Chapter 43

Although for a while, there were still occasional firecracker sounds coming from some teachers' homes, especially from the small courtyard of the principals, the students' lives had already returned to normal.

The weather was still very cold, and Feng Yiping still went to his homeroom teacher's house to warm himself by the fire under the pretext of studying. After spending time both in and out of class, and with Feng Yiping's excellent performance in the final exams, which brought honor to her, Homeroom Teacher Wang Yumin no longer deliberately kept a stern face with him.

To be honest, even if she did keep a stern face, it wouldn't have much effect on Feng Yiping, who was a seasoned troublemaker.

Thus, with a single-minded focus on studying, the days passed quickly. On Saturday, which happened to be the Lantern Festival, the last class of the morning ended, and as soon as the teacher left, the classroom filled with the clattering sounds of students hurriedly packing up their things, bumping into jars and enamel bowls.

Some were already locking their desks, having packed up during the break before the last class.

The reason was simple: home during the New Year was more attractive than usual.

Xiao Zhijie came to find Feng Yiping and invited him to Xiao's village. They were supposed to pay a late New Year's visit, but it was impossible because his parents were going to the provincial capital the next day.

The school still had a bit of a human touch; not only did the first-year students have a holiday, but the second- and third-year students also had the day off. Including three classmates from other villages, seven people were able to go home together, a rare occurrence.

Feng Hongbing said with a hint of malice, "It's not really for our benefit; it's mainly because the teachers want a holiday and are using us as an excuse." Surprisingly, this statement had some truth to it.

Before they even left the school gate, Feng Wen, as if finally freed from his restraints, swung his backpack and let out strange cries, drawing curious glances from passing classmates.

However, he soon paid the price for his youthful exuberance.

Every summer, a simple wooden bridge was built over the river. A few pine trees tied together formed the bridge, and wooden posts driven into the riverbed served as piers. The river was wide, and there were two such simple wooden bridges, with a gap between them. The gap wasn't wide, just about the length of a normal person's stride.

Feng Wen crossed the bridge in a hurry, intending to show off, but unexpectedly, he stumbled. At the gap, instead of walking carefully, he tried to jump, lost his footing, and with a splash, fell into the river.

The others, including the classmates on the road, couldn't help but laugh at the sight. It wasn't out of malice; they simply found it hilarious.

The water wasn't deep, but it was cold! Feng Wen cursed as he climbed out of the river, then walked slowly to the shore, his cotton shoes now heavy with water.

Everyone stopped to wait for him. Walking barefoot wasn't an option, so Feng Yiping helped him wring out his shoes to get as much water out as possible. Feng Hongbing found a pair of socks in his bag and gave them to Feng Wen. They made do and continued their journey home.

When they arrived, his parents were waiting for him to have lunch. At the table, Mei Qiuping said to Feng Yiping, "Yiping, what did you say to Changning? His father came to our house the day before yesterday."

Feng Yiping replied, "Yes, I told him about the chestnuts you bought and suggested he discuss it with his parents to see if they could do the same. I mentioned before the New Year that if anyone asked and wanted to do it, we would tell them, and there was no stopping them. Mom, the provincial capital is so big; they won't be taking our business. When villagers find a good place to work, they usually bring a few people with them, right, Dad?"

Feng Zhenchang said, "Since I've been back, many people have asked me. Dongming has already decided to go to the provincial capital in the second half of the year. When the time comes, we'll help as much as we can. The more people who go, the more support we'll have."

Mei Qiuping said, "I'm not talking about that. Of course, I wouldn't hide it, but I'm worried that Guosheng will be upset, saying we helped Changning's family but not his."

Feng Zhenchang said, "Guoping and Guoxing don't need to do this. Rongrong is still in school, and Rui is too young. Guosheng can't really go out. If he wants to do this, as long as he asks, we'll help with money or labor. What does he have to complain about?"

Feng Zhenchang understood that Mei Qiuping's concern wasn't just about this. She was upset that they had to share their newfound wealth so quickly. He himself wasn't without some reservations, but when others came to him, he always shared everything he knew. That's how one should be.

The dinner was abundant, but the atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

Feng Zhenchang was relatively calm. If he had been uneasy about going to the provincial capital last autumn, this time he wasn't worried at all.

Although life in the provincial capital wasn't easy—preparing chestnuts at night, making dough, and grinding soybeans, all of which kept him busy until after midnight, and waking up before dawn to ride a tricycle around selling buns and chestnuts, returning home at 8 or 9 PM, with poor food and sleep—none of this mattered. As a man, he wasn't afraid of hardship or fatigue; what he feared was not making ends meet. Now, with the opportunity to earn several hundred yuan a month, he was more than willing.

Mei Qiuping was different. Thinking about leaving their son behind with his maternal grandparents, her heart was filled with reluctance. Her son was still young, and they would be away for at least half a year, not seeing him until the summer. Of course, she was reluctant to leave him. With both of them away, she couldn't help but worry about whether he would be well cared for.

Moreover, her elderly father, who was already old and needed to take care of himself, would now have to help look after her son, adding to his burden. She felt guilty about this.

Feng Yiping comforted his mother, "Mom, I'm old enough to take care of myself. Besides, I have Grandpa and Uncle. Last year, I did pretty well, ate well, slept well, and did well in school. There's nothing to worry about."

Mei Qiuping got up to serve more rice and, when she returned, her face showed no signs of worry, "I know you've grown up and are sensible. Listen to your teachers, listen to Grandpa, get along well with your classmates, and most importantly, study hard. When we come back in the summer, we'll find a place for you in the village."

Feng Zhenchang hadn't missed Mei Qiuping's low mood and could guess the reason, but he didn't want to bring it up. He picked up a piece of pork and put it on Feng Yiping's plate, "You, worrying about these things, is unnecessary. Look at Yiping; when we come back, he'll be better dressed, taller, and even a bit heavier. His grades are better than before. What's there to worry about? As for Grandpa, he says that every Sunday, his grandchildren come to visit, and it's lively. The daughters-in-law are also nicer than before. So, everything is better than before. What are you worried about?"

Mei Qiuping glared at him, "Of course you don't understand. A child is a piece of my heart. Why shouldn't I worry?"

Feng Zhenchang, who had already had about three ounces of alcohol, said, "So, you're the only one who cares about your son, and I, as a father, don't worry?"

Seeing that they were about to argue, Feng Yiping quickly intervened, "Mom, if you say that, Sister will definitely say you're favoring me."

Mei Qiuping then said, "I'm only doing this for Yiping's sake, and it's still the New Year, so I don't want to argue with you."

Feng Yiping, not waiting for Feng Zhenchang to speak, pressed on, "You really don't need to worry. You should focus on earning more money in the provincial capital. In the future, you can buy a house there and find me a wife from the city."

Hearing him say this so seriously, the two adults couldn't stay angry and laughed.

In truth, much of the time, they weren't really angry; they just didn't want to give in at home, in front of their partner, and always had to argue to determine a winner. In the heat of the moment, they often ended up quarreling.

Knowing they were leaving the next day, some people came to visit after dinner, including Uncle Er, Uncle San, Feng Chuntang, and Feng Weidong.

There were still leftovers from the New Year's goods, including sunflower seeds, peanuts, and candies, which filled a large plate. Feng Chuntang joked, "Aunt, you're really generous today!"

Feng Weidong also said, "Leave these for Yiping."

Feng Zhenchang grabbed a handful and said, "I've already set aside a big bag for him. Come, come, eat. Whatever's left, we'll take with us when we leave."

They chatted and joked, each puffing on their cigarettes. Feng Weidong said, "We won't be shy, then. These are all good things, especially the peanuts. Ours are better than those bought outside. They taste so much better."