Chapter 249 Diligence

"How could that family possibly agree to a divorce?"

Shan Xiaoyan curled her lip, "What are that man's conditions? How difficult is it to find another wife in the countryside? Besides, Huiqin is a college student now, which is a source of pride. If they get divorced, wouldn't they lose both their wife and their money? How could they let go so easily!"

Nan Zhiyi nodded; this was expected.

Shan Xiaoyan continued, "Anyway, after arguing and making a scene for most of the day, the family saw that Huiqin was determined and had the support of the school teachers and security guards. They knew that continuing to make trouble would not bring them any advantage, and they might even end up losing everything, so they started to soften their stance. In the end, it was a compromise between the two families. The family agreed that Huiqin could continue her studies, but they required her to send more money back home every month than she was currently receiving."

Nan Zhiyi frowned: "Would Huiqin agree? Isn't that like drinking poison to quench thirst? They'll only become more greedy..."

Yang Mei continued, "Huiqin initially refused, fearing it would be a bottomless pit. However, Teacher Li persuaded her. Teacher Li said that the most important thing right now is to stabilize the situation and allow her to stay at school with peace of mind. Agreeing to this condition is a temporary measure; we need to get her out of there first to ensure her studies are not interrupted. As for family issues, we can resolve them later. We can't let this stalemate ruin her future."

Shan Xiaoyan summarized: "So in the end, Teacher Li decided on this! Huiqin temporarily compromised and agreed to increase the money she sent home. The family, grumbling and unwilling, agreed to go back to their hometown today."

Nan Zhiyi breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this.

This outcome is imperfect, even frustrating, but it may be the most realistic and reliable option to ensure Gao Huiqin's academic success at present.

That family's compromise was not due to a change of heart, but rather a typical case of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.

When they discovered that Gao Huiqin was no longer the weak, submissive wife who could be easily manipulated, but a tough woman with knowledge, support, and the courage to resist, their arrogance naturally diminished.

They weighed the pros and cons and realized that pushing too hard might result in losing both money and people, so it was better to take a step back for the time being and still be able to get benefits.

This kind of small-farmer-like shrewdness and calculation was fully demonstrated in this confrontation.

She said softly, "It's good that she can go to school first. At least, Huiqin has taken the most difficult step."

Shan Xiaoyan was still somewhat indignant: "Hmph, that family got off easy! Ten yuan more every month! Huiqin must have had to work so hard!"

Yang Mei was more realistic: "It's already good enough as it is. Let's stabilize things first. Once Huiqin graduates and gets a job, she'll have more confidence. Then we can talk about other things."

The three of them then discussed in hushed tones where Gao Huiqin's extra ten yuan burden would come from.

Nan Zhiyi guessed, "Teacher Li is very responsible, and he will most likely help apply for some temporary hardship subsidies from the school."

Shan Xiaoyan and Yang Mei also thought it was possible, but felt the procedures wouldn't be quick.

The school bell rang just in time, interrupting their discussion.

Just before the third period was about to begin, Gao Huiqin appeared at the classroom door.

She looked tired, but her spirits were clearly higher, and her eyes were much more determined than before.

When Nan Zhiyi saw her, she quickly waved to indicate that there was an empty seat next to her.

Gao Huiqin walked over and sat down. Nan Zhiyi pushed her notebook over and said gently, "Huiqin, these are my notes from the professional courses a couple of days ago. You can take them and copy them if you need them."

Gao Huiqin gratefully accepted it: "Thank you, Zhiyi."

Shan Xiaoyan and Yang Mei also turned around and said:

"My notes are all organized too, I'll get them for you later!"

"I have one too, and I'll let you know whenever I need to!"

A warm feeling welled up in Gao Huiqin's heart. She never expected that her messy family affairs would receive such selfless help and support.

Finally, her voice choked with emotion, she said, "Thank you."

At noon, the four of them went to the cafeteria for lunch.

Nan Zhiyi, Shan Xiaoyan, and Yang Mei tacitly agreed to each order an extra meat dish and warmly invited Gao Huiqin to eat with them, ostensibly to "celebrate the temporary calm of the storm."

Gao Huiqin was a little embarrassed, but with everyone's sincere hospitality, she thanked them earnestly and accepted their warm kindness.

During the meal, Nan Zhiyi, recalling what had happened earlier, asked with concern, "Huiqin, didn't your writing teacher praise your writing skills and suggest you try submitting articles? Have you considered it?"

Gao Huiqin shook her head, somewhat uncertain: "No... I can't do that..."

Nan Zhiyi encouraged her: "I think you can give it a try. Many literary magazines have resumed publication now, which is exactly when they need manuscripts. If you are selected, it will not only be an affirmation of your ability, but also an extra source of income."

Gao Huiqin was somewhat tempted, and after thinking for a moment, she said, "Hmm, I'll give it a try."

Nan Zhiyi then said to Shan Xiaoyan and Yang Mei, "You can also give it a try. It would be good for us to learn this major and practice our skills."

Upon hearing this, Shan Xiaoyan became interested: "Submitting a piece? That sounds interesting! I'd like to give it a try!"

Yang Mei smiled and said, "Then I'll try writing some essays and notes to record my university life."

She looked at Nan Zhiyi and asked softly, "Zhiyi, have you... already submitted your work?"

Nan Zhiyi was somewhat surprised by Yang Mei's keen insight, but since she had been guessed, she no longer hid it and nodded frankly: "Yes, I am writing some stories to submit."

She didn't specify what type of application it was or where she submitted it, and the three classmates were considerate enough not to ask further, since it was a personal matter.

The group then enthusiastically agreed that after the midterm exams, they would definitely take some time to write something and exchange ideas with each other.

After dinner, Shan Xiaoyan, Yang Mei, and Gao Huiqin went back to their dormitory to rest, while Nan Zhiyi went directly to Teacher Li's office.

As Nan Zhiyi's counselor, Ms. Li knew about Nan Zhiyi's family situation. When she saw her, she was very friendly: "Nan Zhiyi, is there something you need?"

Nan Zhiyi cut to the chase: "Teacher Li, I'd like to ask you about Gao Huiqin's scholarship. She's agreed to have her family send more money, but her current allowance is definitely not enough for her living expenses. Is it possible for the school to increase her allowance? Or are there any other support policies available?"

Teacher Li adjusted her glasses, sighed, and looked troubled: "Nan Zhiyi, I understand your concern. However, according to the regulations, Gao Huiqin's situation is rather special. She is a former educated youth who returned to the city and does not meet the requirements for applying for the highest level of hardship assistance."

"However, I have already coordinated with the relevant departments of the school and arranged a work-study position for her, where she helps organize books and periodicals in the library. She can receive a stipend of eight to ten yuan a month. Although it is not much, at least it will give her some financial support so that she can focus on her studies."