"Won't this put you in a difficult position?"
"No, after we finish eating, I'll take you to find a senior from the political science department. His family owns a photo studio. You haven't sent any photos back home yet, have you? Let's take this opportunity to take a few pictures and send them back to the elders at home."
"Yeah, I didn't even think of that. Okay, from now on you'll be looking out for me."
"Hehe, no problem. Let me tell you, if you really join the study group, you'll be able to support yourself from now on and won't have to spend your family's money anymore. The study group gives you a commission."
Song Zigan's eyes lit up when he heard the news. He had originally thought that he wouldn't need his father's money anymore, as the school's subsidies should be enough for his living expenses, but it would be even better if he could have some income.
When his father went back this time, Song Zigan could clearly feel that he had changed. He was no longer the father who used to give him money, and the two seemed particularly distant.
Since he has another family to support, and I'm older now, I should just take care of myself. Zhang Hongmei must have considered this when she gave me this opportunity. I will never forget this kindness.
"Hongmei, do you really have to go abroad? Isn't there a war going on?"
"This was arranged by Brother Zhang before. We went there as exchange students, and it has nothing to do with politics or the military. Don't worry, the people of the United States claim to be human rights champions, so they won't make things difficult for us."
"Hehe, Hongmei, you really have some ideas."
"Hehe, it's not as good as you imagine. It just makes me feel that we are so backward that we should go and learn from other countries' advanced technologies and come back to develop and strengthen our own country."
"Haha, you are really amazing, I admire you."
Zhang Hongmei just smiled. Was she great? No, she just felt that only when the country became stronger could she have a better life.
"Hongmei, I really envy you. Maybe I should change my college application and go to the economics department too."
"Hehe, it's not good for you to be so indecisive. You should become an official, a good official who serves the people wholeheartedly."
"Hehe, can I? Sometimes I think I'm really quite naive. To be honest, I didn't even know which department to choose. I just acted on impulse and wanted to prove myself, so I applied for the political science department." Song Zigan felt quite embarrassed after saying that.
"Song Zigan. Whatever you do, you have to persevere. I believe in you, so keep going, young man."
"When are you leaving?"
"I don't know yet. I heard it's scheduled for September. I haven't received a specific date."
"Sigh, I'm all alone again."
"Hehe, my sister Er Ya will be able to come over next year."
"You're so confident?"
"Hehe, I've been looking forward to it."
"Er Ya has a bit of hope, but Zhu Zi's chances are slim. I gave them all my notes and books before I came."
"Song Zigan, after I leave, you must send the study report back to our high school as soon as possible. I'll introduce you to someone at the post office. If you're short on time, you can have him take it back privately."
“I know this person. He’s that woman’s younger brother, right? It’s perfect that you introduce me to him. From now on, you can take over the school newspaper. Even if I don’t get into the student council, I will never interfere with school affairs.”
"That would be great. I'm really looking forward to Sister Er Ya and Brother Zhu Zi coming over, so they'll still be here when I come back." Zhang Hongmei smiled, her face full of anticipation.
"Zhang Hongmei, all good things must come to an end, and we will all part ways sooner or later."
"Yeah, you're such a killjoy. Of course I know that, but can't I have any expectations?"
The two chatted together, and the initial slight misunderstanding disappeared. Song Zigan felt that everything was the same as before.
Uncle Li came to call them for dinner. Song Zigan greeted him respectfully and thanked him again for picking her up.
"Song Zigan, you're in for a treat today! The braised duck is especially delicious. And let me tell you, there's also braised pork belly. It'll definitely satisfy your cravings, so please don't be shy."
"Hehe, don't worry, I won't be polite. I've been craving meat for a long time, but there's never any meat at restaurants."
"Hehe, I'm telling you seriously. Come over every week to improve your meals. We won't let you go hungry."
"Okay, I'll definitely come when I have time." Zhang Hongmei could tell that this was Song Zigan's excuse, but she could understand it. If she were still here, it would be understandable, but since she was leaving, he would feel embarrassed to come. Even she would feel embarrassed in his place.
"Hongmei, Old Master Gu just went out. He said he went to play chess with a friend and won't be home for lunch," Wang Xinyi told Zhang Hongmei, who was sitting at the table.
"Hehe, okay, then Song Zigan, hurry up and start eating. Look at this table full of delicious dishes, they're all prepared for you."
"Then I won't stand on ceremony." Song Zigan said, picking up his chopsticks and starting to eat. Aunt Li and Wang Xinyi kept piling meat onto Song Zigan's plate, so he didn't even have to use his chopsticks. Wang Ying watched from the side, speechless. This friend of Hongmei's could eat so much, even more than Brother Chengzi.
Zhang Hongmei was in a good mood today, so she ate too much without realizing it.
We ate all of the following: a braised duck, a large bowl of braised pork, a casserole of sea cucumber and tofu, a plate of shrimp and cucumber stir-fry, and a plate of scrambled eggs and tomatoes.
Zhang Hongmei gave Song Zigan a thumbs up. "You're really amazing."
Song Zigan slumped into a chair, rubbing his stomach. "I can't take it anymore, I ate too much. It was so delicious."
Aunt Li smiled and served Song Zigan another bowl of soup.
Song Zigan quickly waved his hand, "Auntie, I really can't drink anymore, there's really no room left."
Zhang Hongmei chuckled to herself; Aunt Li had finally found a way to feed the child, and her eyes crinkled with joy.
The two entered the living room, but Song Zigan didn't dare to sit down and kept wandering around the room. If it weren't so hot outside, he probably would have gone out.
Are you alright?
"Mmm, I'm so full. Aunt Li and Aunt Wang were so hospitable, I couldn't handle it. I can't refuse what they put in my bowl, can I? This is really a treat for me. I probably won't want to eat dinner tonight."
"Hehe, shall we go to the photo studio later? That senior is quite enthusiastic."
"Alright, how do we get there?"
Can you ride a bike?
"Sure, it'll help with digestion."
"Then you can ride Uncle Li's bike, and I'll ride my own."
After the two had discussed it, Wang Ying suddenly appeared. "Hongmei, I want to go too."
"Sure, I'll give you a ride so you can take pictures. This senior's photography skills are pretty good."
"I just wanted to take pictures. I'm leaving soon, so I'm sending a few to my master so he can look at them when he misses me."
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