Yue Ting cherished this opportunity that Song Xia had fought for. She not only wrote a good resume, but also reviewed all the office software she knew the night before.

"Tingting, you're already very capable, there's no need to worry too much," Song Xia said sincerely, because she knew that many job applicants these days don't know anything and can learn after the interview. Yue Ting's academic background might not be outstanding, but she still has the ability to do the job.

In her past life, her daughter's only friend lived a carefree life and later became a regional manager of a large company. She tried to save her daughter, Wei Zhu, many times, but Wei Zhu refused each time.

"I can't let you down, Auntie."

The next day, Wei Zhu got up early as usual to help Song Xia set up her stall. This time, no matter how much Song Xia rushed, she refused to go back: "Mom, you only spend three or four hours a day setting up your stall, morning and evening combined. I promise I will make up for those three or four hours by studying. I will not let it interfere with my studies."

Seeing that she was unusually resolute, and knowing that she was indeed quite tired on her own, Song Xia didn't say anything more.

When the two finished their business and returned home, Yue Ting was just leaving for a job interview. She had cleaned the rented room spotless. Meanwhile, Song Xia received a call from her son, Wei Deng. After asking for 200 yuan last time, Wei Deng had asked for 300 yuan three more times.

After much hesitation, Song Xia finally gave it to him. After all, she didn't want to push him too hard all at once. With someone like Wei Deng, you have to take it slow. Compared to the more than 4,000 yuan in living expenses last month, this month she only gave him 1,100 yuan, which was a big improvement.

"Mom, when are you going to transfer my living expenses? Can't you transfer a larger amount at once? Do you know how difficult things are for me at school?" Wei Deng couldn't hold back his anger this time because he had just lost face in front of his crush, Mo Ru. Mo Ru had finally agreed to a date with him, and all she wanted was a hot pot meal. He couldn't even afford a hot pot meal and could only pretend to be clueless, saying he had something to do today and would make it up another time. What a great opportunity!

Song Xia said dismissively, "The school food is expensive, so just eat outside. And don't always hang out with those rich kids. You know how poor our family is."

"You always make me eat out, and now nobody wants to hang out with me anymore. They don't even invite me when we go out for hot pot."

Song Xia continued to play dumb: "You want to eat hot pot? Come to Mom's, Mom will make it for you. Hot pot restaurants are so expensive. Mom will buy the ingredients herself. A hundred or two hundred yuan will be enough to fill you up."

"Is this the same thing? Mom, what's wrong with you lately? Why do you always make excuses when I ask you for living expenses? How am I supposed to finish university?"

Hearing this, Song Xia paused for a moment before sighing and saying, "Son, it's not that Mom doesn't want to give you living expenses, but Mom is really having a hard time right now."

"You still haven't found a job?"

"Mom went out to look for jobs for two days, but those jobs were tiring and didn't pay much. Now Mom is setting up a stall to sell some snacks."

"Set up a stall? What kind of snacks can you make?" Wei Deng asked skeptically, thinking that his mother was just being ridiculous. Could the income from a stall be stable?

"We sell breakfast items like soy milk and pancakes. We won't make you rich, but we can manage to make ends meet for now. Plus, we need to save up for your tuition next year, so we have to be frugal."

"What about my sister's salary? Hasn't it been paid yet?"

"Didn't I tell you last time about having your sister quit her job?"

"Has my sister already resigned?"

“She quit. She’s been staying with Mom for a few days now. Mom also has to support your sister, and the expenses are…”

"She quit her job because she couldn't find one? Isn't that absurd?" Wei Deng was so angry that he was panting, and sweat was beading on his forehead even in the dead of winter.

"It was Mom who told you not to let your sister find someone. Mom is planning to have your sister take the civil service exam."

"Taking the civil service exam? What kind of civil service exam is she taking? Mom, have you been fooled by her?" Wei Deng paced anxiously. "Is it possible to pass the civil service exam so easily? She even quit her job to take it. If she has no income, how am I supposed to go to school?"

Song Xia said firmly, "Son, Mom made your sister take the civil service exam for your sake."

"What do you mean by 'for me'? If you really cared about me, you should be finding a job right now!"

"This is for your future, son. Think about it. After your sister gets into university, won't her status be different? Not only will she be able to help you out, but she'll also be able to ask for a higher dowry when she gets married. It's a golden opportunity that everyone envies!"

Despite Song Xia's earnest advice, Wei Deng wasn't so easily fooled: "Mom, taking the civil service exam isn't easy. Hundreds or even thousands of people compete for one position, and some even have connections and backing. How could she possibly pass? Mom, it's more reliable to find a job and work hard. If you spend a year trying to pass, you'll just be wasting a year's salary. At 5,000 a month, that's 60,000 a year!"

"So Mom gave your sister three years to focus on preparing for the exam. If she still can't pass in three years, then your sister will have to pay back double the salary she earned in those three years."

"Mom, why can't I get through to you!"

“Son, it’s not that Mom is stubborn, but Mom thinks this idea is real and reliable. Anyway, your sister’s major was just average back then, and she can’t find a high-paying job, so she might as well take a chance.”

"What if she really takes the exam three times? What am I supposed to do?"

"So Mom is setting up a stall to earn money, right? Don't worry, no matter what, Mom will save up your tuition fees. As for your daily living expenses, you might have to be a little frugal."

Afraid that his classmates would hear, Wei Deng growled, "Am I not frugal enough? Do you know how many people laugh at me?"

“We’re all college students, how can you discriminate against students from poor families? Your manners are so bad, we really can’t get along. Son, you should go and talk to your counselor about it.”

Weiden's face darkened further, because he had previously mocked those who had lower living expenses than him, but who knew that in just a few months, his own had become even lower. What could he say about this?

"Okay, even if you let my sister prepare for the exam, she can always find a part-time job. She can earn money even if she only works half a day, and the other half of the day can be used for studying, right?"

Song Xia thought to herself, "This kid is really not satisfied unless he squeezes his sister dry. How can there be such an ungrateful person?"

"What if your sister fails the exam and refuses to give you money on that basis? Mom has already agreed to it. So, Mom will transfer you another 500 yuan. Use it sparingly, or you can go out and do a part-time job."

Song Xia didn't hide her phone call from Wei Zhu. Wei Zhu was studying on the balcony while Song Xia was inside. It was just a one-bedroom apartment, how big could it be? So Wei Zhu overheard some of it.

However, she wasn't sad; on the contrary, she felt much relieved. This was her mother; she had been unusually kind to her these past few days.