On the first day of the new year, Hu Zi came to pay New Year's greetings as usual. This time, he also brought whistle and four other friends to pay New Year's greetings to Huang Nai. Everyone's face was filled with the joy of the new year. Huang Nai smiled and gave each child New Year's money, muttering:
"You are all good kids. You should work harder in the new year. Your life will definitely get better and better."
Soon, school started again. The students gathered together and talked about the fun things that happened during the Spring Festival. When they talked about the Spring Festival Gala, everyone was very excited.
"Did you listen to the first person who came out to sing? It was so beautiful!" Zhao Huihui said with sparkling eyes.
"I like the skit "Blind Date" the most! Oh~ I laughed so hard that my stomach hurts!" Dou Yingdi joined in, triggering bursts of laughter.
In the classroom, laughter and joy were intertwined, but Chen Chen seemed particularly lonely. He looked out the window with empty eyes, as if he was out of tune with the lively atmosphere. He even often wandered outside the classroom during class.
"Chen Chen, what's wrong with you recently? I always feel like you are absent-minded." Xu Mengyao couldn't help but ask during a break between classes.
Chen Chen looked up, forcing a smile, but it couldn't hide the exhaustion and confusion in his eyes. "Nothing's wrong, just a little tired," he replied softly, then lowered his head again, continuing to immerse himself in his own world.
This continued for several days until one day, Chen Chen's seat was empty, without even a note asking for leave. The teacher's questions echoed throughout the classroom, but no one knew the answer. After school, Xu Mengyao decided to follow Dou Yingdi to Chen Chen's house to find out what was going on.
As they entered the alley where Chen Chen's home lay, an unfamiliar car caught their attention. In the yard, Chen Chen's aunt, beaming, was chatting with a middle-aged man in a coat and meticulously styled hair. The man exuded an aura that was not to be underestimated.
"Grandpa, is Chen Chen home? I'm here to see him."
She softly greeted the grandfather who was sitting by the door smoking. The old man looked up, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, and he sighed. The smoke rings slowly rose in the dim light of dusk.
"This child has something hidden in his heart." He pointed at Chen Chen's room, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes.
Xu Mengyao nodded and walked gently towards Chen Chen's door, secretly speculating about what might be happening inside. She raised her hand, hesitated for a moment, and finally knocked on the door.
There was silence behind the door. Just when she thought no one would answer, Chen Chen's low voice came from the crack of the door: "Who?"
"It's me, Huang Wenjuan." Her voice was filled with concern.
The door opened, and Chen Chen stood there, his eyes red and swollen, clearly having not slept all night. A few half-read books were scattered around the room, and the air was filled with a sense of oppression.
"Why are you here?" Chen Chen's voice sounded a little hoarse.
Xu Mengyao walked into the room, closed the door, and asked softly, "What happened? You didn't come to school today, and everyone was worried about you."
Chen Chen was silent for a moment, then finally spoke, his voice filled with mixed emotions: "My dad...he's back and wants to take me away."
"Your dad? Um...I haven't seen him for a long time..." Xu Mengyao was surprised and more confused.
Chen Chen nodded, sat down on the bed, and held his head in his hands. His tone revealed an unconcealable pain:
"He said he'd give me the best things if I went with him, and he'd buy my grandparents a house in the city and give them some money, but...how could I forgive him? He was the one who abandoned us first! My mom died giving birth to him, and my grandpa raised me all these years. Now that he's suddenly here, it's too late to make amends!"
Xu Mengyao sat next to him and patted his back gently: "So what are you going to do?"
Chen Chen smiled bitterly, a hint of hatred flashing in his eyes. "I hate him. I hate him for abandoning my mother and me. Now, he's using money to seduce my family."
At this time, whispers were heard outside the door. It was Chen Chen's aunt and his father persuading the two old people. Words like "for the good of the children" and "for a better future" could be vaguely heard.
The dim light in Chen Chen's room illuminated his complex and ever-changing expression. He lowered his head in thought. His father's offer was like a double-edged sword, causing him to resist and worry about his grandparents' future.
"Wenjuan, I really don't know what to do." Chen Chen's voice was choked with sobs. He looked up at Xu Mengyao, his eyes full of helplessness.
Xu Mengyao sighed softly, sat next to Chen Chen and patted his shoulder.
"Chen Chen, I understand your difficulties. However, sometimes, we can jump out of the current predicament and see further."
"Farther?" Chen Chen repeated doubtfully.
"Yes, Hai City does have better educational resources, a more prosperous urban scene, and more advanced medical conditions. These are all valuable resources for you and your grandparents."
Xu Mengyao patiently analyzed, "You can think of this opportunity as a starting point, a starting point that will allow you to become stronger and more capable of protecting your family."
"But, I..." Chen Chen hesitated to speak. He was afraid of losing the days of relying on his grandparents, and afraid of the father who had abandoned him.
"Chen Chen, you have to believe that separation doesn't mean farewell forever, but rather a chance for a better reunion in the future," Xu Mengyao encouraged. "You can ask your father to cover grandma's medical expenses, or even go to Hai City together and come back after she recovers."
"Also, you must have confidence," Xu Mengyao continued to encourage. "You are a smart and capable person. As long as you work hard, you will be able to make a name for yourself in Hai City. When the time comes, you can rely on your own strength to bring your grandparents to live with you and give them a better life."
Chen Chen's eyes were slightly red, and he looked at Xu Mengyao gratefully, as if he had found his direction at this moment. "Thank you, Wenjuan, I know what to do now."
It was late at night, and Chen Chen's room was still brightly lit. He lay in bed, tossing and turning, Xu Mengyao's words replaying in his mind. Finally, he made up his mind. He would take this step for his family, and for himself.
The next morning, when the first rays of sunlight streamed into the room, Chen Chen was already standing in the yard. He took a deep breath and walked towards the person waiting for him in the yard.
"I've thought about it. I can go to Hai City with you."
Grandpa paused his work upon hearing this, and looked up at Chen Chen, his eyes filled with mixed emotions. Meanwhile, my aunt was delighted and quickly agreed:
"Right, that's the wise choice. Your dad said he would arrange everything for us."
Chen Chen ignored his aunt's joy and looked at his father firmly.
"But I have a condition. I want you to pay for grandma's medical expenses, and I want to take grandpa and the others to Hai City this time, and come back after grandma is well."
Grandpa's eyes flashed with mixed emotions when he heard this, a mixture of relief and reluctance. My aunt, on the other hand, smiled brightly and quickly agreed.
Chen Chen's father was very excited and nodded repeatedly: "As long as you are willing, everything is fine."
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