Chapter 33 That's... Song Xinran?! ...
Now Song Xinran knew why the clothes of the two people in front of her looked somewhat familiar. On the day she first came to this world, she was also wearing such drab work clothes.
However, she only did that one day. She quit her job that very day, packed her things and went home. Her work clothes were too dirty and had holes in some places, so she just threw them away.
The original owner's memories of working at the factory weren't pleasant, and Song Xinran didn't want to get entangled with the people there. She simply said indifferently, "We're sold out of oden today."
Upon hearing this, Xing Shurong, the girl in the woolen hat, immediately retorted, "Didn't you say there would be more tonight?"
Song Xinran said calmly, "You guys have to work the night shift, how can you come out to buy things?"
The glass factory operates on a three-shift system. At this time, the workers who can come out are either those who have finished their day shift or those who are about to leave before their night shift. However, the factory workers all leave as soon as they finish their shift, rushing home to do their chores. No one lingers in the town for so long after get off work.
Xing Shurong's expression immediately turned sour, and she complained, "What kind of night shift is this? I've wanted to quit for a long time. If they hadn't said that I would definitely get paid this month, I would have left long ago."
Song Xinran raised an eyebrow slightly, feigning ignorance: "Is the salary still being delayed?"
Before Xing Shurong could even speak, Tian Hong, the girl next to her, immediately launched into a tirade: "They've been dragging this out for four months! Can you believe we haven't received our August salaries yet? I'm practically living on borrowed money! I don't know what Director Dong is doing. Every night I just see big trucks coming to haul goods, and when I ask him for my wages, he says the funds haven't been collected yet, but he'll definitely pay me this month. They've been putting it off for so long!"
Tian Hong sighed and said to Song Xinran, "You're so clever. You stopped working two months ago, which is better than us now. We want to leave but we don't dare to, and we have no motivation to work. We don't know what to do."
Tian Hong looked at Song Xinran with a mixture of envy and jealousy.
When Song Xinran resigned, it caused quite a stir in the shift. Everyone in the shift knew her well; Song Xinran was known for being honest and hardworking. She was always willing to work the night shifts that others were unwilling to do.
Everyone had heard that her family was poor and that she had a child to raise.
But this person resigned without warning. Class monitor Wang Ling had said this many times, both openly and secretly, that Song Xinran lacked foresight, was only greedy for immediate gains, and resigned after only two months without pay. It's not like she wasn't going to get paid at all.
The glass factory had the best pay in town; if she didn't want it, plenty of others would. They even said Song Xinran would definitely regret it, as she wouldn't find a better job.
The day after Song Xinran resigned, a new person came to the factory to replace her. However, the new person was not as easy to talk to as Song Xinran. She left as soon as she finished her shift every day, and there was no way she would ask Song Xinran to cover the night shift.
Tian Hong was a little unhappy at the time. Once Song Xinran left, she couldn't find anyone to replace her. She even secretly thought that Song Xinran would have no way to come back in the future. She had offended Wang Ling so badly that Wang Ling would definitely not want her anymore.
However, it's unclear what exactly happened between Song Xinran and Wang Ling, given Song Xinran's muddy personality. Only Chen Jingfang and Xu Sha, who shared a dormitory with Song Xinran, really know.
But Chen Jingfang doesn't like to gossip, so you can't get any information from her. However, Xu Sha, who usually loves to join in the fun, didn't say much either, only that Song Xinran didn't want to work the night shift, and after exchanging a few words with Wang Ling, she quit her job.
Tian Hong thought to herself that Song Xinran would suffer a lot if she resigned in a fit of anger.
Unexpectedly, I'm the one who's suffering the consequences.
Tian Hong sighed.
Song Xinran asked, "Then why don't you resign?"
Xing Shurong said, "Who would dare to resign? The factory manager said that once the funds are recovered, wages will be paid as soon as possible, and the workers who are still working in the factory will be guaranteed first!"
"I'll just take it one day at a time. Anyway, the factory is here, and the factory manager is here too. He can't just run away."
“Exactly,” Tian Hong continued. “There’s much less work in the factory now, even the assembly line has slowed down, so it’s easier to work than before.”
Xing Shurong rolled her eyes and craned her neck to look into Song Xinran's stroller, but Song Xinran had already closed the lid, so she couldn't see anything, only wisps of fragrance wafting out.
Xing Shurong said, "Xinran, your business is doing well! You sold out so early. I've heard so much about you. How much money do you make every day?"
Song Xinran said calmly, "Not much, just enough to make ends meet."
Hearing this made Xing Shurong feel much better. If she had known that some of her former factory workers were earning less than her own after quitting, she would have felt worse than dead.
The glass factory pays a monthly salary of 600 yuan. After deducting monthly expenses, you can still save 200 to 300 yuan, which is much better than barely making ends meet.
Hearing this, Tian Hong felt a little better, but she still tried to smooth things over: "It's good enough to make a living. How many people in our factory are living on borrowed money these days?"
Song Xinran, catering to their preferences, said, "Don't worry, it's such a big factory, the wages will definitely not be lacking, just wait a while."
Upon hearing this, both of them felt incredibly relieved. Xing Shurong even said, "It's a pity you've sold out, otherwise I could have supported your business. Setting up a stall near a school is the hardest way to make money. Students don't have much money, but there are quite a few stalls, so the competition is fierce."
Song Xinran said, "That's right."
Tian Hong began to reminisce about the past: "When we were in junior high school, let alone pocket money, we would be extremely happy if we had a few cents a day. Now children's lives are better. My nephew is in junior high school and lives at school. His living expenses are thirty yuan a week!"
Tian Hong secretly did the math in her mind. Every week on the 30th, she would have even less money left to buy snacks. A stall like Song Xinran's could probably earn two or three hundred yuan a month.
She rarely interacts with people and has no idea that the children from wealthy families in town receive four or five yuan in pocket money every day, which is almost the same as their living expenses.
These children eat well at home and are more likely to pursue the things they like, especially foods they've never tried before, and they're particularly willing to spend money on them.
Moreover, there are over a thousand students at Guangsan Middle School alone, and when Song Xinran's business is booming, she simply can't keep up with demand.
However, Song Xinran wouldn't tell these things to others. As the saying goes, one shouldn't flaunt one's wealth. After exchanging pleasantries with the two for a while, she went back.
I had no idea how Xing Shurong and Tian Hong spread rumors about her as soon as they returned to the factory.
Lately, the factory has been looking lifeless, and everyone works like zombies. As soon as Xing Shurong arrived at work, she said, "Guess who I ran into in town today?"
Who is it?
"Song Xinran!"
In the past, we'd all been in the same class for several years, so everyone knew each other. No matter what we thought, someone would immediately ask, "What is she doing now?"
Tian Hong said, "I'm setting up a stall at the entrance of No. 3 Middle School!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Jingfang felt no emotion whatsoever. She thought that Song Xinran was indeed doing what she had said back then. However, she had advised Song Xinran to come back and work there, but now she envied Song Xinran's carefree attitude.
"How's her business?" Chen Jingfang asked.
Xing Shurong said, "It's alright, just enough to make ends meet."
Chen Jingfang said, "It's good to be able to make money; it's much better than us delaying our salary payments."
"What's so great about it?" someone said in a shrill voice. "I have a cousin who sells shoes. He runs a legitimate shop, and his business seems to be doing very well. But he went bankrupt in less than a year, and when I asked him, he lost several thousand yuan."
"Business is tough these days, it's safer to go to the factory and get a wage."
Xu Sha sneered: "Do you think we're in a safe position right now?"
"The factory manager said we'll definitely get paid this month!"
Chen Jingfang smiled, her temper still mild: "The factory manager said the same thing last month."
No one spoke up then. After a moment of silence, a voice suddenly said, "I saw the factory manager's car just arrive at the factory. I'm going to ask him for some money because I don't even have money for food!"
"Okay, let's go together!"
"Let's go!"
Xu Sha wanted to go too, but Chen Jingfang stopped her: "What are you going there for?"
Xu Sha said matter-of-factly, "Go ask the factory manager for money! If he doesn't pay our wages, we'll starve to death in his office!"
Chen Jingfang said, "Didn't you borrow half a month's salary a while ago? Now that so many people are going together, the factory manager definitely won't lend it to you. If you really want to, go and talk to the two of them privately when the boss's wife comes."
Chen Jingfang was the first person to ask the boss for money. At that time, following Song Xinran's advice, she went to the boss's office in private and told him about her family's difficulties.
The boss took pity on her and lent her a thousand yuan on the spot.
Later, when Chen Jingfang saw that Xu Sha had no money for food, she felt sorry for her and told her. However, at that time, they did not know how the news spread. When Xu Sha went there, it took a lot of effort to borrow 300 yuan.
Now this news is no secret in the factory. Everyone often goes to the boss's office to complain. The boss is not as easy to talk to as he used to be. They complain, and the boss complains too. He keeps saying that he has no money. The boss is coming to the factory less and less.
Although Chen Jingfang is still working here, it's because she hasn't found a suitable other job.
Xu Sha's eyes widened: "The landlady is as stingy as a miser, there's no way you can borrow money from her!"
“But the boss’s wife is rich,” Chen Jingfang said. “The boss’s wife paid the lion’s share of the profits from this factory. Even a small amount of what she’s owed is enough for us to live on for a while.”
The two were talking quietly when a group of workers who were looking for their boss gathered nearby.
As soon as Wang Ling arrived, her voice rose: "What are you all doing? What are you all doing together? You're about to start your night shift and you're still talking here!"
When the factory was doing well, Wang Ling's words carried weight, and everyone was afraid of offending the leaders and getting into trouble. But now that wages are being withheld, who's afraid of offending the leaders? It should be the leaders who are afraid of offending them, because if they don't work, the factory can't operate.
Someone immediately retorted, "Squad leader, we're going to ask the factory about paying wages. Why don't you come with us? You're a squad leader, and you haven't been paid either."
Wang Ling said with a dark face, "If the factory says it will pay, it will definitely pay. You don't do any work and you still want wages?"
"The class monitor can cover for us, and we'll give you the shift allowance when your salary comes in."
As they walked out, Wang Ling called out several times but received no response. She was furious. When she turned around and saw that Chen Jingfang and Xu Sha were still there, she immediately instructed, "You two go change your clothes and go on the night shift!"
Neither of them paid any attention and left the workshop directly.
I'm on the night shift, it's not time yet, is it?
"Squad leader, don't be angry." Tian Hong leaned closer. "Everyone was just discussing Song Xinran."
Upon hearing the name, Wang Ling raised an eyebrow: "What, she wants to come back?"
Tian Hong cursed inwardly. Who would want to come back to the factory in this state? But she still tried to appease her by saying, "She's setting up a stall in town now. Business is so-so, and she's barely making ends meet."
Knowing that Wang Ling disliked Song Xinran, and that Wang Ling had spoken ill of Song Xinran multiple times in the workshop after Song Xinran resigned, Tian Hong deliberately said those things.
Sure enough, Wang Ling laughed and said smugly, "I told you she'd regret resigning."
"Yes," Tian Hong echoed a few times, finally getting to the point, "Squad leader, aren't you quite familiar with Director Liu? Does he know when we get paid?"
Wang Ling said sternly, "I said it would definitely be released this month, why are you asking so many questions!"
Wang Ling left to inspect the other workers.
Tian Hong spat as she watched Wang Ling's retreating figure. If she hadn't known that Wang Ling had a good relationship with Director Liu, who was in charge of distributing salaries, she wouldn't have wanted to say a word to her.
Chen Jingfang and Xu Sha returned to their dormitory. Chen Jingfang said, "I'll go to the entrance of No. 3 Middle School after get off work tomorrow and see if I can run into Xinran."
Xu Sha said, "They're busy setting up their stalls, they don't have time to bother with us."
"No matter what, it's my way of showing my love and care. Do you want to come with me?"
Xu Sha casually said, "Go ahead, just don't ask me for money as soon as you get there."
Chen Jingfang said, "Probably not, I don't think Xinran is that kind of person."
She used to think Song Xinran was too willful, but after seeing the situation at the factory in the past two months, she realized that Song Xinran was very wise.
In particular, Song Xinran gave her the idea of borrowing money from the factory manager; otherwise, she wouldn't even have a thousand yuan right now.
She originally thought that Song Xinran had become smarter and that she must be doing well, but after Tian Hong came back today and said something, Chen Jingfang became a little worried. Business is already difficult, and Song Xinran has a child to raise. The adults are struggling to make ends meet, so what will happen to the child?
She also has a child who is not yet two years old. Relatives sent over a lot of clothes that their own children had worn. She went back to look for clothes that would be suitable for a three or four-year-old child and sent them to Song Xinran. She also brought some vegetables to thank Song Xinran for her suggestion.
*
Song Xinran was calculating her earnings again. Today she made a pot of Bobo Chicken and four pots of Oden. She set up her stall twice, once after school in the afternoon and once after evening self-study.
I left two pots of oden to sell after evening self-study, and they sold out in less than half an hour. The students seemed to want more, saying things like, "I have money, Auntie, please make more tomorrow."
In the end, everything was sold out, but there was still someone who wanted to ask Song Xinran to buy the soup base separately, saying that he wanted to cook instant noodles at home, and that the soup base was amazing with noodles.
Since they were regular customers, Song Xinran didn't charge them and ladled out some soup for them.
Today's food production broke records, and the sales revenue also reached a new high, with a gross profit of an astonishing 218.8 for the day!
Song Xinran was beaming with joy as she counted her money, and then she had an idea: she wanted to save up to buy a refrigerator or freezer.
To run a food stall business like this, you still need a refrigerator. Although it's winter now and the weather is cold, the broth from oden won't spoil for three or four days, but it's better to freeze it after each use and boil it again the next day.
In addition, the only supermarket in town has too few frozen meatballs, only one type of fish ball, and the quality is just average. Song Xinran is only choosing this out of necessity. Oden without meatballs is incomplete, so she mostly buys from vendors in the market that can make fresh meatballs, but they only have pork meatballs.
However, the scene in the city is completely different. Not only are there better quality fish balls, but also beef balls, crab balls, and so on, all of which need to be frozen for preservation.
Moreover, refrigerators will be a necessity when the weather gets hot, and buying them out of season now might even be cheaper.
Song Xinran wrote down what she wanted to buy in her notebook, gave herself a budget, and then worked towards that goal.
"Mom!" Song Yu ran to her side, her voice beaming with joy, "My drawing is finished!"
He stood on tiptoe and spread the painting out on the table for Song Xinran to see.
Song Xinran turned her head to take a look, and whether it was the filter of her own mother's eyes or not, she really thought Song Yu's drawing was great, much better than her own drawing, which was completely devoid of artistic talent.
Although the child in the picture doesn't look like Zhang Xiaoda, his expression and demeanor are spot on. He has one hand on his hip and the other holding a water gun, which is even painted in color.
Song Xinran praised, "Xiao Yu's painting is so lifelike, it looks just like Zhang Xiaoda. The water gun is also very beautiful."
Song Yu said, "It was Zhang Xiaoda who requested it; he wanted water guns of many colors."
Song Xinran wondered, how is this any different from the street artists she had seen in her previous life who earn money by drawing portraits? They all draw according to the customer's request, and an ordinary painter would earn one or two hundred yuan for a realistic portrait.
Song Xinran looked at the painting and felt that something was missing. Finally, her gaze fell on the lower right corner. It would be great if there was a name seal. It just so happened that Song Yu liked to paint, so it wouldn't be expensive to carve a name seal for him. He could paint a picture and stick it on, and everyone would know that the author was Song Yu.
However, Song Xinran decided to tell Song Yu about this after she finished carving it, and she asked about what happened at the kindergarten today.
Song Yu lowered her head slightly, a little embarrassed: "I didn't tell the teacher that I should talk in class, because..."
He frowned, his face showing a conflicted expression: "I don't think it's good to talk in class. The teacher tells us every day to follow the rules, and talking in class is not following the rules."
“But…” he sighed softly, looking a little melancholy, “Yuanyuan got angry and said she’s never playing with me again.”
Song Xinran asked in surprise, "What happened?"
The two children have always had a good relationship. Ever since they met, Yuanyuan has come to play with Songyu every day.
How come she's already making threats and severing ties after only two days in kindergarten?
Song Yu was also a little worried, resting his chin on his hand: "Yuanyuan said I ignored her in class and didn't want to be friends with her. I said no, it's just that I can't talk in class. She said it's okay, why not? You can talk anytime, she talks while eating, she talks while sleeping. I..."
Song Yu really didn't know what to say at the time. He said, "I don't talk when I'm sleeping."
Then Yuanyuan got angry, stomped her foot, and ran away, saying, "I'm never playing with you again."
Song Xinran asked, "What about Xiao Da and Xiao Lang?"
Song Yu said, "Xiao Da laughed out loud when he heard this and said that he would be my best friend from now on. I don't think that's a good idea, because everyone is already very good to each other."
"So, what does Xiao Yu want to do?"
Song Yu looked up at her: "Mom, I want to tell Yuanyuan and the teacher as well."
Song Xinran smiled and said gently, "Since Xiao Yu has made up her mind, then go ahead and do it."
Song Yu clenched his little fist and nodded emphatically.
The next morning, Yuanyuan still came to find Song Yu to go to kindergarten together. She also brought Song Yu a cake and said, "If you don't talk to me today, I really won't play with you anymore."
Song Yu took the cake: "But I didn't stop talking to you."
Yuanyuan: "During math class yesterday!"
Upon hearing this, Kang Zhilan immediately gave Yuanyuan a loving lesson and praised Song Yu. Finally, seeing that both children were behaving obediently, she took them to the kindergarten.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Song Yu arrived at the kindergarten, she went to Teacher An's office.
It was his first time coming to the office alone. Seeing that it was full of teachers, he was a little nervous and stood at the door, calling out "Report!"
This overly polite and proper greeting startled the other teachers in the office. Although they had been told to call out "Report!" before entering the office, these were all young children who didn't remember when something happened and just barged in. It was a miracle they didn't bump into anyone.
The teachers turned around and saw the child standing obediently at the door, looking extremely cute and adorable; they all felt that the child looked somewhat familiar.
A smile involuntarily appeared on Teacher An's face: "Come in, Song Yu."
Upon hearing this name, the teachers realized, "Oh, a student from Class 1 with connections!"
This child has been here for two or three days. Apart from a few complaints on the day Teacher An handed out the enrollment forms, I haven't heard him say a word in the last two days. It seems that none of the students in the class who came to complain mentioned his name.
Upon seeing the person, they seemed quite well-behaved; at least their appearance was pleasing to the eye.
Song Yu could feel the teachers' gazes on him. He straightened his back even more, and when he walked in, he was almost staggering. Finally, he stood in front of the teacher and said, "Teacher An."
An Qiao's gaze was particularly gentle, and her voice was especially mild: "What is it?"
"Teacher An, can I talk during class?"
The kindergarten teachers had been paying close attention to this transfer student with a powerful background, and when they heard this, they almost thought they were hallucinating.
What did that kid say? He actually asked the teacher if he could talk in class?
Even the most arrogant and domineering student in their class wouldn't ask that question! The teacher brings up classroom discipline every day in class; isn't this a direct provocation?
So arrogant, so domineering, so bizarre!
Is this the confidence that comes from having a powerful background?
The teachers looked at Teacher An with great sympathy. There was already a troublemaker, Wu Yaoxuan, in the class, and now there were two more Wu Yaoxuans. Teacher An was really suffering.
At the same time, I secretly rejoiced that such a student was not in my class, otherwise my already short lifespan would have been shortened even further.
People are probably feeling pretty much the same way right now. Working in this line of work is like having the mindset of a drug dealer but earning the money of a vegetable seller.
Looking at Teacher An, she remained completely unperturbed, not even raising an eyebrow, and asked in a gentle voice, "Why does Song Yu want to talk in class?"
The teachers present couldn't help but admire her composure and envy Ms. An's excellent mood, which prevented her from developing nodules from being angered by her students.
Teacher An wasn't angry at all. No one in the kindergarten knew Song Yu better than her. Although they had only spent two days together, she already knew the child's true nature. There must be a reason why she asked that question.
Sure enough, Song Yu said, "Yuanyuan talks to me many times during class. Yuanyuan and I are friends. If I don't answer her even once, Yuanyuan will be unhappy."
Teacher An was very pleased. See? She knew Song Yu wouldn't say that for no reason.
In fact, she was already quite surprised that Song Yu had managed to go two days of classes without saying a word to Yuan Yuan, which was practically a magical story in the first grade.
Teacher An knew it was impossible to drastically change a student in just a few days. If Yuanyuan really became well-behaved just by sitting with Song Yu, that would be a magical story.
She patted the child's head and said gently, "What you said makes sense."
Song Yu quickly held up one finger: "I'll only say one sentence per class. I know it's not good to talk in class, but I'll talk to Yuanyuan about it."
Teacher An felt ashamed; this was something a teacher should have done, yet a child had helped her: "Teacher will talk to Yuanyuan."
Song Yu was a little worried, but he didn't say it out loud because he found that Yuan Yuan didn't seem to listen to the teacher very well. The teacher had just reminded her, and she could sit obediently for a while, but she would revert to her old ways in less than ten minutes.
“One sentence can’t say much.” Teacher An was very understanding and knew that she couldn’t force these children to do everything. She had to use a combination of gentle and firm approaches. “So, I’ll allow you to say five sentences each class.”
Song Yu's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly shook his head: "Five sentences are too many."
Teacher An: "Not much, not much. I know Yuanyuan better than you do."
"That's too much, it's not good," the little boy said softly.
Teacher An was so relieved that she almost burst into tears. She thought to herself that Song Yu had just transferred here and didn't know about Yuan Yuan's previous achievements: "It's okay, Song Yu, this is already very little."
Looking into Teacher An's eyes, Song Yu hesitated before nodding, extending her palm, and saying in a soft voice, "Okay, teacher, I promise I'll only say five sentences."
Teacher An's gaze was now extremely comforting and gentle as she patted the child's shoulder: "Song Yu, is there anything else?"
Song Yu shook his head: "No."
Teacher An then asked, "Have you found any good friends in class?"
As soon as Teacher An asked the routine question about the newly transferred student, she knew she had asked a pointless question. Before Song Yu transferred, he already knew several students in Class 1 and they were good friends.
Before the child could answer, the teacher changed the question: "Did Wu Yaoxuan bully you?"
This name was a household name among the teachers in the office. Upon hearing it, everyone was genuinely curious to know who was bullying whom: the seemingly well-behaved but actually arrogant transfer student or the former class bully.
Song Yu shook his head: "No, he's well-behaved too."
Teacher An felt very comforted, thinking what a generous and magnanimous child he was, who never caused her any trouble. But she couldn't always make such a child feel wronged: "If Wu Yaoxuan bullies you, just tell the teacher, and the teacher will stand up for you."
Song Yu smiled gently, his lips pursed in happiness. It was his first time at kindergarten, and he could sense that the teacher didn't dislike him. He raised his head slightly, looked at Teacher An, his wet eyes filled with trust, and said softly, "I understand, thank you, Teacher An."
Teacher An's heart melted instantly. She wished she had such an obedient child: "Go ahead."
Song Yu ran out of the office, her heart pounding with excitement, eager to share the good news with Yuan Yuan.
As soon as he left, the office became lively.
One teacher said, "Teacher An, it must have been really hard for you. You actually have two students in the class whose names you can remember."
One teacher said, "Teacher An, relax. You'll only be with them for a year or two. Let go of what you should let go of. Your health is the most important thing."
Another teacher said, "Teacher An, you should also talk to the principal. We need to assess the character of the children who come in. Being noisy is one thing, but being a troublemaker and a provocateur of teachers is unacceptable. We need to reconsider. They're only three or four years old and they're already like this. What will they be like when they grow up?"
Ms. An was taken aback, wondering why her colleagues were all trying to comfort her. She smiled and said, "Thank you. Wu Yaoxuan is the same as always. I'm used to it."
“Not only Wu Yaoxuan, but also Song Yu from earlier.”
Teacher An: "Ah, Song Yu is quite good."
"They just came to the office to ask if you're okay talking in class."
"That's right, Teacher An, you're too lenient with him. You even allow him to say five sentences in a class. These kids won't listen to a few words. Once they start talking, they'll go on and on, and they're ruining the class discipline."
"Teacher An, don't get so angry that you're talking nonsense!"
Teacher An couldn't help but laugh: "Thank you, teachers, but it's really not like that. Song Yu is the most well-behaved child. He came to the office to ask me because his deskmate is Xu Shuyuan. You all know that she's a very talkative girl. It's better that she's sitting with Song Yu. I think it's impossible to correct this overnight. We'll take it slowly. Song Yu listens to the teachers the most. He won't say more than five sentences."
The other teachers all looked at her with disbelief, as if she were talking nonsense. How could a three- or four-year-old child do what she said?
Teacher An emphasized, "Song Yu is really sensible!"
Even talking in class requires reporting to the teacher; what else could that be but being sensible and obedient?!
"Okay, okay, you're so sensible. I'm glad you like it, Teacher An."
"Anyway, Teacher An, just remember that your health is the most important thing."
"Yes, we are just teachers, not bodhisattvas."
Teacher An: ...
She's already explained, why don't you believe her? Is it just because Song Yu was assigned to the kindergarten by the principal midway through the process?
This is clearly a loving gift from the kindergarten director!
As soon as Song Yu returned to the classroom, he told Yuan Yuan the good news.
Yuanyuan didn't care about his five-sentence limit; she only heard one sentence: "Okay, I'll talk to you during math class later."
Yuanyuan was overjoyed. Song Yu was indeed her best friend. She wanted to talk to her even before class started.
As soon as the school bell rang, Yuanyuan sat down in her seat. She was sitting unusually well today, which attracted the teacher's attention several times. It was as if the sun had risen in the west. However, remembering what Teacher An had said, the teacher decided to see how much Yuanyuan could say today.
Yuanyuan nudged Song Yu's arm, and Song Yu turned to look at her with a puzzled look in his eyes. Yuanyuan immediately became excited and leaned closer to ask, "What do you want to say?"
Song Yu silently counted in his mind: "I don't know."
Yuanyuan: "Look, Teacher Lin is wearing a scarf today."
Song Yu glanced at it and silently counted: "Oh, it's red."
Yuan Yuan's eyes lit up: "Do you have a scarf?"
Song Yu shook his head, still silently counting: "No."
"I have a lot of scarves at home. Come to my house after school and have a look."
Song Yu thought for a moment, nodded, and silently counted: "Okay."
Yuanyuan: "Can you knit scarves? My mom can."
Song Yu: "No."
Okay, that's all for the five sentences.
Yuanyuan: "My mom knits scarves in so many colors, they're so pretty!"
Song Yu remained silent.
Yuanyuan continued to guess, "Is Teacher Lin's scarf also knitted? Does Teacher Lin know how to knit scarves?"
Song Yu remained silent.
Yuanyuan tilted her head and thought, "I really want to eat something. Can Song Yu come to your house to eat?"
Song Yu:......
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Yuanyuan leaned closer.
Song Yu raised his hand and silently made a five.
Yuan Yuan slapped him excitedly: "What game do you want to play with me?"
Song Yu silently withdrew his hand and placed it on the table without saying a word.
Yuanyuan pouted, a little angry, but then suddenly remembered something—ah, five sentences…
But were there five sentences already? She was a little confused.
She sat on the bench, looking left and right, but couldn't find anything interesting. Then she saw Song Yu sitting upright next to her and unconsciously adjusted her posture as well.
I'm so bored, I'll just listen to whatever comes to mind.
Although Teacher Lin was teaching the children to count with teaching aids, she kept a close eye on what Song Yu was doing.
While they were talking, Teacher Lin was also counting in her mind, and was surprised to find that Song Yu really did stop after responding to five sentences.
Teacher Lin was stunned, then suddenly realized, and couldn't believe it. Could a child have done this?
She paid more attention afterward and discovered that Yuanyuan probably really couldn't find anything to play with, and actually started listening to the lectures.
Teacher Lin was so happy she almost burst into tears. Although the principal hadn't mentioned Yuanyuan to them individually, how could they let the principal's only child always be at the bottom of the little red flower ranking?
This new classmate is no ordinary kid!
I was just wondering if it would affect the two children's play relationship, but as soon as get out of class was over, Teacher Lin knew that she had worried too much. The two children happily ran out to jump rope together. Their voices were clear and tender, which made people feel good.
Teacher Lin hurriedly wanted to go to Teacher An's office to tell her about this, because Teacher An's prediction was so accurate!
Before she could even step out of the classroom, she was stopped by a student who came running up crying: "Teacher Lin, waaaaah, Wu Yaoxuan told me to get out! He told me to get out! Waaaaah!"
Teacher Lin wanted to get an oxygen tank so she could breathe some air.
*
After finishing their day shift at the glass factory, Chen Jingfang, carrying a large bag, walked out of the factory gate with Xu Sha.
Chen Jingfang said, "Didn't you say you were afraid Xinran would borrow money from you, yet you still bought her things?"
Xu Sha held the white sugar in her hand: "I already said I was going to see someone, how can I go empty-handed? Besides, I'm not giving it to her, it's for her child."
Then he asked, "What are you carrying in all these bags?"
Chen Jingfang said, "I found two winter clothes for the children at home and some vegetables on the hillside to take with me."
Xu Sha: "When did you two become so close?"
Although Song Xinran had lived in the same dormitory with them for several years, their relationship was distant, mainly because Song Xinran was a quiet and reserved person. However, since she left, Chen Jingfang had spoken highly of her many times.
Chen Jingfang lowered her voice: "It was she who gave me the idea to borrow money from Director Dong."
Xu Sha exclaimed in surprise, "She actually came up with this idea?"
“Why would I lie to you?” Chen Jingfang said. “So we’re going to take a look today. Didn’t Tian Hong say she’s selling some kind of stew? I was thinking of buying more to support her business.”
"Let's not ask too much about business matters, so as not to upset Xinran. She's only been working here for less than two months, so it's normal for business to be slow. We need to take it one step at a time."
Xu Sha said, "With her mute nature, she's simply not suited for business. Don't let her hard-earned money go to waste."
"You can't say that to their faces later," Chen Jingfang stopped her.
Xu Sha clicked her tongue and remained silent.
The two walked to the entrance of the Third Middle School and saw a long string of stalls along the street, with various aromas filling the air.
Xu Sha was getting a craving and followed the smell to the nearest shop: "It smells amazing! I'm going to buy some fried potatoes."
Looking at the large number of students around her, Chen Jingfang felt somewhat gratified: "With more people, business is easier."
Xu Sha bought a serving of potatoes for one yuan, then looked around and said, "I haven't seen Song Xinran yet."
Chen Jingfang was also looking around. Although there were many stalls, she could still spot the stall owners at a glance. However, after scanning the area several times, she couldn't find anyone. Apart from a few stalls that were doing well, the students were so many that they blocked the stall owners' figures.
“If you buy them, we’ll go and take a look at them one by one.”
Xu Sha held a potato, eating it as she said, "This tastes pretty good, do you want to try some?"
Chen Jingfang shook her head. The two walked from one end to the middle of the school gate, glancing at each stall they passed, but they still couldn't spot Song Xinran.
Chen Jingfang's heart skipped a beat: "Could it be that he didn't come out today?"
Those stalls that weren't doing well were indeed only active for a short period.
Just then, several students walked past them, saying, "Hurry up and buy some oden! They'll be gone if you're late."
"Don't worry, don't worry, we came out early today. I brought all my New Year's money. We're going to have a big feast today!"
“I brought it home yesterday, and my mom tasted it and said it was good. Today she gave me five yuan to take it back to her after evening self-study.”
"Your mom is so nice. My dad insisted on buying it himself and wouldn't let me be the middleman and make money! How awful!"
Several students, talking excitedly, quickly ran past them to buy things.
Xu Sha's eyes widened upon hearing this: "What is this? Is it really that delicious? Let's go see!"
Chen Jingfang paused for a moment: "What did they say about oden?"
She couldn't quite remember what Tian Hong had said yesterday, only that it was a word she had never heard before. Could this be what Xin Ran was selling?
Looking up, I saw that several students had already run to the very edge, where the business was the best. There were circles around them, and people were queuing up next to them. It was very lively.
this……
Chen Jingfang hesitated.
Didn't Tian Hong say business was so-so, barely enough to make ends meet? That can't be...
Xu Sha had already pulled her over there, her voice filled with excitement: "Let's go buy some and try them too."
Chen Jingfang was speechless and wanted to ask her if she had forgotten the purpose of their visit today.
The two walked to the oden stall, but couldn't see the stall owner at all. Xu Sha grabbed Chen Jingfang's arm and squeezed inside.
As soon as Xu Sha got here, she smelled the aroma—an indescribable fragrance that made her mouth water. There was no doubt about it; this stuff was definitely good!
No wonder so many students buy here, it's right next to a school; this is the best advertisement!
However, there were just too many people. Xu Sha had to exert a lot of effort to squeeze in. The first thing she saw was the steaming soup pot, the amber-colored broth, and the food being constantly scooped up.
The stall owner was a single person, busy taking money and packing goods at the same time.
Hands frantically handed over money, as if afraid of losing their own; one-yuan notes, two-yuan notes, five-yuan notes, even fifty-cent notes were rare.
These students are quite wealthy!
"Auntie, I'd like two yuan's worth of oden."
"Auntie, I want a one-yuan meatball!"
"Okay." A familiar voice rang out.
Xu Sha and Chen Jingfang both shuddered. When they looked up and their eyes met, they both saw utter shock in each other's eyes.
They must have misheard!
They all turned to look at the stall owner, forgetting about the food this time, because they recognized him through the white mist.
That's... Song Xinran?!
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