But have to say, she had studied the textbooks of elementary and junior high school inside out and she thoroughly understood them. The first year of high school was mostly completed. She hadn't started above high school year two yet. There will be a time in the future, so she'll take it slowly.

The summer harvest was hectic. Even though Lin Qing He continued to review, her focus was still on caring for Zhou Qing Bai.

Since the summer harvest started, Lin Qing He ordered an extra bottle of milk every day. It was made into milk mantou for him and Father Zhou to eat in the morning before heading out.

Three hearty meals a day, plus a thick mung bean soup at noon.

With this kind of diet, this tiring summer harvest was passed safely this year.

However, some people still had heatstroke. Eldest Sister-in-law's Da Ni had a heatstroke. Lin Qing He gave her some medicine. Eldest Sister-in-law wanted to pay her, but Lin Qing He didn't accept.

Speaking of Da Ni, she wasn't young anymore. Lin Qing He heard Mother Zhou mentioned that Eldest Sister-in-law recently began to help Da Ni check out potential marriage candidates.

But after doing the math, Da Ni was sixteen this year. In this era of early marriage norms, one can indeed start to look out at sixteen.

Then get engaged first. Wait until the age of eighteen, when it was the perfect time to marry out.

They can also let the son-in-law's family come over occasionally to help with some work or something.

Of course, this was a common occurrence in the countryside. The son-in-law will come to help on his own accord without the future father-in-law opening his mouth.

After the summer harvest, Eldest Sister-in-law had already made her choice.

He was from their village. A person from Wang family.

Though the majority of Zhoujia Village had the surname Zhou, one-third of them had different surnames.

Zhou Da Ni's selected match was one year older than her. He was only seventeen years old this year. His height was average, not much over at one meter seventy. Still, the Wang family was a pretty good household.

There were only two brothers, which wasn't a lot. At least after they got married, they can live alone in a small independent wing.

The two families connected with each other in private, but the rest was skimming the surface.

After all, they were still young now. They had brought it up for now and wait until they get older, they'll discuss it.

This method was quite popular now.

Lin Qing he felt it was too early for this kind of thing. At sixteen, they were still in middle school. Still, she didn't say anything.

This was not her daughter after all. It was Eldest Sister-in-law's. Even Mother Zhou, the mother-in-law, had no right to interfere, let alone her.

Eldest Sister-in-law had a good eye. The person she picked was wonderful.

After the summer harvest, the grain was distributed.

Same as the previous years, Lin Qing He had instructed Third Brother Lin to help. She got Third Brother Lin to gather extra food at his side.

She also gave him the two clothes that Zhou Qing Bai had discarded.

Although it was discarded old clothes, there were only four or five patches, which was an okay condition.

Third Brother Lin collected a lot at his side. It was even more so at the food distribution at Lin Qing He's side. Because Mother Zhou knew about it, there was no hesitation. As long as she didn't overdo it, no one would be suspicious.

After the grain was collected this time, Lin Qing He went to participate in the community's junior high school's math teacher exam.

The scumbag Chen Shan also happened to be participating in the exam this time.

Chen Shan was also shocked when he saw Zhou Qing Bai bringing Lin Qing He over. Although he was aiming for Lin Qing He, he was disrespectfully mocked by Lin Qing He last time.

Later on, seeing how Lin Qing He didn't have any of that intention at all, he lost his interest. Lin Qing He was indeed beautiful. But to be honest, Chen Shan really didn't dare to make small movements under Zhou Qing Bai's watch.

Others also noticed Lin Qing He.

Zhou Qing Bai and Lin Qing He were both well known.

Especially Lin Qing He. Everyone in the ten miles and eight villages had heard of this prodigal wife's reputation. They never expected that she would come?

"Ahem." The community's principal was also surprised. He really didn't expect Zhou Qing Bai to actually bring his wife over to take the teacher admission exam. After a dry cough, he said: "There is still half an hour. The teachers inside will finish copying the exam questions. This time, we'll select the best. Only accepting the first and second place. The first will be the official teacher. I believe you all know very well about the official teacher's benefit. As for the second place, he/she will be a substitute with a salary of six yuan and three work points."

This was unexpected. They initially thought there was only one spot and never expect there will an additional substitute.

Lin Qing He felt more relieved. If she doesn't get the first place, she would get second place, right!

Zhou Qing Bai didn't go back immediately. He stayed behind to wait with Lin Qing He.

Soon the test paper was ready. Including Lin Qing He, there was a total of 18 people partaking the test.

They all entered the classroom and started to do questions.

There were two test papers. Although they were recruiting math teachers, there was also a Chinese test paper.

Because if there is a temporary need for a substitute, it had to be replaced by other teachers. So they must have knowledge of Chinese literacy.

Lin Qing He didn't hesitate at all. After looking through the test paper, she found it wasn't difficult at all. It was all basic. Even if it had a little depth, it wasn't as tricky as the questions she gave to Da Wa.

Lin Qing He completed a math test paper in half an hour. Then she worked on the Chinese test paper, which didn't take much time either.

It took some time for the composition because it was necessary to write a 500-character composition. The name of the composition was "Advance".

One look at a topic like "advance", it was clear what was needed to be written.

Although Lin Qing He knew about the future development situation, she didn't dare to write about it. Instead, she wrote the core content of advancing. She sang about people's life getting better and better. The whole story was focused on this. The text narration was very smooth and catchy.

So that not only did mathematics get a full mark but also Chinese too. There was no error at all.

The junior high school's principal was very surprised about her result.

"Impossible! This is impossible! You're an illiterate rural woman! How could you get such a high score!" After hearing this score, the third-ranked male educated youth was unwilling to accept it and immediately raised doubts.

That behavior seemed like it was Lin Qing He and the community's junior school cheating!

Tuesday 27 October 2020

BTTS 167




Chapter 167. I kind of want to teach


With such heavy rain, she didn't call Father Zhou and Mother Zhou to come over to eat. Lin Qing He placed it in a food container and got Da Wa to send it over.

The family soon got up, brushed their teeth, and had breakfast.

After breakfast, Zhou Qing Bai put on a raincoat and headed to the backyard to feed the pigs and chickens. Then he went out with a hoe. Since the rain was pretty big, he naturally had to check if the water in the field could flow out or not.

Even though they don't have work in the field, these patrols were required.

Lin Qing He lamented how the people, who relied on the weather to eat at this time, had it hard.

"Father have it tough." San Wa also remarked.

It was tough. since he had to go out during this downpour, right?

"He does. If you get employed, then you don't have to work so hard." Lin Qing He said, "Da Wa, Er Wa, what do you think?"

Both Da Wa and Er Wa agreed. Then the two brothers went to study.

Lin Qing He continued to work on the unfinished clothes.

Zhou Qing Bai soon returned. There weren't any major problems. Also, knowing that it was going to rain these days, the crops didn't need watering. So, there wasn't much to do.

"I'm making two new tops for you. As for your old ones, give it to my brother when he got free time to come over?" Lin Qing He asked.

"Don't need to make mine. Make two set for yourself." Zhou Qing Bai stated.

Lin Qing He grinned and replied, "My clothes don't get damaged, unlike you guys."

Speaking of it, she hadn't made many clothes since she came here. Most of them were the original owner's remains. Still, they were all in good condition. Also, her clothes don't get worn out, so there was no need to make new ones.

Zhou Qing Bai stared at his wife.

He knew that the village had a bad opinion of his wife. They say she didn't know how to live. In fact, he knew the best whether she did or didn't.

Basically, all the good stuff was left to him and the children. As for herself, she always makes do with the situation.

Zhou Qing Bai wasn't one to say pretty words. In his heart, he knew how much she put in for this family. It was all because of her that the family can have the current vitality.

"Why are you looking at me like this?" Lin Qing He glanced at him when she sewed the neckline. Seeing him staring at her, she asked in puzzlement.

"Make yourself two." Zhou Qing Bai maintained as he focused on her.

"I will." Lin Qing He chuckled and then continued to make clothes.

One made clothes, while the other watched her make it. Not finding it boring at all.

"This year, Da Wa's sweater needs to be disassembled and re-knitted. This kid is like you. He will definitely be a tall man in the future." Lin Qing He chattered.

"Don't exert yourself." Zhou Qing Bai replied.

"It's not tiring. There's always something to do at home." Lin Qing He said.

Although she can learn Chinese, Mathematics, and English when she was idle and want to pass, she had to do all the work that should be done at home. Otherwise, it'll keep niggling at the back of her mind.

"By the way, is the junior high school at the community recruiting teachers? I kind of want to teach." Lin Qing He changed the topic.

Zhou Qing Bai was surprised: "Teaching?"

"Not okay?" Lin Qing He swept a glance at him.

"It's not that. If you want to teach, you have to take an exam." Zhou Qing Bai said, looking at his wife.

He never expected his wife to have such thoughts. He had seen her handwriting and the writing was really good-looking. It's just that teaching wasn't an easy job.

"Nothing wrong with having exams. What's more, now that the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University is opened, there will be more emphasis on education. The community's junior high school should pay more attention to it." Lin Qing He said.

She felt that she can't just sit and wait, right?

There were still a few years left. She got to find something to pass the time.

For example, this teaching profession. Although she hadn't done it before, it shouldn't be difficult. It's just teaching junior high school students.

From the way she talked, Zhou Qing Bai knew that she really had these thoughts. So he hesitated and said, "Then I will ask the community."

"For now, leave it. The rain is so heavy." Lin Qing He reacted when she saw that he was about to head out

"It's okay." Zhou Qing Bai shook his head, then wore a raincoat and rode a bicycle over to the community to find the principal.

The principal of the community's junior high school naturally knew Zhou Qing Bai. Zhou Qing Bai had previously attended junior high school in the community.

"The junior high school will definitely recruit a math teacher next semester. But can your wife teach?" the junior high school principal was taken aback.

As Lin Qing He said, the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University were recruiting students. The education that had been dropped was slowly beginning to revive, so it was necessary to recruit an additional math teacher.

The first choice was to choose among the urban educated youth who were in the countryside.

"My wife can." Zhou Qing Bai nodded.

He knew how hard his wife worked. He had seen the questions given to Da Wa and found them difficult.

He felt that his wife's education level must have reached high school. She won't be worse than those urban educated youths.

The junior high school principal said in his mind, don't tell me you got bewitched by your wife.

"After this summer harvest, an exam will be held. The questions are made on the spot and given at once, so no one can cheat. If your wife wants to be a teacher, let her come and try at that time." The junior high school principal did not refuse, just stated.

If she didn't pass then, can't blame anyone. Of course, he can also give an explanation to Zhou Qing Bai then.

Zhou Qing Bai came back to report.

Lin Qing He was very delighted and rushed to ask, "What's the pay?"

Zhou Qing Bai knew of this. If one goes to teaching, they can receive work points. Five work points. In addition, there were salaries. One can get 13 yuan in a month. As for coupons, it was according to the situation.

After the restoration of the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University, both the community’s junior schools and county's high schools were consciously trained. If the school could produce a Worker, Peasants, and Soldiers University student who responded to the state’s call, how glorious would it be?

This matter wasn't confirmed yet. If it got spread out, it will definitely cause a lot of ridicules. Because Lin Qing He going to teach in this state was simply a joke.

Therefore, Lin Qing He told Zhou Qing Bai not to say anything. Not even to Father Zhou and Mother Zhou.

Lin Qing He didn't know the extent of the urban educated youths' ability. Since there was only one position for math teacher, Lin Qing He dared not relax at all. Who knows how good the other educated youths were?

In the following period, Lin Qing He studied the textbooks of elementary school, junior high school and even high school very systematically again. She was waiting for the community's junior high school teacher exam, which was after the summer harvest.

Lin Qing He's effort was seen by Mother Zhou.

Aside from completing the chores that needed to be done, Fourth's wife was constantly holding a book.

As expected, Mother Zhou would ask. Why was she so diligent all of a sudden?

Lin Qing He used the usual logic, saying that she wanted to teach Da Wa. He will be in the fifth grade next semester. How can she teach him if she didn't work hard?

Mother Zhou had checked with Da Wa. Da Wa said that the school teachers couldn't match up to the questions his mother gave him.

Monday 26 October 2020

BTTS 166




Chapter 166. Rainy days


Mother Zhou felt that every time her fourth daughter-in-law talked about her youngest son, her face seemed to be glowing.

Moreover, the reason why Fourth's wife became better now, wasn't it because it was brought on by her youngest son after he came back?

She used to be really unrestrained.

But that's all in the past, no need to mention it. It was enough to change for better in the future.

Still, Mother Zhou saw the importance of a man to the family from Fourth's wife's situation.

Even when Qing Bai didn't do anything after he came back, he was able to change his wife. He made his wife become better and better now and be one hundred percent filial to them two elders.

They had noodles in soy paste and egg sauce at night.

Lin Qing He kept to her usual routine. Eating about half a bowl was enough, Zhou Qing Bai and Father Zhou both had a large bowl of noodles.

"Da Wa's Mother eats too little." Mother Zhou remarked at the dinner table.

"It's not. My appetite is only so big." Lin Qing He didn't mind.

Every meal, she only ate 60% full. She didn't have to do heavy-duty work, so metabolism won't be so fast.

However, in Mother Zhou's opinion, that bit she had was too little. But after so many days, Mother Zhou noticed she didn't eat much at every meal.

So even when she splurged and often bought meat and eggs back, 90% of the food goes into the stomachs of her son and grandchildren. While she ate 10% of it.

Was there anything to complain about?

She wasn't like some women, who didn't care about their men and children and just sate themselves.

Zhou Qing Bai didn't say anything. He simply scooped two large bundles of noodles for his wife. Lin Qing He was taken aback, then gave him a displeased look as she uttered, "Just eat your food."

"Eat more." Zhou Qing Bai stated.

"Mother, I'll also give you mine." Er Wa piped.
"Me too." San Wa followed.

"Mother, pass the bowl over. I scooped it for you." Da Wa had already twirled up a bundle of noodles and motioned for her to pass the bowl over.

Lin Qing He dismissed them, "All of you, eat your own. Want to send me packing with that bit of little noodle. Not gonna be that easy. I made this noodle for you. When you grow up, you can get me something better then."

The three brothers merrily promised.

The whole family happily had lunch.

After a little more than an hour of break, Zhou Qing Bai had to go to work again.

"Da Wa, after getting off school, remember to go to gather pigweed with Er Wa." Lin Qing He said when Da Wa was heading to school.

"I know." Da Wa acknowledged.

Er Wa also nodded. The two brothers had made an arrangement with others.

At this time, when the students finished studying, they would go to fetch pigweed in exchange for work points. Although it wasn't much, a bit still counted and can get a share of food later. These were all food.

Lin Qing He let them be and sent the brothers on their way to school.

Her method of teaching had always been this way. San Wa was still young, so he should have fun. But once he gets older, he will also go forage pigweed.

Boys, you can't delicately raise them.

However, the whole village believed Lin Qing He's education method was spoiling the children.

Even Mother Zhou felt Fourth's wife knew to dote the children and take care of her man.

Soon the milk station began to provide milk again.

It was the same as last year. This year, San Wa still disliked to drink pure milk, so Lin Qing He added a tiny bit of sugar for him.

They had consumed milk for so long last year. Even after the milk supply stopped, she would buy milk powder. She would notify Shen Yu in advance and ask her to help set aside two bags.

So basically the milk has never been cut off.

Honestly, when Da Wa drank this, it became apparent that he was at the peak stage of his growth spurt.

Boys at this age will develop until they are eighteen or nineteen years old. This nutrition was definitely indispensable.

Although the food at home was considered top-notch in the village, Lin Qing He still felt that it wasn't enough. So this milk was a necessity.

Da Wa loved to drink it. He blissfully consumed a bowl of milk paired with three big mantou.

Er Wa got used to drinking it now and felt wasn't so bad.

Only the kid, San Wa, liked it sweetened. Lin Qing He didn't stop him either. It was enough to only give a hint of sweetness.

Lin Qing He pulled out the remaining cloth at home and begun to make new summer clothes for Da Wa.

Last year’s set was really hard to wear. She'll pass it on to Er Wa and Da Wa will have new clothes made for him. Then she promised Er Wa, she will make a new one for him in winter. If not, this kid will not be happy.

They really became slightly spoiled rotten by her...

It wasn't just Da Wa. Zhou Qing Bai also need his made.

Although Zhou Qing Bai had three or four replacements, the clothes were relatively damaged. Lin Qing He planned to make two more tops.

As for the old clothes, she'll give them to her brother.

In a blink of an eye, it was May.

The weather had been a bit bad lately. It was very dull. Looking at the sky, it was obviously going to be an encore of heavy rain.

Lin Qing He burned the mugwort leaves and smoked everything inside and outside the house. Especially the pigsty and chicken pen in the backyard.

It wasn't long after the smoking was finished, it started to rain. Exactly in the middle of the night that day.

At first, it was light rain first, then evolved into heavy rain.

"I guess this rain will take three or four days." Lin Qing He said.

The rain had been brewing for a few days. It wasn't the kind of light rain that comes and leaves as it wishes.

Zhou Qing Bai closed the windows. He didn't pay any heed. It was still a long way before the summer harvest, so he wasn't worried.

With such heavy rain, naturally, there was no need to go to work tomorrow. As for Lin Qing He, she had no excuse to reject Zhou Qing Bai and the couple naturally became busy.

"Stinky man." Lin Qing He was held in Zhou Qing Bai's embrace. She superficially beat him once.

Zhou Qing Bai chuckled. He was still content with hugging his wife.

The rainy nights were slightly cool, making it comfortable to sleep. The couple slept until after seven o'clock. The boys were already awake, but they didn't disturb their parents.

It was raining so hard that Da Wa and Er Wa didn't have to go to school.

It was already like this. With such heavy rain, it meant there was no need to go to school. Everyone was aware of this.

When Lin Qing He woke up, Zhou Qing Bai was still asleep. But as soon as she moved, Zhou Qing Bai woke up.

This had been a habit for many years and cannot be changed in a lifetime.

"Go back to sleep. I'm going to cook." Lin Qing He kissed him on the cheek and said.

This man was a feast to the eyes. Even if his skin was bronzed because of work, it still appealed to her very much.

Zhou Qing Bai hugged her and said nothing. It was obvious that he didn't want her to leave like this.

Lin Qing He followed along and leaned in his arms. The couple got intimate for a while before Lin Qing He got up.

Although it was raining heavily, the milkman still delivered the milk on time.

Da Wa had already brought the milk in, so Lin Qing He steamed the mantou, boiled the milk, and then fried a little cabbage and a chive omelet.

Sunday 25 October 2020

BTTS 165




Chapter 165. Aim for the advantages and avoid the disadvantages


English textbooks were hard to get in this era.

They were all classified as more sensitive topics. In the first year of the recontinuation of the college entrance examination, English wasn't required to be tested. It seems that from the second year, an English exam was added.

Lin Qing He remembered it like this, but the details were not clear.

But at the moment her self-study course had reached the first year of high school. Since she was idle, it wasn't a bad idea to try and get her hands on some English textbooks to memorize words.

Lin Qing He had some connections in the black market.

As long as she can give the right price, it will be quickly obtained for her, even if it was such a sensitive product.

There were a good few English textbooks. The people, who were searching for them, didn't understand them, so two of them were in Russian. Lin Qing He didn't need them and she didn't understand Russian either.

She did understand English but had forgotten a lot after so many years. She needed to pick it up again.

The basic English textbook cost Lin Qing He ten yuan.

This was almost a sky-high price.

But the person who came here was right. They took a lot of risks to get it for her, so the price wasn't that unacceptable.

Lin Qing He put the English textbooks directly into the space.

Such things can't be shown to the boys. Otherwise, if the little person walked out and said something wrong, it was easy for things to happen.

After solving the English textbooks matter, Lin Qing He came to find a retired female worker to sell pork.

"Big lass, your pork is good." The retired female worker smiled in satisfaction.

"I especially gave you such care, ma'am. All the good stuff I got were left for you." Lin Qing He said.

The retired ma'am laughed and whispered after the transaction finished: "This transaction is the last time. Don't come next time yet. Don't go to the black market starting tomorrow. There are some problems outside."

She was willing to sell Lin Qing He this favor. After all, it was thanks to Lin Qing He that her meat and food increased and her family can eat more.

For example, last winter, Lin Qing He brought her dozens of jins of wheat and more than fifty jins of sweet potatoes. This was extremely hard to come by.

And it had always been fair trade, so the retired ma'am hoped to continue.

"Thank you for reminding me." Lin Qing He nodded.

Then she collected the money and left.

Without having anything else to sell, Lin Qing He rode her bicycle home.

On the way, she stopped by the community and took a look. She bought a half basket of eggs. Then she took it home.

Only when she got home did she retrieve some more from the space.

The ones she brought over were all used up. These eggs were all stocked from the black market in the county city. There was still a basket left in the space. That meant, she will be shrinking and dieting for a while. When spring begins, she can stow a supply of eggs.

Because at that time, the hens continued to lay eggs.

Lin Qing He cracked an egg, divided it into two portions, steamed it into egg custard, and then went to the door to shout.

Soon San Wa came back.

"Mother, you are back. You have worked hard on this trip." San Wa, the little flatterer said with a fawning smile.

Since Lin Qing He complained about him only remembering food and didn't know to care about her last time, he made amends. When she came back, the first thing he did was to express his appreciation.

"It was quite a work." Lin Qing He nodded in response.

San Wa smiled and said, "Mother, why did you call me?"

"Got no candies, but I did steam an egg custard for you. Want to eat it?" Lin Qing He asked.

"Want." San Wa just happened to be a little hungry after playing outside.

"Go and get your grandmother to bring little Cheng Cheng over. Mother made a portion for him too." Lin Qing He ordered.

"No need. My little brother had eaten sweet potato soup made by Eldest Aunt. He won't be able to eat it anymore," San Wa responded.

"When did he eat it?" Lin Qing He checked.

"About the same time as me," San Wa replied.

Lin Qing He estimated that it was around the time she headed out and said: "It's been so long. It should be fine, but you can ask your grandmother if he can eat."

San Wa went to ask. When he returned, he brought back Mother Zhou and little Su Cheng.

Little Su Cheng was ready to snack. Lin Qing He had let Mother Zhou feed him.

"There aren't many eggs at home." Mother Zhou pointed out.

"It's okay. I came back with a basket again." Lin Qing He casually responded.

Then Lin Qing He started making the dough. It was getting late. Should be time for lunch preparation.

They were having noodles for lunch.

A soy paste with egg can be mixed with it.

"Qing He, Da Wa is only nine years old and he's attending fifth grade. Isn't this too fast?" Mother Zhou had finished feeing little Su Cheng and got him to play with San Wa. She came to the kitchen to help out and mentioned.

"It's next semester. It's not really fast." This semester was already in the second semester of fourth grade.

It was already '73. Not counting this year, there were still four years. Counting this year, it was still five years away from the college entrance examination.

There were also two years of junior high schools, two years of high schools, and one year of fifth grade.

Adding it up, it was just in time for the first batch.

Lin Qing He paid close attention to Da Wa's study. Since there wasn't much to do during the winter break, his study had never fallen back even though they did sometimes go out to play.


Lin Qing He also planned to get Da Wa to skip a grade again. But on the thought that he was still young, she didn't have it in her to push him too much. She didn't interfere too much, since it'll be fine at the time. Most importantly, in the first year of the college entrance examination recontinuation, the policy was really loose.

Just don’t know if she and Da Wa can get into the same college then.

Even if it was another four or five years, Da Wa will be only 13 or 14 years old by then. With Da Wa's personality, he will not suffer a loss if he goes outside. But as a mother, how could she be willing to let such a young kid to go to college so far on his own?

The sons of the first batch of examinees may be about his age.

"I think those who are in fifth grade are all fifteen or sixteen years old." Mother Zhou Mu said.

This was the truth. At this time, little attention was paid to education. There were many people who began to go to school at ten years old, like Eldest Sister-in-law's girls.

But now, they didn't attend anymore. Studying for more than a year, they gained the basic knowledge. It was enough to recognize the characters. After all, with so many people in the family, the burden was quite big. Even with the heart to, they didn't have the condition to let them study.

"With Da Wa's personality, you don't have to worry, Mother. He won't suffer a loss anywhere he goes." No matter how worried Lin Qing He was herself, she had to comfort the elderly.

When Mother Zhou heard these words, a smile bloomed on her face: “I’m just worried about him going such a long way to the county's high school by himself.”

"What is there to worry about? A boy got to exercise. I heard Qing Bai said that when he that old, he dared to make steel like adults." Lin Qing He had a grin on her face when mentioning her man.

On the surface, it seems like she was muddling through matters. He was different from her. He had that sense of team spirit and group honor. Unlike her, who was heartless. Only accept the good and dodging the bad. A natural-born at aiming for the advantages and avoiding the disadvantages.

Saturday 24 October 2020

BTTS 164




Chapter 164. Enquiring about English textbook


In the first month, it was still an idle period. The production team will not think about what to plant this spring before the fifteenth day of the first month

What's more, there wasn't much to do in January.

At this time they didn't even have a TV to watch.

Speaking of which, nowadays TV sets were only available in the homes of some leaders in the city. And they are still black and white.

If there was a radio in the house, that would be considered very impressive.

Lin Qing He wasn't interested in these things at all. What's more, there was technological advance mobile phone in her space.

While it was not snowing, Lin Qing He and Zhou Qing Bai went up the mountain.

The three mischievous boys wanted to follow as well. Since they want to, then tag along. With children, one basically doesn't get the space for couple's time.

The family set up traps on the mountain to catch pheasants. Although they didn't catch anything at all in the whole afternoon, the family was still all joy and laughter on the way home.

The people in the village admire this family's life.

Not a moment of feeling troubled at all.

Especially Lin Qing He. Honestly, though this woman didn't know how to live properly, no one had ever seen her beat and scold her child. Unlike some women in the village. When it comes it to, they were more ruthless than men.

The men in the village were quite envious of Zhou Qing Bai.

Lin Qing He was pretty and knew how to cook. She was a spendthrift, but wasn't money earned to be spent?

And whether one knew how to spend money was also a technique. If some people were given money, they won’t know how to spend it. In the end, they save it all.

Then life at home was really meaningless.

What were they eating each day?

Most of the people had experienced the years of famine and can endure hardship. However, there was no damage inflicted from the comparisons.

They saw how Zhou Qing Bai was fed and not get slim at all.

They thought that once he retired from the force, he was going to end up like them.

Who knew there was no change.

It just shows how good Lin Qing He's cooking skills were.

Lin Qing He had nothing to do that day, so she made a nice meal while memorizing the text.

She soaked red beans. She planned to make red bean rolls, which the whole family loved to eat.

After making red bean rolls, she started to cook up things like eight-treasure congee again. This was to let her family intake more fiber and grain.

Every time Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa go out to play, some friends will ask them what they had.

It became a habit to ask.

Da Wa got his fill of showing off now. Same with Er Wa. About what they were eating, there wasn't much to talk about. The two brothers preferred to play football more.

As for San Wa, he was still very eager to talk.

When other pals asked, he counted with his fingers: "My mother made red bean rolls, eight-treasure congee, sesame cake, and peanut crisps. But my favorite is the eight-treasure congee. It's so yummy that I had five bowls in one meal!"

It was unknown when this kid knew how to brag.

Da Wa and Er Wa paid no heed to him. These were the brother's leftover game.

With San Wa's appetite, it'll be amazing if he can eat two bowls, let alone five bowls.

But this didn't affect the envy of the little friends.

Moreover, in their mind, it wasn't about whether San Wa can eat five bowls. The number five didn't represent appetite, but more like how delicious the so-called eight-treasure congee was.

Other why would they eat that much?

"Er Wa, can I come over and do homework with you?" Zhou Xia came to ask Er Wa in private.


How could Er Wa not know what he intended, and said: "You can come over and do your homework, but there is no more congee today. It's all finished."

"Completely finished?" Zhou Xia heard this and expression said 'what a shame'.

His fourth aunt was very nice. If he went over to do homework, his fourth aunt would scoop him a bowl.

"All gone. Grandfather ate the remaining eight-treasure congee in the morning." Er Wa nodded.

"Does grandfather and grandmother like to drink it too?" Zhou Xia asked.

"They do. You don't know how much grandfather likes it. He had a lot. Grandmother also likes it very much. She said it is delicious." Er Wa nodded.

Zhou Xia's saliva flow down at these words, and said, "Can you keep some for me next time you have it?"

"You ask Second Aunt to cook. It's not something unusual. It's made from grains at home." Erwa said.

There wasn't enough food at home to consume. Their family had to support Grandfather and Grandmother. His father's appetite was also large. His mother said that she didn't know how to feed them in the future.

After all, his eldest brother currently ate three bowls each meal, so how can there be enough for others?

Zhou Xia muttered, "My mother definitely won't make it."

This was why he envied Da Wa, Er Wa and San Wa. There were so many delicious things.

Lin Qing He heard it within her room. She was a little embarrassed. In fact, it would be fine to give Zhou Xia a bowl. Since Er Wa refused for her, then forget it.

After all, she had a bad relationship with Second Sister-in-law. Although she had nothing against Zhou Xia, she still can't treat him the same as little Su Cheng.

Speaking of little Su Cheng, the little guy was sent over by his father on the seventh.

He was depressed for two days.

But because Lin Qing He made some yummy food and Brother San Wa played with him, the little guy quickly threw his parents to the back of his mind.


This time, Su Da Lin had brought over a few fishes. One of them was given to Third Sister-in-law.

Zhou Xiao Mei's next child will inevitably need to trouble Third Sister-in-law.

Third Sister-in-law didn't have any objection to helping on this matter. To get so many things for post-natal confinement, who would be against it?

Because her last post-natal confinement was done well, she felt that her health was much better.

Sure enough, post-natal confinement was very particular.

So when Su Da Lin brought the fish over, Third Sister-in-law's attitude was very nice.

Zhou Qing Bai was going to visit with his comrade. Lin Qing He gave him a bottle of good wine to bring over.

Zhou Qing Bai's gaze softened. When he returned, he brought Lin Qing He one smoked rabbit and two smoked pheasants.

"Your comrade gave it?" Lin Qing He said with bright eyes.

"En." Zhou Qing Bai knew she would like it, so when his comrade brought it up, he did not refuse.

After all, those who work in the department found it easier to get these things.

"Chen Gang told me to take you over to sit around sometime." Zhou Qing Bai continued.

"That's fine. We'll go and visit when we have time." Lin Qing He smiled.

Then she began to deal with these smoked wild animals.

Smoked wild animals had a long shelf-life.

The first to be eaten was the smoked rabbit. It was just steam in the pot and had seasoning added. The taste was pretty good.

A rabbit can be divided into two meals. The family ate to their satisfaction.

Father Zhou and Mother Zhou didn't care about that much now. It was fine as long as they have something to eat.

They can't nitpick while eating, right?

Soon the days passed and it was time for spring activity. Zhou Qing Bai and Father Zhou had started their sunrise until sunset life, while Lin Qing He went to the black market to quietly enquire about English textbooks. She intended to learn English privately.

Friday 23 October 2020

BTTS 163




Chapter 163. Not on the same level of thought


Third Brother Lin smiled and nodded. Lin Qing He had the heart to persuade him to not give birth too frequently but decided to forget about it.

Even if she was the elder sister, some things can't be said.

After all, she really couldn't put herself into Third Sister-in-law Lin's shoe and experience consecutively having three daughters. So it was better to say less and let the couple decide themselves.

As expected, Lin Qing He entertained her younger brother and her two nieces. She had them return with all smiles.

On the second day of the new year, Lin Qing He and Zhou Qing Bai took the boys into the city.

Same as the previous years, they took the boys out to eat, drink, and have fun.

Of course, they also dropped by Zhou Xiao Mei's place.

Zhou Xiao Mei was pregnant, and her complexion was obviously good. She looked like a zongzi (bulging like a certain food).

Seeing her, Lin Qing He was very emotional. Fortunately, she didn't have to birth children like her. As far as she knew, any woman, who had been pregnant and had a child, would lose their figure.

Even in this era, it will collapse more severely.

Lin Qing He's body was originally average. After she came over, she paid great attention to mediation and maintenance, so she didn't look out of shape at all.

"He the closest to his parents after all." Lin Qing He looked at little Su Cheng and remarked.

Although he was brought up by his grandma, it's still wasn't as good as his own parents. It has only been a few days, not one bit unfamiliar can be seen. He still recognized Lin Qing He and her boys, but appeared a little distant toward them.

But in the end, it was a kid. After playing for a while, they got along like never before.

There was nothing else to worry about. Su Da Lin obviously took care of Zhou Xiao Mei wonderfully, so there was no need for anyone to elaborate.

"On such snowy weather, you have to be careful." Lin Qing He reminded.

"I know." Zhou Xiao Mei nodded, looking a bit aggrieved.


She came in to talk to Lin Qing He in private. She stated, "Fourth Sister-in-law, whether I'm having a boy or a girl, I don't plan to give birth after this one."

"The two is enough." Lin Qing He didn't have any disagreements on this and said: "As for your mother's opinion, you can consider it. You don't need to listen to her every time. To live your life, it mainly focuses on the wishes of the two of you. "

"I know Da Lin wants to have another one too, so I am willing to give birth to this one. But afterward, I really don't plan to have another one." Zhou Xiao Mei said.

Su Da Lin was the only son of their Su family. He had always been lonely since then. One son was indeed lacking, so it was okay to have one more son.

In fact, there weren't many two-child families in this era. It seem too little. Which family didn't have four or five children?

But for Zhou Xiao Mei, two was a lot. What's more, giving birth was really time-consuming.

So Zhou Xiao Mei didn't plan to have more. If she raised them well, she didn't believe that her son would be worse than others in the future.

One can also match other family's handful!

"You can discuss this kind of thing with brother-in-law." Lin Qing He didn't dare to say anything more. Only a couple can discuss this kind of thing.

Otherwise, if she intervened now, won't Su Da Lin blame her?

It was wisest not to mix up in these matters.

After staying here for more than an hour, Zhou Qing Bai and Lin Qing He took the boys away.

Little Su Cheng was particularly reluctant to part with San Wa. When he was at his grandma's house, he liked playing with San Wa the most. He kept crying out 'gege' after he left. (T/N: baby just learned to talked, so can't pronounce properly. Basically trying to call 'brother')

After returning home, San Wa sighed again: "If only I had my own little brother or sister."

He liked being a big brother very much but didn't have the fate to be one. He was the youngest in the family. Although he had cousins, it was still that reason, they weren't birthed by his own parents. It always felt different.

Lin Qing He: "..."

Zhou Qing Bai finally stopped mentioning this topic, but this kid had to bring it up from time to time.

Sure enough, Lin Qing He raised her head and met Zhou Qing Bai's deep eyes.

Alright, she surrendered.

"Today was very tiring. Let's make dinner a bit simpler. Then wash up and prepare for bed." Lin Qing He said quickly.

This was really impossible to dodge.
They have been out for the whole and were indeed tired. So the family went to sleep after washing up.

Zhou Qing Bai did not continue to toss her around.

Every year on the second day of New Year, it was a tradition for her family to head to the city to play.

Although in the eyes of the villagers, this was too extravagant and wasteful. They couldn't believe Zhou Qing Bai. He had the spirit of being a master in other matters but he didn’t intervene in any of his wife's matter or how their lifestyle ended up because of her.

In a blink of an eye, Da Wa was nine years old. Country folks can start considering marriage at the age of fifteen. Many people got married at seventeen or eighteen. Now counting, how many years were there?

Time passed in a blink of an eye and if they don’t save any money for the children to use for the marriage now, there will be Er Wa and San Wa following behind after Da Wa married in the future.

Apparently, Qing Bai and his wife weren't very concerned.

In fact, some people in the village were already aiming for Da Wa.

Ignoring Lin Qing He, the unreliable mother, there was nothing to complain with just Zhou Qing Bai and his sons.

Especially Da Wa. He was very similar to his father, Zhou Qing Bai. Although he was only nine years old after the Chinese New Year, he was getting really tall really fast. He'll definitely be as big and tall as his father in the future.

How could the people who had daughters not keep in mind?

Everyone was clear which family within the ten miles and eight villages had a good daughter or a strong young man at this time.

From the looks of Da Wa, one knew he won't fare badly at all.

However, with Lin Qing He being the mother. This person didn't seem to be so easy to handle.

Lin Qing He was clueless about these things, but she had never worried about her sons' life-long events.

Even though the three boys were naughtier than the other, but in terms of appearance, they were the best among the children in the village. They all picked her and Zhou Qing Bai's best features.

What's more, how old were they now? To worry about things that happen ten years from now, wasn't this being too anxious?


This was the generation gap between her and the people at this time.

In Lin Qing He's opinion, it wasn't too late for a 30-year-old to marry. However, in this society's concept, a 30-year-old without a string of kids deserved strange looks.

For example, Third Brother Lin was now 28 years old. His wife was already pregnant with the fourth child.

And if she assumed correctly, he will definitely continue to have more in the future...

Thoughts were not on the same level. That's why Lin Qing He had never thought about integrating into the village after coming here for so many years. It was really impossible to get on the same topic. There was no need to forcibly integrate into their circle.