Chapter 236 Subsidy
She finished speaking in one breath, then remembered something and quickly asked, "Sister, what about you? Did you receive your subsidies and food coupons? Is it different for you since you're a day student?"
Nan Zhiyi smiled and said, "I received mine too. The day student subsidy is a little less, 12 yuan a month, plus 20 jin of grain coupons. That's enough, since I eat at home most of the time anyway."
She didn't care about the subsidy, but it was a national policy and a right and symbol of her status as a university student, so she would naturally accept it.
Nan Zhiyi knew her younger sister was strong-willed, so she carefully instructed her: "Yueyue, the school's subsidies and food coupons are basic guarantees. Your health is important, and studying is mentally taxing, so don't be stingy. If you don't have enough food coupons, or if you want to buy some study materials or a new piece of clothing, be sure to tell your sister."
Zhang Yueran nodded vigorously: "I know, sis, I won't stand on ceremony with you. If it's really not enough, I'll definitely be the first to come and beg you for some. But I think if we use the subsidies and food coupons sparingly, it should be enough."
"Okay, I know you've just started school and must have a lot of classes and activities, plus you'll have to get to know your new classmates, so I won't bother you any longer..."
Nan Zhiyi was afraid that her frequent visits would disturb Zhang Yueran.
Zhang Yueran immediately chimed in, "Our Radio Electronics major has a really full schedule! More than many other departments. Lab classes and circuit classes are especially time-consuming. Plus, we have classes all day Saturday. We've also formed study groups, and we've all agreed to go to the library or classroom together every night to study and keep each other accountable."
She felt both fulfilled and pressured.
Nan Zhiyi nodded understandingly: "Okay, then you go ahead and do your thing, focus on your studies. But remember, if you need anything, be sure to come find me anytime, and even if you don't need anything, come often. You should rest on Sundays, right? Remember to come home for dinner."
Zhang Yueran obediently agreed: "Okay! I remember! I'll go back this weekend when I don't have classes! Take care of yourself and Xiaoman too!"
She then enthusiastically told Nan Zhiyi about the interesting things that had happened in the first two days of school, which teacher had interesting things to say, and which roommate came from where, as if she had endless things to say.
Seeing that it was almost time, Nan Zhiyi got up and left so that her younger sister could take a nap and prepare for her afternoon classes.
Before leaving, she slipped Zhang Yueran fifty yuan, telling her sister to spend it however she wanted.
Zhang Yueran stamped her foot, refusing to accept the money. "Sister, Mom gave me money when she passed away. How can I accept yours?"
Nan Zhiyi kept walking forward, saying, "This was given to me by my sister, so it's different."
Zhang Yueran had no choice but to accept it. The two walked hand in hand back to the dormitory building, and Nan Zhiyi waved for her to go inside.
After watching Zhang Yueran enter the dormitory, Nan Zhiyi continued walking towards the classroom, as she still had two modern literature classes in the afternoon.
That afternoon after school, Nan Zhiyi was packing her schoolbag with her head down, preparing to rush home, when a familiar female classmate called out to her softly.
"Zhiyi, classmate."
The girl who called her over was Yang Mei, a classmate. She was a shy girl and one of the female classmates that Nan Zhiyi had occasionally gone to the cafeteria for lunch with since the start of the semester.
Yang Mei asked softly, "There's a literary exchange event in the department tonight, in classroom number three. I heard some upperclassmen will be sharing their experiences. Would you like to go and check it out?"
Since the start of the semester, Nan Zhiyi had participated in two similar events out of curiosity. However, she found that the so-called literary exchanges were mostly just passionate but empty talk, or disguised social gatherings to find fellow townsmen and make friends. To her, they were rather boring and a waste of time.
She was considering how to politely decline.
Sitting next to her, another female classmate, Shan Xiaoyan, who also occasionally ate with her, spoke first, agreeing on her behalf in a warm tone.
"A literary exchange meeting? Great! That sounds interesting! Yangmei, count me in! Zhiyi, let's go together!"
Shan Xiaoyan was an outgoing girl. She felt that the three of them often ate together and were naturally close, so they should go out together. Therefore, she took it upon herself to make the decision for Nan Zhiyi.
Nan Zhiyi's smile faded slightly. She turned to Shan Xiaoyan and explained, "I'm sorry, Shan Xiaoyan, I have to go home tonight to be with my child, so I can't go."
Upon hearing this, Shan Xiaoyan's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.
She originally thought that after eating together for so long, the group had gotten along so well, but she didn't expect Nan Zhiyi to be so impolite and disrespectful to her.
Shan Xiaoyan was immediately annoyed. She had treated her as a good friend, but this girl completely disregarded her!
She grabbed Yang Mei's arm and said, "Yang Mei, let's go! Some people are just not sociable, let's not make a fool of ourselves."
Yang Mei seemed to want to say something, but after glancing at Nan Zhiyi and then at the furious Shan Xiaoyan, she didn't dare to speak and was half-pulled and half-dragged away by Shan Xiaoyan.
The surrounding classmates cast curious or inquisitive glances at him.
Nan Zhiyi seemed not to hear Shan Xiaoyan's barbed words, nor did she care about those gazes.
She calmly packed her schoolbag, slung it over her shoulder, and walked out of the classroom with composed steps.
Shan Xiaoyan's blunt and even somewhat childish attack was indeed a bit unexpected for Nan Zhiyi. She didn't expect that a simple refusal would elicit such a strong reaction from the other party.
At that moment, she felt almost nothing, let alone sadness or resentment.
Nan Zhiyi is no longer at an age or with a mindset where she needs to rely on a small group for a sense of security, or feels anxious and self-doubting because of isolation or lack of companionship.
She came to university solely to acquire knowledge, complete her studies, prove herself, and pave the way for her future.
In interpersonal relationships, people come together if they get along, and part ways if they don't; there's no need to force it.
She has her own warm home, a beloved husband and son, and works that require her to pour her heart and soul into. Her inner world is rich and steadfast, and she does not need to seek recognition or comfort from these superficial collective activities.
Facing the warm breeze of late March, Nan Zhiyi quickened her pace toward the school gate, wondering if Xiaoman had behaved well today.
As soon as she stepped out of the school gate, she habitually headed towards the bus stop. When she looked up, she saw Gu Xiao staring at her from a distance, his gaze deep and intense.
He stood there in the setting sun, wearing only a simple white shirt and crisp black trousers, which only accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs, making him stand out in the bustling crowd with his refined and outstanding demeanor.
The moment he looked up and saw Nan Zhiyi, his icy expression melted away like spring snow, and his eyes instantly softened with a clear tenderness.
Nan Zhiyi's heart pounded like a little deer.
This guy, he said the mission was delayed, and there was no news for more than half a month. But now, he just showed up without a word and even came to pick her up from school.
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