This summer, he just graduated from junior high school and told his family that he didn't want to continue studying.
His parents tried to persuade him in every possible way for the entire morning, but he still refused to give in.
As a result, in the afternoon, the village chief Cha Chengye invited a baguette from the Cha family ancestral temple, went to his house, and beat him up.
At that time, many adults in the village were watching and cheering as they saw him being beaten and running around the yard.
Cha Zongyi will always remember that day. He had never been so embarrassed since he was a child.
Afterwards, his parents took him to the Cha family's ancestral temple and made him kneel in front of the ancestral tablets to reflect.
With such a shining example as Cha Jiuzhang in front of them, no one in the village objected to forcing their children to go to school.
Even though the college entrance examination was suspended for a period of time in the past few years, the study of the children in the village was not delayed. All children had to at least finish high school.
Therefore, in the year when the college entrance examination was resumed, Chajia Village was able to produce more than a dozen college students, including Cha Jiuzhang, the city's top scorer.
This was a sensation and a topic of conversation at the time.
The city also sent a reporter to Chajia Village for an interview, wrote an exclusive report, and publicized it on the city radio station.
Kneeled all night.
The next day, Cha Zongyi finally gave in. He realized that he alone could not overcome the will of the entire village.
After that day, he hid out on the family’s summer pasture.
After school started in September, I obediently reported to high school.
Cha Zongyi complained to Jiang Tiantian, "Ever since Uncle Chengye became the village chief and Aunt Mingyan became the principal of the elementary school, the education work in our village has never been so strict."
"I heard from my father that when they were young, there was no such thing as compulsory study. Whether to study or not was entirely up to the parents and the children themselves."
Jiang Tiantian laughed when she heard this. She looked at this boy who thought he was very mature but was actually very childish. "So do you think studying is good?"
With the case of Cha Jiuzhang in front and his two elder brothers behind, how dare Cha Zongyi say that studying has no benefits?
He retorted unconvincedly, "But not studying is not necessarily all bad."
"Oh, then tell me, what are the benefits of not studying?" Jiang Tiantian asked.
"I can go out to work earlier and earn money earlier."
At this point, Cha Zongyi's expression darkened. "Sister-in-law, to be honest with you, I've watched my parents not be at home for more than half a year, herding cattle and sheep everywhere since I was a child..."
"You city people may think this job is quite romantic, living by the water and grass all year round."
"But I know that those are just appearances. In fact, herding is really hard work."
"Look at my parents. They are so young, but they look much older than the uncles and aunts of the same age in the village."
"They work so hard because we have four sons in our family. They will marry wives and build houses in the future. Which of these things doesn't require money?"
"Two of my brothers have been admitted to college. My third brother is in his third year of high school this year. It seems that he also has a good chance."
"So it doesn't really matter whether I continue to study or not. I think I can either come back to help my parents herd cattle, or learn from Brother Baiwan and his friends and go out to work and earn money."
"This way, my parents can relax a little."
Jiang Tiantian paused, looked at the young figure walking slowly in front of her, and listened to the unique chirping of insects in autumn in the cold pine forest.
She felt a little sour in her heart, because she had only heard that Uncle Cha's youngest son was naughty and mischievous since he was a child and didn't like to study.
But I didn’t expect that the deep-seated reason for not liking reading was actually this?
What a good child! If we guide him well, there is no need to worry about his future.
Jiang Tiantian thought for a few seconds and asked softly, "Zong Yi, have you ever thought about this? These days, college students are very valuable. Not only do you not need money from your family to get into college, but the government will also provide you with a monthly subsidy. After graduation, you will also be assigned a job."
"If you get into college, you won't have to worry about your future for the rest of your life. Isn't this better than going out to work now and not knowing what your future will be like?"
Cha Zongyi picked up a branch on the road and held it in his hand, then hit the bushes on both sides of the path as he walked, clearing the road for Jiang Tiantian.
Allowing her to walk more smoothly.
After listening to Jiang Tiantian's question, he said gloomily, "Sister-in-law, I understand all the principles you are talking about."
"But I don't think I'm cut out for studying. I haven't even understood the junior high school textbooks. Going to high school will just be a waste of time for me to waste three more years."
"It's better to get out and work earlier."
Jiang Tiantian sighed, "Have you talked about this with your parents?"
Cha Zongyi was stunned for a moment after hearing this. After a moment, he gently shook his head and said, "They are so busy all day long. I don't want to make them worry about my own affairs."
Jiang Tiantian took a quick step and walked side by side with Cha Zongyi, rubbing his head in annoyance.
The teenage boy was a head taller than her and skinny, like a stick.
"How old are you? Why do you have to think so much? These should be considered by your parents."
"When you were in middle school and couldn't keep up with your studies, you should have told them instead of just avoiding and retreating."
Cha Zongyi lowered his head, his fingers stroking the strap of the hunting rifle across his shoulder.
"They're often not at home, who can I tell?"
"Sigh..." Jiang Tiantian couldn't help but sigh.
Fortunately, this kid came with me today. He has a strong sense of self-esteem and is extremely sensible. When encountering problems, he will just digest them silently.
I have no idea where to ask for guidance and help.
Although Uncle Cha and Aunt Cha work hard all year round to take care of their children, they lack the most important companionship and guidance for their children's growth.
I don’t know whether their choice is right or wrong?
However, I heard that Cha Zongyi's three brothers are all very promising, so that's probably why he feels so much pressure now.
Jiang Tiantian said gently, "It's very common to fall behind in studies. We just need to find the reasons and solve them one by one."
"But giving up studying and giving up on yourself is not a smart choice."
Cha Zongyi pouted and said nothing.
He didn't know why he suddenly told Jiang Tiantian all this today.
Maybe it’s because this sister-in-law, although only a few years older than me, is very mature and experienced in dealing with people and solving problems.
He heard many stories about Jiang Tiantian from the villagers, which made him very envious.
If only he could be that capable, he wouldn’t be as confused and conflicted as he is now.
Be able to take full responsibility for your own life and not waver.
Jiang Tiantian thought about it, smiled, and said easily, "This matter is not a very complicated matter. Later, I will ask someone to find a tutor for you in the county."