Chapter 65
◎ Bei Bitang, whom Gu Wangxi couldn't find, is now in People's Park.
She sweetly looks for a park◎
Bei Bitang, whom Gu Wangxi couldn't find, was now in People's Park.
She sweetly went to the park management office and borrowed a piece of cardboard and a piece of chalk.
It was written on the paper: Recruiting college entrance examination tutors!
Bei Bitang prepared herself mentally for more than ten minutes before finding a crowded place, placing the cardboard on the ground and standing behind it.
If I don't take a chance, I can only obey orders and get married obediently.
Even if the money ran out and she couldn't get into college, it wouldn't prevent her from getting married. Taking two paths always gives you a better chance of finding a way out than taking a single one.
Bei Bitang made up her mind to go all out, betting not only her time but also her entire fortune on the college entrance examination.
Half an hour later, people passing by would take a curious look.
Some people may also ask, who in your family did you find a tutor for?
Bei Bitang could only smile and pass it off. If she answered that the teacher she had found was there to tutor her, she would be afraid of being looked at strangely by others.
Someone also gave Bei Bitang some advice, asking her to recruit people from another place and put up a sign at the university gate, fearing that she would not be able to find the teachers.
Bei Bitang's eyes lit up, and she regretted why she hadn't thought of going to college.
She had already wasted most of the day, and time was precious and she couldn't afford to lose any more.
Bei Bitang, who was ignored by everyone, was just about to pack up her things and go to the university to look for someone, when a girl with short hair appeared in front of her.
She asked hesitantly in a low voice, "Hello, comrade, have you found the person?"
Bei Bitang looked up when she heard the voice, and felt that the other person looked familiar.
It just so happened that the other party also felt that he seemed to have seen Bei Bitang.
The two were silent for a moment, then said in unison: "It's you!"
Bei Bitang stroked her temples and said a little embarrassedly, "I haven't found it yet. I plan to try somewhere else."
The short-haired girl took out a small notebook and handed it to Bei Bitang, saying anxiously, "Do you think I can do it? My name is Zhou Jiewen, and I'm a student in the Department of Mathematics at East China Normal University. I'm a local and I got into university in 1977."
Bei Bitang stared at the red university seal on her student ID card in a daze.
Zhou Jiewen urged anxiously, "Comrade?"
Bei Bitang came to her senses and she had a liking for Zhou Jiewen. Like her, Zhou Jiewen was an introvert.
She gets along well with the extroverted Feng Guangmei and Kong Baoer, but to concentrate on reviewing for the college entrance examination, she still prefers to find a quieter teacher.
Bei Bitang, who was doing business for the first time, nodded and quickly decided, "Yes, OK."
Zhou Jiewen was overjoyed, a broad smile blooming on her face. She asked responsibly, "So, are the students I teach studying liberal arts or science? How long is a class? How much does it cost? Does it include transportation and meals? What subjects do I teach? How long do I have to teach? What are the students' personal circumstances?"
Bei Bitang was stunned by the series of questions. She was dumbfounded and didn't know what to say.
Zhou Jiewen blushed and said, "Am I asking too many questions?"
Bei Bitang shook her head and said, "No, no."
Zhou Jiewen looked at her expectantly.
Thinking about my terrible math grades and my quick aptitude for physics, I realized that I had to take math exams for liberal arts majors anyway.
Bei Bitang bit her lip and said, "She's studying science. She's very bad at math. Let's hand in math first and then the other subjects."
Zhou Jiewen immediately responded, "I have no problem with that. Anything is fine! I can schedule lessons while I'm studying. If there's anything I don't understand about other subjects, I can go back and write a lesson plan and teach the next day."
Bei Bitang was very satisfied with Zhou Jiewen's answer. After thinking for a moment, she said, "I can agree on a location for the day before yesterday, but the classroom will be a little shabby. How about teaching in People's Park or the Municipal Library?"
She doesn't have high requirements for the learning environment, after all, she has never had one since she was a child.
You can bring two coarse cloth folding chairs and use the steps as a table.
The lobby of the city library is not quiet either, and they can take classes there without disturbing others.
Zhou Jiewen saw Bei Bitang's dilemma and she also needed this job very much.
Five years ago, Zhou Jiewen's mother was injured by a machine blade in the factory and her injury was so severe that she had to have her leg amputated.
Now paralyzed in bed, Zhou Jiewen is the only one who takes care of him. The school counselor knows Zhou Jiewen's family situation and not only does not force her to live on campus, but also allows Zhou Jiewen to not participate in some activities unless necessary.
As an incapacitated mother, with no income at home, Zhou Jiewen relied on factory compensation for years. The school also arranged a work-study program for her.
But the work-study subsidy was not high and it took up a lot of time, and she also had to go home to take care of her mother, so Zhou Jiewen refused.
Zhou Jiewen's college entrance examination results were not particularly outstanding. She was quiet and introverted, didn't talk much, and her performance was generally mediocre.
In this era, most tutors rely on internal referrals. Zhou Jiewen was extremely envious of her classmates who became tutors in wealthy families.
It's a rare opportunity for a blind cat to catch a dead mouse, and she will definitely find and catch it.
Zhou Jiewen then said sympathetically, "If you don't mind, the class can be held at my house. My mom is the only one at home, so it's very quiet."
After Zhou Jiewen's mother was injured, she relied on the young Zhou Jiewen to take care of her, which did not put too much burden on her husband. However, her husband still cheated on her outside.
Zhou Jiewen is not someone who would swallow her anger. She ignored her family and insisted on getting a divorce because she wanted to give her child a complete home.
Zhou Jiewen also supported her mother and contacted the street office and the factory.
Fortunately, Zhou Jiewen's mother was injured in the line of duty. Fortunately, the factory gave her justice. The child, house, and compensation all belonged to her, and the man was kicked out by her.
Zhou Jiewen's mother has been lying in bed for so many years, but she has a calm mind and does not complain at all. She is a gentle mother who encourages her daughter from time to time.
She also tried her best not to cause trouble for her daughter, and Zhou Jiewen took good care of her mother.
Zhou Jiewen's mother was always clean. There was a disabled person in the house, and he was also clean and tidy, without any unpleasant smell.
One is eager to make money, the other is eager to make progress, but both are in a difficult situation.
Fortunately, Bei Bitang and Zhou Jiewen are both easy-going and shy people, and they can only rely on themselves and have no one to discuss things with.
So a makeshift team was set up.
Bei Bitang agreed to take classes at Zhou Jiewen's house. The two found a shady place and discussed other details.
Each class lasts 60 minutes and costs $2.50, starting with junior high school math. At least eight classes are taught per week, and additional classes can be added at any time, depending on Zhou Jiewen's availability. Bei Bitang can request tutoring in other subjects, and the price remains the same. As the employer, Bei Bitang can also terminate the class at any time. Fees are paid per class.
For convenience, they can cook at Zhou Jiewen's house, and Bei Bitang will have to pay some food expenses.
Bei Bitang did some calculations in her mind and decided that one thousand yuan would barely support her and allow her to take tutoring classes until the college entrance examination next year.
The two also agreed that they could have the first class this weekend.
Zhou Jiewen was surprised when she found out that the person she was going to teach was Bei Bitang, but she didn't say much.
Zhou Jiewen left her home address to Bei Bitang and said goodbye to her.
Bei Bitang went to the park management office with satisfaction, returned the cardboard and chalk, and bought a bag of salted broad beans as a thank you.
Bei Bitang finished her business and returned to the Shikumen. Miao Xiuxiu was sitting on a small stool downstairs, holding a bowl of noodles with sesame sauce in her hand. There was also an enamel water cup on the ground with a few wolfberries floating in it.
Miao Xiuxiu saw Bei Bitang, waved at her and said, "Come here."
Bei Bitang couldn't bear to go, but she had to go.
"Where have you been?" Miao Xiuxiu looked up and asked.
"I just took a stroll outside." Bei Bitang said.
Miao Xiuxiu said as if giving a notice: "Tomorrow morning at nine o'clock, you and Fei Litong will meet at Dahuchun."
Bei Bitang looked resistant and didn't say anything.
Miao Xiuxiu glanced at her and asked, "Don't you want to?"
Bei Bitang pursed her lips and said, "I'm not worthy of it."
Miao Xiuxiu glared and said, "Don't try that on me! If someone doesn't like you, would they agree to meet you?"
Bei Bitang whispered, "It's all because Mum helped them back then."
Miao Xiuxiu placed the bowl and chopsticks on her knees, waved her hands and said, "I understand Fei Linjun. She's not the type to repay a favor with her son. She's been an orphan and a widow for so many years, and her son is more important than anything else! She just fell in love with you!"
Neither of them could convince the other.
Bei Bitang said vaguely: "Mom, I'll go upstairs first."
Miao Xiuxiu was quick-witted and immediately grabbed the corner of Bei Bitang's clothes to prevent her from leaving.
She asked with sharp eyes, "What kind of person do you want to find? Just tell me, Fei Litong is not suitable, and Mom will find you one according to your preferences. You will definitely agree!"
Bei Bitang's voice choked with sobs. "I don't want any of them! Mom, you don't have to worry about me not being able to get married! When I get older and can't marry someone local, I'll marry in northern Jiangsu or Anhui!"
Miao Xiuxiu was not moved by Bei Bitang's crying, she still forced Bei Bitang.
She said, "Fei Litong and He Dafei, choose one. If you choose Fei Litong, then it's He Dafei!"
At the mention of He Dafei's name, Bei Bitang's stomach twitched with anxiety. She looked at Miao Xiuxiu angrily, her tears rising in her voice, "Mom thinks I'm only worthy of He Dafei?"
Miao Xiuxiu deliberately provoked her and said, "What's wrong with He Dafei? He's older and more caring. His family has three generations living under one roof and is very happy. With his looks, he can't even try to be a stepmother. It's safe! If he looked even a little better than he is now, you wouldn't be able to dislike him! If you don't choose him, in a few years, you will only be able to find a stepmother from a man in his forties!"
Miao Xiuxiu admitted in her heart that she had gone a bit too far, but for the sake of family harmony, she had to find a home for her little daughter as soon as possible.
Besides, she is not forced to give her life to the younger daughter just because she is a man. She is Xiang Zhuang dancing with a sword, aiming at Pei Gong. If the younger daughter misses Fei Litong, she will never find another one of the same level.
Bei Bitang felt as if she was useless after being described by Miao Xiuxiu, and it was very humiliating for her to be associated with someone like He Dafei.
The tears on Bei Bitang's face fell to the ground.
A neighbor passed by and noticed that the atmosphere between the mother and daughter was not right. He asked with concern: "What's wrong? Bitang is such a grown-up girl. Xiuxiu, you can't say that your daughter is too harsh."
Miao Xiuxiu let go of her hand, smiled naturally, and said, "It's okay, I'm just worried about her second sister."
All the neighbors knew that more than half a year had passed and there was still no news about Wei Bili's pregnancy.
Bei Bitang took the opportunity to fly towards the stairs, turning her face away so that no one could see the traces of tears on her face.
Bei Bitang slipped away, but Miao Xiuxiu was not in a hurry at all. She smiled and chatted with her neighbors about folk remedies for having children.
You can't escape the fifteenth day if you can't escape the first day.
In the evening, Miao Xiuxiu asked Bei Bitang to pick up the little boy from the nursery.
The sunset illuminated the long bluestone alley. Bei Bitang walked with the little boy in her arms, her face showing a gentle and peaceful expression.
On the way home, Bei Bitang had to pass by He Dafei's house, and there was no way to avoid it.
Sure enough, Bei Bitang's expression changed and her beautiful eyebrows wrinkled.
Upstairs, He Dafei, with his upper body naked and covered in fat, stared at Bei Bitang in a foolish and somewhat creepy manner.
Bei Bitang withdrew her gaze, hugged the little boy tightly, and walked over quickly.
After leaving the little brat downstairs, a group of them gathered together again and were looked after by an elderly person who was free. Bei Bitang went upstairs to help with cooking.
Miao Xiuxiu poured the last dish into the pot, which was the pickled vegetables left over from the morning, and heated them up because the temperature had dropped.
Seeing this, Bei Bitang cleverly went downstairs to tell the little boy to come home for dinner.
In the dim staircase, Bei Bitang held the little boy in her arms and spoke softly to him, trying to get him to talk more.
Suddenly, the little boy loosened his clenched hands, raised them up, and said in a childish voice, "Auntie, this is some candy Uncle He Dafei asked me to bring you."
There was a White Rabbit milk candy in the palm of my hand.
As he spoke, the little boy licked his lips. Uncle He Dafei only gave him two candies, one for him and the other one for him to give to the beautiful young aunt.
He ate one and was reluctant to give the last one to his aunt, but he was a good boy.
Bei Bitang was struck by lightning. No wonder the old ladies who had just been watching the children looked at her so strangely.
Bei Bitang picked up the candy in the little boy's hand with two fingers.
Anyone who wants He Dafei's candy will be thrown into the trash can soon. He Dafei actually touched the little brat, which made her angry and furious.
Bei Bitang came back to her senses and coaxed the little boy, saying, "Kang Kang, didn't Auntie teach you? Don't take things from strangers, or the big bad wolf will take you away."
The little boy suddenly showed a frightened expression, and put his little hands around Bei Bitang's neck tightly.
He whispered, "Little brat, don't take Uncle He Dafei's candy again. Don't let the big bad wolf catch me."
Bei Bitang touched his head and said in a gentle tone: "Don't be afraid, Kang Kang, your aunt is here and will protect you."
The little boy relaxed and shook his head, saying, "I will never take things from outsiders again."
Bei Bitang felt relieved.
That night, Bei Bitang was absent-minded, with Qian and He Dafei appearing in her mind again and again.
Although not a penny had been given to Zhou Jiewen yet, Bei Bitang seemed to see the banknotes in her pocket flying away one by one.
Thinking of the day when she would be out of money, Bei Bitang was filled with panic, her hair stood on end, and her heart seemed to be crushed.
Before turning off the lights, Miao Xiuxiu asked quietly: "Have you thought about it? Are you going to meet Fei's son tomorrow?"
At the same time, Miao Xiuxiu was thinking in her mind that she would find a reason to have a good talk with Fei Linjun tomorrow morning. Since they missed the appointment this time, they would make an appointment next time.
Bei Bitang thought of what Feng Guangmei said. There were many people getting married and having children in college, and there were even two generations attending college at the same time.
Bei Bitang's eyes flickered, and she couldn't help but say, "Then let's meet him."
Miao Xiuxiu was so shocked that she couldn't close her mouth. After a moment, she reacted, slapped her thigh, and said two good words repeatedly.
Bei Bitang found it funny and was about to say something to tell Miao Xiuxiu not to get her hopes up too much.
Miao Xiuxiu stood up and went outside to tell Lin Bilan the good news.
Late at night, heavy wooden clogs creaked on the wooden floor.
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