Chapter 72

Chapter 72

If it were someone else, they might have been swayed by this grand promise.

Tang Xingqiang, however, wasn't so easily swayed. He was initially excited, but when he calculated the time on his fingers, his enthusiasm quickly waned.

"There are still many years ahead..."

In the book, Tang Xingqiang followed his parents to seek help from Tang Jianguo. His academic performance in school was excellent.

At that time, there was an option for junior high graduates to take an exam for a specialized secondary school, which held significant value because it allowed early graduation and entry into the workforce. This not only helped reduce family burdens sooner but also gave them a head start in their careers.

In the early years after graduating from these specialized schools, students could even directly apply for university. Later, some of these institutions merged with universities.

Many places required top scores on the middle school entrance exams to enter these specialized schools, making them highly competitive.

However, as society progressed and universities became more accessible, specialized schools gradually lost their appeal, becoming a fallback option for those who couldn't get into high school.

Given his grades at the time, Tang Xingqiang could have entered a specialized school and secured a good job after three or four years of study.

But he couldn't wait. Despite the objections of his family, including Tang Jianguo, he started doing business right after junior high school.

Their family wasn't really short on money; it was just Tang Xingqiang's impulsive nature that made him impatient and eager for quick success.

A leopard can't change its spots, and Tang Qingqing understood that suppressing him would only make him rebel harder later.

Tang Qingqing thought for a moment and said, "I'm going to the commune the day after tomorrow. Why don't you come with me? Before the New Year, Wang Heizi needs some help, and you can work with him for a few days."

Tang Xingqiang jumped up excitedly. "Sis, really? Can I really go with Wang Heizi?!"

Wang Heizi didn't take just anyone under his wing; he kept his business dealings secret.

"If he doesn't want to take you along, you can take some goods from him to sell. You'll earn something. But you must listen to him. If he kicks you out because he's not satisfied, I won't plead on your behalf. And you need to behave yourself from now on."

Tang Xingqiang promised repeatedly, "Sis, don't worry. I will listen! I'll treat him like my own brother!"

Tang Xingsheng was also tempted but didn't express it openly. Unlike his brother, he had never been to the commune and felt a natural fear towards it, so he remained silent.

Tang Qingqing noticed his hesitation and patted his head, saying,

"Don't force yourself. Everyone has different strengths."

Tang Xingsheng sighed, "But I don't know what my strength is."

"That's why you need to study hard and build a solid foundation. Only then can you support any future choices. Even if you make a wrong decision, it will be easier to correct than for others."

Tang Xingsheng nodded seriously and stopped worrying.

He planned to read more during the holidays, hoping to catch up with his brother.

The next morning, Tang Qingqing set out to visit Old Liu.

Tang Xingqiang suddenly appeared from a corner, startling her.

"What are you doing here so early? I'm going to the commune tomorrow."

"Sis, I have something to tell you, but I'm not sure if I should."

Tang Qingqing chuckled, "What's got you so conflicted?"

As Tang Xingqiang grew older, he became increasingly fair-skinned and handsome, with clear, bright eyes that made him look clever and endearing. It was hard to believe he was once a mischievous child.

His serious expression amused Tang Qingqing.

Even when she rubbed his face, he didn't act like he usually did—either being playful or retaliating. Instead, he frowned deeply.

"Is it something serious?" Tang Qingqing sensed his unease.

Tang Xingqiang led her down a small path. Even though it was winter and few people were outside, he was still cautious, making Tang Qingqing curious about what could make him so careful.

After ensuring no one was around, Tang Xingqiang spoke:

"Sis, do you know that the uncle in the city hasn't sent us money for a long time?"

Tang Qingqing nodded. Although she rarely went home since starting junior high, she knew many things.

Previously, Tang Jianguo often sent money and goods to the family, but later, he only sent goods without money.

The gifts became less generous, frustrating Grandma Wu.

People in the village also noticed the difference, as the postman came less frequently.

Zhao Dahua often complained and even wrote letters to inquire about the situation.

There was no response, leaving the Tang family disappointed and less well-off than before.

Tang Qingqing wasn't surprised by this outcome. Tang Jianguo had already been adopted out, and according to current norms, he had no obligations to his birth family.

Sending money and goods was a matter of kindness, not duty.

When Tang Jianguo was adopted, Grandma Wu had received money, essentially selling her son.

Fortunately, his adoptive father was kind and didn't sever ties with the family.

Although Tang Jianguo no longer sent much money, he still sent goods, which, combined with his previous contributions, was considered sufficient.

"What's the problem?"

"In fact, he hasn't completely stopped sending money."

"What does that mean?"

"Uncle has a cousin who's about your age. She used to live with us before. Do you remember her?"

Tang Qingqing of course remembered. Her fate changed when she swapped places with Tang Zhenzhen.

"I remember. What are you trying to say?"

"If this were any other time, Uncle suddenly stopping the money transfers would have caused a commotion. Based on Mom and Dad's temperaments, they would definitely have made a fuss over the years. Any guesses why there wasn't one this time?"

Tang Qingqing had no idea. She thought it was simply too far for them to go.

Besides, Tang Jianguo wasn't obligated to do so, and making a scene wouldn't help either.

But considering Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua's personalities, it was indeed strange that they didn't react more than just cursing a bit.

After all, this was money!

No matter how many difficulties there were, none mattered in the face of money.

"Why? Tell me already, don't keep me in suspense."

"I found out by accident. Actually, Mom and Dad have been receiving money these past few years, but not from Uncle. It's from that cousin! Not much each time, two or three yuan at most, five at the most, tucked inside letters."

Tang Xingqiang felt puzzled talking about this: "How unsafe is it to put money in letters? What if it gets lost? And why would Cousin send money to Mom and Dad? Why should she be doing that?"

Tang Qingqing was stunned, never having imagined such a thing.

"Does Grandma know about this?"

"Of course not, which makes it even stranger. Even if Uncle isn't filial to Grandma anymore, if Cousin wanted to take his place, shouldn't she be sending money to Grandma instead of our parents?"

As a son, Tang Xingqiang had to admit that Grandma managed money better than his parents.

This couple spent money recklessly whenever they got it, hardly using it for anything important. When he asked for a notebook and pencils while they had money, they refused him.

Although Old Lady Wu was stingy, she was willing to spend on important matters.

Tang Qingqing frowned slightly. Could Tang Zhenzhen have discovered her true identity? Was she secretly sending money to their parents?

While Tang Qingqing was satisfied with her current life and didn't feel it was worse than what was written in the book, she still couldn't bring herself to like the person who had taken her place.

Even though everyone was young back then and didn't understand many things, adults' actions shouldn't be blamed on children.

Still, Tang Qingqing found it hard to like this person, even feeling a strong aversion and harboring a suspicion.

"Do you know what the letters say?"

Tang Xingqiang shook his head: "Mom and Dad kept it very secret. If they hadn't discussed it once thinking I was asleep, I wouldn't have known about it at all."

Ever since he found out, Tang Xingqiang started paying attention.

Because the money came infrequently, Tang Xingqiang had to wait a long time to confirm it.

Tang Qingqing pursed her lips. No wonder Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua didn't make a fuss; they were getting subsidies privately.

Though the amount was much less than before, Tang Jianguo always sent money directly to Old Lady Wu. Although Tang Jianjun collected it in town, he still had to hand it over to Old Lady Wu upon returning, otherwise it would be considered unfilial.

Old Lady Wu, as a widow, had her own means to raise her children and had her family's support.

Even if Tang Jianjun were bold, he wouldn't dare to embezzle that money.

But now it was different. Though the amount wasn't much, it went straight into Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua's pockets, so they wouldn't cause trouble.

"Does that cousin usually interact with our family?"

"Not that I've noticed," Tang Xingqiang shook his head.

"But I always felt that Mom and Dad care too much about her. They say she'll marry well and achieve great success. But she's just a dancer in the Art Troupe. They praise her as if she's the best thing since sliced bread, yet they hardly ever praise you, even though you're better than her. Besides, even if she marries into royalty, it won't affect us."

Tang Qingqing smiled and ruffled his hair. Tang Xingqiang truly lived up to being a future big shot; his instincts were sharp.

With just a few clues, he could sense something was off.

"That's not necessarily true. We're family after all. If she marries someone important, maybe she can help us."

In the book, Tang Xingqiang initially did business by leveraging the protagonist's name to get ahead without much effort.

"Forget it." Tang Xingqiang rolled his eyes. "We haven't seen each other in centuries. What's the point in relying on her? Better to rely on you."

"Following me means hard work."

"But that way it's ours."

Tang Qingqing looked Tang Xingqiang up and down. "Do you really think so?"

Tang Xingqiang pouted, upset. "Sis, you're underestimating me! I, Tang Xingqiang, can endure hardship!"

"I hope you remember these words. Taking shortcuts may seem smart, but it's far more reliable to take one step at a time."

"Sis, rest assured. Even if I hang out with Wang Heizi, I won't give up my studies. Remember what you said yesterday. If I improve, introduce me to Brother Yi!"

Tang Xingqiang's eyes were filled with yearning and aspiration, his right hand still clenched into a fist.

Tang Qingqing chuckled: "Do you admire him that much?"

"Wang Heizi, such a fool, could be brought to his current level of skill by him. I'm much smarter than that big fool. If he were willing to take me under his wing, I'm sure I could become the wealthiest person in our Rongshan Brigade!"