After a week of learning, the mechanical engineering students discovered that while they didn't know how well the new textile worker was at practical operation, his theoretical knowledge was absolutely top-notch. He could answer any question you asked, and sometimes even their teacher, Mr. Jiang, would ask him to discuss problems together.
After one class, Chen Ke took the initiative to approach Jiang Dianwen.
"Teacher Jiang, are you free this weekend? I designed a grain harvester and would like to ask you to take a look and see if there are any areas that need improvement."
Jiang Dianwen was quite surprised to hear that Chen Ke had already started designing machines on his own, and immediately welcomed him, saying, "I happen to have a few students who are coming over that day to discuss their design entries for the competition, so I can take a look at them."
Jiang Dianwen thought that although Chen Ke had learned the theoretical knowledge very well, he had never actually operated the machine before and there would definitely be many flaws in his design. Discussing with the students from Nanjing University would also be a learning opportunity.
"Okay, I'll bring the sketch over then. Goodbye, Teacher Jiang."
When Chen Ke got home, he sensed the somber atmosphere, but pretended not to notice. He casually asked, "Chen Yu, how much grain do we have left at home?"
Chen Yu was doing her homework when she heard Chen Ke's words and replied, "Big brother, we're out of noodles... and there's not much coarse grain left either."
Chen Ke nodded, estimating that their food supplies should be almost ready.
"The grain coupons for next month will be issued tomorrow. I'll give you the money. Take the coupons and go to the grain store to buy the grain. The supply will be less next month, so you might not be able to get any." With that, Chen Ke handed the money to Chen Yu.
When Chen Yu took the money, she glanced at Chen Zhi standing next to her. Her eldest brother had only given her the money to buy food. Was he really abandoning his second brother?
Chen Zhi had also secretly peeked at it. These past few days, he had been worried and irritable about this matter. One moment he was thinking about what he would do if his older brother really didn't care about him, and the next he was arguing with himself that his older brother couldn't really abandon him. He had promised his parents when they passed away that he would take care of them.
He couldn't possibly just stand by and watch himself starve to death, could he?
It wasn't until Chen Ke really only gave Chen Yu living expenses that Chen Zhi started to panic, realizing that his older brother was really going to abandon him.
Chen Yu held the money, hesitant to speak, but finally, after Chen Ke put his things down and went inside, Chen Yu said anxiously, "Second brother, please swallow your pride and apologize to eldest brother. You haven't been able to find a job, what are you going to eat next month?"
Chen Zhi lowered his head, his eyes welling up with tears, and said in a muffled voice, "If we don't have anything to eat, we'll starve to death. It's a good opportunity to go down and find my parents."
Chen Ke, who had just come out, overheard this. He glanced at Chen Zhi expressionlessly and said, "Yes, let Mom and Dad see how you, with hands and feet, managed to starve yourself to death."
Chen Zhi was filled with frustration while looking for a job, and when he heard Chen Ke's sarcasm, his frustration instantly turned into anger.
His eyes were bloodshot as he stared straight at Chen Ke, his gaze filled with grievance and accusation.
"It's not that I don't want to work, it's that they don't want me. What can I do?"
"You've tried being a garbage collector and a septic tank cleaner?"
Upon hearing Chen Ke's words, Chen Zhi's eyes widened in disbelief as he asked, "You, you actually want me to do this?"
"What's wrong with doing these things? What, are you more noble or richer than those people who do those jobs? You have plenty of food and clothing?"
Chen Zhi stiffened his neck, his face contorted with resentment, his cheeks flushed red, but he couldn't utter a word.
"If even these jobs don't want you, then you shouldn't complain about others, but rather reflect on yourself!"
Hearing Chen Ke's resounding words, Chen Zhi's indignant expression froze.
"Second brother, apologize to eldest brother. He's always been doing this for our own good," Chen Yu advised from the side.
Chen Zhi gradually calmed down. After hesitating for a long time, just as he was about to speak, Chen Ke had already turned and left.
Chen Yu slapped Chen Zhi in exasperation, "You stubborn ox, look what's happened! If you don't go and take out the sewage, you'll be starving to death next month!"
Chen Zhi opened and closed his mouth, finally managing to utter, "So what if they can fall? If they can fall, why can't I!"
The next day, Saturday, Chen Zhi was nowhere to be seen when he got up early. Following Chen Ke's instructions, Chen Yu took the grain coupons and ran to the grain store. Unexpectedly, there was already a long queue in front of the grain store so early.
As soon as Chen Yu finished queuing, he heard the old woman in front of him say, "Oh, I wish I had come earlier. With so many people ahead of us, I don't know if there will still be any grain left."
Chen Yu was somewhat surprised, "No way, Auntie, we've only just gotten here. There will be even more people coming later."
"Young lady, don't you know? The grain stores can't even keep up with demand. I heard they're not even half as much as last month. How can this be enough?"
"So little?" Chen Yu was getting anxious. She had wanted to use her own money to buy more, but now she wasn't even sure she could buy her share.
The old woman was right. Because so many people heard the news, those in front bought as much as they could, and before they even got to their place, there was no grain left, not even chaff.
Upon learning that there was no grain left, the people in line behind immediately started making a scene, questioning why the grain store had sold so much grain to those in front. The crowd was furious, and the grain store manager had to step in to mediate. He promised to supply another batch of grain in two days before the crowd dispersed, still cursing.
Chen Yu had already stepped aside when the crowd started making a fuss, and after listening to the manager's words, she secretly decided to come and queue up that night.
That evening, the porridge Chen Yu cooked became increasingly thin. Chen Zhi, drinking the watery porridge, asked Chen Yu, "What's wrong? Didn't you manage to get any grain?"
"So you know people are hoarding food?"
"Everyone on the street is talking about this; it seems the famine has spread to the cities."
Chen Yu stirred the paste, "Then I'll add less cornmeal tomorrow. I still have some bran at home, should I add that in?"
Just thinking about that throat-scratching thing made Chen Zhi's throat hurt, but he was so hungry that he didn't even have the strength to empty the sewage. He could only grit his teeth and nod, "Add it. I'll also look for ways to get some food outside."
Have you found a job yet?
Chen Zhi was a little embarrassed, but still said, "I'll just... I'll just dump the sewage."
Chen Yu: ······
"Then do a good job, and remember to take a shower first thing when you come home every day."
"You know, you know, but you're already complaining before you've even done it?"
"You know, the smell is naturally stronger in summer..."
The two of them drank their fill of water while talking, and just as they were about to clear the bowls, Chen Ke returned.
"Big brother, you're back?"
"Hmm." Chen Ke went into the house, took out a paper package from his bag, and handed it to Chen Yu. "Eat this. I bought it for you specially after I got my salary today."
Chen Yu took it and opened it. It turned out to be a large, beige steamed bun. As soon as the packaging was opened, a sweet aroma wafted into her nostrils.
"Big brother, steamed buns!" Chen Yu felt like he was about to swallow his saliva.
Chen Ke smiled and said, "Eat up. Don't worry about the food. Your older brother will take care of it. Just focus on your studies."
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