As the morning sun had just filled the streets, Zhang Xiaomei had already swiftly arrived at Huang Mu's snack stand.
"Auntie, I'm here!"
"Hey kid, didn't I tell you to get more rest? Come and have breakfast."
When Huang's mother saw Zhang Xiaomei, she couldn't help but scold her.
"It's okay, Auntie. My leg is healed now. I'm bored at home, so I might as well come and help you."
As he spoke, he neatly arranged the rice cakes and other items on the iron plate. After school, he always ran back to the staff quarters and headed straight to the snack bar.
"Grandma Huang, I'm back. Is there anything I can do for you?" She was panting, her cheeks flushed.
"Oh, why are you running, silly kid? It's so cold and you'll sweat and catch a cold."
As soon as Huang Nai saw Zhang Xiaomei come in, she quickly put down her chopsticks, took a clean towel from the stove, and wiped the sweat off her forehead.
In the evening, Huang's father brought home a cart of coal briquettes. Seeing that she was still helping in the store, he quickly greeted her:
"Xiaomei, come here. Take this bag of coal briquettes home. It's getting cold. Mix the coal briquettes before going to bed at night. Remember to leave a crack in the window."
"Uncle Huang, this won't do. I have to pay you for the coal." Zhang Xiaomei hurriedly took out money from her schoolbag.
Father Huang waved his hand, unconcerned: "Stop talking like that. How much can those coal briquettes cost? Save the money you have and let Wenjuan help you earn some money during the holidays. You still have to pay tuition after the New Year. Go back and have a rest."
One day, after a busy day, the snack bar gradually quieted down. Zhang Xiaomei sat at the table, doing her homework diligently, while Huang Nai did some needlework nearby.
Huang's mother came in holding a thick new cotton coat.
"Xiaomei, come and try the cotton-padded jacket I made for you to see if it fits you."
Zhang Xiaomei was stunned and her eyes gradually turned red.
"Auntie, this...how can this be so embarrassing?"
Huang's mother touched her head distressedly.
"Silly child, we're all family. I see you have a similar body shape to Wenjuan, so I made it according to her measurements. If there's anything that doesn't fit, I'll make some changes. Put it on first to keep warm."
At this time, Huang Nai stopped sewing and handed over a pair of cotton shoes she had knitted herself:
"Try these shoes on too. Do they fit?"
Zhang Xiaomei took the cotton coat and cotton shoes, and looking at the dense stitches on them, tears welled up in her eyes again.
"It's been a while since anyone made me new clothes. When my mom was around... auntie... grandma, you were so kind to me... I don't know what to say."
Huang Nai laughed heartily.
"Why are you always crying, kid? I made it for you, so you just take it. If you don't know what to say, just accompany me to take a bath. My three daughters have all gone to the city, and you are the only one left by my side. I'm counting on you to scrub the dust off my mother-in-law and me."
Zhang Xiaomei was amused by Huang Nai's words, and her tears and smiles intertwined together made her look particularly touching.
"Okay grandma, I'm very strong and will rub it clean for you."
So, on this winter evening, the three of them walked hand in hand towards the public bathroom in the mine, laughing all the way. At this moment, Zhang Xiaomei deeply felt the warmth and happiness of home, which was what she had missed for a long time and what she longed for most.
On the eve of the final exam, Xu Mengyao specially invited Huang's mother to go to school with her. On the way, Xu Mengyao whispered to Huang's mother:
"Mom, let's go pay the rent for the shop today so I can prepare for the exam with peace of mind."
Huang's mother was a little puzzled: "Juan, didn't the principal say to wait until the house is built before completing the formalities?"
"Mom, I know the principal means well, but I'm afraid things will get complicated. If we pay the money sooner, we'll feel more at ease. Also, I want to take this opportunity to get some help for students whose families are in financial difficulty."
Arriving at school, the mother and daughter walked side by side into the principal's office. The principal smiled kindly upon seeing them, but there was a hint of doubt in his eyes:
"Huang Wenjuan, why are you here? Is there something wrong?"
Xu Mengyao greeted politely and said sincerely:
"Principal, regarding the retail space, I'd like to take advantage of this opportunity to settle the payment today. I know you had good intentions and wanted to wait until everything was ready before proceeding, but I think paying in advance might make everything go more smoothly. Also, I have some suggestions I'd like to discuss with you."
"Oh? Tell me about it." The principal adjusted his glasses and motioned for her to continue.
Xu Mengyao took a deep breath and slowly expressed her thoughts: "Principal, I know the school's funds are a bit tight, and rebuilding the wall will take time. Why don't we pay the cost of the storefront in advance to support the school's construction.
At the same time, I propose to set up a scholarship program to select students with excellent academic performance and poor families from this final exam and provide them with tuition waivers or cash rewards.
As for the house not being built yet, we can sign an agreement first, and you can issue an invoice for the sale of the shophouse, with your signature and seal and the school's official seal attached. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"
After hearing this, the principal showed a relieved smile on his face:
"Mr. Huang, your idea is very far-sighted. To be honest, there are indeed several students from difficult families who are facing the decision to drop out of school. I think they will be very happy with your proposal. Thank you on their behalf! I will issue the receipt now and start preparing for the scholarship."
So, with Xu Mengyao's persistence and the principal's support, Huang's mother successfully completed the procedures for the shophouse. Feeling relieved, the mother and daughter smiled at each other as they walked out of the principal's office.
As the final exams came to an end, the Huang family compound was filled with an indescribable joy. Xu Mengyao lived up to everyone's expectations and once again topped the class; Huang Wenrong's name was also prominently listed among the top ten in the class.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com