Other children generally stop receiving financial aid after entering university, because universities offer hardship grants and student loans, and the government takes care of students in need.

Many of the children who received financial aid were very sensible. After being admitted to university, they voluntarily refused the aid and worked part-time to support themselves. With the help of hardship grants and loans, they were able to complete their university studies without any problems.

But just as He Xiaohong was admitted to university this year, her family encountered a disaster. Her father fell down a slope while chopping firewood on the mountain and broke his back. Not only could he not earn money, but he also had to spend a huge amount on medical expenses. He Xiaohong wanted to drop out of school and work, but Fang Tongtong stopped her.

Tong Letian still had doubts and asked again, "Which university does He Xiaohong attend? Is it in Pingjiang?"

"No, it's Hangzhou Normal University, not far from Pingjiang."

"You didn't go see her?"

"I don't have time. I'm swamped with cases lately. I'll visit her when I have time." Fang Tongtong actually wanted to visit He Xiaohong to see if the girl was having any difficulties in life.

She was worried that He Xiaohong was too frugal.

"Call me next time, and we'll go together," Tong Letian said with a smile.

"Okay, we'll talk about it later. Let's go eat, I'm starving."

Fang Tongtong rubbed her stomach. She had a strong digestive system and was always hungry before mealtimes. Tong Letian followed her and said, "Let's go eat grilled fish. It's on me."

"No, Xiaobao will treat me to dinner tonight. I'll just have something simple for lunch. You don't need to treat me."

Fang Tongtong refused, and Tong Letian's eyes darkened. He half-jokingly said, "I didn't offend you, did I? You always refuse my invitations. We're childhood sweethearts, after all!"

It's Shi Xiaobao again.

Tong Letian felt a pang of jealousy; he was annoyed by Shi Xiaobao. He could take Shi Xiaobao's pocket money without a problem, but he had never agreed to be invited to dinner.

This guy was the biggest obstacle in his pursuit of his girlfriend.

If he didn't know that Shi Xiaobao called Fang Tongtong "aunt," he would have suspected that this guy had ulterior motives towards Fang Tongtong.

Fang Tongtong rolled her eyes. "Who said we're childhood sweethearts? We're just classmates. I'm an independent woman who can earn my own money. Why should I let you treat me?"

"Then how could you accept Shi Xiaobao's pocket money?" Tong Letian blurted out.

Fang Tongtong was stunned for a moment, then became somewhat embarrassed and angry, and retorted stubbornly, "How can that be the same? Xiaobao calls me aunt, and the money he gives me is to show respect to his elders, you know!"

Tong Letian smiled and said nothing more. He felt more at ease and a little proud.

Once he and Fang Tongtong get married, Shi Xiaobao will have to call him uncle. Just thinking about it makes me feel great!

"Tongtong, what kind of relatives are Shi Xiaobao's family and your family?" Tong Letian inquired.

He only knew that Shi Xiaobao called Fang Tongtong "aunt," but he really didn't know what kind of relationship they were.

"Shi Xiaobao's grandma calls my grandma aunt, and Shi Xiaobao's dad calls my dad uncle. What kind of relationship is that?!"

Fang Tongtong automatically omitted the word 'table', which reassured Tong Letian. It seems that Fang Tongtong's father was a late-in-life child, hence the large age gap between him and his siblings.

In the evening, Shi Xiaobao and Fang Tongtong ate grilled fish together. It wasn't a particularly luxurious restaurant, but it was the best-tasting in the city. Fang Tongtong knew everything about the food in Pingjiang City, and Shi Xiaobao, eating with her, also learned quite a bit.

"It's delicious."

Fang Tongtong enjoyed her meal immensely. Eating grilled fish with milk tea—that's how you make the most of life!

Shi Xiaobao doesn't eat much. He's not very interested in grilled fish. He usually eats meals prepared according to a strict nutritional diet, which are light, low in oil and salt. He doesn't care much about the taste; as long as he gets enough nutrition, he's satisfied.