"We have lived more than half our lives without ever stepping into a school." Zhang Wuliang spoke the truth, echoing the sentiments of all the laboring people at the bottom of society in this era.
Indeed, unlike that peaceful time when almost everyone had the right and opportunity to enter a campus, with the rapid development of society and economy, the concept of gender equality has deeply rooted itself in people's hearts.
Here, however, girls are seen as burdens, while boys can carry on the family line. Yet, even those boys tasked with this mission rarely have the right to education and literacy.
The lowest class of laborers have become accustomed to generations of hard work, facing the dirt and turning their backs to the sky. They have grown used to a life where they cannot read a single character.
But when one person opens another door with a different way of life, a door leading to unimaginable horizons for them, what should they do?
For these ordinary people, it is truly a difficult choice.
On one hand, they hope their sons will become dragons and their daughters will become phoenixes; on the other hand, they fear that all their financial investments in education will not yield corresponding returns.
Thus, since Liu Qingxi single-handedly sent Liu Qingyan to school, many people in the village have become more lively.
As for Liu, her bold idea about education became clearer day by day.
Amidst laughter and conversation, Biqi Town appeared before them, and Master Zhu's courtyard was located in a relatively secluded part of the town, away from the hustle and bustle—serene and elegant, perfect for studying.
At this time it was still early, yet Master Zhu's school was already filled with the sounds of students reading aloud.
"At the beginning of humanity, people are inherently good."
The appearance of three individuals at the entrance did not attract the children's attention; they continued to sit quietly in the courtyard reading.
Until a chubby kid suddenly looked up and exclaimed upon seeing them: "Liu Qingyan, your sister is here!"
The chubby child came rushing over like a round ball.
That speed, that figure—
It was almost unbearable to look at! Well, Liu Qingxi could not understand how someone could be so round.
Next to Chubby, a round-faced child raised his head in response.
Wearing a Blue and White Scholar's Robe, a square hat wrapped around Kid's forehead.
His big, watery eyes looked blankly towards the door, and suddenly, he froze in place.
Moist tears began to gather in his dark eye sockets, and with a soft plop, tears fell.
The classmates were stunned; the good student who often received praise from Master was actually crying.
A few of them secretly made faces behind him: "At this age, still crying? How embarrassing."
"Exactly! Next time Master praises him again, I'll just say he’s a crybaby, hum!" These Children clearly disliked others receiving praise.
Well, they were soon caught by Master and had their ears pulled for criticism. Even Master Zhu's good temper could be tested, showing just how mischievous they were.
They could even imagine how embarrassing it would be if Liu Qingyan's crying in front of so many people in class got out.
Meanwhile, the Kid continued to pout silently, tears streaming down his face.
Pang Zichen was already chatting excitedly with Liu Qingxi; well, actually, it was mostly him talking non-stop.
"Sister Qingxi, why haven't you come to see us for so long?"
"Sister Qingxi, Qingyan is amazing; Master praises him every time."
"Sister Qingxi, did you bring any snacks? Qingyan cooks so well; I want to eat too."
"Sister Qingxi!"
Liu Qingxi felt like there was a bee buzzing incessantly next to her ear, not stopping for a moment.
However, the Kid across from her remained motionless, even turning his face away and not looking in her direction.
Alright, Liu Qingxi touched her nose; this younger brother was sulking and refusing to acknowledge her.
Who told her to promise to come see him after two days, only to show up ten days later? Who made her someone who doesn't keep her promises?
"Okay, okay, chubby, I brought you some food, but I can't go in; it would disturb everyone studying. Can you help me pull Yan out, please?"
The school had its own rules, and since it was early class time, it was best not to interrupt.
The best solution was to let Liu Qingyan come out on his own, but the problem was that he was throwing a tantrum and being difficult.
As soon as the chubby boy heard this, he patted his soft chest, which made no sound at all—just a soft flesh pit—but he still patted it vigorously.
"Sister Qingxi, don't worry, I'll go pull him out right now." He dashed back like the wind.
Accompanying Liu Qingxi were Zhang Wuliang and Liu, who kept peering inside: "So this is the school!"
The children were all seriously studying and practicing; they were adorable. Their posture while holding the brush was proper, and their scholar robes looked very cute on them.
The learning environment truly lived up to the tuition paid each year.
At that moment, Zhang Wuliang didn't know what words to use to describe his feelings.
If only his child could study here too, wearing the same uniform and holding brand new books...
The image was too beautiful to continue imagining; wasn't he drooling all over?
Liu wasn't someone who could make big decisions, but facing the neatly seated children brought her immense shock.
Just then, Pang Zichen dragged a reluctant Liu Qingyan out.
Liu Qingxi shifted to the side, avoiding the strange looks from the other children in the courtyard, and adjusted Liu Qingyan's face with determination. "Sister apologizes to you, but I was really too busy before and couldn't come to see you. I'm sorry!"
"But you promised you would come see me!" Liu Qingyan pouted, her face turning bright red.
"I know, I know. Didn't I come right after finishing my work? I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Sister was wrong. Look, I brought you something!" Liu Qingxi pulled out several paper packages from her bag.
"These are all your favorites. Sister specially made Dried Meat for you. It's delicious when you add it to your meals."
As the Dried Meat was revealed, a fragrant aroma wafted through the air, causing Pang Zichen to salivate uncontrollably as his stomach began to grumble in protest of the unfairness of not being allowed to eat yet.
Swallowing hard, his pitiful eyes were filled with longing as he exclaimed, "Sister Qingxi, I want some too!" It smelled so good!
"There’s plenty for both of you. You can eat together. Now, don’t be mad at your sister anymore!"
"Exactly! Sister Qingxi brought so many delicious treats; it’s enough for us to enjoy for a while," Pang Zichen said, biting his lip in anticipation. He wanted to have a taste right away and urged Liu Qingyan to forgive Liu Qingxi so they could all enjoy the snacks.
Because only then could he get his hands on those tasty treats!
"You..." Liu Qingyan didn't expect her good friend to start scheming so quickly.
But she also wanted to eat.
Her gaze involuntarily drifted toward Liu Qingxi's bag.
Comment 0 Comment Count