Chapter 31 Entering the Garden
"You mean...you want Xiao Yu to go to Xingmiao Kindergarten?"
When Song Xinran managed to ask that question, she felt disoriented, as if she were dreaming.
Otherwise, how could she have met the kindergarten principal, Kang Zhilan, whom she had always wanted to get to know but never found a way to do so, as soon as she opened the door? After exchanging a few pleasantries, Kang introduced herself and then tactfully asked her if she had ever thought about sending Song Yu to kindergarten.
I've thought about it! Of course I've thought about it! I think about it day and night!
But now that the opportunity has been presented to Song Xinran, she feels that she hasn't contributed a single bit of effort. When a pie falls from the sky, her first reaction is whether it's a trap.
But the woman standing in front of them was indeed Kang Zhilan, the principal of Xingmiao Kindergarten, and coincidentally, she was Yuanyuan's mother.
Yuanyuan cried out anxiously, "Auntie, let Song Yu come to school with us! I play with him every day and bring him food!"
Just thinking about this kind of life makes Yuanyuan very happy. Before, they could only come to play with Song Yu after school. Now it gets dark so early that Yuanyuan always feels like she hasn't played enough and has to go home. She has even thought about having Song Yu move into her house and live with her.
However, as soon as he voiced this idea, his parents rejected it.
Mr. and Mrs. Xu felt that their daughter's enthusiasm was a bit like that of a child trafficker. Before, Mrs. Xu thought it was because she had just made a new friend and Yuanyuan was very enthusiastic. But after meeting Song Yu today, Mrs. Xu knew why. No one knows a daughter better than her mother. When she was a child, she had a friend like Song Yu. She must have wanted to play with him every day and couldn't bear to be apart from him.
She smiled and said, "Don't worry, Song Yu's mom. Xingmiao Kindergarten is the only public kindergarten in town. Everything there is very professional. Xiao Da and his brother, as well as Xiao Xue and Yuan Yuan, are all studying there. Song Yu will be in the same class as them, so you don't need to worry about your child integrating into the new environment."
Yuanyuan was also very enthusiastic: "I'll be Song Yu's deskmate, and we'll go to and from school together every day!"
Xu's mother gently reminded her, "Yuanyuan, you already have a deskmate."
Yuanyuan reacted quickly: "I want to change my deskmate, I want to sit with Song Yu!"
Song Yu was still a little dizzy, wondering how things had developed so quickly, and they were already sitting at the same desk. He stood next to Song Xinran, holding her hand, silently thinking without saying a word.
Song Xinran tried to clear her head: "Yuanyuan's mother, come in and have some water. Don't stand at the door, it's cold outside."
Kang Zhilan brought Yuanyuan in, glancing around at the surroundings. Although the decor wasn't luxurious or exquisite, it was simple, clean, and tidy, which made her feel quite comfortable.
She has always studied and worked in early childhood education, and knows that the family has a profound influence on children. You can guess a family's general situation just by looking at them when you enter the house.
As her gaze swept across the tidy living room and the paintings by Song Yu on the wall, Kang Zhilan thought to herself, "Song Yu's mother is also a person who knows how to enjoy life."
Song Xinran poured a glass of water for Kang Zhilan and Yuanyuan and sat down beside them. "Yuanyuan's mother, I know you are the principal of Xingmiao Kindergarten. In fact, ever since I learned about your kindergarten, I have wanted to send Songyu there. Your kindergarten's educational philosophy and implementation methods are very advanced and scientific to me. I enrolled Songyu in the kindergarten last week, but there is a waiting list."
Kang Zhilan said, "There is only one public kindergarten in the town, but there are many children. The kindergarten has limited resources, so in order to ensure the quality of education, we can only adopt a queuing system."
“I understand completely.” Song Xinran hesitated a bit, “I just don’t know why Director Kang specifically wants Song Yu to enter the kindergarten.”
She decided to ask anyway. Although the pie was so fragrant, soft, and big that it could knock someone out, Song Xinran still wanted to know where it came from.
Kang Zhilan smiled gently, thinking to herself, no wonder Song Yu's mother was able to raise such a child.
The fact that they wanted to send their child to Xingmiao Kindergarten after learning about it shows that they value their child's education.
The fact that he didn't immediately agree after suddenly receiving the good news, but instead sought to understand the whole story, shows that he is a calm and wise person.
No wonder Song Yu's emotions were so stable.
Kang Zhilan briefly told Song Xinran what had happened to the children at home that day, saying, "Song Yu is a promising talent, and we educators can't bear to see such a promising talent left out in the world."
There was another personal reason that Kang Zhilan didn't mention: Song Yu and Yuan Yuan were good friends, and as a mother, she naturally hoped that her child could play with children of good character. As the saying goes, "One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black."
However, she worried that speaking out would affect the relationship between the two children, and that they were fine as they were.
But Song Xinran could guess this without being told. After confirming that it was true and reliable, her smile was sincere and bright: "Thank you, Principal Kang. This news is a real lifesaver for me and my family. I have been struggling to figure out how to get Song Yu to go to Xingmiao School. I never expected that you would be Yuanyuan's mother."
Kang Zhilan thought to herself that Song Yu's mother spoke in a refined manner, clearly a cultured person, and said with a smile, "This is also fate."
"There are a few necessary documents for enrollment in our kindergarten: a household registration booklet, a medical examination form, and a vaccination record. Please prepare these first, and I will talk to Song Yu's homeroom teacher. When you bring Song Yu to the kindergarten, you can contact her directly."
Song Xinran said, "Okay, thank you!"
Yuanyuan was a little confused listening to this, but that didn't stop her from knowing that Song Yu was going to study with her!
Excitedly, she looked up and asked, "Mommy, is Song Yu coming to kindergarten tomorrow? I want to go to school with Song Yu tomorrow!"
After saying that, she couldn't help herself and rushed over, opening her arms to give Song Yu a very strong hug: "Wait for me at home tomorrow. Kindergarten starts at 8:30, and I'll come to find you at 8:00. Let's go to kindergarten early to play! Don't eat anything, I'll bring you cake. Mom made so many cakes today and we didn't finish them!"
Kang Zhilan was shocked by Yuanyuan's series of words.
What was her daughter doing? How did she rush over and hug someone, and then arrange everything so quickly all by herself?
She quickly pulled her daughter back: "Song Yu can't go to kindergarten tomorrow. The maternal and child health hospital only does preschool physical examinations on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Tomorrow is Sunday."
Yuanyuan said disappointedly, "Ah, I can't wait for Monday to come!"
Then she remembered something and instructed, "Song Yu, you need to prepare your schoolbag, water bottle, and tissues..."
Yuanyuan counted on her fingers and listed all the things she could think of that she would need at kindergarten. By the end, she remembered what she had said and started repeating it.
Kang Zhilan's smile was a little awkward, and she quickly pulled Yuanyuan over: "Okay, Song Yu's mother will prepare it."
Turning to Song Xinran, she said, "Song Yu's mother, we're sorry to have bothered you today. Yuanyuan and I are going back now. We're really looking forward to the day Song Yu starts kindergarten."
Song Xinran escorted the two to the road in front of the gate: "Thank you, Principal Kang. I will prepare as soon as possible so that Song Yu can go to the kindergarten as soon as possible."
Song Yu blinked and waved obediently, "Goodbye Auntie, goodbye Yuanyuan."
But Yuanyuan was very excited and didn't want to see him again. She turned to Kang Zhilan and asked, "Mom, can Song Yu sleep at our house tonight?"
Kang Zhilan was completely numb. She thought back to when Yuanyuan brought it up before, she had already refused once and made her reasons very clear. At that time, Yuanyuan had said she understood.
Why bring this up again today? She gave an awkward yet polite smile, but before she could speak, she heard Song Yu's childish yet somewhat anxious voice:
"I want to sleep at home with my mom. If I leave, my mom will be all alone at home. I'm scared to live alone in a big house."
Kang Zhilan's heart softened immediately upon hearing this. What a good child! She was only a little over three years old, yet she was worried that her mother would be scared alone and wanted to stay home with her.
The next moment, Yuanyuan said, "Then I'll go to your house to sleep. My mom and dad are home, and they're not scared."
Kang Zhilan: ...
She wanted to quickly cover her daughter's mouth.
Song Yu nodded and said in a childish voice, "It would be great if you came. My mom teaches me to write at night, and you can teach me too."
Yuanyuan fell silent.
Kang Zhilan couldn't help but laugh. She knew perfectly well that Yuanyuan disliked studying the most. Teacher An had told her that Yuanyuan was enthusiastic when playing games, but would doze off when it came to recognizing and writing characters.
She deliberately asked, "Does Yuanyuan want to go?"
Yuan Yuan pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and then shook her head, her voice much lower: "Forget it, I'll come back when I'm older and can write."
That way, she wouldn't need to be taught to write, and she could play with Song Yu all the time.
Kang Zhilan said, "Then I'll go back with Yuanyuan."
She bent down slightly, met Song Yuming's bright eyes, and smiled, "Goodbye, Xiao Yu."
On the way back, I was thinking, no wonder Song Yu was taught so well, it turns out she has such a mother. She was only three and a half years old when she started reading and writing.
Many families don't do this. First, parents are busy with work; teaching children sounds easy but is actually very difficult, and everyone wants to rest when they get home—they don't have the time for it. Second, they lack this awareness; they all think that once the children grow up and are sent to school, the teachers will teach them.
Song Yu is so well-behaved that her mother wanted to take her to kindergarten the moment they met. Her mother deserves a lot of credit for her upbringing.
*
"Mommy, do I have to go to kindergarten too?"
After Yuanyuan and Kang Zhilan left, Song Yu asked her.
The little boy was still a bit unsure. He often heard his friends talk about life in kindergarten and longed for it, but he had never really encountered this concept in the countryside and didn't think about it much.
But Yuanyuan's mother came to their house today, and he will be able to go to kindergarten soon.
Song Xinran smiled gently, holding the child's hand: "Yes, Xiao Yu, would you like to go to kindergarten?"
Song Yu nodded: "I'm thinking about it, but aren't kindergartens very expensive?"
Song Xinran felt bad when she heard this. Although she had told Song Yu many times that the family was rich and that if they wanted something, they could buy it, as long as it had value, not necessarily universal value. Happiness was also a value.
Every time she spoke, Song Yu would obediently nod and say he understood, but Song Xinran thought he probably didn't quite understand, since he had received a poor education since childhood.
"Xiao Yu." She looked into the child's eyes and said earnestly, "Kindergarten isn't expensive. Xiao Yu can go if she wants to. Xiao Yu and her mother work hard to earn money so that they can do what they want to do. Otherwise, what's the point of earning money?"
Song Yu nodded: "I know, Mom, I have money too."
He smiled, revealing his white baby teeth: "I have lots of money in my piggy bank. Mom doesn't have money, but I do."
Song Xinran chuckled and pinched his soft little face: "Xiao Yu is so amazing, he saved up so much money."
Song Yu straightened his back, his expression a little shy, but his eyes were very bright, revealing a hint of pride.
Song Xinran added, "Xiao Yu was able to go to kindergarten this time entirely because he was great. He did what his mother couldn't do."
Song Yu's eyes widened in disbelief: "Really?"
“Of course it’s true,” Song Xinran said. “Mom wanted Xiaoyu to go to kindergarten a long time ago, but she couldn’t find the principal. Xiaoyu was able to meet the principal by going to Yuanyuan’s house to play, and the principal liked Xiaoyu very much, so Xiaoyu was able to go to kindergarten smoothly.”
She thought for a moment: "But Xiao Yu doesn't refer to the principal as Yuanyuan's mom at kindergarten."
She could tell that Kang Zhilan probably didn't want to publicize the news, and Yuanyuan had never mentioned that her mother was the kindergarten director or anything like that.
Song Yu nodded and said in a very low voice, "I know this is a secret."
He took a few steps, skipping and hopping, and suddenly clenched his little fist: "Mom, I will be even stronger in the future."
Song Xinran, feeling soft-hearted, ruffled his hair.
Early Monday morning, Song Xinran took Song Yu to the city for a physical examination, vaccinations, and to buy things he needed for school.
Song Yu was overjoyed, but remained rather reserved, though her lips were curved in a smile the whole way, making her look very endearing.
Even the nurses who gave him his check-up and injections at the Women and Children's Health Hospital said that they rarely saw such a well-behaved child. Usually, children his age are most afraid of injections and cry as soon as they see a needle.
But Song Yu pursed her lips, her face tense, and didn't utter a sound.
Hearing the wailing children around her, the nurse raised her voice slightly: "Little Song Yu is so brave, he didn't even cry while getting his shot."
The little cub's long eyelashes fluttered, it swallowed hard, and said, "It doesn't hurt at all."
"Good boy, here's some candy." The nurse took a fruit candy out of her pocket and gave it to him.
Song Yu accepted it: "Thank you, Auntie."
He seemed to set a good example, because he bravely got his shot without crying and said it didn't hurt. The other children in line next to him also sniffled and stopped crying to look at him.
Song Yu straightened his back, holding the candy in his hand, and followed Song Xinran out step by step.
As soon as she stepped out of the health center, Song Yu pouted, and her eyes immediately reddened.
"What's wrong?" Song Xinran asked, a little nervous.
Song Yu looked up and blinked: "Mom, Mom..."
His voice trembled slightly with a sob: "Yes, it hurts a little bit..."
He tilted his head, puffed out his cheeks, and tried hard to blow on his arm, but the clothes he was wearing were too thick, so the wind couldn't get in. He raised his hand to wipe the corner of his eye and said, "Blowing on it will make it stop hurting."
Song Xinran was both amused and exasperated. She squatted down, blew a couple of breaths on his thickly clothed arm, and asked softly, "Does it still hurt now?"
Song Yu thought for a moment and said, "It doesn't hurt anymore."
He sniffed and muttered to himself, "I'm a brave little boy, it doesn't hurt."
With a smile on her lips, Song Xinran gently coaxed him, "Yes, Xiao Yu is the bravest child."
After the physical examination, Song Xinran took Song Yu to buy some things needed for starting kindergarten, such as school supplies like backpacks, notebooks, and pencil cases, and daily necessities like handkerchiefs, lunch boxes, and nap blankets.
Xingmiao Kindergarten provides lunch, but students need to bring their own tableware. The meal fee is 30 yuan per month.
The afternoon nap also takes place in the kindergarten, with two children sharing a wooden bed. Parents need to prepare a nap blanket and pillow.
All of these items cost a little over a hundred yuan. Song Yu really liked his new schoolbag. It was a light yellow color with several cute little animals painted on it. He carried it around ever since he bought it, and it also contained a lot of other items.
After shopping, Song Xinran took her child to the stainless steel processing factory. Her oden cart was already finished, shiny and reflective, with three detachable stainless steel pots and a space reserved for a gas cylinder.
Song Xinran was very satisfied and paid the remaining 500 yuan on the spot. She even got a ride home with the delivery driver.
She spent a lot of money in the city last time and only had 575 left. But after returning to the town, she didn't miss a single day of setting up her stall. In about ten days, she earned more than 1,400. It turns out that Song Xinwen was here and she had to pay her salary. Now she does everything by herself. She is much more tired, but she also earns more.
Today I spent about 650 yuan in total, and I still have more than 1,300 yuan left. But this does not include the 600 yuan I originally set aside for Song Yu's tuition. I originally wanted to find connections and give gifts, which would have cost money, but now I didn't spend a penny. Song Yu was able to enter the kindergarten smoothly on his own.
Aside from tuition and school uniform fees, there aren't any other major expenses, so 600 yuan is definitely not enough to cover it all.
Song Xinran mentally reviewed the bills and felt much more relaxed. Now that Song Yu's major problem was solved, making money became the top priority again.
*
Teacher Anqiao was called to the principal's office on Monday afternoon.
"Teacher An," Principal Kang said, "a child wants to enroll in your class. The registration has been completed, and the application is being reviewed. It should be done in the next couple of days. Once approved, his mother will come to you so you can make the necessary arrangements."
After a pause, Principal Kang said, "If Yuanyuan insists on sitting next to the new classmate, you can see if it's convenient to arrange it."
An Qiao immediately smiled and said, "That's convenient, Principal. I'll just wait for the children's mothers to bring their children to the kindergarten."
Director Kang nodded: "Thank you for your hard work. This child is sensible and well-behaved. Here are some documents; please take a look."
"Okay, thank you, Principal." An Qiao took the enrollment form and left the office.
But as soon as she stepped outside, her smiling face instantly turned gloomy as she glanced at the application form.
“Song Yu is only three and a half years old…” An Qiao sighed deeply, thinking to herself, why come to kindergarten at such a young age? It would be better if his parents taught him at home, instead of making him a burden to the teachers.
And he's someone with connections...
The last time the principal personally instructed someone with connections to help her, it really caused An Qiao a lot of trouble.
As for the principal's claim that the child was sensible and well-behaved, she didn't believe it at all. Last time, when the child with connections came, the principal also said that the child had a cheerful and generous personality, but the child ended up causing trouble every day. The child was either hitting this child, scolding that child, or talking in class.
After each class, countless children would come to complain, leaving Anqiao utterly exhausted from dealing with them.
When the teachers in the office saw her return looking dejected, they all greeted her with smiles: "Teacher An, what did the principal want to see you about?"
Suddenly noticing the enrollment form in her hand, a teacher perked up: "It's been months since school started, and there are still students coming?"
"Tsk, this connection is incredibly strong. Teacher An, I remember Wu Yaoxuan from your class got in the same way, but he was arranged to come at the beginning of the semester. This guy just jumped in midway."
"Looks like this is another person with an even stronger background than steel plates. Congratulations, Teacher An."
An Qiao felt like dying: "What's there to congratulate me on? Would you want it if your student gave it to you?"
The teacher quickly shook her head: "We have enough students in our large class!"
"Teacher An!" A student rushed into the office, looking extremely anxious. "Wu Yaoxuan got into a fight with Lu Ding and knocked out Lu Ding's teeth! You need to go and see!"
Upon hearing this, An Qiao immediately stood up: "Take me to see!"
The enrollment form was slammed onto the table, and as the child ran out, a gust of wind blew it to the ground. The teacher next to him picked it up and saw that the child's photo on the enrollment form was quite cute, with a fair and clean face, delicate features, and a pair of dark eyes. The child was looking obediently at the camera, and was likable at first glance.
"She's quite cute." Putting aside her personality and family background, her appearance alone is quite appealing.
The other teachers turned their heads to look as well, and began to discuss among themselves: "Yes, but these people with connections are all so well-behaved."
“They are raised well at home, and they are chubby and fair-skinned. Isn’t that why they look better than other children?”
"Don't tell Teacher An. Wu Yaoxuan in their class seems pretty smart, but..." The teacher shook her head. He used all his intelligence to do bad things.
An Qiao has temporarily dealt with the students' fight, but she feels utterly exhausted.
"Teacher An!" came the girl's clear voice.
An Qiao looked down and saw that it was Xu Shuyuan. Although many children in the kindergarten did not know that Yuanyuan was the principal's daughter, the teachers certainly knew. She put on a smile and asked, "What's wrong, Yuanyuan?"
She quite liked this girl. Although she sometimes talked a lot in class and was a bit crazy when playing games, she didn't cause trouble and never bullied her classmates. She was just a bit lively.
Yuanyuan asked, "When is Song Yu coming to our class?"
An Qiao's heart skipped a beat. She realized why the headmistress had mentioned changing seats to her. She asked softly, "Does Yuan Yuan know Song Yu?"
Although Yuanyuan thought the question was a bit silly, she still said, "Of course, he is my best friend."
An Qiao understood. If someone could get along so well with the headmistress's daughter, their family background must be similar: "It'll be in the next couple of days."
Yuanyuan said, "Teacher An, I want to be Song Yu's deskmate."
An Qiao said, "Okay, let's wait for Song Yu to arrive before we talk about it."
Yuanyuan nodded and ran off happily.
An Qiao sighed inwardly and could only silently pray that the new student wouldn't be like Wu Yaoxuan, who loved to bully classmates. He hadn't even arrived yet, but he was already so close to Yuan Yuan. Yuan Yuan was too lively and would be led to fight with classmates. Then their class would never have a peaceful day.
*
With Kang Zhilan's help, Song Yu's enrollment application was quickly approved, and Song Xinran took him to kindergarten early Wednesday morning.
Song Yu was a little nervous about going to kindergarten for the first time.
Song Xinran held his little hand and comforted him, "Just do what you do at home, just like you do at kindergarten. The teacher will take care of everything."
Song Yu nodded: "I will listen to my teacher."
Looking at his fair face, Song Xinran was a little worried, remembering his gentle and somewhat shy personality: "If any children bully you, tell your teacher, and then tell your mother when you get home."
When Song Yu played with his friends, he heard a lot about what happened in kindergarten and knew that hitting others was the worst thing. He said, "I won't hit anyone."
Song Xinran hesitated, then straightened his collar: "If a kid hits you, just run away."
The students in Xingmiao Kindergarten's junior class are 3 to 4 years old. Song Yu is only three years and a few months old, making him one of the youngest. Although he has been eating well and gained some weight in the month or so he has been in town, he is not strong enough yet, and Song Xinran is worried that he will not be able to fight.
Song Yu nodded vigorously: "I'm the fastest runner!"
As he entered the school gate, he greeted the security guard, "Hello, Auntie!"
While registering her information, the security guard recognized Song Xinran and was quite surprised: "I knew some new students were coming today, but I didn't expect it to be you!"
A few days ago, when Song Xinran came, we were at a loss and trying to find a way to see the principal. Unexpectedly, just a few days later, we found a connection and arranged for her to enter the kindergarten midway through her studies.
Such a relationship must be extraordinary; I wonder what kind of serendipitous encounter Song Xinran has had.
Song Xinran smiled and said, "It was fate that brought us together. Sister, I've been coming to the kindergarten a lot lately, sorry to bother you."
The security guard waved her hand repeatedly, saying, "Don't bother us, it's what we should do."
Watching Song Xinran lead the child inside, the security guard clicked her tongue and said, "You can't judge a book by its cover."
Song Xinran led Song Yu to the kindergarten teacher's office: "Excuse me, where does Teacher An sit?"
An Qiao recognized Song Yu as soon as she saw him, stood up and walked over: "Is this Song Yu and Song Yu's mother?"
"Hello, Teacher An." The child's voice was childish yet clear.
An Qiao lowered her head and met the child's dark, moist eyes, and was momentarily stunned.
As the saying goes, photos can be deceiving, but reality won't. This child looks like a well-behaved kid!
An Qiao's smile became much more genuine: "Hello, little Song Yu."
Song Yu's initial anxiety subsided considerably, and she gave her a small smile.
“Song Yu’s mother,” An Qiao said, “you can just give me the tuition, living expenses and school uniform fee. Our kindergarten has three sets of school uniforms: one for summer, one for spring and autumn, and one for winter.”
Song Xinran said, "Thank you, Teacher An. Principal Kang has told me all of this."
As she spoke, she handed the money she had prepared to Anqiao.
Anqiao originally thought that students who arrived midway through the semester would be difficult to deal with and would require a lot of effort, but she was surprised to find that not only were the parents very polite and understanding, but the children also seemed very well-behaved.
Anqiao couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth to what the principal had said.
“Song Yu’s mom, I’m taking Song Yu to class now,” An Qiao said.
Song Xinran understood perfectly and suggested that she go back first.
Upon hearing this, An Qiao immediately paid attention to Song Yu. Many children cry when they part from their parents on their first day of school, and the more introverted the child, the more they cry, especially since Song Yu is so young.
Sure enough, Song Yu's eyes reddened.
An Qiao immediately thought of many ways to deal with the situation, including coaxing, cajoling, and deception, but before she could use any of them, she saw Song Yu blink and swallow back her tears: "Goodbye, Mom."
Her childish voice still carried a hint of a sob, but she waved her hand politely and obediently.
An Qiao immediately felt relieved and said softly, "Song Yu, Teacher An will take you to the class to meet your classmates."
Song Yu hummed in agreement, carrying her small schoolbag on her back, holding the straps with both hands, her head slightly lowered, her hair black and soft, she looked incredibly cute.
As they walked into the corridor, the school bell suddenly rang, and the children rushed to the classroom in a swarm.
"You're late! You're late!" A voice that An Qiao recognized rang out, followed by heavy footsteps that sounded like an earthquake.
The figure, like a small cannonball, accidentally bumped into An Qiao, her body tilting to the side and about to collide with Song Yu.
An Qiao's pupils dilated in shock, and she hurriedly tried to reach out and grab the new student. The new student had just arrived and was bumped into; he must be crying terribly. His parents hadn't even gone far before he was called back. How much must they think of her as a teacher!
However, no matter how fast An Qiao moved, she couldn't be as fast as Song Yu. It was as if he had an alarm bell installed in his body. The little boy nimbly dodged to the side, grabbed his backpack strap, and pressed himself against the wall.
With a "bang," the child who bumped into the child fell to the ground.
An Qiao quickly helped him up: "Wu Yaoxuan! Why are you running so fast? You almost bumped into your new classmate!"
Wu Yaoxuan stood up, glanced at Song Yu, and shouted, "If you hadn't dodged, I wouldn't have fallen!"
An Qiao felt like hitting someone when she heard this. She wanted to shut Wu Yaoxuan up, but she also wanted to comfort Song Yu.
Song Yu's eyes widened: "You, you're so unreasonable."
He looked up at An Qiao, his voice a little aggrieved: "Teacher An."
An Qiaoxin almost melted. Normally, after Wu Yaoxuan said that, the two of them would have started arguing. Children usually start fighting after a few words, but Song Yu didn't argue at all. He just looked to the teacher for help with a pitiful expression, his eyes full of trust.
An Qiao said sternly, "Wu Yaoxuan, apologize to your new classmate. You were running too fast and almost bumped into someone, and you still think you're right?"
Wu Yaoxuan muttered, "Didn't we not bump into each other?"
Anqiao: "Do you still want the little red flower sticker?"
Wu Yaoxuan glared at Song Yu angrily and said fiercely, "I'm sorry!"
Song Yu's voice was clear and crisp: "It's alright."
"Let's go," An Qiao softened her tone. "The teacher will take you to your class."
At this moment, An Qiao felt incredibly comforted. This small incident showed that Song Yu was a good child who didn't like to cause trouble, and the principal's words this time were absolutely true.
*
After sending Song Yu to kindergarten, Song Xinran felt relieved. She decided to take advantage of this auspicious day to officially start selling oden at her stall.
The last time she made oden broth, she ate it four times before throwing it away. She invited Huang Yun's family to try it and also sent some to Lei Hong. It received unanimous praise. Everyone who tried it said that they would definitely let her know when it was time to sell it, and they would come to buy it!
Although she knew these words were just flattery, Song Xinran gained more confidence in oden, proving that its sweet flavor also had a market in the spicy-loving town.
Although she planned to sell oden today, she couldn't cancel all the pot-boiled chicken at once, so Song Xinran prepared two pots of pot-boiled chicken and two pots of oden.
This made things more complicated and complicated, but fortunately Song Xinran had allowed enough time, and she still set up her stall on time in the afternoon.
When evening self-study finally ended, You Tongtong and her deskmate walked out of the classroom and were met with a gust of cold wind.
"Achoo!" You Tongtong sneezed, zipped her school uniform up to the top, hunched her shoulders, and spoke with a slight tremor, "It's so cold! Let's go buy something to eat. I'm starving after two evening self-study sessions."
My deskmate nodded: "Let's go to the school gate and see, I want to eat a bowl of hot and sour noodles."
You Tongtong said, "I'll go take a look too, but the hot and sour noodles take too long to cook, it'll take forever."
"Don't you go to buy Bo Bo Chicken every day after class?" my deskmate said. "That's the fastest way, I can just buy it and go."
You Tongtong sighed: "My love for Bo Bo Chicken is not over yet, but I want to eat something warm today. It would be great if there was hot Bo Bo Chicken."
But then she muttered to herself, "But hot Bo Bo Chicken definitely won't taste the same."
My tablemate suggested, "Why don't we buy a bowl of hot and sour noodles and a serving of Bo Bo Chicken, and eat them together? That way we'll have both the flavor and the warmth."
"Okay!" You Tongtong happily agreed, as she could never give up the deliciousness of Bo Bo Chicken.
Just as the two walked out of the school gate hand in hand, You Tongtong suddenly smelled a special aroma, like the steam rising from a freshly opened pot. To eat it, you had to blow on it to disperse the steam, and the aroma of the steam was warm, delicious, and fragrant.
Its flavor stands out even among the various snacks sold near the school gate.
You Tongtong couldn't help but sniff, muttering to herself, "Are there new stalls at the school gate today? I think I smell something different."
My deskmate didn't have a nose as sharp as hers, but she had good eyesight. She immediately noticed that there were quite a few people gathered around the pot-boiled chicken, and each person was holding a small plastic bowl. Steam was rising from the bowls under the streetlights, and the students in school uniforms were eating with great gusto.
Just looking at this scene makes your mouth water.
"Tongtong, let's go over there and see. It looks like they've launched a new product for Bobo Chicken. It's still steaming hot!"
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