"Captain, I want to go too."

Leng Zhaodi took half a step forward, her voice filled with barely suppressed urgency.

Share the good news with your family, and with Ye Nian'an and the others!

She said she also got into university!

We did not disappoint them!

Shi Minghui rubbed his hands, which were red from the cold, and breathed out white smoke as he said, "It's getting late now, and it's dangerous to travel. Tomorrow morning, I'll have Old Ma hitch up an oxcart and take you to town to make a phone call safely."

He sighed softly as he said this: "It's a pity that our brigade doesn't have a telephone. We have to go to town to make a call. It's such a hassle."

Although Hongxing Brigade was one of the top production brigades in the surrounding area, and the Chu family had won many honorary awards for their village when they were sent down to the countryside.

But telephones are precious items. After applying for six months, the approval document is still stuck at the county post office. It is said that the earliest it can be installed is next spring.

Going to and from town takes at least half a day, it's quite tiring.

"Thanks to Comrade Ye Nian'an and his team, they performed exceptionally well in the brigade and brought us a lot of honor. The neighboring Dongfeng brigade, for example, has been applying for a phone number for almost a year and still hasn't received anything!"

"Yes, it's all thanks to Sister Nian'an and the others..."

Leng Zhaodi couldn't help but sigh.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Ye Nian'an's appearance changed her entire life.

If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have found a role model, become so brave, and become someone who wasn't the silent, indifferent Leng Zhaodi who only knew how to please others.

Getting into university was like a dream come true. She never imagined that someone like herself could get into university, and do so well!

"It's alright, Captain. Now that we've already secured a place in university, how can we not wait? We can afford to wait! Let's wait until tomorrow!"

Yang Lijuan counted on her fingers, then suddenly clapped her hands: "Zhaodi, there are only four days left until New Year's Day! Maybe we can make it back and have some New Year's dumplings with our families!"

"I hope so."

Leng Zhaodi smiled slightly.

She knew it was a bit risky; it would take two days and two nights just to travel from the countryside to the city by train.

But the little bit of joyful anticipation in my heart was like having a warm little beast inside, tickling my heart.

Soon, the news that Leng Zhaodi, Yang Lijuan, and Qin Yunze had been admitted to university spread like wildfire throughout the entire Hongxing Brigade.

Qin Yunze brought his report card with him, and the three of them huddled under the kerosene lamp, discussing their route to town the next day, their conversation filled with barely suppressed laughter.

The educated youth settlement became lively. Some people brought half a bag of roasted peanuts to congratulate him, while others smiled with hidden malice, harboring envy, jealousy, and hatred in their hearts.

Leng Zhaodi and the others couldn't be bothered to pay attention; getting into university was a sure thing anyway.

The train ticket back to the city seemed to be firmly in my grasp, and bright days were just around the corner. Those sour words were nothing but the complaints of incompetent people.

As they were talking, Meng Sufang came over carrying her two-year-old son, Xiao Maodou, with Bai Xiaofei following behind.

Little Maodou, wearing a red cotton-padded jacket, looked like a round, plump New Year's bun. He giggled when he saw Leng Zhaodi and stretched out his chubby little hands for a hug.

"Zhaodi, congratulations on getting into university."

Meng Sufang handed the child to Bai Xiaofei, took Leng Zhaodi's hand, and said with genuine joy in her eyes, "I'm so happy for you from the bottom of my heart."

Although this means they are about to separate.

"Thank you, Sister Sufang."

Leng Zhaodi expressed her heartfelt gratitude.

Ever since the Chu family was exonerated and returned to the city, Meng Sufang was the only person in the Red Star Brigade who was on good terms with him, someone he could talk to, and who had helped him a lot.

"Silly girl, what are you thanking me for? I knew you could do it!"

Meng Sufang stroked Leng Zhaodi's hand and said, "Are you going to town to make a phone call tomorrow? Can you take me with you? I haven't spoken to Nian'an in a long time either. I'll pay half the phone bill."

Since Ye Nian'an returned to the city, they could only keep in touch by letter. Occasionally, she would send some things over, which made everyone very happy.

Making a phone call is too extravagant; three minutes costs 12 cents, enough to buy two pounds of cornmeal.

Taking advantage of the festive atmosphere today, she really wanted to hear that familiar voice.

"Okay, Sister Sufang!"

Leng Zhaodi smiled and nodded, her eyes curving into crescents: "Sister Nian'an and Sister Xin'er must have passed the exam too, so let's share the good news together!"

"By the way, Zhao Di, when you called Comrade Ye Nian'an, do you think Comrade Ye Yao would be very happy to hear that you got into university?"

Yang Lijuan suddenly leaned closer and gently nudged Leng Zhaodi's arm with her elbow, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Leng Zhaodi's face flushed red instantly, as if it had been heated by a kerosene lamp, even her ears turned pink.

She hurriedly lowered her head, pretending to straighten her clothes, her voice barely audible: "Lijuan, what nonsense are you talking about..."

Hehe~

Yang Lijuan smiled mysteriously, leaving it at that.

She had already figured it out during those days and nights they spent preparing for the college entrance exam together.

When Leng Zhaodi was seen flipping through Ye Yao's notes from time to time, touching the delicate handwriting, her eyes were filled with affection as sweet as honey.

Anyone who isn't a fool can guess what Leng Zhaodi is thinking.

Yang Lijuan had only met Ye Yao once. He had regular features and spoke gently. He was not only a college student, but also Ye Nian'an's older brother. His character was impeccable; he was indeed an outstanding man.

As Leng Zhaodi's best friend, I naturally want to encourage her to seize the opportunity.

Meng Sufang held the child, looked at Leng Zhaodi's flushed face, and then at Yang Lijuan's mischievous smile, completely bewildered.

Ye Nian'an will definitely be very happy to know this.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!