Chapter 688: I Approve Your Resignation

Chapter 688: Your Resignation Is Approved

Wei Baiyun's eyes were filled with guilt. "This is one downside of China—a measly 200,000 yuan takes up a whole sack."

Jiang Yu was already numb. She had thought she was quite wealthy before.

"Just 200,000 yuan"—what a rare thing to say.

"Mom, we're doing well now. You don’t need to give us money," He Feiyan said, recovering from her surprise.

Wei Baiyun chided, "Just let me do this for you, or I'll never feel right about it. I know money can’t truly make up for what I owe you."

He Feiyan: "..." No, money actually can.

"In the future, if you don’t want to work, you don’t have to. You can do whatever you want."

She also wanted to take He Feiyan to Hong Kong, where everything's more advanced than the mainland, and they could buy anything they wanted.

Wei Baiyun suddenly remembered something. "Fei Yan, Xiao Yu, there’s a change in national policy—they're probably bringing back college exams this year. You heard about this?"

Jiang Yu was startled. "Mom, how do you know?"

Wei Baiyun replied, "Your senior brother has connections. If you want to take the exams, I can ask him to help buy textbooks and materials."

Jiang Yu had already known about this. She had bought the textbooks but lacked some supplementary materials.

"If senior brother can get them, that would be perfect."

He Feiyan quickly waved her hands. "Mom, don’t get them for me. I hate studying—no exams for me."

Wei Baiyun just humored her, stroking her hair.

"If you ever want a diploma later, Mom can send you abroad. You could learn while enjoying yourself over there."

He Feiyan flinched. The language barrier made her reluctant to go abroad. She’d rather stay by her brother and sister-in-law’s side, being a happy slacker.

By August, word about bringing back college entrance exams had already reached some people.

As the capital, Beicheng was always the first to know about policy changes.

The news had everyone buzzing.

Most were pleased, as it meant there was another way out for them.

Beyond inheriting their parents’ jobs, they could now work their way into college and wait for government jobs.

Even the city kids stuck in the countryside could return to the city by passing the exams.

This wasn’t the first time Jiang Yu had submitted her resignation. This time, her reason was that she wanted to take the college entrance exams.

Factory Director Zheng bit back his annoyance. "Jiang Yu, the official notice about the exams hasn’t been released yet. Could just be talk."

Jiang Yu gave a knowing smile. "Do you really think it’s not true?"

Factory Director Zheng had nothing to say to that. He really couldn't stand to lose her.

Even if He Tingyue left, he would hate to lose Jiang Yu.

"Jiang Yu, even without taking the exams, what you've accomplished already is more than most folks achieve in a lifetime."

Jiang Yu shook her head, "But I don't want to settle here."

She wanted to try a different path and see how far she could go.

Factory Director Zheng wanted to persuade her further but couldn't bring himself to say anything.

Because deep down, he knew Jiang Yu would always be held back if she stayed at the factory.

She was no fledgling—she was an eagle soaring in the sky.

"Though it’s a great pity, I know the mill can't keep someone like you. Jiang Yu, I'll approve your resignation. Thank you for everything you've done for the factory! I wish you a bright future and success in getting into your ideal university!"

Jiang Yu smiled and shook Factory Director Zheng’s hand.

"Thank you, Director. I also wish Second State Cotton Mill and the entire textile base all the best."

Factory Director Zheng gave a knowing smile, knowing that with the foundation Jiang Yu had laid, things would only get better.

Jiang Yu didn’t need to hand over her work—she just gathered her things and left.

The news of her resignation caused more shock than the reinstatement of the college entrance exams.

She had never shown any signs before, and now she was suddenly leaving. How could anyone not be shocked?

Lan Raoping barged right into Jiang Yu’s office.

"Jiang Yu, I just heard a joke..."

Jiang Yu held up her hands and tilted her head with a smile.

"I resigned—no joke."

Lan Raoping gasped in shock. "Why?"

So young, she had already achieved so much, with a promising future ahead.

Jiang Yu replied, "I want to take the college entrance exams and continue my studies at university."

This was a reason even Lan Raoping couldn't dispute.

Attending university was what so many people dream of.

Jiang Yu had her own plans, and she had every right to pursue it.

But like Factory Director Zheng, Lan Raoping felt torn—how could she just let her go?

With mixed emotions, Lan Raoping asked, "Jiang Yu, have you really decided to leave?"

Jiang Yu nodded. "I have."

Lan Raoping managed a smile. "If you ever regret it, the factory will always welcome you back. That offer stands forever."

Jiang Yu stepped forward and hugged her.

"Ping Jie, I'll always be grateful to have met all of you during my time at Second State Cotton Mill. Thank you."

Lan Raoping said with a sigh, "I should be thanking you. Where I am today, and even finding Ni Ni—none of it would have been possible without your help. No matter where you go in the future, if there’s ever anything I can do for you, just say the word."

"I won't."

Lan Raoping had barely left when Tan Lizhu and the others showed up.

"Jiang Yu, we heard that..."

Jiang Yu sighed. "Yes, what you heard is true. I'm getting ready to pack up."

Unlike the others, Tan Lizhu didn't ask why.

After a beat of silence, she simply said, "I wish you well."

Wu Jinshun chimed in, "Me too. Whatever you decide, you must have your reasons. I wish you the best."

Only Cai Xiaole guessed Jiang Yu's reason for resigning.

"You're not thinking of taking the gaokao, are you?"

Tan Lizhu and Wu Jinshun shot Cai Xiaole surprised looks.

Cai Xiaole quickly added, "Don't give me that look. I want to take the exam too, but I'll only quit after I pass."

Not that she was sure she'd pass.

This was a recent idea of hers, sparked by something Jiang Yu had said.

She had a knack for broadcasting and wanted to receive more professional training at university to become a professional broadcaster.

Jiang Yu nodded. "I want to take the exam. Quitting will free me up to study."

A light came into Tan Lizhu's eyes. "So, the rumors lately were true?"

Jiang Yu replied vaguely, "More or less, but we’ll have to wait for the official announcement."

Tan Lizhu got the picture and started doing the math in her head.

Eventually, Wu Jinshun and Cai Xiaole took off first, while Tan Lizhu stayed behind.

"Do you know He Dongqi is getting married?"

Jiang Yu froze. "He’s getting married? To whom?"

Tan Lizhu's smile turned bitter. "The Tans' real daughter's been found."

Jiang Yu still didn’t understand—what did that have to do with He Dongqi?

Tan Lizhu explained in detail.

"That girl is named Zhang Xun. She was sent down to the countryside as an educated youth before. My grandfather had people track her down and brought her back."

Jiang Yu: "Zhang Xun?"

Was this the same Zhang Xun she'd met?

Both the age and the name matched.

"Yes, I’ve met her. When she heard I used to be with He Dongqi, she insisted on marrying him."

Tan Lizhu gave a bitter smile. The Tans tried everything to talk her out of it, even offering to introduce her to someone else, but she refused—she had her heart set on He Dongqi.