Shen Qingqing jogged up a few steps, and when she got the envelope, she subconsciously squeezed it; it was a bit thin.
The first-graders, who had already attended one end-of-term summary meeting, certainly knew what was inside that envelope.
The top five students in the grade receive a prize from the school: 50 for first place and 10 for fifth place. Their scores are also published, so everyone naturally understands what level it means to win an award. There is no jealousy, only longing envy.
Shen Qingqing was not included in the ranking because her test paper was different from her classmates'.
But they also knew that this was the prize money for participating in a competition in the province—in the province!
The children at Wangling Primary School are mostly from rural areas. What they hear most and see most on TV is the propaganda about the beautiful blueprint of big cities in the province.
Although Shen Qingqing didn't take the same exams as them, she had already been to the provincial capital and seen the big cities they had only heard of, so she felt even less jealous.
All they felt was curiosity and longing for big cities.
So, after the first Chinese class ended, Shen Qingqing's desk was surrounded, and Chen Man's desk was not spared either.
"Qingqing, which part of the province are you going to? How is it different from where we are?"
"Qingqing, how did you get to the provincial capital? Did you take a minibus? Was it far?"
Are things in the big cities of the province nicer or more expensive than here?
"Qingqing, what do you eat when you go to the provincial capital?"
"..."
Shen Qingqing was about to take out the envelope to look at it when she was surrounded by questions. She quickly stuffed the envelope back into her schoolbag. Hearing the various questions from these little devils, she picked out two that she could remember and answered: "I went by train to Guangcheng. I don't remember much about what I ate, but I remember eating KFC. It was someone from another elementary school who treated us. He had this thick stack of coupons..."
Shen Qingqing raised her hand, stretched out her index finger and thumb, and pinched them together to make a slit.
Wow! That's great...
Actually, back in 2007, there were many counterfeit KFC and McDonald's in their small town, but because these two brands were the most famous, everyone just called the counterfeit ones by the same name.
However, because parents firmly believe that fried foods are all junk food made with gutter oil, they are very firm in not allowing their children to eat them. But every time they pass by, the children are tempted by the aroma wafting out of them and their mouths water.
Over time, in the minds of these children, being able to eat KFC or McDonald's became something to be very envious of.
Not to mention the extravagant act of having a stack of usable coupons and then treating others to a meal!
Shen Qingqing answered everyone's questions with ease amidst the onslaught of elementary school students until the preparatory bell rang for class, at which point everyone hurriedly returned to their seats.
The moment the crowd dispersed, Shen Qingqing closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Hehe..." Chen Man, who was next to her, couldn't help but let out a laugh when she saw her like this.
Shen Qingqing turned her head to stare at her, but saw the lingering envy and melancholy on her face.
Shen Qingqing paused for a moment, then suddenly remembered the questions her classmates had asked. Chen Man could actually answer them too, but no one had ever asked her.
It's no secret in the class that Chen Man's family is wealthy and owns a supermarket. In addition, Chen Man's schoolbag, clothes, shoes and other items clearly put her in a different league from the other children.
Perhaps the children didn't have any awareness of wealth or poverty at first, but the parents who came to pick them up every day saw it and then told the children what to do.
As long as the gap between the rich and the poor exists, such things will happen.
And in this village, in this town, such things will always happen.
So Shen Qingqing just blinked and said to Chen Man, "You told me about your trip to Hainan. After the next class, I'll tell you about my trip to Guangcheng too."
Chen Man was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but smile and gave him a bear hug.
Shen Qingqing took her English book out of her schoolbag and placed it on the left front of her desk. Her seat was not far from the teacher's podium, and the teacher could see clearly what was on her desk at a glance.
Chen Man, who was sitting next to Qingqing, saw it too and immediately asked, "Qingqing, why are you carrying a third-grade book?"
Shen Qingqing answered her softly, "Because I'm learning English."
Chen Man: "?"
"English? What's that?" Chen Man asked, puzzled.
"It's the language spoken by foreigners." Shen Qingqing knew this explanation was inappropriate, but for Chen Man at this moment, it was the best explanation because it was very easy to understand.
Chen Man's eyes widened. "Is that what my uncle said to those foreigners when he went abroad?"
Shen Qingqing nodded, "Yes, because my dad has been learning English recently, and I think it's quite interesting, so I'm learning it with him."
When Chen Man heard her good friend say "interesting," she felt a little restless. During the time when Shen Qingqing frequently went to participate in competitions, even though she only left a day early and was not there on weekends, Chen Man had a feeling that this friend seemed to be drifting further and further away.
She also wanted to keep up with her best friend and didn't want to be separated from her.
"Can I come to your house and study with you?"
Shen Qingqing nodded happily: "Of course!"
For a child who has only learned pinyin for one semester, learning English is naturally a piece of cake.
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