Chapter 4

In the early morning, a red sun slowly rose from the hill east of the village. The cicadas had already started chirping tirelessly in the trees, as if foretelling another scorching summer day.

After breakfast, Ye Lingtian left home and followed the winding village path to a rather old courtyard.

Pushing open the gate, he saw a few small plots of land on one side of the yard where some chili peppers and tomatoes were planted. Along the wall, there were some loofahs and green beans. On the other side of the yard was a hand pump well, and next to it was a grape arbor.

Several grape vines, with the help of iron wires and ropes, had climbed over most of the yard's sky. Even in such a hot summer, Ye Lingtian still felt a refreshing coolness standing underneath.

Under the grape arbor, a square wooden table and a few wooden stools were placed. An old man with completely gray hair, a slightly dark complexion, and a slender build was lying in a recliner, eyes closed, resting. Beside him, a kind-looking old woman was doing some fine needlework with her eyes squinted.

Ye Lingtian walked over and stood in front of the two elders, his expression respectful, and said, "Grandpa, Grandma, I've come to see you."

Hearing this, the old man slowly opened his eyes, sat up from the recliner, and looked at Ye Lingtian with a kind expression. However, his tone was that of an elder inquiring, "Lingtian, you're here. Sit down! Have your college entrance exam results come out? How did you do?"

The old man's face was very thin, but his eyes were bright and sharp, radiating wisdom.

Feeling somewhat uneasy under the old man's gaze, Ye Lingtian sat down on a wooden stool in front of the old man and cautiously said, "Grandpa, I didn't get into college this year. I've let you down. But I've already made up my mind. I'll go out and work to earn money in the next few days. The family owes a lot of money, and every bit we can pay off will help."

The old man looked at his grandson sitting in front of him, feeling a myriad of emotions.

Among his five sons and eight grandsons, Ye Lingtian was the most sensible and obedient, with the best academic performance and the brightest future. However, the family had suffered a major blow, and although he and the other four sons had done their best to get through that crisis, the road ahead would only get harder.

"Lingtian, you've grown up and know how to take responsibility. Sigh, your mother has had a hard time!" The old man didn't ask why, but his sharp gaze seemed to see through Ye Lingtian's thoughts.

Feeling somewhat nervous under the old man's gaze, Ye Lingtian quickly changed the subject, afraid that the old man would see through his thoughts: "Grandpa, can you give me the address where Uncle Ye Lianxing is working in Yue Dong? The economy there is more developed, and it should be easier to find a job."

A few years ago, Uncle Ye Lianxing had gone to Yue Dong to work with a few people from the village. Over the years, he had earned some money and said last year that he planned to return home and build a new house after a couple more years.

Uncle Ye Lianxing's two sons were of marriageable age and had found girlfriends, but the weddings had been delayed because the family didn't have a new house.

"Since you've made up your mind, go ahead! But remember, the world outside is vast, and you must always be aware of people's intentions. We shouldn't harm others, but we must also be vigilant and not let others take advantage of us. Earn your money honestly through hard work, and don't do anything that goes against your conscience. Don't take a single penny of ill-gotten gains!"

The old man looked at Ye Lingtian meaningfully, paused for a moment, and then solemnly instructed him.

Ye Lingtian immediately straightened his chest and answered with great determination, "Yes, Grandpa, you can rest assured. I will always remember your words and never do anything that goes against my conscience, nor will I take any ill-gotten gains!"

After writing down Uncle Ye Lianxing's address, Ye Lingtian chatted with the two elders for a while and then got up to leave. The grandmother, who had been silent all along, stood up and took out 500 yuan to give to Ye Lingtian, saying, "Lingtian, you're going to a place where you don't know anyone. Take this money; it might come in handy."

Ye Lingtian quickly shook his head and refused, "No, Grandma, it should be the younger generation who should take care of you. How can I take your money?"

After his father's accident, Grandpa and the uncles had lent all the family's money to Yang Sulan to compensate the victim's family. The death of a child had also been a significant blow to the two elders, and their health had declined over the years. They could no longer do heavy farm work, and the family had no extra money.

"Child, Grandpa understands your thoughts. If it weren't for the current difficulties, you should be going to college. Don't argue. We two old people don't spend much money at home. Take it as a red envelope or travel expenses. It's our fault that we can't do more!"

The old man's eyes were somewhat dim, and he felt powerless when it came to his grandson.

Ye Lingtian's heart tightened, realizing he couldn't hide anything from the old man.

Returning home with a heavy heart, he saw that Yang Sulan was not working in the fields as usual but was sitting in the main room, looking worried.

"Mom, I know you've made up your mind, and I won't stop you. Here's some travel money. Take care of yourself out there. Don't be too frugal. Eat well and spend what you need. Remember to call home if anything happens. I don't expect you to earn much money; I just want you to be safe. If it's too hard out there, come back. At least we have the land and won't starve..."

Yang Sulan put 1,000 yuan in Ye Lingtian's hand and wiped away her tears as she instructed him.

Ye Lingtian knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but he put on a happy face and comforted Yang Sulan, "Mom, don't worry. They're hiring people everywhere in Yue Dong. With your son's abilities, I'm sure I can find a good job."

He went to his room to pack his backpack and said to Yang Sulan, who looked very reluctant, "Mom, don't work too hard at home. Take care of yourself. I'm leaving now. Don't come out."

With that, he walked out the door. The long-distance bus to Yue Dong left early in the morning, and Ye Lingtian had to reach the county town today to catch the bus the next morning.

Just as he stepped out of the main room, he heard a commotion outside the yard, with many people gathered.

"Is anyone home? Is this Ye Lingtian's house?" The people outside were knocking on the door and shouting.

Ye Lingtian quickly opened the gate and saw about seven or eight people standing outside, including his homeroom teacher, Mr. Yang, and the principal of the town middle school, Mr. Gao.