Meng Ming laughed when he heard Hua Kai's words: "I was being narrow-minded. You are young, but you are more mature than me."

Hua Kai smiled somewhat helplessly: "I was forced by life to mature early."

After saying that, she checked her watch and said, "We still have time. Let's go to Section Chief Cheng's house to check on the progress. You can also see the renovation process at his house and anticipate some potential problems you might encounter during your renovation."

Meng Ming said, "I also need to find some renovation workers. I'll go with you and ask the craftsmen over there if they can recommend a few reliable ones."

“Yes, I think Master Yuan is a good person. Let’s go over and ask him.”

As they were talking, the two went to Section Chief Cheng's house.

The progress at Section Chief Cheng's house was quite fast. Because the ceiling height was sufficient, Huakai designed a suspended ceiling for their house. At that time, suspended ceilings were relatively uncommon, so the workers were quite serious, studying and working at the same time.

Upon seeing the flowers bloom, foreman Yuan Changzhi came over and said, "The flowers are in bloom! Look how meticulous we've done this work! This is the first time I've worked like this, and we're all looking forward to seeing how the house will look after the renovation."

Hua Kai nodded repeatedly as she watched the craftsmen's work: "The craftsmen did a really good job. This house will be beautiful after it's finished. By the way, Uncle Yuan, this is the homeowner in the next unit. He's also planning to renovate his house. Could you help him recommend a renovation contractor?"

Meng Ming took out a pack of cigarettes and stuffed it into Yuan Changzhi's pocket: "Master Yuan, I'm counting on you for this. You have to find me someone reliable."

Yuan Changzhi smiled and said, "This young man is a capable person. Don't worry. I can't speak for other things, but I know quite a few people when it comes to renovations. I'll give you two phone numbers so you can contact them and negotiate prices yourself. Having two will give you a better chance to compare, since this also involves a bit of a 'first impression'."

As he spoke, he found a pen and paper, wrote down two phone numbers and names, and gave them to Meng Ming.

Meng Ming thanked Yuan Changzhi again over the phone.

Hua Kai didn't stay by their side the whole time. It wasn't appropriate for her to say anything about it, as time was precious. So she went around looking at the renovation plans and the materials they were buying.

Seeing that it was almost time, the two left. Downstairs, Hua Kai and Meng Ming agreed to meet at the apartment next Monday at noon before Hua Kai returned to school.

I've finished all the work for today and haven't contacted any new clients. I'm waiting for my older brother to come next week, and I'll bring him along. I'll relax this weekend. Anyway, I have some money in hand, so I feel much more at ease.

The next day, Saturday, she was in a good mood because she was going home that evening. Although she hadn't been a part of the family for long, she felt a strong sense of belonging and was particularly happy to go home.

She packed all her things by noon and made plans with her fellow villager Fang Xu and a few classmates who were going home together in the afternoon.

After school, a few classmates and I went to the bus station together and boarded the bus home. There were exactly five of us, and we sat in the last row of five seats at the back of the bus.

Hua Kai sat down by the left window, next to a girl named Li Yanmei. Li Yanmei looked quite mature and was very studious. As soon as she sat down, she asked her classmate a math question.

Judging from her clothing, Li Yanmei's family must not be well-off. Girls like her who are able to go to school usually cherish the opportunity to learn.

As Hua Kai passed through the suburbs, she took note of the factories around her. She would be back next week and needed to find a sofa factory. If the deal went well, she could become a shareholder and the business would develop faster.

After asking the questions, Li Yanmei started rummaging through her schoolbag, took out her English book, and began memorizing vocabulary.

Hua Kai turned around and looked at Li Yanmei, saying, "Yanmei, reading while riding in a car can easily cause nearsightedness. You won't miss a moment to study."

Li Yanmei shook her head: "I'm not good enough. There's a lot of work waiting for me when I get home. My mother has a leg problem and can't do heavy work. I have to go home once a week to wash the family's clothes for a week, and I also have to make some pickled vegetables that can be stored for a while and make pancakes. Anyway, when I go home, I won't have any time to read. I can go to school because of my grandfather's support, and I have to cherish it." After saying that, she continued to look down at her book.

Hua Kai felt a pang of sadness. Many people don't know how much pressure and hardship rural girls in this era endured to be able to go to school.

She closed Li Yanmei's book: "You can learn without reading. Let's practice our English conversations."

Looking at Hua Kai, Li Yanmei suddenly said happily, "I forgot, your spoken English is particularly good. Our teacher praised you in our class. Hua Kai, would you be willing to help me? My spoken English is very poor."

Hua Kai smiled and said, "We're practicing and improving together. From now on, we'll ride in the car together and practice our spoken English together."

Li Yanmei happily put the book away.

Hua Kai started speaking to Li Yanmei in English.

Hua Kai corrected Li Yanmei when she said something wrong.

Time flies when you're studying. Before long, Huakai arrived. She was the first person to get off the bus, so she greeted everyone and then got off.

She had just gotten off the bus when she saw her father waiting for her at the station.

Hua Kai happily called out, "Dad, I'm back!"

In her past life, her father lived very close by, but she never called him that. She would even avoid using the term when possible. That father made her feel no fatherly love. But the father in front of her now made her understand what a father truly is.

Hua Wanjiang went over to help Hua Kai carry her things: "Your mom bought meat when we came back from the market today. She's making dumplings for you at home. Let's hurry home."

Hua Kai handed the bag to Hua Wanjiang: "Hmm. I want to eat the dumplings Mom makes." Then she added, "Dad, did the market go smoothly this week?"

Hua Wanjiang said, "It's going smoothly, don't worry. If things continue like this, our family will have no problem building a new house next year."

Seeing her father's personality change noticeably, Hua Kai was overjoyed: "Dad, we'll have to buy a house in the city someday."

As they were talking, they arrived near the brigade. Ye Yifan and Zhang Fang came out of the yard and saw Hua Kai and Hua Wanjiang walking this way. He handed the documents in his hand to Zhang Fang: "You go to the site first, I'll be there in a bit."

Zhang Fang agreed, waved to the side where the flowers were blooming, and then headed towards the bridge repair area.

Ye Yifan walked up to Hua Kai and Hua Wanhe, called Hua Wanhe "Uncle", and then smiled slightly at Hua Kai: "You're back."

Hua Kai nodded: "Yes, I'll rest this weekend."

When Hua Wanhe saw Ye Yifan, he couldn't hide his gratitude: "Captain Ye, I really don't know how to thank you for what happened to Kaikai. Otherwise, this girl probably wouldn't have been able to go to school."

Ye Yifan quickly said, "Uncle Hua, there's no need to be so polite. Hua Kai and I are friends. It was just a small favor, nothing serious."

Hua Wanhe waved his hand: "No, no, I understand. Our family has no connections or influence. If something happens in the city, we really have no hope. It's just a small favor for you, but it's a real lifesaver for our family."