The old lady was reluctant to part with her daughter, which Wen Songtao and Jiang Qiao could understand. After so many years, this was Zhou Yaru's first time visiting her daughter's home, and she hadn't even stayed long before leaving in such a hurry. No one would feel good about that.
“Grandma, after we’ve settled things at home, you and Grandpa can come over. You can also stay at my place for a few days. We can travel around. Grandpa used to always be the one going on long trips, but this time it’s your turn.”
Zhou Yaru wiped away her tears and sighed, "Don't you see how old your grandma is? She's still traveling around. Every time we visit her, it will be one less time for her. Actually, I just wanted to help your mom take care of the kids while I can still move around. Both of them have to work. Your little brother is so young, he doesn't know the cold or the pain. What if they don't find a good person to take care of him?"
The old lady didn't say anything more. She didn't want a repeat of Jiang Qiao's situation. If she lost her daughter again, she would probably go crazy. She finally had a child, so she had to take good care of her.
"Oh, you don't think there are as many bad people as you think. If you pay them to take care of you, how could they not be meticulous? Don't worry."
Actually, Jiang Qiao left Gu Zhengfeng some money when she left. Gu Zhengfeng didn't want it, but his daughter insisted on giving it to him. Besides, Jiang Qiao wasn't short of money. She really didn't care about this little bit of money because she wanted her parents and younger brother to have enough to eat and wear. Even though Gu Zhengfeng and his wife both earned salaries, their expenses were quite high.
With Jiang Qiao taking care of them along the way, the elderly couple felt much more comfortable. However, when Jiang Qiao got off the train, the old lady was reluctant to leave. Unfortunately, the train couldn't wait for anyone, so Jiang Qiao could only wave goodbye to the couple on the platform.
"Qiao'er?"
Jiang Qiao turned around and saw a familiar face. "Brother Chunming? Where are you going?"
Chunming gave a wry smile. "Where could I go? I just saw my master off on his way. He's going on a long trip, saying a friend invited him. I don't know what's going on. If you hadn't turned around just now, I almost wouldn't have recognized you. You've changed so much."
Jiang Qiao chuckled, "I've just gotten fairer, gained weight, and grown taller, that's all. It's not as strange as you're making it out to be."
Chunming took the luggage from Jiang Qiao's hands. "Let's go, are you going to see your dad?"
Jiang Qiao nodded, and Chunming then said, "If you don't come back soon, your teacher will probably be looking for you. Do you know that you got first place in the county this time? You didn't see how proud your teacher is. He's almost forgotten who he is."
Our homeroom teacher can only be angry and helpless. She thought Zhao Jianjun could compete with you, but after seeing his grades, he's far behind.
Jiang Qiao just smiled and said, "It's not as strange as you say. I guess Zhao Jianjun is probably getting extra lessons. I thought he was going to soar to great heights."
Chunming chuckled and sighed, "You have no idea how much Zhao Jianjun's mother acts like she owns the place in our compound. She tells everyone she meets about her son."
"And you, did you get in?"
Chunming smiled wryly, "Sister Qiao'er, are you kidding me? If someone like me can get in, what about those who are good at studying? Let me tell you, quite a few students who usually do well in exams didn't get in."
But a miracle happened, you know? Your deskmate actually barely made it to the cutoff score! Isn't that amazing? She's never really stood out before; she even copied from you at the beginning.
Although Li Ling's success in the exam was somewhat unexpected, it was also within reason. This girl had really put in a lot of effort later on because of Zhao Jianjun's encouragement, and the results were unexpectedly good.
"Sigh, all her efforts were in vain. It was all because of Zhao Jianjun's provocation. Chunming, what are your plans for the future?"
“Going to work, of course. My dad has already asked around. My master's idea is that I work temporarily and learn from him during my breaks. I've seen it. If I learn well from my master, I'll definitely have no problem making a living. Just imagine, if he secretly tells someone's fortune, that'll be enough to eat and drink for a long time.”
"That's true. Anything can be accomplished if you put your heart into it. Chunming, you should study hard. I might need your help in the future."
"That's no big deal. Once I've mastered it, whatever you want to do, I'll help you."
Chunming was absolutely telling the truth, and Jiang Qiao knew that Chunming meant it sincerely.
"Okay, then it's settled. You'll have to help me out from now on. Let's hurry up and go. It's too hot. I need to go back and take a shower. Taking the train in this heat is going to be a nightmare."
"By the way, Jiang Mei got divorced."
"Huh? You're divorced? How could that be?"
"Who knows? That's what my mom said anyway. I don't know the specifics. You can ask her later."
Jiang Mei's divorce was indeed unexpected for Jiang Qiao, mainly because not many people get divorced in this era, unless they really can't live together anymore.
Jiang Mei and that man were deeply in love back then, and their relationship was a free choice. How did things end up like this?
Even though there were rumors circulating outside, Jiang Qiao felt that this was definitely not the main reason for Jiang Mei's divorce. If this woman didn't have some cunning and scheming, could she have married that person?
However, she wasn't too concerned about that for the time being. She hurriedly followed Chunming home, saying, "Brother Chunming, this is a gift for your family. Take it back with you. I need to boil water for a bath. We can talk later."
Looking at the heavy package Jiang Qiao had given him, Chunming didn't know what was inside, but he knew in his heart that it must be food and supplies.
Just as Jiang Qiao was about to boil water, Chunxia came over. "Qiao'er, don't bathe at home. I'll take you to the bathhouse at my mom's workplace. I got the bath tickets."
With bath tickets, Jiang Qiao naturally didn't want to bathe at home, so she packed her things and went out with Chunxia.
"Hey, Jiang Qiao's back! Did you know that you and Jianjun both got into high school? You're such a worrywart."
What could Jiang Qiao say? "Auntie, congratulations."
"Congratulations! You two will be companions from now on. With Jianjun from our family around, at least it will be easier for you to go to and from school."
"Auntie, I need to take Jiang Qiao to take a bath. We'll be going now."
Once outside, Chunxia sighed, "That Zhao Jianjun's mother is such a headache. She's been making a fuss about it for so long, I'm tired of it. She's bothered every family. Getting into university is a good thing, but no one should act like this."
"Forget it, she probably has nowhere else to show off. Is she bothering Third Aunt?"
Chunxia looked displeased. "That's right. Although my Chunming isn't good at studying, can you please consider my brother's feelings? Your son got into university, so don't compare him to my Chunming. This isn't the first or second time you've said this. My mom is angry, but there's nothing she can do. Who told our family members to be so slow-witted?"
"Oh dear, what are you saying? Even if you study, you still need to work. It's just that the jobs are different, and there's not much difference. Some skilled workers don't earn much less than those who study."
Chunming's future isn't here, so why dwell on it? How things turn out in the future remains to be seen. What can these immediate concerns prove? University is the real hurdle; even high school doesn't guarantee a university education.
Chunxia agreed with Jiang Qiao's theory: "That's true. We earn our living through our own abilities. Nobody can force anyone else to do what they want. I like what you're saying. That's why my mom always praises you. You're so insightful."
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