Chapter 99
It had been ten years since colleges and universities across the country stopped enrolling students. No one expected that there would be a day when they would recover!
As soon as the news came out, it was like pouring a scoop of water into an oil pan. The whole country was sizzling!
When the news reached Qili production team, it had already been few days later. Still, this didn't reduce everyone's shocked and excitement. Especially the educated youths in the educated youth center. They were almost going crazy with joy!
Some educated youths had been in the countryside for more than ten years. They thought they would stay in the countryside for the rest of their lives and couldn't go back. Most of them got married and had children in the production team.
The educated youth didn't go to the field to work. Even the educated youths who were teaching in the school also stopped going to the school to teach. Their minds were completely on the college entrance examination.
At this time, Qiao Family was talking about the college entrance examination.
Wan Chun Ju snacked on the pumpkin seeds as she spoke, "Isn't it just a test? It is worth the educated youth to cry and laugh. Simply look like mad men!"
From Wan Chun Ju's point of view, what was the use of studying so many books. Haven't these people been working in the fields for so many years? Each and every one of them had to leave their hometowns. Their lives weren't as good as them rural people!
She glanced at her eldest daughter, who was sitting beside her with her head bowed. She spoke, "Dong He, your grandma said that she would introduce you to a good match. Tomorrow, dressed up and come with me to your grandma's house!"
A look of disdain flashed in Qiao Dong He's eyes. Frowning, she replied, "Mom, I don't want to get married so early."
Wan Chun Ju instantly shrieked: "What do you want to do if you don't get married? We provide for you to study for so many years and it got no use. Others graduate from high school and go to factories to make a lot of money for their families. While you haven't earned a penny back. Since you can't make money, you might as well get married sooner!"
Qiao Dong He's face flushed red. Pinching the corners of her clothes with her fingers, she bit her lips white.
She graduated in June. After graduation, she originally wanted to return to the production team to be a teacher. However, the production team had no place for her.
Later, Shen Family introduced her to a job, but she was rejected during the interview. For the past few months, she had been helping at home and working in the fields when it peak farming period. Her mom kept despising her; saying she was useless. It was very frustrating to her.
Last month, her grandma's house introduced a match to her. The man came back after being a soldier. Because of her third uncle's relationship, she was very fond of soldiers. So she went to see him.
The man was tall and thin with a straight back. She had a good first impression. But as soon as the man opened his mouth, she was disillusioned.
He first looked at her like she was a product. Then he began to criticize her for not being pretty and expressed his disdain about her for having so much education and still end up in the field. While the man's mom was eyeing her butt. Then in front of everyone, she commented that she was worried that she would only have daughters like her grandma's family did in the future.
She was so angry that she was in tears. Even so, her mom still blamed her. If her grandmother hadn't stopped her, she would have forced her to get along with that man.
Since that time, she had resisted blind date.
Seeing her unresponsive sullen personality, Wan Chun Ju became angry: "I'm your mom. I have the final say on your affairs. If I tell you to go, you have to go. Otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?" Qiao Xiu Zhi walked in from outside and coldly eyed her with a pair of tiger eyes.
Wan Chun Ju shivered all over. Her arrogance instantly reduced to nothing: "Mom, aren't I thinking for the best for Dong He? She is seventeen years old. If she doesn't find a good man now, they will be picked by others. This child isn't smart and got a clumsy mouth. I'm so heartbroken for her!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi gave her a cold look. Then she turned to look at Qiao Dong He and said, "Dong He, do you know about the continuation of the college entrance examination?"
Qiao Dong He raised her head and nodded: "I know, Grandmother."
Qiao Xiu Zhi continued: "Then do you want to take the exam? You just graduated this year and you meet the qualifications to take it. If you want to take the exam, you must start preparing now!"
Qiao Dong He's face flushed red. She stared straight at her grandmother and said, "Grandmother, can I?"
Qiao Xiu Zhi replied: "I don't know if you can. I'm just asking you if you want to. If you want, I will support you to study. If you don't want to, it's useless for me to force you!"
Before Qiao Dong He could answer, Wan Chun Ju became anxious: "Mom, why should girls study so much? And Dong He is so stupid. Even if she goes to college, she still can't find a job. Why waste all that money? Quickly finding a man to marry is bet..."
Qiao Xiu Zhi retorted: "Since you wished to marry so much, you can divorce Eldest and marry again. My granddaughter wasn't born to marry. If she doesn't want to marry, our Qiao family can support her for a lifetime!"
Wan Chun Ju: "..."
Qiao Dong He's tears were about to fall. She rushed over and hugged her grandmother: "Grandmother, I want to take the college entrance examination. I want to study!"
Her character wasn't lovable. Nor was her mouth good at coaxing people. The only thing she was good at studying. In fact, when it can to studying, she wasn't as good as her younger siblings. She was really useless.
Such a rare chance, her grandmother didn't despise her. She was really touched!
Qiao Xiu Zhi patted her head and said, "Since you want to participate, then properly revise."
Qiao Dong He's eyes reddened with excitement. She nodded vigorously: "En, I must revise well. I will definitely be admitted to university!"
She wanted to become the first college student in Qiao Family. She wanted to make her grandparents proud of her!
Qiao Xiu Zhi glanced at Wan Chun Ju's face again and indifferently stated: "Dong He's book is for revision. If an educated youth comes to borrow the book, no one is allowed to lend it away. Also, from today onwards, no one is allowed to disturb her. Otherwise, get out of Qiao's house!"
Wan Chun Ju: "..."
Her face went from red to white as she touched her chest; feeling like she was about to die of anger!
Her mom told her that this match was very wealthy and was willing to give a dowry of 80 yuan.
Nowadays, the bride price was generally ten yuan and twenty yuan. The generous ones will give thirty or forty yuan. The richer people in the town will give fifty yuan. A wealthy family like eighty yuan was hard to come by!
She had planned to teach Dong He how to please men and take down this rich future son-in-law. However, her mother-in-law unexpectedly blocked the path halfway!
Why should girls study? No matter how much they read, they'll be another family's!
It was useless for her to be angry though. She can't win against her mother-in-law!
...
In addition to Qiao Family and educated youth be rowdy because of the college entrance examination, there were also some families that were even more noisy: the family with educated youth and local pair.
After Wang Shui Sheng came back from a meeting in the community, he had already announced to everyone that all educated youths could take the college entrance examination.
This may be the only chance for educated youths to return to the city. So both male and female educated youths wanted to participate the college entrance examination. However, their local partners didn't want them to take part.
The reason was very simple. They were afraid that once they leave, they will not come back!
It was a plausible thought. Once they return to the city, they will be city people. Who would want a match and children from the countryside. So the people with educated youth partners were now kicking up a lot of fuss.
Lin Hui's fifth elder brother married a female educated youth.
Now that female educated youth wanted to take part in the college entrance examination. But Lin Hui's mom, Wang Qiu Ying was afraid that she won't come back once she leaves. Therefore, leaving her husband and children behind. So she forbid her from applying.
This female educated youth was called Zhou Xue-e. She was a strong-minded woman. She quarreled with her mother-in-law on the spot. Wang Qiu Ying was so mad that she almost had a heart attack. Zhou Xue-e also threw a tantrum.
Old Fifth Lin was harassed by two women to the point his head feel big. No matter which side he stood on, he was in the wrong.
Lin Hui took the twins to her maternal home. Before entering the door, she asked her fifth elder brother: "Fifth Elder Brother, what are your thoughts on this? If Fifth Elder Sister-in-law insists on taking the college entrance examination, would you agree?"
Old Fifth Lin sighed and replied, "This is not a question of whether I agree or disagree. The community has already said that no one is allowed to stop the educated youth from signing up for the college entrance examination."
Otherwise, they will be arrested.
Besides, with his wife's personality, if he really stops her, they might not be able to live peacefully in the future.
Lin Hui sighed and spoke, "I understand. I will talk with Mom."
As soon as she entered her mom's room, she found her mom laying on the bed with a white towel on her head as she moaned.
Lin Hui walked in quickly and said, "Mom, how are you feeling? Do you want me to take you to the clinic?"
Wang Qiu Ying opened one eye and glanced behind her. Seeing that no one was behind her, she threw aside the towel on her head.
Sitting up, she responded, "No, I'm fine. I'm putting an act for you fifth elder brother. If not, with your fifth elder brother's soft-hearted temper, he will definitely agree after that woman kick up a fuss or two!"
Lin Hui was a little dumbfounded: "Mom, I know you're doing this for Elder Fifth Brother and little nephew, but you can't stop her. Nor can it be stop! If Fifth Elder Sister-in-law is forced to give up the college entrance examination this time, do you think she won't have any resentment in her heart?"
Wang Qiu Ying gritted her teeth: "You think I want to be the villain. Once this female educated youth return to the city, how can she still like mud legs from the countryside? Your little nephew is only three years old, what to do then?"
Lin Hui spoke: "Mom, Fifth Elder Sister-in-law isn't that kind of person. Besides, if Fifth Elder Sister-in-law can get into college, it will help little nephew in the future, right? Also, if our Lin Family can produce a college student, it would be an honorable matter. Isn't that right, Mom?"
Wang Qiu Ying was a little moved by what she said: "But... what if she doesn't come back after passing the exam?"
Lin Hui sighed, "Mom, when Dong Lin's dad returned to the city. You told me not to agree to letting him go. I never thought of stopping him from the beginning to the end. Even when he met with mishap later, I had never regretted it. Because if I stop him, he will have resentment in his heart. If I made him stay, he would had hold resentment and we can't live in harmony. It was better to let him go."
If the other party had a conscience, he would definitely not abandon them. If the other party had no conscience, what was the use of keeping him?
Thinking of her daughter's current life, Wang Qiu Ying budged in the end, "Fine, she can take the exam if she wants. I won't be the villain anymore!"
Lin Hui quickly told her fifth elder brother and fifth elder sister-in-law the news.
Zhou Xue-e was overjoyed when she found out. She patted her chest and assured: "Don't worry. I, Zhou Xue-e, am not the kind of woman who abandon her husband and children. When I go to university, I will definitely come back!"
Lin Hui just smiled but gave no response.
Her ex-husband also told her this back then. Although the other party drowned later, she had a feeling in her heart that even if the other party didn't die, he wouldn't come back to pick up the two of them.
Zhou Xue-e didn't notice little sister-in-law's expression. She was looking for pen and paper everywhere to write a letter home and get her family to help find some information.
Lin Hui came out of her maternal home. Halfway home, she saw female educated youth, Da Zhi carrying a bundle and walking towards the educated youth's point. There were two children chasing her behind her.
The little girl was only two years old. She cried until her face was covered with snot and tears. Her baby voice shouted, "Mom, mom, don't go!"
The little girl was thin and small. She couldn't walk steadily. After chasing a few steps, she fell to the ground and instantly burst into tears.
Despite hearing her daughter falling, Da Zhi didn't stop. Without even looking back, she continued to walk forward with her bundle in her arms.
The little girl's elder brother, Liu Xiao Hu picked up his little sister and coaxed, "Younger Sister don't cry. Let's go back. Elder Brother will cook for you."
The little girl pointed in the direction where her mom disappeared and cried, "Elder Brother, Mom, want Mom!"
Although Liu Xiao Hu was only four years old, the poor's children mature early. In his precocious eyes, there was a hint of hatred: "She isn't our mom. Let's go home!"
Liu Xiao Hu led his sobbing younger sister home. Lin Hui couldn't help shaking her head.
From the start, she was reluctant to marry favus-riddled Gou Sheng. Even after she gave birth to a child later, her mind still couldn't accept. Except for the occasional field work, she didn't do any chores at home.
She wasn't good to the two children either. Even when they cried to death when they were little, she wouldn't hug them. Later, when they grew up, she would beat them at every turn. What pitiful two children.
If she really didn't want to marry, she could have gone to the farm. Besides, it was due to her laziness and wanting to use Gou Sheng, everyone thought that they were dating.
So who can be blamed for this? Her own, no?
On the other hand, favus-riddled Gou Sheng. He was extremely lazy before marriage. After getting married, he suddenly became diligent. After having a child, he became a father and a mother at the same time on top of of working in the field. Seeing how much he did, everyone couldn't help but sigh.
The recovery of college entrance examination had caused angst across the country.
There were also people in the village who disallowed like Lin Family. But in the end they couldn't stop it. All the educated youths signed up for the college entrance examination.
...
When Da Qiao knew that Eldest Cousin Sister was going to take the college entrance examination, she immediately rode her bicycle to the town and asked her godparents to help her find some revision materials.
From Da Qiao's point of view, the decision made by Eldest Cousin Sister was extremely correct.
Eldest Cousin Sister was introverted and quiet. She didn't like complicated life and personnel affairs. If she can be admitted to a normal university, becoming a teacher in the school is the most suitable path for her.
After Shen Family found out, they naturally agreed. They immediately called relatives in the capital to get them to help buy one or two sets of material and send them over.
Da Qiao thanked her godparents. Afterward, she had lunch at Shen's house and played with her younger brother Shen Tian for a while before riding the bike back.
As soon as she got home, a sweet voice came from outside the small house: "Elder Sister Da Qiao, your little cutie is here."
This voice was soft and silky. The softness and waxiness carried sweetness. As if it was the sound from heaven.
When one listen to this voice, they will definitely think that the owner of the voice was a sweet little princess. But the truth is...
As soon as the voice fell, a coal-like little tanned girl merrily walked in. Her dark skin, rough facial features, and flat nose appeared to sight. All together, there was only one word to describe her. That was ugly!
Behind her was Qiao Dong Ying and An Ping.
An Ping walked in and complained: "Little sister, how many times have you said it? Please don't call yourself little cutie. Quite chilling to the max!"
When Younger Sister Da Qiao was a child, she also liked to call herself little cutie. Younger Sister Da Qiao was fair and tender with big eyes and a red mouth. She was prettier than the prosperous baby in the New Year painting. When she said that she was little cutie, everyone would at most laugh at her vanity.
But his little sister looked like this; exactly like from the same mold of his mom. And she dared to say that she was little cutie. He was truly afraid that she will be beaten by everyone when she goes to school in the future!
Little Dong Yun looked back at her elder brother and responded, "Elder Brother, I am little cute. It's not my problem that you don't think I'm cute. It's because your eyes aren't good!"
An Ping: "..."
Little Dong Yun continued to add a knife: "Also, Elder Brother, your voice is too ugly. You sound like a duck when you speak. You shouldn't talk in the future!"
An Ping's face flushed red: "..."
"Pfft..."
Seeing that her younger brother was speechless by youngest sister's retort, Qiao Dong Ying laughed without any sympathy.
An Ping's voice was recently changing. The voice was like a male duck's voice. Simply charring to hear. Youngest sister's mouth was really powerful. The whole family couldn't beat her even when added together!
Youngest Sister was a strange person. She looked ugly, but had a super sweet voice that completely contrast with appearance. More importantly, she didn't think she was ugly. Instead, she was very confident and thought she was pretty and cute.
If she wasn't half a year older than the twins, she would even think she and the twins were triplets!
Yes, she was that confident!
Da Qiao was no stranger to this sibling's love and hate. She rubbed little Dong Yun's head and spoke, "Younger Sister Dong Yun is so good. Go in and sit down. Elder Sister will come to give you lessons in a while!"
After she finished speaking, she sternly looked at her elder cousin brother, "Elder Cousin Brother, hurry up and sit down. If not, I won't be polite!"
An Ping: In this family, elder sisters can beat him at any time, while the two younger sisters would refute him from time to time. He was so pitiful, weak, and helpless.
As soon as the words fell, two fair and tender little dumplings ran out of the room.
The two little dumplings looked exactly the same; with white and tender skin, big eyes like black grapes, and small red lips. Anyone who saw them would marvel at how delicate and dewy these two children looked.
These two little dumplings were Da Qiao's twin younger brothers, Qiao An Jie and Qiao An Xu.
"Elder Sister, you are finally back. I miss you dearly!" Little dumpling Qiao An Xu was running in front.
Although they were twin brothers, their personalities were completely different. Qiao An Jie had a quiet personality, while Qiao An Xu was vain and coquettish.
Qiao An Xu jumped up and hugged his elder sister's thigh. With his head raised, his big watery eyes blinked. So cute that one's heart would melt.
Da Qiao really liked as well as feeling helpless toward this cutey younger brother: "That's right. Elder Sister is back. Did you listen to Mom at home?"
Qiao An Xu grinned and spoke in his baby voice, "Yes. Xu Xu is the most obedient!"
Such a cute little cutie, who can resist.
Qiao An Jie ran up and his little paw grabbed his elder sister's hand: "Elder Sister, Jie Jie is also obedient."
His eyelashes were long and dense. His big watery eyes stared at her like a small animal begging for praise; it made people's hearts melt.
Da Qiao's heart softened. She kissed each of the two younger brothers on the face: "What good children. Elder Sister brought you candies. Quickly, go sit down with Elder Sister Dong Yun."
Qiao An Xu cheered: "Hooray, there's candy to eat!"
Qiao An Jie also pursed his lips and grinned; looking obedient and cute.
...
Because the educated youth in the production team had no textbooks and no materials, they came to Qiao’s house every day to borrow materials. Qiao Dong He relented and lent them the materials to copy.
That was enough. But they still come to ask her questions from time to time. Some of these people hadn't touched textbooks for nearly ten years. They had almost forgotten a lot of knowledge. People come to Qiao's old house every day. The entrance threshold was about to be leveled.
Qiao Dong He was soft-natured and didn't know how to say no to others. In this way, she herself had become someone who can't revise.
Qiao Xiu Zhi had always hoped that her eldest granddaughter's character can be tough. Over the years, she had taught everything she can, but unfortunately it had little effect.
Seeing her eldest granddaughter like this, she simply made a decision to send her eldest granddaughter to live in the town. Afterward the food supply was sent to neighboring Wei Family. So money was also given every month for helping to take care of her eldest granddaughter.
Wei Family's two elders had always been lonely. So they were delighted to be entrusted this task from Qiao Family.
Like this, Qiao Dong He was sent to the town to revise and Qiao's house became quiet.
Although the college entrance examination had made a lot of noise, it was currently the autumn harvest period. A period that got all of the villagers' attention. Everyone threw themselves into this autumn battle.
Once the autumn harvest was completed, the weather was getting colder. The news about the college entrance examination had been confirmed. The first college entrance examination was scheduled on December 11th and 12th.
The educated youth didn't care about things outside the window. They only focused on reviewing and devoting themselves in welcoming the college entrance examination. The production team's school was also forced to suspend classes.
Before the college entrance examination, Da Qiao went to the town to live with her elder cousin sister in order to take care of her.
She added a jade bead to the water that her elder cousin sister drinks every day to ensure that her elder cousin sisters wouldn't get sick. Qiao Dong He felt that after Younger Sister Da Qiao came, her memory seemed to be better.
It usually took three or four read to memorize the knowledge. Now, she can memorized by just reading it twice. And when she woke up the next day, she can still remember it very clearly.
She felt that Younger Sister Da Qiao was her own little lucky star!
Under such pressure, the first college entrance examination arrived.
The day before the college entrance examination, Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan came to live in the town. They took their eldest granddaughter to the examination hall the next day.
Da Qiao handed the water bottle that she had put in the jade bead in the morning to her elder cousin sister and smiled sweetly: "Elder Cousin Sister, just do the questions like normal. Don't worry, you will definitely pass the test!"
"Thank you, Younger Sister Da Qiao. Grandfather, Grandmother, I'm going in."
Qiao Dong He was actually so nervous that her palms were sweating. Now seeing her younger sister's sweet smile, she suddenly became less nervous for some unknown reason.
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan told her not to be nervous. Qiao Dong He nodded, turned around, and walked into the examination room.
At this time, two high-end cars came to Qili production team.
It had been ten years since colleges and universities across the country stopped enrolling students. No one expected that there would be a day when they would recover!
As soon as the news came out, it was like pouring a scoop of water into an oil pan. The whole country was sizzling!
When the news reached Qili production team, it had already been few days later. Still, this didn't reduce everyone's shocked and excitement. Especially the educated youths in the educated youth center. They were almost going crazy with joy!
Some educated youths had been in the countryside for more than ten years. They thought they would stay in the countryside for the rest of their lives and couldn't go back. Most of them got married and had children in the production team.
The educated youth didn't go to the field to work. Even the educated youths who were teaching in the school also stopped going to the school to teach. Their minds were completely on the college entrance examination.
At this time, Qiao Family was talking about the college entrance examination.
Wan Chun Ju snacked on the pumpkin seeds as she spoke, "Isn't it just a test? It is worth the educated youth to cry and laugh. Simply look like mad men!"
From Wan Chun Ju's point of view, what was the use of studying so many books. Haven't these people been working in the fields for so many years? Each and every one of them had to leave their hometowns. Their lives weren't as good as them rural people!
She glanced at her eldest daughter, who was sitting beside her with her head bowed. She spoke, "Dong He, your grandma said that she would introduce you to a good match. Tomorrow, dressed up and come with me to your grandma's house!"
A look of disdain flashed in Qiao Dong He's eyes. Frowning, she replied, "Mom, I don't want to get married so early."
Wan Chun Ju instantly shrieked: "What do you want to do if you don't get married? We provide for you to study for so many years and it got no use. Others graduate from high school and go to factories to make a lot of money for their families. While you haven't earned a penny back. Since you can't make money, you might as well get married sooner!"
Qiao Dong He's face flushed red. Pinching the corners of her clothes with her fingers, she bit her lips white.
She graduated in June. After graduation, she originally wanted to return to the production team to be a teacher. However, the production team had no place for her.
Later, Shen Family introduced her to a job, but she was rejected during the interview. For the past few months, she had been helping at home and working in the fields when it peak farming period. Her mom kept despising her; saying she was useless. It was very frustrating to her.
Last month, her grandma's house introduced a match to her. The man came back after being a soldier. Because of her third uncle's relationship, she was very fond of soldiers. So she went to see him.
The man was tall and thin with a straight back. She had a good first impression. But as soon as the man opened his mouth, she was disillusioned.
He first looked at her like she was a product. Then he began to criticize her for not being pretty and expressed his disdain about her for having so much education and still end up in the field. While the man's mom was eyeing her butt. Then in front of everyone, she commented that she was worried that she would only have daughters like her grandma's family did in the future.
She was so angry that she was in tears. Even so, her mom still blamed her. If her grandmother hadn't stopped her, she would have forced her to get along with that man.
Since that time, she had resisted blind date.
Seeing her unresponsive sullen personality, Wan Chun Ju became angry: "I'm your mom. I have the final say on your affairs. If I tell you to go, you have to go. Otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?" Qiao Xiu Zhi walked in from outside and coldly eyed her with a pair of tiger eyes.
Wan Chun Ju shivered all over. Her arrogance instantly reduced to nothing: "Mom, aren't I thinking for the best for Dong He? She is seventeen years old. If she doesn't find a good man now, they will be picked by others. This child isn't smart and got a clumsy mouth. I'm so heartbroken for her!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi gave her a cold look. Then she turned to look at Qiao Dong He and said, "Dong He, do you know about the continuation of the college entrance examination?"
Qiao Dong He raised her head and nodded: "I know, Grandmother."
Qiao Xiu Zhi continued: "Then do you want to take the exam? You just graduated this year and you meet the qualifications to take it. If you want to take the exam, you must start preparing now!"
Qiao Dong He's face flushed red. She stared straight at her grandmother and said, "Grandmother, can I?"
Qiao Xiu Zhi replied: "I don't know if you can. I'm just asking you if you want to. If you want, I will support you to study. If you don't want to, it's useless for me to force you!"
Before Qiao Dong He could answer, Wan Chun Ju became anxious: "Mom, why should girls study so much? And Dong He is so stupid. Even if she goes to college, she still can't find a job. Why waste all that money? Quickly finding a man to marry is bet..."
Qiao Xiu Zhi retorted: "Since you wished to marry so much, you can divorce Eldest and marry again. My granddaughter wasn't born to marry. If she doesn't want to marry, our Qiao family can support her for a lifetime!"
Wan Chun Ju: "..."
Qiao Dong He's tears were about to fall. She rushed over and hugged her grandmother: "Grandmother, I want to take the college entrance examination. I want to study!"
Her character wasn't lovable. Nor was her mouth good at coaxing people. The only thing she was good at studying. In fact, when it can to studying, she wasn't as good as her younger siblings. She was really useless.
Such a rare chance, her grandmother didn't despise her. She was really touched!
Qiao Xiu Zhi patted her head and said, "Since you want to participate, then properly revise."
Qiao Dong He's eyes reddened with excitement. She nodded vigorously: "En, I must revise well. I will definitely be admitted to university!"
She wanted to become the first college student in Qiao Family. She wanted to make her grandparents proud of her!
Qiao Xiu Zhi glanced at Wan Chun Ju's face again and indifferently stated: "Dong He's book is for revision. If an educated youth comes to borrow the book, no one is allowed to lend it away. Also, from today onwards, no one is allowed to disturb her. Otherwise, get out of Qiao's house!"
Wan Chun Ju: "..."
Her face went from red to white as she touched her chest; feeling like she was about to die of anger!
Her mom told her that this match was very wealthy and was willing to give a dowry of 80 yuan.
Nowadays, the bride price was generally ten yuan and twenty yuan. The generous ones will give thirty or forty yuan. The richer people in the town will give fifty yuan. A wealthy family like eighty yuan was hard to come by!
She had planned to teach Dong He how to please men and take down this rich future son-in-law. However, her mother-in-law unexpectedly blocked the path halfway!
Why should girls study? No matter how much they read, they'll be another family's!
It was useless for her to be angry though. She can't win against her mother-in-law!
...
In addition to Qiao Family and educated youth be rowdy because of the college entrance examination, there were also some families that were even more noisy: the family with educated youth and local pair.
After Wang Shui Sheng came back from a meeting in the community, he had already announced to everyone that all educated youths could take the college entrance examination.
This may be the only chance for educated youths to return to the city. So both male and female educated youths wanted to participate the college entrance examination. However, their local partners didn't want them to take part.
The reason was very simple. They were afraid that once they leave, they will not come back!
It was a plausible thought. Once they return to the city, they will be city people. Who would want a match and children from the countryside. So the people with educated youth partners were now kicking up a lot of fuss.
Lin Hui's fifth elder brother married a female educated youth.
Now that female educated youth wanted to take part in the college entrance examination. But Lin Hui's mom, Wang Qiu Ying was afraid that she won't come back once she leaves. Therefore, leaving her husband and children behind. So she forbid her from applying.
This female educated youth was called Zhou Xue-e. She was a strong-minded woman. She quarreled with her mother-in-law on the spot. Wang Qiu Ying was so mad that she almost had a heart attack. Zhou Xue-e also threw a tantrum.
Old Fifth Lin was harassed by two women to the point his head feel big. No matter which side he stood on, he was in the wrong.
Lin Hui took the twins to her maternal home. Before entering the door, she asked her fifth elder brother: "Fifth Elder Brother, what are your thoughts on this? If Fifth Elder Sister-in-law insists on taking the college entrance examination, would you agree?"
Old Fifth Lin sighed and replied, "This is not a question of whether I agree or disagree. The community has already said that no one is allowed to stop the educated youth from signing up for the college entrance examination."
Otherwise, they will be arrested.
Besides, with his wife's personality, if he really stops her, they might not be able to live peacefully in the future.
Lin Hui sighed and spoke, "I understand. I will talk with Mom."
As soon as she entered her mom's room, she found her mom laying on the bed with a white towel on her head as she moaned.
Lin Hui walked in quickly and said, "Mom, how are you feeling? Do you want me to take you to the clinic?"
Wang Qiu Ying opened one eye and glanced behind her. Seeing that no one was behind her, she threw aside the towel on her head.
Sitting up, she responded, "No, I'm fine. I'm putting an act for you fifth elder brother. If not, with your fifth elder brother's soft-hearted temper, he will definitely agree after that woman kick up a fuss or two!"
Lin Hui was a little dumbfounded: "Mom, I know you're doing this for Elder Fifth Brother and little nephew, but you can't stop her. Nor can it be stop! If Fifth Elder Sister-in-law is forced to give up the college entrance examination this time, do you think she won't have any resentment in her heart?"
Wang Qiu Ying gritted her teeth: "You think I want to be the villain. Once this female educated youth return to the city, how can she still like mud legs from the countryside? Your little nephew is only three years old, what to do then?"
Lin Hui spoke: "Mom, Fifth Elder Sister-in-law isn't that kind of person. Besides, if Fifth Elder Sister-in-law can get into college, it will help little nephew in the future, right? Also, if our Lin Family can produce a college student, it would be an honorable matter. Isn't that right, Mom?"
Wang Qiu Ying was a little moved by what she said: "But... what if she doesn't come back after passing the exam?"
Lin Hui sighed, "Mom, when Dong Lin's dad returned to the city. You told me not to agree to letting him go. I never thought of stopping him from the beginning to the end. Even when he met with mishap later, I had never regretted it. Because if I stop him, he will have resentment in his heart. If I made him stay, he would had hold resentment and we can't live in harmony. It was better to let him go."
If the other party had a conscience, he would definitely not abandon them. If the other party had no conscience, what was the use of keeping him?
Thinking of her daughter's current life, Wang Qiu Ying budged in the end, "Fine, she can take the exam if she wants. I won't be the villain anymore!"
Lin Hui quickly told her fifth elder brother and fifth elder sister-in-law the news.
Zhou Xue-e was overjoyed when she found out. She patted her chest and assured: "Don't worry. I, Zhou Xue-e, am not the kind of woman who abandon her husband and children. When I go to university, I will definitely come back!"
Lin Hui just smiled but gave no response.
Her ex-husband also told her this back then. Although the other party drowned later, she had a feeling in her heart that even if the other party didn't die, he wouldn't come back to pick up the two of them.
Zhou Xue-e didn't notice little sister-in-law's expression. She was looking for pen and paper everywhere to write a letter home and get her family to help find some information.
Lin Hui came out of her maternal home. Halfway home, she saw female educated youth, Da Zhi carrying a bundle and walking towards the educated youth's point. There were two children chasing her behind her.
The little girl was only two years old. She cried until her face was covered with snot and tears. Her baby voice shouted, "Mom, mom, don't go!"
The little girl was thin and small. She couldn't walk steadily. After chasing a few steps, she fell to the ground and instantly burst into tears.
Despite hearing her daughter falling, Da Zhi didn't stop. Without even looking back, she continued to walk forward with her bundle in her arms.
The little girl's elder brother, Liu Xiao Hu picked up his little sister and coaxed, "Younger Sister don't cry. Let's go back. Elder Brother will cook for you."
The little girl pointed in the direction where her mom disappeared and cried, "Elder Brother, Mom, want Mom!"
Although Liu Xiao Hu was only four years old, the poor's children mature early. In his precocious eyes, there was a hint of hatred: "She isn't our mom. Let's go home!"
Liu Xiao Hu led his sobbing younger sister home. Lin Hui couldn't help shaking her head.
From the start, she was reluctant to marry favus-riddled Gou Sheng. Even after she gave birth to a child later, her mind still couldn't accept. Except for the occasional field work, she didn't do any chores at home.
She wasn't good to the two children either. Even when they cried to death when they were little, she wouldn't hug them. Later, when they grew up, she would beat them at every turn. What pitiful two children.
If she really didn't want to marry, she could have gone to the farm. Besides, it was due to her laziness and wanting to use Gou Sheng, everyone thought that they were dating.
So who can be blamed for this? Her own, no?
On the other hand, favus-riddled Gou Sheng. He was extremely lazy before marriage. After getting married, he suddenly became diligent. After having a child, he became a father and a mother at the same time on top of of working in the field. Seeing how much he did, everyone couldn't help but sigh.
The recovery of college entrance examination had caused angst across the country.
There were also people in the village who disallowed like Lin Family. But in the end they couldn't stop it. All the educated youths signed up for the college entrance examination.
...
When Da Qiao knew that Eldest Cousin Sister was going to take the college entrance examination, she immediately rode her bicycle to the town and asked her godparents to help her find some revision materials.
From Da Qiao's point of view, the decision made by Eldest Cousin Sister was extremely correct.
Eldest Cousin Sister was introverted and quiet. She didn't like complicated life and personnel affairs. If she can be admitted to a normal university, becoming a teacher in the school is the most suitable path for her.
After Shen Family found out, they naturally agreed. They immediately called relatives in the capital to get them to help buy one or two sets of material and send them over.
Da Qiao thanked her godparents. Afterward, she had lunch at Shen's house and played with her younger brother Shen Tian for a while before riding the bike back.
As soon as she got home, a sweet voice came from outside the small house: "Elder Sister Da Qiao, your little cutie is here."
This voice was soft and silky. The softness and waxiness carried sweetness. As if it was the sound from heaven.
When one listen to this voice, they will definitely think that the owner of the voice was a sweet little princess. But the truth is...
As soon as the voice fell, a coal-like little tanned girl merrily walked in. Her dark skin, rough facial features, and flat nose appeared to sight. All together, there was only one word to describe her. That was ugly!
Behind her was Qiao Dong Ying and An Ping.
An Ping walked in and complained: "Little sister, how many times have you said it? Please don't call yourself little cutie. Quite chilling to the max!"
When Younger Sister Da Qiao was a child, she also liked to call herself little cutie. Younger Sister Da Qiao was fair and tender with big eyes and a red mouth. She was prettier than the prosperous baby in the New Year painting. When she said that she was little cutie, everyone would at most laugh at her vanity.
But his little sister looked like this; exactly like from the same mold of his mom. And she dared to say that she was little cutie. He was truly afraid that she will be beaten by everyone when she goes to school in the future!
Little Dong Yun looked back at her elder brother and responded, "Elder Brother, I am little cute. It's not my problem that you don't think I'm cute. It's because your eyes aren't good!"
An Ping: "..."
Little Dong Yun continued to add a knife: "Also, Elder Brother, your voice is too ugly. You sound like a duck when you speak. You shouldn't talk in the future!"
An Ping's face flushed red: "..."
"Pfft..."
Seeing that her younger brother was speechless by youngest sister's retort, Qiao Dong Ying laughed without any sympathy.
An Ping's voice was recently changing. The voice was like a male duck's voice. Simply charring to hear. Youngest sister's mouth was really powerful. The whole family couldn't beat her even when added together!
Youngest Sister was a strange person. She looked ugly, but had a super sweet voice that completely contrast with appearance. More importantly, she didn't think she was ugly. Instead, she was very confident and thought she was pretty and cute.
If she wasn't half a year older than the twins, she would even think she and the twins were triplets!
Yes, she was that confident!
Da Qiao was no stranger to this sibling's love and hate. She rubbed little Dong Yun's head and spoke, "Younger Sister Dong Yun is so good. Go in and sit down. Elder Sister will come to give you lessons in a while!"
After she finished speaking, she sternly looked at her elder cousin brother, "Elder Cousin Brother, hurry up and sit down. If not, I won't be polite!"
An Ping: In this family, elder sisters can beat him at any time, while the two younger sisters would refute him from time to time. He was so pitiful, weak, and helpless.
As soon as the words fell, two fair and tender little dumplings ran out of the room.
The two little dumplings looked exactly the same; with white and tender skin, big eyes like black grapes, and small red lips. Anyone who saw them would marvel at how delicate and dewy these two children looked.
These two little dumplings were Da Qiao's twin younger brothers, Qiao An Jie and Qiao An Xu.
"Elder Sister, you are finally back. I miss you dearly!" Little dumpling Qiao An Xu was running in front.
Although they were twin brothers, their personalities were completely different. Qiao An Jie had a quiet personality, while Qiao An Xu was vain and coquettish.
Qiao An Xu jumped up and hugged his elder sister's thigh. With his head raised, his big watery eyes blinked. So cute that one's heart would melt.
Da Qiao really liked as well as feeling helpless toward this cutey younger brother: "That's right. Elder Sister is back. Did you listen to Mom at home?"
Qiao An Xu grinned and spoke in his baby voice, "Yes. Xu Xu is the most obedient!"
Such a cute little cutie, who can resist.
Qiao An Jie ran up and his little paw grabbed his elder sister's hand: "Elder Sister, Jie Jie is also obedient."
His eyelashes were long and dense. His big watery eyes stared at her like a small animal begging for praise; it made people's hearts melt.
Da Qiao's heart softened. She kissed each of the two younger brothers on the face: "What good children. Elder Sister brought you candies. Quickly, go sit down with Elder Sister Dong Yun."
Qiao An Xu cheered: "Hooray, there's candy to eat!"
Qiao An Jie also pursed his lips and grinned; looking obedient and cute.
...
Because the educated youth in the production team had no textbooks and no materials, they came to Qiao’s house every day to borrow materials. Qiao Dong He relented and lent them the materials to copy.
That was enough. But they still come to ask her questions from time to time. Some of these people hadn't touched textbooks for nearly ten years. They had almost forgotten a lot of knowledge. People come to Qiao's old house every day. The entrance threshold was about to be leveled.
Qiao Dong He was soft-natured and didn't know how to say no to others. In this way, she herself had become someone who can't revise.
Qiao Xiu Zhi had always hoped that her eldest granddaughter's character can be tough. Over the years, she had taught everything she can, but unfortunately it had little effect.
Seeing her eldest granddaughter like this, she simply made a decision to send her eldest granddaughter to live in the town. Afterward the food supply was sent to neighboring Wei Family. So money was also given every month for helping to take care of her eldest granddaughter.
Wei Family's two elders had always been lonely. So they were delighted to be entrusted this task from Qiao Family.
Like this, Qiao Dong He was sent to the town to revise and Qiao's house became quiet.
Although the college entrance examination had made a lot of noise, it was currently the autumn harvest period. A period that got all of the villagers' attention. Everyone threw themselves into this autumn battle.
Once the autumn harvest was completed, the weather was getting colder. The news about the college entrance examination had been confirmed. The first college entrance examination was scheduled on December 11th and 12th.
The educated youth didn't care about things outside the window. They only focused on reviewing and devoting themselves in welcoming the college entrance examination. The production team's school was also forced to suspend classes.
Before the college entrance examination, Da Qiao went to the town to live with her elder cousin sister in order to take care of her.
She added a jade bead to the water that her elder cousin sister drinks every day to ensure that her elder cousin sisters wouldn't get sick. Qiao Dong He felt that after Younger Sister Da Qiao came, her memory seemed to be better.
It usually took three or four read to memorize the knowledge. Now, she can memorized by just reading it twice. And when she woke up the next day, she can still remember it very clearly.
She felt that Younger Sister Da Qiao was her own little lucky star!
Under such pressure, the first college entrance examination arrived.
The day before the college entrance examination, Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan came to live in the town. They took their eldest granddaughter to the examination hall the next day.
Da Qiao handed the water bottle that she had put in the jade bead in the morning to her elder cousin sister and smiled sweetly: "Elder Cousin Sister, just do the questions like normal. Don't worry, you will definitely pass the test!"
"Thank you, Younger Sister Da Qiao. Grandfather, Grandmother, I'm going in."
Qiao Dong He was actually so nervous that her palms were sweating. Now seeing her younger sister's sweet smile, she suddenly became less nervous for some unknown reason.
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan told her not to be nervous. Qiao Dong He nodded, turned around, and walked into the examination room.
At this time, two high-end cars came to Qili production team.
I hope Dong He passes and becomes the first one to be a college student to block her mother's mouth! Thank you for the chapter!
ReplyDeleteWhat if the siblings Liu & their father Gou sheng will be the family who will became the ten thousand household something...
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