How much could high school cost?

Last year, Liu Yong would have felt pressured, but this year he’d found ways to make money. Though he couldn’t spend the earnings on other things yet, supporting Xia Xiaolan and Liu Fen wasn’t much burden. Money brought confidence, and Liu Yong truly wanted a better life for Xia Xiaolan. While they hadn’t had the means before, now that Xiaolan had a chance at university, he’d sell his blood to support her if needed, never mind that he had money!

Xia Xiaolan lowered her head, “Uncle, I said I want to buy Mother a house in the provincial capital. This is my life, and I’m eighteen now. You should save your money for my cousin.”

The thought of letting Liu Yong support her made Xia Xiaolan die of shame.

Liu Yong knew Xia Xiaolan was proud – she’d had this trait even before attempting suicide. Though she’d become more sensible, this hadn’t changed.

Old Wang thought this child had it too hard – living with her uncle after her divorced mother, desperately wanting to change their difficult circumstances. Teacher Qi’s heart softened too. Being a private trader wasn’t respectable, but Xia Xiaolan wanting to buy her mother a house showed such filial piety:

“Student Xia, schooling and settling down aren’t mutually exclusive. After graduating from university, the state will arrange work, and your unit will assign housing.”

It was just a matter of a few years.

Private trading didn’t guarantee being able to buy a house – business wasn’t always profitable, nowhere near as promising as a university graduate’s future. Teacher Qi sincerely advised, not wanting Xia Xiaolan to make a foolish mistake: “Once you’re working, with monthly wages, can’t you just repay your uncle for your education costs?”

Xia Xiaolan responded earnestly, “I’m used to studying at home. The school environment would pressure me too much. In middle school, I couldn’t grasp anything, but studying at home slowly, I found my method. Teachers, could we do this – I’ll come for tests, and even without tests, I’ll visit the school weekly to clarify anything I don’t understand from self-study.”

If Xia Xiaolan had said she’d skip school for business, not just the teachers but even her uncle Liu Yong would disagree.

Saying she learned better through self-study made the teachers uncertain and Liu Yong half-believing.

Xia Xiaolan’s middle school grades had indeed been average.

If they’d been good, she’d have gone to technical school, not quit after middle school graduation.

Three years after graduating middle school, she scored 446 points on County No. 1’s test – surely that couldn’t happen after just two days of reviewing books? It must be the merit of self-study. Liu Yong couldn’t ask for details in front of the teachers, but suspected it was related to Wang Jianhua, that educated youth from Dahe Village.

Hadn’t Wang Jianhua also gotten into university? Xiaolan had been close to him before – perhaps they’d studied together.

But could Liu Yong mention this?

Bringing it up would expose the triangle between Xia Ziyun, Wang Jianhua, and Xia Xiaolan – how could he mention before the County No. 1 teachers that Xiaolan, having lost in love, bore the reputation of seducing her future brother-in-law!

Xia Xiaolan’s request troubled Old Wang greatly.

But she was firm – if County No. 1 wouldn’t agree, she’d enroll at No. 2 Middle School instead.

How could Old Wang let a key university prospect go to No. 2? He could only say he’d discuss it with school leadership.

Being able to negotiate was good enough. Xia Xiaolan knew this would likely work out. Parting ways with the teachers in Anqing County, Teacher Qi remained unsatisfied with Liu Yong.

Self-study was just an excuse – Teacher Qi felt Xia Xiaolan was just worried about family finances.

Having pride was good, but this girl had too much… Her uncle should be firmer, and not let Xia Xiaolan ruin her future.

“Teacher still recommends you attend regular classes.”

“Thank you, Teacher Qi, but I’ve made my decision.”

Obviously.

She wanted to prove herself by getting into university and to expand her network.

In twenty or thirty years, this generation of 1980s university graduates would hold key positions across industries and government departments. Xia Xiaolan knew the connections she’d build at university now would be valuable in the future. One couldn’t fight alone forever in life.

Getting into university was certainly important. However far ahead Xia Xiaolan looked, she still had to mind the present.

Quickly escaping poverty for moderate prosperity and solving survival issues were Xia Xiaolan’s primary goals.

“Able to get into university…”

Liu Yong kept smiling foolishly along the way.

He’d forgotten Xiaolan’s surname was “Xia,” because he truly saw her as family. His heart swelled with joy that the Liu family would have a university student – bringing glory to the ancestors!

He agreed with the teachers that Xiaolan should attend regular classes. Some people failed after retaking for two or three years. Though Xiaolan’s test scores were good, she couldn’t get arrogant. Going to school regularly and focusing entirely on studies would give her the best shot at a good university next year!

Liu Yong didn’t say much, waiting for Liu Fen and Li Fengmei to return so they could pressure Xiaolan together.

“Really?!”

Liu Fen and Li Fengmei had been collecting eels door-to-door in the countryside. With Xia Xiaolan taking the bicycle, they’d walked on foot.

After an exhausting day, hearing the good news at home left Liu Fen stunned with joy.

It was absolutely true – County No. 1’s teachers had come to notify them personally. Not only did Xia Xiaolan pass the school’s transfer exam, but she had a great chance at university next year.

“Go study, study hard, Mom will support you…”

Liu Fen kept repeating these phrases.

No logic, no order – she was overjoyed.

Liu Fen felt life was like a dream. Earlier her daughter had attempted suicide, and they’d been thrown out of the Xia family with nothing. Xia Xiaolan seemed to mature overnight, and their lives hadn’t gotten worse, but better! Successfully divorced, transferred household registration, Xia Xiaolan earning money in business – these good changes accumulated… Until today’s news from County No. 1’s teachers that Xiaolan not only had a chance at university but was likely to get in!

A key university?

Too luxurious.

Even a specialized college or technical school would do.

Xia Xiaolan’s fate would be changed!

Before Xiaolan even reported to County No. 1, Liu Fen seemed to see her bright future.

Education changing fate, state-assigned work, rural registration converting to urban, securing an iron rice bowl, leaving behind all those awful rumors – though such a future was still hazy like flowers in the mist, it better matched Liu Fen’s hopes.

Emotionally overwhelmed, she covered her face and sobbed loudly.

“Listen to your mother, study hard, don’t worry about the business. If things get tough, you still have your uncle, what are you afraid of!”

“Yes, child, don’t be distant with family.”

Liu Yong and Li Fengmei took turns persuading her.

Xia Xiaolan hesitated – was she too hasty? Couldn’t she do business after university?

No, in these changing times, she wasn’t one of those destined to shine bright, just someone with extra knowledge from the future. If she didn’t seize the time, how could she achieve more than in her previous life?

She hadn’t come to be a failure.

Xia Xiaolan’s wavering heart grew firm again. Business and studies weren’t mutually exclusive – managing both would take more effort.

So what?

She could do it.

She hugged the sobbing Liu Fen:

“Mom, trust me.”