"My mother said that girls have to get married and are just money-losing goods. There's no point in studying. It's better for me to do more work at home."
Daya looked gloomy when she said this, and it was obvious that she wanted to go study.
"What about your dad? Does he think so too?"
Li Miaomiao felt that although Pei Guosheng looked honest and could not do anything after being beaten with a few sticks, he was not really stupid. He still cared about his daughter very much and would not be so short-sighted.
"My dad thinks it's great for us to go to school, but given our family's situation, it would be a bit difficult for us sisters to study together, not to mention my mom is so against it."
"I don't know your family's situation, but supporting you two sisters in school is not a problem at all. Besides, there's a primary school in the village, and the tuition is not expensive."
Li Miaomiao said this, noting the distressed expressions on Daya and Erya's faces. "The team leader and Accountant Wu have considered that some families are in financial difficulty and can't afford tuition. They can offer tuition waivers by working for the school. If you really don't want to burden your family, you can discuss this with the team leader. I think your mother has no reason to disagree. After all, education is the only way for rural children to have a future."
Hearing what Li Miaomiao said, Daya and Erya's expressions brightened.
"If that's the case, there's no reason for my mom to disagree. The worst that can happen is we can just do more work when we get home."
Li Miaomiao nodded: "If you have any difficulties, you can come to me, or tell your second uncle and ask him to talk to your father. I believe your father will not stop you from studying and making progress."
It’s not that Li Miaomiao likes to meddle in other people’s business. It’s just that Daya and Erya are sensible children and know how to be grateful, so Li Miaomiao is willing to help them.
"Thank you, Second Aunt, but I believe Dad will agree. Originally, Dad also thought that studying would be good for us, but Mom disagreed, saying that we would be a waste of money and that we should save money for my brother's education and marriage."
Even though Pei Guosheng was not as partial as Chen Xuexiang, he also felt sorry for his daughter. After all, the old rural concept still believed that a son was the most important to carry on the family line. After being so unreasonable and nagging by Chen Xuexiang, he did not insist.
"Just keep this in mind. Second Auntie hopes that you will succeed and live a good life on your own in the future."
Daya and Erya nodded heavily. Second aunt was the most capable person, so it was right to listen to her.
"Second Aunt, we will remember this and study hard to become promising people."
After hearing what Li Miaomiao said, Old Lady Pei also said, "It's right to listen to your second aunt. In this whole village, your second aunt is the most capable and promising one, and it's all because of her education. Look at your mother, and then look at your second aunt."
"Grandma, Second Auntie is our role model. We must go to school no matter what, even if we have to work for the school to pay for the tuition."
"As long as you have such determination, it will be fine. Grandma is looking forward to your success."
In fact, Old Mrs. Pei also favors boys over girls, and not just boys over girls. However, she was satisfied to hear her granddaughter's words and looked up to her two granddaughters.
"If your dad stops you from going to school, just tell him that grandma told him to come find me."
After hearing what Grandma Pei said, the two sisters became even happier. With grandma speaking, dad would definitely listen.
Neither Grandma Pei nor Li Miaomiao ever mentioned asking the two sisters to pay for their tuition. Grandma Pei was unwilling to spend so much money on her two granddaughters who would lose money. Moreover, why waste that money when she could use labor instead of tuition.
Li Miaomiao doesn't care about this little money, but she would cherish the things that she earned through her own hard work, right?
The New Year's Eve dinner at noon was very sumptuous. Although there were only six dishes, they were all large portions. There was not only a large bowl of braised pork, but also two chickens, a large pot of pickled fish, and tofu. Li Miaomiao was even more generous, using her own beans to grind a large pot of mapo tofu, as well as a fried egg with leeks and a green vegetable.
“Second sister-in-law is really rich now, she is really willing to give!”
Chen Xuexiang had long been tempted by the aroma coming from the kitchen. Seeing such delicious dishes, she wanted to eat them right away, but she had to say something sour.
Liu Lin had long known what kind of person this sister-in-law was. She had been too lazy to pay attention to her before, but now she couldn't stand anyone saying anything bad about Li Miaomiao. She was busy preparing such a large table of dishes, and it wasn't considered a mistake.
"What are you saying, Third Sister-in-law? No one gets things for free. Second Sister-in-law is living a good life now because she earned it with her own hands. Second Sister-in-law is generous to others. Otherwise, wouldn't she keep all these good things for herself? Why are you making you keep these words?"
Chen Xuexiang just said it casually, but she didn't expect Liu Lin to say these words. Her eyes were red with grievance. She felt that Liu Lin was always on Li Miaomiao's side because she had received benefits from Li Miaomiao. What else did she want to say?
"Okay, eating can't stop you from eating. If you don't want to eat, go back and don't spoil everyone's fun!"
Pei Guosheng usually keeps silent, but today he was so angry that he said these words to scold Chen Xuexiang.
He originally came here to bring some things, but Chen Xuexiang stopped him from all sides, so he finally came empty-handed. Seeing the fourth brother and his wife carrying so many things, he felt embarrassed. But Chen Xuexiang was still not so thoughtful. She ate food for free and said these sour words.
Chen Xuexiang wiped her eyes in grievance. Old Mrs. Pei spoke bluntly at this time: "Old Third is right. If you don't want to eat, just leave. It's such a festive day today, New Year's Day. Who are you wiping your tears for? His father and I are not dead yet!"
Chen Xuexiang has never been a person of integrity, otherwise she would not have swallowed her anger for so many years. After hearing what Old Lady Pei said, she just sat there quietly and didn't say a word. She no longer acted as aggrieved as she did just now, otherwise her mother-in-law would really kick her out.
Li Miaomiao was speechless seeing Chen Xuexiang like this. If Chen Xuexiang could really throw down her chopsticks and leave, she would still look up to her.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Today is the Chinese New Year, let's have the feast. Dad, third and fourth brothers, Guoan brought back a few bottles of good wine just for the New Year."
After hearing what his wife said, Pei Guoan also helped Old Man Pei and his two younger brothers pour wine, and the atmosphere at the dinner table became better.
Pei Yifan looked at Chen Xuexiang, a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes, but after hearing what his parents said, he didn't do anything at this time.
"Da Ya and Er Ya, eat meat!"
Li Miaomiao saw that Daya and Erya were concentrating on eating and didn't pick up many dishes. Chen Xuexiang was only concerned with herself and her son, pretending not to see her two daughters. She added a big chicken leg for Daya and Erya, and also picked up some braised pork for them.
"Thank you, Second Aunt."
Daya and Erya always eat the least and do the most at home, and they dare not even pick up meat or vegetables. It has become a habit. They did not expect that their second aunt would be so nice to them. No one has ever been so nice to them, not even their father who was pretty good to them. They felt Li Miaomiao's love and care, and their eyes were red with emotion.
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