Chapter 65

Chapter 65

"Safe and well, awaiting your letter."

Zhai Hongyi's telegram had only six words, but Tang Qingqing and Wang Heizi stared at it for a long time before they could look away; the small piece of paper was almost worn through from their scrutiny.

Wang Heizi grinned, feeling immensely relieved:

"I knew Brother Hongyi would be fine! And he wouldn't forget about us. What do you think 'awaiting your letter' means? Is it waiting for news or waiting for his letter?"

Tang Qingqing pondered for a moment: "Given Brother Hongyi's personality, sending this telegram is just to reassure us. There should be more detailed correspondence later."

"Really?" Wang Heizi's smile deepened. "Actually, knowing that he's safe is enough for us."

Tang Qingqing glanced at him: "When did you become so hypocritical?"

If Zhai Hongyi had merely reported his safety and then disappeared without further contact, leaving them with one-sided communication, Wang Heizi would surely have grumbled again.

"I've grown up and become more sensible!"

Tang Qingqing remained unconvinced, but with Zhai Hongyi safe, she felt much more at ease. Otherwise, the New Year would have been restless.

After a few days back at school, Tang Qingqing received a letter and package from Zhai Hongyi.

The package contained study materials from junior high to senior high school, along with a large jar of candies, which seemed to be brought back from abroad, specifically for Tang Qingqing.

Although Tang Qingqing's health had improved and she was no longer as frail as before, if she wasn't careful, she could still suffer from hypoglycemia.

Especially during chases, when she became too focused and skipped meals, she was prone to episodes.

Thus, Tang Qingqing developed the habit of always having candy on hand, keeping some in her pocket at all times.

Most of the money she earned went towards food, with candies being a significant expense.

To avoid cavities, she had to brush her teeth frequently, making toothpaste and toothbrushes another considerable cost.

Without ration coupons, she had to pay extra to buy these items on the black market.

With so many candies, Tang Qingqing could enjoy them for quite a while.

In addition to the candies, Zhai Hongyi also sent Tang Qingqing a pair of leather gloves and a fur-lined hat, which were incredibly warm.

During cold winter chases, Tang Qingqing often suffered from headaches and swollen fingers due to the cold, so this gift was particularly thoughtful.

Wang Heizi's gift was substantial too – a nearly new military overcoat!

Though not brand new, rural kids didn't care about such things; having something to wear was already great. Moreover, this coat looked practically new.

"Brother Hongyi told me before that if he returned, he'd give me his old military overcoat! Hahaha, he really didn't forget!"

Wang Heizi took off his jacket and put on the overcoat, posing in various ways, wishing there was a mirror nearby.

Along with the package came a letter addressed to both Wang Heizi and Tang Qingqing.

The letter was only one page long and not even fully written.

Seeing it, Wang Heizi couldn't help but complain: "Brother Hongyi really is something, writing so little to both of us."

"At the time, his right hand was injured, so he probably had trouble writing."

Looking closely at the handwriting, it was noticeably messier than usual.

Wang Heizi couldn't help but worry: "It's been so long, and my injuries are mostly healed. Hasn't he recovered yet?"

"Bones take a hundred days to heal; it can't be that quick. Your injuries aren't fully healed either, so take care."

Wang Heizi ignored her comment and continued staring at the letter.

Zhai Hongyi briefly described his current situation. He had been transported back to the capital for treatment and had since been discharged.

Initially, although he woke up, he was dazed most of the time and spent much of it sleeping, so he didn't think to report his safety.

Later, his condition improved, but his elderly family members were concerned and kept him confined at home, delaying his message until now.

Seeing this, Wang Heizi remarked: "He couldn't have asked someone at home to send us a telegram?"

But it was just a passing comment, and he didn't pursue it further.

Tang Qingqing continued reading. Zhai Hongyi mentioned that he had now fully recovered and urged them to focus on their studies, promising that they would meet again someday.

At the end of the letter, he provided an address for them to write to, and if they didn't receive a reply, they could send a telegram to another address and person.

Additionally, he included a phone number.

The content of the letter was brief, and they finished reading it quickly.

Wang Heizi fiddled with the letter for a while, feeling somewhat disappointed by its brevity.

"Why didn't Brother Hongyi mention Wen Xuelan? That woman is too scheming!"

Tang Qingqing wasn't surprised: "You know his temper; he wouldn't waste ink on such matters."

"Brother Hongyi said we'll meet again someday. Do you think he meant it sincerely or was just being polite?"

The distance between the capital and their town was vast, making it difficult to meet, let alone interact as before.

"If we can get into a university in the capital, then it will be real."

Wang Heizi drew a sharp breath: "Sis Qing, you're my dear sister. You might make it, but how could I possibly get in?"

Wang Heizi wasn't stupid and learned things quite quickly.

But his heart wasn't in it, and he wasn't the type of natural overachiever. Although he could keep up now and his grades were decent, he knew his limits—he wouldn't be able to pass the university entrance exam.

Last year's college entrance competition was fierce, and their entire commune had very few successful candidates, many of whom were sent-down youth.

Tang Qingqing understood his character and knew that some things couldn't be forced.

When Zhai Hongyi tutored him, Wang Heizi could still listen, but once at school, he tended to let loose. Though he could still keep up, his heart wasn't in studying, and his state of mind was different.

In this era, if one wanted to succeed through the college entrance exam, they needed to devote all their energy; anything less would be difficult to achieve.

Tang Qingqing had reduced her absences and tried to schedule her fieldwork on weekends or holidays, focusing on being a student during weekdays.

Even with knowledge she had already learned, she didn't become complacent and stop learning.

Understanding something meant mastering it thoroughly, which allowed for better application.

As for Wang Heizi, there were many paths he could take in the future; he didn't have to stick to just one.

However, such words couldn't be said now. Not only would it be hard to explain, but it might also make Wang Heizi give up on studying right away.

"You should keep learning; it won't be wrong. Look at Teacher Zhang, who has always persisted in studying and finally received his reward."

Zhang Yabin getting into university meant a complete change in his fate, taking a path entirely different from other sent-down youth.

Wang Heizi felt overwhelmed. "I know, I know. I really don't understand why you all love studying so much."

Upon receiving Zhai Hongyi's letter, the two immediately began writing back.

Tang Qingqing's reply wasn't long, but it was still more than Zhai Hongyi's.

She mainly wrote about recent events and changes in everyone since his departure, expressing concern for Zhai Hongyi.

Wang Heizi wrote a lengthy letter, filling several pages densely. It was surprising how many words he could write.

Some characters he didn't know, he used pinyin instead.

Usually, when asked to write a short essay, he would complain bitterly, but when writing letters, he seemed like a great writer.

Wang Heizi argued, "You both wrote so little; how can you understand each other's situation? In the future, you'll run out of things to say. You need to write like me, so even if Brother Yi isn't here, reading my letters will feel like experiencing these things together."

Tang Qingqing found this reasoning sound. "Next time, I'll write more."

Wang Heizi was pleased with Tang Qingqing's understanding. "Brother Yi can't talk much about his family, but we don't have that restriction. Writing more will cheer him up."

"I think Brother Yi doesn't like going home because he's unhappy there. If we write more about what's happening here, it will make him feel like he's living with us, improving his mood."

Tang Qingqing rewrote her letter, making it much richer in content.

Though not as detailed as Wang Heizi's, it still conveyed their daily experiences to Zhai Hongyi.

When sending the letters, however, Wang Heizi felt troubled again.

"Brother Yi sent us so many good things, but we have nothing to send back."

If the weather were warmer, they could find some wild goods on the mountain, but now was the leanest time of the year, with nothing available.

Buying something from the supply store to send wouldn't work either; the capital city had everything, and it would be a waste of postage.

"This time, let's note it down. When we find something suitable later, we can send it then. We're close friends; there's no need to send gifts just for the sake of it."

Wang Heizi agreed and stopped worrying.

Back at school, Tang Qingqing was pulled aside by her desk mate.

"Qingqing, did you hear the news?"

"What news?"

"Oh, you don't know yet! The junior high school system is changing from two years to three years! We'll have to study for another year!"

Her desk mate, Zhou Xiaoling, was on the verge of tears, struggling to accept this reality.

Tang Qingqing was stunned. "What? Is it changing this year? What about high school?"

"Yes, it starts this year, but high school remains two years."

Tang Qingqing, knowing from books that the future system would be three years for junior high and three for high school, could digest the news of an extra year of study.

"Actually, it's good. An extra year means more learning."

Zhou Xiaoling, however, looked distraught. "My family might not support me anymore. They were reluctant to let me go to junior high. They want me to help take care of my newborn niece at home. I cried and begged to come to school."

Tang Qingqing hadn't realized Zhou Xiaoling's family situation. Zhou Xiaoling always smiled and seemed carefree.

Moreover, Zhou Xiaoling's parents were both employed, and her older brother worked too, so Tang Qingqing assumed her family was well-off.

"If your grades stay good, you'll definitely get into a vocational school. After graduation, you'll be assigned a job, and your future will be different."

Zhou Xiaoling sighed. "I never dared to dream of high school before, and now it seems even more impossible. I planned to just get a junior high diploma and find a temporary job."

The current vocational schools required passing the college entrance exam.

Tang Qingqing didn't know how to comfort her. She thought rural girls had it harder, but now she realized that even city girls from dual-income families faced difficulties.

"Talk to your family. Maybe you can finish junior high?"

Zhou Xiaoling looked defeated. "This semester, my family dragged their feet before giving me the money. Now, with an extra year..."

Zhou Xiaoling no longer dared to imagine what her parents' expressions would be after they learned about this. Her sister-in-law would definitely dislike her even more.

"Have you discussed with your mom that if you can graduate from junior high, it will be easier to find a job later? Then you could earn money and better support them?"

"My mom only says that for women, the most important thing is to marry a good man. She thinks I should go back home now to do housework, practice taking care of my nephew, and learn how to manage household chores well so that I can marry well."

Tang Qingqing really didn't know what else to say.

Zhou Xiaoling quickly wiped away her tears and sincerely said,

"Qingqing, I envy you so much. You have the ability to control your own destiny. I can't do anything; I can only rely on my family and can't fight for anything for myself."

"You can too."

Zhou Xiaoling just smiled without saying anything.

"I'm serious. The future holds many paths. As long as you're willing to work hard and use your brain, you can live a good life. Once you have some economic power, you can continue your studies."

Leaving school doesn't mean you can't continue learning. Besides self-study, there will be night schools and self-examinations in the future.

Even if you temporarily fall into a quagmire or take a path you don't want, there's still a chance to change your fate.

However, Zhou Xiaoling didn't yet understand how much the future could change, making it hard for her to let go.

The two-year junior high system changing to three years brought joy to some and sorrow to others.

No matter people's attitudes, once the policy was implemented, it couldn't be changed.

What Tang Qingqing didn't expect was that not long after, Zhou Xiaoling left school and couldn't continue her education.

On the day Zhou Xiaoling came to school, she cried bitterly, completely losing her former cheerful demeanor.

Tang Qingqing panicked. Although she had anticipated this, it was still hard to accept when it actually happened, especially so soon.

"Can't you finish this semester at least? Tuition has already been paid."

Zhou Xiaoling's tears fell like pearls, her voice hoarse.

"They said whether I study or not, it's the same. Girls studying isn't useful; knowing how to read and count is enough."

Zhou Xiaoling had good grades, and her family wasn't poor. Teachers had come to persuade her family, but they still refused to agree.

Her eldest brother now has three children, one just over two years old, and twins who are only three months old.

Her second sister-in-law is also pregnant and due in half a year.

She is already showing as if five months along, possibly another set of twins.

The Zhou family seems to produce twins frequently. Her eldest and second brothers are twins, and her uncle and father are also twins, making this highly likely.

Now they want Zhou Xiaoling to drop out to help take care of her nieces and nephews.

Her eldest sister-in-law can't handle three children alone, and Zhou Xiaoling's mother works and can't spare the time.

"My mom said she would give me her job as compensation."

When Zhou Xiaoling said this, her expression was calm, without the excitement others might show upon getting a formal job.

She herself didn't believe her mother would give her the job.

For this job, her eldest and second sisters-in-law had been constantly scheming against each other. They were both temporary workers, and the eldest sister-in-law lost her position due to childbirth.

Who wouldn't covet a formal job? Thus, they wouldn't yield to each other.

Zhou Xiaoling saying this was merely to make herself feel better.

"Can't I lend you money to continue your studies?!"

Zhou Xiaoling's originally bitter face broke into a smile.

The more Tang Qingqing thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. Although she didn't have much money, she could borrow from Zhai Hongyi first.

Zhai Hongyi left in a hurry, leaving all his belongings with the Rongshan Brigade, including the money he had earned.

Most of it was deposited in the bank, with over three hundred yuan in cash.

Tang Qingqing hadn't opened the passbook, but seeing over three hundred yuan in cash, she knew Zhai Hongyi had earned quite a bit.

Wang Heizi now occasionally boasted in front of her, claiming he was richer than anyone in the brigade.

Although Tang Qingqing found it hard to believe, she remembered the book saying that after the reforms, selling socks or sunflower seeds could lead to great wealth.

Some small businesses, though unassuming, could bring in substantial profits.

After two years of hard work, earning so much didn't seem too surprising.

Now Zhai Hongyi had asked her to keep the money, without sending it to him.

"Yes, I can lend you the money. You don't need to repay me right away; you can do so when you start working and earn money."

Tang Qingqing and Zhou Xiaoling had a very close relationship. Whenever Tang Qingqing took leave, Zhou Xiaoling would copy notes for her.

Since Tang Qingqing lived on campus, where the food was neither tasty nor nutritious, she asked Zhou Xiaoling to buy her a boiled egg every day. Zhou Xiaoling not only helped but always brought it warm.

Tang Qingqing didn't want her good friend to lose the opportunity to study. She understood better than anyone how hard Zhou Xiaoling worked and how much she loved school.

"Qingqing, thank you." Zhou Xiaoling's eyes turned even redder. "But my parents won't agree."

"I'll go talk to them."

Zhou Xiaoling shook her head. "Don't bother. The teacher even mentioned that the school could waive my tuition, but they didn't agree."

Zhou Xiaoling's mother had to work and couldn't help take care of the grandchild, which made Zhou Xiaoling's eldest sister-in-law very unhappy. She felt that this grandmother was not doing her part.

Which grandmother doesn't lend a hand? She had given birth to a son, three healthy boys, yet the in-laws did nothing. This was simply unacceptable.

The already strained relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law worsened.

Zhou Xiaoling's mother was unwilling to give up her job, so she turned to Zhou Xiaoling for help.

Ultimately, it came down to the belief that the return on education for girls was minimal, coupled with the idea that marrying well was more important than working hard. Therefore, Zhou Xiaoling's education was deemed unimportant.

Zhou Xiaoling's mother herself was barely literate and got this job because she married well, arranged by her husband's family.

Many of her contemporaries who had been educated were no better off than her. Those who married poorly ended up working like oxen at home.

Due to her own experiences, Zhou Xiaoling's mother believed this even more strongly.

So she thought that finishing primary school and learning basic literacy and numeracy would be enough for Zhou Xiaoling. What mattered most was finding a good husband.

Tang Qingqing didn't know what else to say and could only watch as Zhou Xiaoling left the school with her books.

Wang Heizi took another leave to run errands for the commune and was scolded by Tang Qingqing.

"You have such a great opportunity, why don't you cherish it! Do you know how many people want to go to school but can't?"

Wang Heizi looked confused, not understanding why Tang Qingqing suddenly lashed out.

"What's wrong with you?"

Tang Qingqing turned her face away, knowing it wasn't really Wang Heizi's fault, but seeing him triggered her anger.

Perhaps it was because she thought of Wang Caoer; both were from the same family but received completely different treatment.

After a while, Tang Qingqing calmed down.

"It's nothing, it's just me."

Wang Heizi: "I brought my eyes here, what happened? Who upset you?"

Tang Qingqing told him about Zhou Xiaoling, and Wang Heizi immediately understood.

"When I get rich, I'll sponsor girls' education and build a girls' school! Here, students will get paid to study. People say girls don't need much education, but if they could earn money by sending their daughters to school, they'd definitely do it."

When Tang Qingqing saw Zhou Xiaoling again, she almost didn't recognize her.

The once round-faced girl now had a sharp face, sunken eyes, and a haggard complexion.

She carried a child on her back and held another in her arms, slightly hunched over, waiting in line at the supply store to buy something.

Clearly still a teenager, she looked like she had already given birth, with disheveled hair.

The child on her back kept pulling her hair, ignoring her pleas, while the one in her arms was restless, struggling constantly. She had to hold onto him tightly, afraid he might fall.

The child cried from the tight grip, causing a moment of chaos.

Tang Qingqing hurried forward. "Let me carry one for you."

Zhou Xiaoling looked up and, upon seeing her, turned and ran away.

Tang Qingqing stood there stunned, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

"Why did she run?"

When Tang Qingqing arrived at the Public Security Bureau's cafeteria, she was still dazed.

Qin Sa walked in with dark circles under her eyes, her clothes wrinkled as if she had just been pulled out of a pickle jar, clearly having pulled several all-nighters.

"Wow, what's our sharp-eyed heroine so gloomy about today? Did you fail a test?"

A nearby officer laughed. "How could that be? Qingqing has always been top of the class, far ahead of second place."

The officers at the Public Security Bureau had always paid close attention to Tang Qingqing and cared deeply about her.

If she could be involved in a case, it would significantly shorten the investigation process.

However, everyone knew she was currently studying and doing exceptionally well, likely heading towards university.

Thus, they only called her in for difficult cases, not wanting to interfere with her studies.

Initially, they thought she would join the bureau through her tracking skills, but now it seemed she had a brighter future ahead.

They watched her grow from a little sprout into a graceful young woman and hoped she would achieve even greater success.

"It's nothing, I just met an old classmate."

Qin Sa raised an eyebrow. "Someone you like?"

Tang Qingqing blushed. "Sis, what are you talking about!"

"There's nothing wrong with liking someone at your age."

"No, it's a female classmate, my former desk partner."

Tang Qingqing recounted Zhou Xiaoling's situation and how she ran away when she saw her.

"She probably doesn't know how to face you."

Tang Qingqing felt uneasy.

"She can't change her fate, and seeing you so spirited must make her feel uncomfortable, making her hesitant to get close."

Tang Qingqing lowered her head without speaking, though she had vaguely guessed as much, it still made her very sad.

"I've also parted ways with my old friends, but I'm worse off than you. Your classmates feel inferior, while mine simply dislike me, hahaha!"

Qin Sa laughed heartily, completely open and honest.

Tang Qingqing was puzzled. "Why would they dislike you?"

To Tang Qingqing, Qin Sa was a heroine, solving many cases at a young age and always rushing into danger.

And she wasn't just being reckless; she had the skills to subdue criminals.

"Because they think I'm too manly and not womanly enough. They also believe that since I'm still single at my age, I might corrupt their children."

"How could anyone think like that? Don't they say women hold up half the sky?"

Qin Sa pinched her smooth little face. "Not everyone understands this. To them, no matter how capable a woman is, it's useless and even makes the men feel too pressured, leading to her being unwanted. For some, an unwanted woman means she has no value."

A male officer nearby quickly said, "That doesn't include me! Our Sister Sa is a queen of the police force; nobody can match her!"

Qin Sa kicked him lightly. "Cut it out. When I first went to the frontlines, you complained I was a burden."

"That was because I didn't recognize your worth. Now, I have one word for you—respect!"

Qin Sa raised her chin proudly. "See, when you rely on your abilities, others may begrudge you, but they'll still praise you to your face."

The male officer cried out in mock indignation, making Tang Qingqing laugh.

Later, Tang Qingqing rarely encountered Zhou Xiaoling. She usually stayed at school, occasionally taking leave to track something down.

On weekends, she would go to the Public Security Bureau's cafeteria for extra meals, walking along the commune road.

What surprised Tang Qingqing was that when she was about to enter her third year of junior high, she heard that Zhou Xiaoling was getting married.

Tang Qingqing was shocked. Zhou Xiaoling was younger than her, only sixteen years old.

Tang Qingqing still felt like a child, yet Zhou Xiaoling was getting married.

The legal marriage age for women was eighteen, and Zhou Xiaoling hadn't reached that age yet!

Though such things weren't uncommon in rural areas where people often married young, it was still hard to accept happening to Zhou Xiaoling.

"It's not an official marriage, just an engagement," said her new deskmate, Ning Pingying.

Ning Pingying's parents worked at the same factory as Zhou Xiaoling's, and their families were neighbors, so she knew Zhou Xiaoling's situation well.

While it was an engagement, according to local customs, once the ceremony was held, they would be considered family and could live together.

They just couldn't legally marry due to their age.

"Why is she getting married so young? Her brother's children are still small. Who will help take care of them?"

Ning Pingying replied, "They'll be sent to the factory's kindergarten, which accepts children over one year old. Do you know who Zhou Xiaoling is marrying?"

Tang Qingqing shook her head. "Who?"

"The son of the Machinery Plant's director, eight years older than Zhou Xiaoling." Ning Pingying looked around and whispered, "I heard he has some mental issues."

Tang Qingqing was startled. "How could she marry someone like that!"

"It's not that bad. He seems normal most of the time but occasionally gets sick. They need a wife who can take care of him, someone patient and attentive. His mother chose Zhou Xiaoling for that reason."

"Otherwise, why would the Machinery Plant director's son look at someone like Zhou Xiaoling?"

The Machinery Plant was a major enterprise in their commune, offering excellent benefits to its workers, making other factories envious.

So, Zhou Xiaoling's husband's conditions were quite good, and under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have been considered, having not even finished junior high.

Tang Qingqing still felt uneasy, and Ning Pingying added:

"Also, after Zhou Xiaoling marries, her sister-in-law will get a formal job! These terms are great, and any family would be happy."

The two brothers in Zhou's family had fought over their mother's position, causing a lot of commotion. Now, the elder daughter-in-law gets the position, and the younger one gets a job, ending the dispute.

But this came at the cost of Zhou Xiaoling's interests.

"Poor Zhou Xiaoling."

After helping raise her nephews, she's being married off for the family's benefit, a complete exploitation.

"What are you thinking? Zhou Xiaoling is willing."

"Huh?"

"Even though the man is older, as my mom says, older men are more caring. Although he occasionally gets sick, most of the time, he's fine. The conditions are among the best in the commune.

For the engagement alone, they sent a lot of gifts, including all the essentials. They even gave ten yuan as a meeting gift!"

Ning Pingying's eyes showed a hint of envy.

"My mom says if I could marry into such a family, I'd be smiling in my dreams every night."

Tang Qingqing didn't know what to say and asked, "Do you think these conditions are good?"

Ning Pingying thought for a moment and said, "To be honest, when I think about getting married now, I'm not that keen on it. But if I say this, others will just say I'm being like the fox in the sour grapes story."

Tang Qingqing sighed, "When is her engagement? We were classmates; should we go congratulate her...?"

"No, no, no!" Ning Pingying quickly interrupted, "Don't even think about going over there."

"Why not?"

Ning Pingying looked her up and down, "You used to be so close with her. Why do you think she didn't send you an invitation?"

"Why?"

"Tang Qingqing, please acknowledge your own beauty. If you go, what would she be left with? She hasn't even registered the marriage yet; it's just a banquet. What if it falls through? She'd be furious."

Tang Qingqing was speechless, "What nonsense are you talking about? It's not that exaggerated."

"How is this exaggerated! Sometimes I get lost staring at you, let alone men. Do you know how many people like you!"

"I don't feel it."

Ning Pingying rolled her eyes, "So many people fawning over you, and you don't feel anything. Well, you're used to it."

Tang Qingqing couldn't help but laugh, "Really, I don't feel it."

"It's because everyone is too intimidated. You're beautiful and smart, always top of the class. And you have this 'tracking' skill, which makes the Public Security Bureau often invite you to solve cases. Even though you're from the countryside, you're so talented and beautiful that you don't come off as rustic. They can only admire you from afar."

Tang Qingqing blushed, "You're exaggerating. Beauty doesn't put food on the table."

"Who said it doesn't? With your looks, you could marry into a good family and have a good life. Though elders might not like someone so beautiful, men do. Mothers can't resist their sons' wishes."

Tang Qingqing felt that continuing this topic would seem like fishing for compliments.

Seeing Tang Qingqing's indifferent expression, Ning Pingying couldn't help but add more.

"Don't think I'm making this up. Why else wouldn't Zhou Xiaoling invite you? If it were me, I'd bring you along for the prestige!"

Ning Pingying was proud. Many people tried to curry favor with her to get information about Tang Qingqing—what she likes to eat, what books she enjoys reading.

Her popularity at school was all thanks to her friendship with Tang Qingqing.

Jealousy? Not a chance. The gap was too wide, and Ning Pingying had no interest in competing.

Raised by a mother who constantly compared her to others, Ning Pingying was now indifferent. No one could use others to provoke her; she simply admired their beauty.

Tang Qingqing didn't want to dwell on appearance, but she couldn't help asking:

"If a man could be swayed so easily, he must be unreliable, right?"

There are many beautiful people in the world. Would they abandon their wives just because they saw someone attractive? That would cause chaos.

Ning Pingying shrugged, "My mom says all men are like that; they'll settle down eventually."

Tang Qingqing rolled her eyes, "What nonsense. I'd rather stay single than be stuck with a rotten man."

Tang Qingqing wanted to know what kind of person Zhou Xiaoling was marrying and whether she was happy, but without an invitation, she didn't want to intrude.

If Zhou Xiaoling didn't welcome her, it would be awkward.

Not long after, Tang Qingqing ran into Zhou Xiaoling on the street.

Unlike before, Zhou Xiaoling seemed radiant and much more beautiful.

But her once clear eyes now held more depth.

"Qingqing!"

"Xiaoling, long time no see. I heard you're engaged?"

Zhou Xiaoling smiled brightly, casually flicking her hair, "You found out? Didn't expect the news to spread so fast."

"How are you doing? Are you still studying?"

Tang Qingqing felt this question was unnecessary but asked anyway.

Zhou Xiaoling's eyes curved into a smile, "Qingqing, you're still the same, always thinking about books."

Tang Qingqing pursed her lips, saying nothing.

Sensing her unease, Zhou Xiaoling said seriously,

"I don't have your talent or skills, nor your beauty. No matter how much I study, it won't change things. I won't achieve what I have now."

"How do you know if you haven't tried?"

Tang Qingqing glanced at the nearby snack stalls. Now that restrictions were lifted, vendors were starting to set up on the streets.

Though not fully open, the atmosphere was different from before.

Wang Heizi mentioned that he no longer needed to hide his business, although he still couldn't advertise openly. It was much easier now.

Those brave enough to start stalls now had a good chance of succeeding later.

This was a time of opportunity.

Following her gaze, Zhou Xiaoling pouted, "How embarrassing. If I had to hawk goods on the street, I'd rather starve."

Tang Qingqing felt a pang of sadness, finally saying, "As long as you're happy now."

"I am indeed very happy. You have no idea how I managed to get through these past two years. I thought my life was over, but thankfully, I didn't give up."

Tang Qingqing just smiled. Zhou Xiaoling seemed to have been holding back for too long, her emotions suppressed, and she held onto Tang Qingqing, not wanting to let her go.

Zhou Xiaoling was genuinely very happy, and Tang Qingqing could clearly sense her joy.

From the few words Zhou Xiaoling shared, Tang Qingqing learned that this wasn't all arranged by her parents; it was largely due to Zhou Xiaoling's own efforts.

If she hadn't deliberately shown herself off, she wouldn't have caught the attention of the wife of the Machinery Plant's director.

At this moment, Zhou Xiaoling regarded Tang Qingqing as a good friend and thus didn't hesitate to share how she had won the favor of the director's wife.

"If I hadn't been more observant, I would have stayed at home for several more years. You have no idea how hard it was for me during this time. I couldn't even get a full night's sleep. I had to take care of the children at night and wake up early in the morning to do chores. If any of my nieces or nephews fell and got hurt, I would definitely be scolded.

My mother would scold me, and then my sister-in-law would join in. My brother was also quite harsh with me, saying I couldn't do anything right."

Hearing this, Tang Qingqing understood Zhou Xiaoling's helplessness.

Her current choice was indeed the best one she could think of.

Everyone has their own path, and many people have no choice but to follow it.

Tang Qingqing didn't approve of Zhou Xiaoling's marriage partner, but as long as Zhou Xiaoling was satisfied, that was enough.

"After you get married, will you also go to work? Your partner's family should be able to arrange something for you, right?"

Rather than dwelling on whether the marriage was right or wrong, Tang Qingqing felt this point was more important.

"My mother-in-law hopes that I can stay at home and take good care of my husband and children. She says they will prepare everything for us, so we don't need to worry about daily life."

"What about your husband?"

Zhou Xiaoling's face turned slightly red, a mix of shyness and modesty: "He listens to my mother-in-law."

"I think the most important thing for women is to take care of the family. If there are no conditions, then it's fine. The family I married into is quite decent, so I don't need to worry about outside matters."

Tang Qingqing looked at her still youthful face, yet her demeanor was different from before. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

"Qingqing, you don't really need to work so hard. You're so pretty, and many boys in school like you. Some of them come from families with excellent backgrounds."

Tang Qingqing smiled without saying anything. Sensing Tang Qingqing's resistance, Zhou Xiaoling earnestly said:

"Qingqing, after leaving school, I realized many truths. In our society, it's crucial to build good relationships with others, regardless of gender. Abilities are secondary."

Tang Qingqing smiled: "I think I'm doing fine now."

Seeing that Tang Qingqing was unmoved, Zhou Xiaoling wanted to say more, but Tang Qingqing used the excuse of it being late to leave.

Zhou Xiaoling glanced at her watch and exclaimed: "It's so late already! I need to go back!"

Without waiting for Tang Qingqing's reaction, she rushed off hurriedly.

Tang Qingqing never imagined that this would be the last time she saw Zhou Xiaoling.