After showing off to the military wives who came to ask for advice, Ning Xue felt a little bored.
Because the person she wanted to show off to the most didn't come.
After enduring for so many years, Ning Xue has been holding on with a strong spirit in her heart.
According to her imagination, when the college entrance examination results came out and Su Guangzong and Su Yaozu were admitted to good universities, Ning Tang should be very jealous, Da Wa and the others should feel sorry for themselves, and Chen Lie even blamed Ning Tang, saying that Ning Tang did not know how to teach children.
——Not as good as her.
Ning Xue couldn't understand it.
Since Ning Tang didn't come to see her, she went to find Ning Tang herself.
On Sunday morning, Ning Tang came back from buying groceries and ran into Ning Xue who was blocking her.
In the past two years, Ning Tang rarely saw her because Ning Xue hardly left the house for the twins' studies. When he took a closer look at Ning Xue today, he found that she had really aged a lot, just as Wu Xiuqin said, with gray hair on her temples.
Ning Xue was wearing a grey turtleneck and black pants today. She looked grey and not bright at all.
In order to save money to buy exercise books and reference books for the twins, she was reluctant to use skin care products and buy good clothes. The twins' clothes were replaced again and again, and she wore the same old clothes for seven or eight years.
She couldn't understand Ning Tang, and Ning Tang couldn't understand her.
How could you get yourself into this state?
While Ning Tang was looking at Ning Xue, Ning Xue was also looking at her.
She looked at Ning Tang's hair, clothes, shoes...everything on her body.
People say whether a person eats well and takes good care of himself can be seen at a glance by looking at his hair. Ning Tang's hair is black and shiny, like smooth satin, while Ning Xue's hair is dry, yellow and split, as if it has not been taken care of for a long time.
She was wearing old clothes from seven or eight years ago, while Ning Tang was wearing the most popular small plaid and large prints.
Her eyes swept over Ning Tang's hands, which were as smooth as scallions and well-maintained. However, her own hands had become yellow and rough from years of doing housework.
Ning Xue subconsciously retracted her hand.
Ning Tang asked, "Is there something wrong?"
Looking at the glamorous Ning Tang, Ning Xue felt uneasy, but she still held her neck high like a proud white swan. "The college entrance examination results are out. Guangzong and Yaozu got into Fudan University and Shanghai Jiaotong University respectively."
She did have reason to be proud because she had trained two college students, two!
These days, you are guaranteed a job upon graduation, so the twins' future is bright.
Ning Tang nodded, "So?"
How the twins did in the exams, and what university they went to, is none of her business. They are not her sons.
Ning Xue's eyelids twitched. What she hated most was Ning Tang's nonchalant demeanor. It made her feel like she had punched cotton. "So, what do you mean? I've inquired about it. Your eldest and second daughter only got into accounting and music colleges, right?"
This is also the reason why she enrolled the twins in universities in Shanghai, because the eldest and second daughter went to Shanghai.
She raised her head and glanced at Ning Tang from the corner of her eye, "You are no match for me."
"I've never thought of competing with you," Ning Tang said. "Su Guangzong and Su Yaozu did well in the exams, so there's always someone who did better than them. If everyone wants to compete, how can we ever finish the competition?"
Be content and you will always be happy.
Su Guangzong and Su Yaozu did well in the exams and were admitted to prestigious universities. To be honest, Ning Tang was not surprised at all, because this was the result of their hard work.
When other children are playing, they are studying. When other children are sleeping, they are also studying.
This is achieved at the expense of almost all entertainment and leisure time.
It is only right to have such college entrance examination results.
In comparison, the eldest child is more playful and has a lively personality. Although he studies, he does not spend enough time studying, which is not even half of the time the twins spend studying, or even less than one-third.
It would be ridiculous if the eldest child could surpass the twins' years of hard work with just one or two years of hard work in high school, and could unleash his domineering spirit to get into Tsinghua University or Peking University and step on the twins' feet.
Ning Xue shook her head, "There's no end to the comparison." Then she said confidently, "But I'm better than you, and Guangzong and Yaozu are more promising than Da Wa and Er Niu. You're just being stubborn now. Just wait and see, we've made it through now, and our family's life will only get better and better. I enrolled Guangzong in a clinical program and Yaozu in a computer program. When they graduate, one will be a great doctor and a great expert, and the other a scientist."
"What about your eldest son? Why is he studying accounting? He'll be a junior accountant when he graduates. What future can he have? And your second daughter, she sang a couple of songs, got a few compliments, and she thinks she's so lucky she's enrolled in a music conservatory. It's ridiculous. Is she going to be a music teacher and teach children to sing?"
Ning Tang thought about it carefully and nodded, "That's good too."
The eldest son is good at math and can do accounting quickly and well.
It is enough to be a good accountant who is serious, responsible and capable.
Erniu likes to sing. The leaders are the audience, and the children are also the audience. Besides, teaching the children to sing is also singing, and it is to cultivate the flowers of the motherland. How great is that? Erniu must be happy.
Ning Xue scanned Ning Tang's face carefully and found that she seemed serious. She said in disbelief, "Are you crazy? Isn't the purpose of raising children to help them succeed? What can those two in your family achieve?"
She skipped Sanwa because Sanwa's "big ambition" made her very angry.
Ning Tang smiled: "Yeah, you're right."
Ning Xue curled her lips, feeling that continuing to talk to Ning Tang was a waste of her time.
She suddenly thought about it and understood.
Ning Tang is not envious of her now, it must be because, after all, they have just started college, and Su Guangzong and Su Yaozu's life has just begun. When they both officially graduate and achieve success in their work, that will be the time when Ning Tang will be truly envious and jealous.
In other words, she showed off too early.
Ning Xue deeply agreed with her own thoughts.
He glanced at Ning Tang with a look of pity and sympathy, shook his head and sighed, "Your hard days are still ahead."
After saying that, he turned around and left without giving Ning Tang a chance to speak.
Ning Tang thought to himself, my hard times are not over yet, but you are having a hard time too.
The matter of Ning Xue was just a small episode, and Ning Tang immediately put it behind her. Now the most important thing in front of her was that Da Wa and Er Niu went to college.
The schools that both children have enrolled in are in Shanghai, so they can go together, so there is no need to worry about that.
Moreover, Shanghai is not very far from Hailang Island, at least much closer than Shangang Village.
Besides, Sanwa and Ning Jun are both in Shanghai, so it’s not that Dawa and Erniu are unfamiliar with the place when they go there.
Chen Lie discussed with Ning Tang, "How much living expenses should we give to Da Wa and Er Niu?"
When Sanwa went to Shanghai, Ning Tang gave him two hundred yuan.
The situation of the eldest child is different from that of the second and third children. The third child goes to a training base, where food, accommodation and transportation are all covered.
Da Wa and Er Niu went to school. Although the school would give them 33 kilograms of food coupons every month and a subsidy of ten to sixteen yuan depending on their family situation, the tuition was not free. They had to pay part of the tuition and miscellaneous fees, and they also had to spend money on meals, shopping, books, etc.
There are also bedding, enamel pots and other things. The postage is more expensive than the things themselves, so I asked both children to buy new ones locally, which is another expense.
It is said that there are four major items, three turns and one ring for marriage, but in fact, there are also three major items for going to school.
In the early years, the three major items were washbasin, bedding, and enamel pot. In recent years, the three major items are pen, radio and watch.
We must not treat our children unfairly, so we must prepare all these things.
Especially since Erniu is a vocal music major, it would be beneficial for her to have a radio and listen to more popular songs from Hong Kong and revolutionary songs from China.
We do have a radio at home, but it's an old model and very bulky, so I thought I should buy a new one for my child.
Shen Lie did some calculations and realized that adding up all these miscellaneous things, he would need 300 yuan, which should be enough. He couldn't help but sigh, "Raising a child is really expensive."
Yes, I have spent a lot over the years.
Worried that the children wouldn't have enough to spend, Chen Lie said, "Forget it, I'd better ask them how much money they want to take with them."
Ning Tang asked, "What do you want to ask?"
Chen Lie: "What are you asking? I'm just asking, is three hundred yuan enough? Do you want to bring more?"
Ning Tang shook his head. "Da Wa and Er Niu are sensible. If you ask like this, they will definitely not be willing to ask for more. Even if it's not enough, they will lie to us and say that the money is enough, and then secretly save money."
How to save money? Of course, you should cut back on food, clothing, housing and transportation.
Usually, I want to eat two meat dishes and one vegetable dish for one meal, but I have no money and don’t want to ask my family for money, so I will just eat one meat dish and one vegetable dish, which is not nutritious enough.
I went shopping and wanted to buy some clothes and a handkerchief, but when I thought about my limited money, I had to suppress the idea.
Looking at my classmates wearing beautiful skirts and Mao suits, and then looking down at my own faded shoes, how can I describe the sadness I feel?
Chen Lie thought about it and felt that this was very possible, especially since his three children all had a good sense of money. They had never spent money lavishly and were usually very frugal. Now that they were in Shanghai, they might not have enough money to spend and would have to save in various ways. "So, what do you think we should do?"
Ning Tang said, "What can I do? Just give it to him directly. If it's not enough, he will complain. If it's not enough, he will keep asking if the money is enough. How can he be so embarrassed to ask his family for more?"
In other words, it means that it is better to give a huge sum of money than to ask about your well-being.
If you really want to give, just give it directly. If you ask again and again but don't take direct action, it means you don't really want to give.
Of course, Chen Lie is not that kind of person. He is just careless and didn't think of it at the moment.
After Ning Tang reminded him, he immediately took out six hundred yuan from the cabinet, and after thinking about it, he added another hundred yuan, making three hundred and fifty yuan per person, enough for them to buy the three major school supplies and spend until the Spring Festival and winter vacation.
After giving the money, Chen Lie reminded Da Wa, "When you two are on the train, be careful with your money and belongings. Also, you have to take good care of Er Niu. She's a girl, and it's much more dangerous for her to go out than for a boy like you."
Da Wa said, "Don't worry, Dad, we still have Da Hu. The two of us, grown men, can't protect a girl."
Dahu was also admitted to Shanghai Normal University, and the two good brothers reunited in Shanghai.
Erniu also said, "I can protect myself too." It's not like what her parents said before, that she was drugged by a bad guy!
The eldest child rubbed his hands and said, "Mom, why don't you come with us to Shanghai and visit the third child?"
The two little ones just wanted Ning Tang to go to Shanghai with them, and then call the three kids along, so that the four of them could go shopping and eat together. They would have to play for at least ten days or half a month.
Why not call Chen Lie? Because he has no vacation.
Ning Tang had never seen the Shanghai of this era. It must be very prosperous, with high-rise buildings and neon lights everywhere. Compared with the Hailang Island with its coconut breeze and sea breeze, it must have a different style.
Just as he was about to agree, Shen Lie pulled his sleeve and coughed, "Your mother has something to do, she won't go with you."
Da Wa didn't believe it and pouted, "I don't believe it. What can happen to Mom? She doesn't have to work. I left with Er Niu, and she doesn't have to cook anymore."
Chen Lie's face was serious. "I? If I say there's something wrong, then there's something wrong."
Erniu covered her mouth and laughed secretly, laughing at Da Wa for being a fool, and not being able to see what kind of "two-person world" they were waiting for.
I guess he just wants them to leave as soon as possible.
Ning Tang said, "I've made five bottles of raw pickled fish for each of you, as well as crab sauce and shrimp paste. You can take them to school to eat with your lunch, or share them with your classmates."
This month, crabs and shrimps are fat and have roe in their stomachs, which is perfect for making crab and shrimp paste.
Are you afraid? When your child arrives in Shanghai and can't get used to the food there, just add some sauce for rice and mix it with the rice, and he'll be able to eat it.
Da Wa said clearly, "Not only do I want it pickled raw, but I also want dried mango and seaweed." Afraid that Ning Tang would not agree, he added, "I want to share it with my classmates."
Ning Tang nodded and agreed, "Okay."
The eldest child said, "Please send more. I'm afraid there won't be enough to go around."
There are at least four to six people in a dormitory, all of them are young men. The dried mangoes and seaweed taste good, so they will probably be divided up in no time.
Shen Lie was amused: "You are asking for too much."
Big Kid puffed up his cheeks and said, "I... This is called preparing for a rainy day." He pouted, "I don't know if the food in the school cafeteria is delicious or if it suits my taste."
Ning Tang said, "When you go to college, your roommates and classmates come from all corners of the country. Not only will you bring local specialties, they will also sell them. If they don't suit your taste, you can ask them to try something else. I think some of your classmates will learn to bring hot sauce, broad bean paste, or dried bamboo shoots and sugared radish to mix with rice."
Da Wa's eyes lit up. He didn't expect that going to college would have such benefits, but it was just what he wanted as a foodie.
Erniu asked, "Mom, are we sending the raw pickled ones too?"
"Yes." Ning Tang said, "Send it to the post office. When you get to school, settle down first, and then pick it up from the post office on a weekend."
Chen Lie said, "When you get to Shanghai, go to the base to find Sanwa, take a photo with him, and send the photo back to me and show it to your mother."
Ning Tang thought so too. In the past two years, Sanwa had not returned home, including during the Chinese New Year. He just participated in various competitions, and although he was not seen, the medals and trophies were sent back every once in a while.
When I first went to Shanghai, the medals and trophies Sanwa sent back were mostly silver and bronze. In the past two years, they have all been gold, with only an occasional silver one.
The display cabinet that belongs to Sanwa alone next to the bookshelf is already half full.
The child just joined a swimming team, how can he keep up? It’s like paying taxes to the country, but he never comes back every year, and I don’t know how Sanwa is doing now? Is he fatter or thinner?
Chen Lie asked, "Should I bring the camera to you?"
Erniu waved her hand, "No need, just carry it, we can just go to the photo studio and take the photos."
It takes three days and three nights to get to Shanghai by train, so you must travel light.
Ning Tang even asked them to buy the straw mats and bedding they needed on the spot.
On August 21st, Da Wa, Er Niu and Da Hu set out for Shanghai.
Ning Tang and Shen Lie went to the port to see them off, and happened to meet Su Junyan and Ning Xue who were also there to see them off.
Su Guangzong and Su Yaozu were carrying large and small bags, probably bringing all the pots and pans from home.
Ning Xue stopped every few steps, feeling very reluctant to leave.
When the twins left, it was as if they had taken her heart with them. She said, "How about I go and study with them?"
Su Junyan's eyes flashed with joy, "Okay."
Go away quickly, he will be free when he leaves.
Su Guangzong looked sullen, and he felt like he had nothing to live for. "Mom, we're all college students now," he muttered. "We're not children anymore. How can we go to college and need someone to accompany us?"
Wouldn't that make my classmates laugh at me?
Su Yaozu had a huge sum of money in his bag, all saved up over the years, and was planning to go to Shanghai for some fun. When he heard Ning Xue was going with him, he rolled his eyes and said, "No need, Mom, just come visit us when you miss us. Besides, if you come to accompany me to study, Dad will be alone at home. Who will take care of him and cook for him?"
He was much more convoluted than Su Guangzong, and he was better able to control Ning Xue's lifeline. As soon as he said Su Junyan needed her, as expected, Ning Xue stopped mentioning going to accompany him to study.
Ning Xue thought about it and gave up the idea. "Then, then I will take the train to see you guys later."
Su Yaozu smiled and said "OK" on his face. He thought, when the time comes, he can just decline the opportunity by saying that he is too busy studying and can't come out to see her, and then send her back.
Poor Ning Xue, she still dreams of visiting the twins’ university.
She added, "When you get there, remember to write back, or call to let me know you're safe."
Su Guangzong pursed his lips and said nothing.
Su Yaozu smiled sweetly, "I definitely will."
No one knows a son better than his father. Su Junyan, who was listening at the side, knew that the two of them were trying to fool Ning Xue.
They say that words and deeds are the best teaching. Ning Xue has been on Hailang Island for so many years, but she has written letters to Ning Weidang and Zhou Yin only a few times. Seeing all this, how could the twins write to them? It is very likely that they will disappear without a trace like Ning Xue.
The boat was about to leave, Ning Tang and Shen Lie watched Da Wa and Er Niu get on board.
Da Wa was carrying the luggage, and Er Niu waved to the two of them, pursed her lips, and tears were about to well up in her eyes.
Ning Tang quickly said, "Don't cry. You go in September, and then you have the National Day holiday in October. Then you will have three more months of school, and then you will go home again."
Erniu sniffed and said, "Then my brother and I will go home for National Day." She added, "And bring Sanwa with us."
Ning Tang said, "Don't." He blinked, "Come back during the Spring Festival. Your dad and I want to spend a few more days together."
This is of course just to tease Erniu. Could it be that she really needs a few days of time alone together?
Knowing that the two little ones were going to study in other places, Ning Tang was depressed for a long time, and even Chen Lie sighed a few times when no one was around.
Ning Tang said, "Honestly, don't come back during the National Day holiday. Go find Da Wa and San Wa, bring along Da Hu, and your little sister Fang Fang, who also got into Shanghai, and go stroll around Shanghai and enjoy the sights of a big city."
Afraid that Erniu and Da Wa were still struggling, she gave them a task. "My skincare products are almost gone. Go to the mall and see if there are any suitable ones. Send some back to me."
Then he said to Erniu, "Do you remember the Shanghai Beauty perfume your dad asked someone to bring you when you were a kid? You said it smelled great then. Let's go to the counter this time and see if the perfume still smells as good as before. Has the packaging changed?"
After Ning Tang said this, Erniu had a feeling, "Okay, then we won't be back during the National Day holiday."
Da Wa said, "I'll be back during the Spring Festival."
The captain urged, Da Wa nodded, Er Niu waved, "Let's go."
Ning Tang waved to the two people and said, "Go ahead."
Under the blue sky and blue sea, the sea surface was sparkling and the ship quickly turned into a small black dot.
The next day at noon, Ning Tang got up and planned to make a pot of coconut rice.
Empty the water from the coconut, leaving the shell, stuff the washed glutinous rice into it, add a little sugar, and cook the coconut rice, which is fragrant, sweet, soft and sticky, with a hint of coconut fragrance.
After the coconut rice is cooked, use a knife to cut the top of the coconut into several pieces, just like dividing the eight-treasure rice. The bottom layer is the cooked brown coconut shell, the next layer is the white coconut meat, and the top layer is the glutinous rice with a slightly light yellow color. They are neatly arranged on a white porcelain plate, which looks good and tastes good.
After cooking, Ning Tang habitually called the eldest child to serve the meal. As soon as he said that, he suddenly realized that the two children had already gone to college.
Chen Lie was the same, sitting in front of the coffee table reading a newspaper. The newspaper shook and he glanced at the enamel pot. It was empty, with only tea stems left. He wanted to call Erniu to help him add some hot water.
He glanced at the empty living room, then at the place where Da Wa and Er Niu often sat. The words got stuck in his throat, brewed for a few seconds, and turned into a small sigh.
As soon as he sighed, he laughed again.
It's a good thing that the two children go to college. Why are you sighing? You shouldn't sigh.
Don't sigh that good things are bad things.
On the other side, Da Wa, Er Niu, Da Hu and Fang Fang finally arrived in Shanghai after taking a train for three days and three nights.
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