Chapter 82 Chapter 82 The benefits of learning English.
This was the first time Liu Xiangxiang expressed her deepest yearning in front of others. She felt ashamed and nervous. Even she felt that she was just daydreaming. She wouldn't be surprised if others thought it was ridiculous and funny, and further ridiculed her to break her wishful thinking.
She was used to being denied anyway.
But I didn't expect my cousin's reaction to be so calm.
Liu Xiangxiang did have some insight. The surprise and curiosity in her cousin's eyes were not mixed with any negative emotions. It seemed that her surprise was simply because her cousin had such a "niche" goal, and not because she was a country girl with no education and no background and was not worthy of having such a lofty dream.
This discovery gave Liu Xiangxiang strength. For the first time, she spoke eloquently about her mental journey over the years.
She didn't know when this idea was instilled in her, but she had always envied those who sat in offices since she was a child. Later, with the help of her family, she found a job as a receptionist in a big hotel. Every day, she only had to wear a beautiful uniform and stand in the lobby of the magnificent hotel. Regardless of their appearance, figure or age, the customers who came and went were at least dressed decently. Men wore suits, leather shoes and mobile phones, and women basically wore high heels and big red lips.
In that gray little county town, their hotel was a beautiful landscape, which made her who worked there look glamorous. So in the past few years, Liu Xiangxiang really loved this job. Even though the salary was not high, there was no technical content and room for advancement, and she didn't have much money left after handing in her salary every month, she never thought about changing.
Sometimes she envied her cousins who had seen the world in Shenzhen, but at the same time she was more content and cherished her own stable current situation. Until that incident happened. She was clearly the most innocent one, but she was the one who was ridiculed and mocked afterwards, and was also subject to malicious speculation by those around her. Liu Xiangxiang suddenly realized that her so-called stability and respectability were nothing but a bunch of bubbles, beautiful and dreamy on the surface, but in fact it would burst at the slightest touch.
Looking back, she saw that her elder sister, whom she admired and envied the most, was already talking about marriage at her age, and was about to get married and have children, and then work hard with her brother-in-law to make a fortune. But she had nothing, didn't want to work, didn't have any cooking skills, and had no money. It seemed like she had lived a lonely life for the past twenty years.
But having nothing also has its advantages. At least she was afraid of having to start over again. Anyway, it couldn't be worse than it is now, so she just had to rush.
Liu Xiangxiang knew that she was stupid and had lived in a daze all these years, so she decided to learn from the smart people in her mind. That was why she was determined to come to Shenzhen to join her cousin.
The day she arrived in Shenzhen, Liu Xiangxiang knew she had made the right choice. The hotel where she previously worked had exaggerated and packaged itself as the most upscale place, but it turned out to be a scam to fool the country folk who had never left the county.
For example, my cousin’s home in Shenzhen is better than a hotel suite in every way except that it is not as big as a hotel and has fewer flashy decorations.
She was just unworldly, but she could tell the difference between beauty and ugliness. After the comparison, she immediately realized that the hotel where she worked before was magnificent, but it was actually the aesthetic of a nouveau riche. It was not as exquisite and attractive as her cousin's house, and it was not as comfortable to live in.
Is this the high-end feeling of a big city? She realized it!
Looking back at how complacent she had been about that job, Liu Xiangxiang felt ashamed again. She felt like the frog in the well in the textbook. But this was just the beginning. In the next few days, she followed her cousin and brother-in-law to see the world, and her three views were broken and reorganized countless times, until she finally had a great enlightenment.
Her so-called glamor, refinement and dignity in the past were so fragile that they could be broken at the slightest poke. The reason was that she had no money in her pocket.
My cousin has money in her pocket, so she doesn't pursue a decent job like me. This is because her clothes and the confidence and composure she exudes from the inside out have already given her enough respectability, and she doesn't need to prove it through external things.
Moreover, after spending money on food, clothing, and daily necessities for my cousin's family, I realized how comfortable life can be in a big city as long as you have enough money. In one sentence, everything that flies in the sky and runs on the ground can be put on the dining table. In the past, this was probably something that only princes and nobles could enjoy. Since my cousin's family was rich, they could enjoy it, and they also brought their country-bound relatives to enjoy it together. It can be said that when one person succeeds, the whole family will prosper.
That's the charm of money.
Liu Xiangxiang, who thought she had seen through the nature of society, soon went to work in a factory with her cousin with their help. From then on, she completely abandoned her previous unrealistic ideas and focused on making money.
Looking at the money flowing into her passbook, she indeed felt unprecedented happiness and peace of mind.
But some things cannot be hidden, just like every time she passed by a tall office building, she couldn't help but stop and look up, imagining the world that she had no chance to contact or understand.
Just like when her cousin asked her what her plans for the future were, she subconsciously pretended to be stupid, but something in her heart was growing wildly. Is it really possible? Can she also choose her own future life?
Her cousin then casually said, "There's more than one way out," which gave her courage for the first time, or something called ambition.
Since there are so many ways out, why can't she be greedy for once and choose to balance money and ideals?
When the little cousin spilled the beans, Liu Suqin put away her casual chatter and became serious. She first gave a positive reply, "If you want to work in the office, there are ways."
Liu Suqin always says that young people should not stay in factories, but should go out more and see the world. She herself is also a beneficiary. In the past two years when her family moved to the city center, her horizons have unknowingly broadened. When it comes to future career planning, she no longer has the idea of "learning a skill and making a living for the rest of her life". It can be said that her cousin came at the right time. If she had come to consult about this issue a year or two earlier, she would not have been able to explain it.
Meanwhile, Liu Suqin, who has a broad vision and extensive network of friends, was confidently analyzing the current situation for her younger cousin. "Although many office positions require these skills, there are also a few special positions that require specialized skills. If you can accurately grasp their needs, the other party will lower their requirements accordingly. We can be qualified with just a junior high school degree."
It is not 2025 now, when there are so many college students and graduate students. Although these junior high school students cannot be considered talents, with the support of professional skills, their academic qualifications can reach certain thresholds.
Liu Xiangxiang looked at her with burning eyes, her eyes full of trust in her, "Sister, what are these professional skills you are talking about? How can I master them?"
The girl's eyes almost blinded her. She had never seen her so excited even when she got her salary. Liu Suqin knew that she really wanted to improve herself, so she didn't keep her in suspense. "As for professional skills, of course you still need to sign up for training. You've made the right choice to come to Shenzhen. There are all kinds of vocational training institutions here. Common ones include accounting classes, computer classes, or English classes. After you learn them, you can work in an office and get a decent job with a good salary."
"I know accounting. We have an experienced accountant in our factory, and he even has two apprentices. So you can sign up for classes to learn this?" Liu Xiangxiang asked eagerly. "But sister, I've never heard of computer classes or English classes. What can you do with them if you learn them?"
Liu Suqin understood her feelings and patiently explained, "With more and more people doing business, the demand for accounting positions will increase. I don't need to explain the practicality of this major. I've heard colleagues from Hong Kong mention computers. They've developed faster there, and computer office work is already widespread, but it's still a new thing here in mainland China. As long as you learn basic skills like typing, creating spreadsheets, and printing documents, you can apply for an office clerk position. Your job will probably be just computer use and printing documents, working from nine to five, a typical white-collar job. And if I remember correctly, computer classes are the shortest and easiest, generally lasting only three to six months, or no more than six months. Then you'll receive a diploma and start looking for a job. Unlike accounting and English, there's so much to learn, and they're divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. To complete them all, it's probably about the same as going to university. Oh, and accounting requires taking that accounting certificate, but you've paid the training fee. As long as you attend classes diligently and master the skills, those certificates won't be a problem."
"Besides, everything has its pros and cons. The disadvantages of the computer class are also obvious. Our economy is developing so fast, and computers will eventually become popular. By then, more and more people will be proficient in using computers, and the so-called professional skills will have little value. If you don't master some other skills, you will probably still be unemployed. You have to take this situation into consideration." Liu Suqin spoke earnestly and naggingly.
Because in her opinion, her cousin got married too early in her previous life and then quit her job to go back home to take care of the children. She relied on men for everything from eating, drinking, and defecating, and she had no power to resist at all.
Although the victim-blaming theory is not advisable, as long as she still has a job, she will not be so easily bullied by the other party.
Of course, if she had a source of income, the scumbag might not be so unscrupulous. Men know how to judge the situation best.
Liu Xiangxiang didn't know what happened in her previous life, but she tried to remember it. She had finally escaped her predetermined fate and mustered up the courage to pursue the career she wanted. Liu Suqin didn't want to see her fall in love again one day and suddenly quit her job to go home and have a baby.
Since she was asked about her future plans, she should consider it from the perspective of stability and long-term development. She would first brainwash this girl and let her have the concept that "this is a lifelong career."
Liu Xiangxiang was unaware of her elder sister's good intentions and simply nodded. "Yes, this is a lifelong matter. I will seriously consider it and won't make any impulsive decisions. But sister, you haven't spoken English yet. I remember that within two years of our graduation, the junior high school in town started teaching English. So, what's the point of me learning English now?"
"It's different. The little English courses you take in junior high school are just for passing exams. Otherwise, why would there be an English major in college?" Liu Suqin laughed. "College students are scarce talent. The government assigns jobs to them. You either work for a high-paying foreign company or for a high-paying private company. Ordinary private companies can't recruit college students, so this is your opportunity. The foreign trade industry in Shenzhen has good development prospects. Foreign trade companies need English-speaking employees more than any other industry, and the compensation is good. If you learn English, it will be easy to find a job."
"So that's how it is." Liu Xiangxiang suddenly understood, but at the same time, she felt even more confused. She asked again sincerely, "What major should I study?"
This time, before Liu Suqin could say anything, her parents answered in unison, "Accounting is the best!"
Qian Juxiang added, "Is there even a need to ask? Accounting is such a great job. Even I've heard that the older an accountant gets, the more popular they become. You're living in a good time now, and schools still teach it. So, of course, you should study accounting. If you learn it, you'll never have to worry about food and shelter. If my fourth child hadn't had any talent for math, I'd have sent him there to learn it."
The fourth child, who was caught off guard by being named, shook his head frantically, "No, no, no, I don't want to learn."
Qian Juxiang glared at him angrily, "You just want to learn, but do you understand? I'm afraid you can't even count the money you spend. You're spending money every day."
Liu Xiangxiang smiled gratefully at her uncle and aunt for their consideration for her, then continued to look at her elder sister with eyes full of trust, "Sister, what do you think?"
Liu Suqin: ...
At this moment, she suddenly realized that her horizons were not that broad. At least she now agreed with her parents' ideas. Her first choice was accounting, followed by English, and finally computer.
The reasons have been mentioned in the previous analysis and there is no need to repeat them.
Liu Xiangxiang really wanted to seek her advice, but she was so distressed that a fly could be caught in her frown. "Sister, when I was in school, my math grades were just as good as Liu Ping's. This accounting... I probably won't understand it either."
Liu Suqin was surprised. "Why do I remember Second Aunt praising you for your good grades and how you almost got into high school?"
"The teacher said I was very biased in my studies. I was very good in liberal arts, but terrible in science, especially math." Liu Xiangxiang wiped the sweat off her forehead and said honestly, "And I wasn't just a little bit away from high school. I was about twenty points away. In my class, only two people went to technical secondary school and two went to the county high school. I was ranked sixth in the school. My mom probably heard that I was only two points away and thought I was almost going to high school."
Liu Suqin didn't dwell on this matter for too long. After all, she was reborn too late and had no chance to send her cousin back to school to repeat a grade. "Since you have such good grades in liberal arts, you should be good at English as well?"
Liu Xiangxiang was a little excited, but also a little timid. "I don't know. I've never been exposed to this before. I'm afraid I won't be able to learn it well, and I'll waste my money and let down the advice you gave me."
"You didn't learn politics and history before entering junior high school, but you still ranked among the top in the school, don't worry, you are so smart and willing to work hard to memorize words, so English will not be difficult for you." Anyway, it was not her who had to learn it, so Liu Suqin couldn't help but speak some chicken soup.
However, this trick was just right for Liu Xiangxiang, who had always been denied. It brought her great encouragement and energy, and her expression gradually began to relax. At this time, Lin Nanjiang also took the initiative and encouraged her, "Little sister, just listen to your sister and learn English. After you finish learning, you want to work in foreign trade. Maybe we can ask Jiaming to take you into the industry. He has taken others in. After all, you are our sister, obedient, hardworking and able to endure hardships. It is worth being his subordinate."
When Liu Suqin talked about the career direction of the English class earlier, she also mentioned the former landlord's son Chen Jiaming. Liu Xiangxiang had never seen the successful Jiaming brother mentioned by her cousin, but she could tell from the expressions of her uncle and aunt that her cousin's family had a very good relationship with the Chen family. They often visited each other and gave each other gifts around the Chinese New Year, which was almost like visiting relatives.
So when her brother-in-law asked a friend to introduce her to the industry, Liu Xiangxiang didn't shy away, but just smiled sheepishly. "Really? Will it cause trouble for me and my brother-in-law? My business is not a big deal. Since you've decided to learn English, you must be determined to find a job on your own. I'm worried that will affect your friendship."
"Don't worry, with our relationship, this is just a matter of a word. Whether it succeeds or not, neither of us will care. You don't have to feel psychologically burdened." After a few years of contact with each other, Lin Nanjiang still has this confidence and continues to talk about the time when he learned English.
He could tell his wife wanted her to learn English more than computers. He was also optimistic about English; it sounded very advanced, and the family was in need of someone with such talent. So he began to recommend it even more enthusiastically, "Your sister and I don't know anything about English. If you learn this, you can even help our Fangfang with her studies. How practical!"
Liu Xiangxiang had already had an idea, but upon hearing this she couldn't help but burst out laughing, "Brother-in-law, you're thinking too far ahead. By the time Xiao Fangfang starts learning English in junior high school, it will still be more than ten years. I'm afraid I would have already returned the knowledge to the teacher long ago."
Liu Suqin couldn't help laughing as well, but she also smiled and spoke up for her husband, "No, here in Shenzhen, elementary school students are learning English, and even some kindergartens teach it. If you don't mind, you can help her with her enlightenment when she's five or six years old, so she can win at the starting line."
The premise is that her daughter is not opposed to learning English. If she absolutely does not want to learn English, then forget it. It is more important to give her child a complete childhood. She said this more to popularize the importance of English to everyone.
Liu Xiangxiang was stunned after hearing this. "Ah, they started learning English at the age of five or six. Are kids in big cities so advanced?"
Qian Juxiang still didn't understand what English was, and she didn't think it was any better than accounting. She was still more optimistic about the future of accounting. But her niece wasn't her own daughter, so she said what she had to say and wouldn't force her to follow the path she favored.
But she knew that her daughter and son-in-law both wanted Xiao Fangfang to learn English, proving that it was a good thing, so she immediately chimed in, "Yes, yes, Xiangxiang, why don't you consider it? In the future, our Fangfang will learn English from auntie, and her grades will be better than her classmates. Maybe she can even get into university. Then you will be a hero of our family."
Liu Xiangxiang was almost fooled to the point of being lost, but Liu Suqin spread her hands and said with a smile, "You see, English is such a practical skill. Even if you don't want to work in foreign trade, you can find time to tutor primary and secondary school students in the future. The income is not low."
This sounds outrageous at first, but it makes sense when you think about it carefully. Liu Xiangxiang covered her chest in her heart. Oh no, it was a heart-pounding feeling.
Qian Juxiang suddenly thought of something and approached her husband, conspiring loudly, "Old man, since you said English is so important, how about letting your eldest grandson and granddaughter learn it too?"
"I'll learn!" After being urged by them, Liu Xiangxiang made up her mind and said with a firm fist, "Next year, I'll save up another year's salary and sign up for this English class!"
Liu Suqin thought that since they had a goal, they should not waste a year, and she could provide an interest-free loan.
However, considering that the English class cycle is relatively long, even the beginner class lasts for half a year at the shortest and a year at the longest, and the learning tasks are heavy, it is especially necessary to calm down. If my cousin does not save more money before going to training, even if she has her own support, she will inevitably worry or be anxious about financial issues and cannot concentrate on studying. That would be a loss.
Thinking about it, Liu Suqin smiled and encouraged him, "That's fine. You're young, so it's not too late to save up another year's salary. But you also know that time is precious. You should start classes after next year at the latest. If you're still short of money by then, don't worry. I'll support you in learning English until you find a job, even if I have to borrow money."
Upon hearing this, Qian Juxiang subconsciously wanted to speak out to stop her. The dead girl had her old habit again. She supported this and that, and she was the first to speak before others even mentioned it. She really thought of herself as a money-giving boy.
But when her eyes fell on Liu Xiangxiang's face, which seemed unchanged but seemed particularly hard to look away from, she suddenly lost the urge to stop it.
Forget it. Xiangxiang is not an outsider. The admiration and yearning in her eyes for her cousin Suqin is not fake. She has always been close to the fourth brother. More importantly, she has seen her niece's performance in the past six months. She is a good child who knows how to repay kindness and is generous in doing things. Therefore, she is not afraid that her daughter's kindness to her will be wasted in the end. There is no need for her to be a villain in vain.
After Qian Juxiang persuaded herself in this way, she suddenly realized that her daughter was not stupid or rich. Liu Xiangxiang was a grateful person. In addition, she learned some English and found a good job in Shenzhen. Maybe she would find someone to marry and settle down here in the future. In that way, the two sisters could help each other and take care of each other.
At most, she can help take care of the children for a few years. When the fourth child gets married, she and the old man will be old and will eventually have to return to their hometown. When the time comes, Qian Juxiang will have to worry about her daughter, leaving her alone in Shenzhen. Having a reliable sister by her side means there will be someone to support her if something goes wrong. The two sisters can also talk to each other and talk about their hometown on weekdays, which will make her daughter feel more at ease.
Not bad, not bad. Qian Juxiang immediately put away her reluctance from the previous second, put on a friendly smile, and began to spare no effort to help her daughter improve her favorability. "Xiangxiang, you see, your sister has never had a biological sister since she was a child, and Liu Ping is not well-behaved and considerate. Only you have been following her and calling her sister. She doesn't say it, but she likes you very much in her heart and treats you like her own sister. That's why she worries about you so much. Even Liu Ping doesn't receive such treatment! So don't be distant with your sister. She does all this for no other reason than to see you live a good life. As long as you don't disappoint your sister's expectations, it will be considered a reward for her."
Liu Suqin thought that once her mother made a move, she could make all the black into white. She nodded happily, "Yes, I just hope you can take fewer detours and live a smooth and happy life."
If you are successful, you should help the world. She has never had to worry about food and clothing in her life. She really just hopes that her cousin can get rid of the domestic violence man and be reborn from the ashes. What her mother said is all right!
Liu Xiangxiang was already very moved, and after being touched by the two of them, she could no longer hold back her tears. She nodded and sobbed, "I know, I know. In my heart, you are also my biological sister, closer than my own daughter."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
