Chapter 37: Where Did He Perform Better Than Me?!

Chapter 37: Where Did He Perform Better Than Me?!

Shen Moer looked up from her book, turned her head to Fu Mingze, and with a slightly surprised expression, she knowingly asked, "Fu Zhiqing, is there something you need to apologize to me for from yesterday?"

Fu Mingze was momentarily speechless, opened his mouth, and after a while said, "You went out of your way to buy a box for me, and I shouldn't have refused it or said those things. I'm sorry."

Shen Moer looked at his handsome features, a faint smile playing at the corner of her lips, but her expression remained indifferent: "Oh, that matter, it's okay. My father liked the box, so he kept it."

Fu Mingze: "..."

He was speechless.

He couldn't admit that he had tossed and turned all night, regretted it, and now wanted the box back.

After all, she herself had said that giving him something wasn't meant to create distance or cut ties, so that box was something she had put thought into buying just for him. Even if he didn't want her to spend money, he could have accepted the gift and then returned the money to her.

Who would have thought the box would have a new owner in just a day?

Fu Mingze slightly frowned, just like when he suddenly heard she had gone on a blind date yesterday, feeling startled and unsettled.

"As for your words, I can actually understand, Fu Zhiqing. You've helped my family a lot, and now I'm troubling you to tutor me. It's understandable if you feel impatient." Shen Moer lowered her eyes and said in a calm tone.

Fu Mingze was again left speechless for a long time. For the first time, he felt like he had too much to say but couldn't explain himself. His lips moved for a while before squeezing out a sentence: "I really didn't mean that."

Shen Moer gave him a faint look and said, "Then maybe I misunderstood."

Fu Mingze: "..."

Even with a poor memory, he remembered what happened yesterday.

Their current conversation was exactly the same as yesterday's, only the words were swapped.

"I apologize."

Fu Mingze helplessly reiterated, a hint of vulnerability showing in his usually aloof expression.

Shen Moer looked at him carefully, nodded, and said, "It's okay." After speaking, she went back to reading her textbook.

Fu Mingze secretly breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze unconsciously lingering on her delicate and vivid features, and then quickly shifting away as she slightly turned her head.

Shen Moer carefully finished reading that type of problem, quickly turned a page, and pointed to another paragraph of text and formula to ask Fu Mingze. Fu Mingze organized his thoughts and explained in as concise and clear language as possible.

Since Shen Moer had asked him to help tutor her, he had started cramming high school courses, and having reviewed for several days, he found explaining high school math problems easy.

Time passed quietly, and the two of them no longer thought about those irrelevant matters, one studying seriously, the other explaining problems earnestly, until the mischievous child's voice piped up beside them: "Wow, Fu Zhiqing is really teaching Sister Moer!"

Shen Moer's thoughts were interrupted, and as she looked up, she met Mao Mao's dark, grape-like eyes, slightly raised an eyebrow, and retorted, "What else?"

Shun'er directly sold out his little friend: "Mao Mao said you two are dating! Hahaha!"

Shen Moer: "..."

Angrily, she lightly tapped Mao Mao's head with her book: "Stop talking nonsense, have you finished your homework?"

Mao Mao rubbed his head and chuckled, "It doesn't hurt, I'm not making this up. My aunt always took me along when she was dating, to the park, to the riverside, but after she married my uncle, she stopped taking me."

Shen Moer felt her face heat up a bit, but still said righteously, "That's your aunt. We're not in a park or by a riverside; we're studying, just like studying together in a classroom."

The mischievous child was easily convinced, puffed out his chest, stood at attention, and saluted crookedly, saying with particular pride, "Reporting to the commander, soldier Mao Mao has completed the mission—all homework is done!"

Shun'er, not to be outdone, immediately saluted as well: "Report, Chief, Soldier Shun'er has also successfully completed the mission, all homework is done!"

Shen Moer: "..."

She let the two mischievous kids take a break and play freely, then got up and went into the kitchen to cut the leftover egg pancake from lunch into three pieces. She gave two small pieces to the kids and a larger piece to Fu Mingze: "This was leftover from lunch. It's almost time to start work, so have it as a snack to tide you over."

Fu Mingze smiled and readily accepted it.

Although the egg pancake was cold, it was still savory and chewy. The two kids ate it, their mouths greasy, and after finishing, they licked each finger that had held the pancake, promising Shen Moer earnestly that they'd definitely be back tomorrow!

With good food like this, only a fool would stay away.

Since it was almost time to start work, Shen Moer urged them to wash their hands and tidy up the textbooks and pencils they had brought.

Fu Mingze also went to wash his hands, and while the kids were packing up their books, he took out a three-catty grain coupon from his pocket and handed it to Shen Moer: "Can't keep eating and drinking for free."

Before Shen Moer could refuse, he added: "Your family owes a lot of work points to the brigade for building the house. Uncle Shen's grain coupons for the past two months must have been used up as well. I usually eat at the educated youth group, so I don't need grain coupons."

After a pause, he added: "That's all I have."

Shen Moer was about to refuse, but she held back.

Based on their income, after her family finished building the house, especially after building such an expensive bathroom, they must be struggling to make ends meet.

At least, they couldn't afford to keep feeding him.

Shen Moer took the grain coupon, glanced at Fu Mingze's slightly thin face, and thought to herself that she would find a way to supplement these three catties of grain back to him.

She wondered how long he'd saved to get these three catties of grain.

Seeing that she had accepted the grain coupon, Fu Mingze secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He wished he could give her thirty catties of grain coupons at once, but the problem was that as a poor educated youth who didn't even have a decent set of clothes, if he really took out thirty catties of grain coupons, she might think he'd done something shady.

Looking at Shen Moer's slightly pointed chin, Fu Mingze frowned, thinking to himself that even though the family had good meals during the days of building the house, why hadn't she gained any weight?

Both lost in thought, they walked out the door. Not far away, they heard the sound of a bicycle bell. Shen Moer turned around and saw her father riding a 28-inch bicycle quickly approaching. She stopped, eyes wide with surprise, and hurried over to him: "Dad, when did you learn to ride a bicycle? Where did this bicycle come from? Why are you back at noon?"

Shen Shaoyuan squeezed the brake, got off the bike somewhat unskillfully, greeted Fu Mingze first, and then patiently answered each question one by one: "I borrowed Xu Weiguo's bike to learn earlier. This bike is his. I came back to tell you about the competition registration. The commune elementary school said that registration ends today, so you need to list the names and report them quickly."

Hearing this, Shen Moer immediately said: "I have some candidates in mind. Let's go discuss it with the brigade leader together?"

Then she said to Fu Mingze: "Fu Mingze, could you take Mao Mao and Shun'er back? I have something to discuss with the brigade leader."

Fu Mingze nodded: "No problem, go ahead."

Shen Shaoyuan, riding a bicycle for the first time, didn't dare to take anyone with him, afraid of dropping his precious daughter. They pushed the bike and hurried to the brigade leader's house, leaving the three of them standing there watching their backs.

Mao Mao and Shun'er whispered to each other.

"What kind of competition do you think it is? Commune elementary school, could it be a competition for elementary school students?"

"Moer sister said she has some candidates in mind. Even if it's a competition for elementary school students, surely not everyone has to participate. I'm so bad at studying, I definitely won't be able to participate."

"Well, I'm also just average at studying, I definitely won't be able to participate either, so it's fine, it has nothing to do with us."

Fu Mingze, who had listened to the entire conversation of the two mischievous kids, patted their heads speechlessly: "Alright, let's get you into the village."

This was the village entrance, not far from the stream. Whether the kids ran to play in the water or ran out of the village, it was easy for them to get into danger. Taking them into the village, where there were more people, would be safer.

Fu Mingze walked the two children to a fork in the road not far from home and stopped. He pulled out a few fruit candies from his patched pocket, giving four to Mao Mao and two to Shun'er.

Even elementary school students have learned arithmetic, and even without it, the difference between four candies and two candies is obvious.

Shun'er, not one to stay quiet, protested immediately, "I got two fewer than Mao Mao!"

Fu Mingze nodded, not seeing any issue with his distribution: "He behaved well today; the extra two are his reward."

Mao Mao immediately swelled with pride: "A reward for my good behavior? Yo, yo, I behaved well and got a reward!"

Shun'er's face was full of confusion, asking Fu Mingze earnestly: "Where did he behave better than me?!"

They started their homework together, finished it together, ate together, washed their hands together, and even his salute wasn't worse than Mao Mao's.

Shun'er didn't understand, didn't comprehend, Shun'er was very aggrieved.

Fu Mingze thought to himself, Mao Mao has good eyes and knows how to talk.

Meanwhile, when Shen Moer and Shen Shaoyuan arrived at Zhou ManCang's house, Zhou was just about to leave. Hearing they had something to discuss, he quickly ushered them inside.

After Shen Moer and Shen Shaoyuan explained the situation, Zhou ManCang was immediately thrilled, rubbing his hands together excitedly: "Our brigade's elementary school can also register for the provincial competition? If we win at the provincial level, there will be rewards from the city, county, and commune? The county is encouraging participation by offering an organizational award for any group that registers five or more participants?"

Zhou ManCang felt wise for securing a teacher's position from the commune to start an art class at the brigade's elementary school. It hadn't been long, but the benefits of having an art class were already showing.

At least a county-level organizational award, and in the entire Liuqiao Commune, besides the commune's elementary school, only their Yangliu Brigade Elementary School was participating. Effectively, their school was second in the entire commune!

Zhou ManCang was particularly excited, saying "good" several times.

Shen Moer then presented the list she had selected through "classroom tests" and also voiced her concerns: "I've chosen six children, three boys and three girls. They'll need extra lessons before the competition and practice at home. I know the three boys are quite spoiled at home, so their families should support them. As for the three girls, two have to help with housework right after school, and one sometimes has to take leave to help at home. I'm worried their families might not support their studies."

This was why she had come to Zhou ManCang first.

Zhou ManCang frowned deeply and asked, "Do we really need these three girls?"

He wanted to suggest choosing all six as boys, but seeing Shen Moer's calm yet firm gaze, he couldn't bring himself to say it.

After a moment of silence, Zhou ManCang waved his hand: "It's fine, submit their names, and I'll take care of the rest."

Shen Moer sighed in relief and immediately filled out the registration form Shen Shaoyuan had brought back. They went to the brigade office with Zhou ManCang to stamp the form. Shen Shaoyuan then took the form and rode his big bicycle back to the commune.

It was almost time for afternoon work and classes. Shen Moer left the brigade office in a hurry and went to the school. Upon arrival, she informed Cheng Tao about the registration for the provincial competition.

Cheng Tao was momentarily stunned, then realized: "No wonder you tested the children, to select candidates, right? Impressive, Teacher Shen." He gave a thumbs up.

Shen Moer smiled: "So, these children will skip the upcoming physical education and self-study classes. I'll coach them last-minute."

Cheng Tao laughed: "That's appropriate. I hope you succeed and bring honor to our Yangliu Brigade Elementary School."

Shen Moer: "We will definitely do our best."

As they were talking, Shen Lingling, who had entered unnoticed, suddenly sneered and said sarcastically: "Ha, what a big talker. They've only had a few art classes. Can the students even draw squares or circles, and you're organizing them for a provincial competition? Don't end up making a fool of yourselves in front of the whole province."

Shen Moer glanced back at Shen Lingling.

Shen Moer actually found it quite strange. Shen Lingling used to have a good reputation in the village and cared a lot about her image, always putting on a good show in front of others. Now, whether it's because her family's reputation has plummeted or she's been provoked, she doesn't even bother to hide her sarcasm anymore.

Shen Moer then looked at Cheng Tao and noticed his expression hadn't changed at all, as if he wasn't the least bit surprised by Shen Lingling's acerbic side.

Well, Shen Moer understood.

It seems Cheng Tao had long seen through Shen Lingling's true nature, and Shen Lingling probably knew it too, so she didn't bother pretending in front of Cheng Tao anymore.

Since that was the case.

Shen Moer retorted coldly, "Teacher Shen Lingling, with such rich teaching experience, I wonder what competitions you've led your students to participate in? Every year during exams, your students' grades must be among the top in the entire commune, right? Oh, I remember you once participated in the recruitment for the commune's textile factory. Why didn't you go work there? Was it because you didn't want to?"

The aim was to hit where it hurts.

Shen Lingling was nearly driven to madness, especially when Shen Moer mentioned the textile factory recruitment. Shen Lingling didn't know how Shen Moer found out about it, but she really didn't want anyone to know. As a high school graduate, she failed the textile factory's recruitment exam and had to slink back to the village to become a teacher.

She had always professed her love for the educational cause and was willing to dedicate her youth to basic education.

Shen Lingling didn't dare to look at Cheng Tao's expression, grabbed her textbook, and ran off.

Cheng Tao, who had seen everything, looked intrigued. He had never heard about Shen Lingling taking the textile factory exam before.

However, Cheng Tao glanced at Shen Lingling, who was running away in a hurry, and then secretly looked at Shen Moer, who had already returned to her desk. He silently admired how fierce women could be when provoked. Even the usually good-tempered Shen Moer could be quite formidable when she got serious.

Shen Moer, however, wasn't concerned about what Cheng Tao thought. She gathered her things and headed to class.

After class, during the break, Shen Moer called the six children on the list to the camphor tree next to the playground.

She didn't go to the office, fearing that Shen Lingling might go crazy again and say something inappropriate in front of the students.

When they heard about the drawing competition, the three boys were visibly excited, while the three girls remained silent, heads down.

Shen Moer bent down to look at them and said, "You just need to work hard to learn what the teacher teaches. As for other matters, including your parents, the teacher and the village head will handle it."

The girls immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Meimei, the more outgoing round-faced girl, let out an exaggerated sigh and said, "Teacher, you and the village head must talk to my mom properly. Otherwise, if I don't go gather firewood after school, my mom will definitely beat me to death."

Another girl named Xiaoye smiled shyly, "Yeah, I also have to gather firewood after school."

Shen Moer patted their heads, "Don't worry, the teacher and the village head will talk to your parents."

Zhaodi, the thin and dark girl, hesitated before finally asking, "Teacher, can I not participate?"

She hung her head, her thin, dark hands nervously rubbing the frayed hem of her faded clothes, and mumbled, "My mom won't agree."

Shen Moer looked at her, remained silent for a while, then patted her head and said, "The teacher and the village head will talk to your mom first, okay?"

Zhaodi nodded and didn't say anything more.

Shen Moer said, "Alright, you can go back to class now. The tutoring sessions will start tomorrow. I'll notify you about the time and place tomorrow."

The children scattered and ran away.

Of the six, only Mao Mao, whom Shen Moer somewhat knew, didn't run off right away. After everyone else had left, he said in a precocious manner, "Sister Moer, Zhou Zhaodi's mom won't agree. Her stepmom makes her do a lot of chores at home. Sometimes she doesn't even get to eat, and her stomach often growls from hunger. You can even hear it during class."

Mao Mao was almost a head taller than Zhou Zhaodi, but they were actually the same age and classmates.

Shen Moer tried to recall but found no memory of Zhou Zhaodi in her past life. But it wasn't surprising, as the previous self was introverted and rarely mingled with the villagers, so she probably hadn't had much contact with Zhou Zhaodi's parents.

Curious, she inquired, "What about her real mom?"

Mao Mao shook his head, "Her mom wanted to have a son but couldn't, and then she passed away. After that, her stepmother came."

The curious child looked up at Shen Moer, "Sister Moer, is having a baby really tough? Tougher than homework?"

Shen Moer patted his head: "Sometimes it's really hard."

No one knew how the brigade leader had talked to the kids' parents, but all six children showed up when the tutoring officially started the next day.

Shen Moer didn’t worry about the details; she even put her own extracurricular studies on hold, focusing entirely on giving the kids a crash course.

Since the cultural propaganda back then was straightforward and the themes were clear, Shen Moer dared to organize the children for intensive training to participate in the competition.

It was like knowing the test topics in advance and only needing to prepare the relevant content, making it relatively much simpler.

Plus, whether or not they won any prizes, this was a rare opportunity for the kids in the brigade.

While Shen Moer was swamped, Fu Mingze suddenly had a lot of time on his hands. Instead of burying his nose in books, he’d often wander off to the vegetable garden to pull weeds.

Zheng Jiamin watched him for a few days and figured Fu Mingze wasn’t just there to pull weeds but perhaps contemplating life, as the amount of weeds didn't seem to decrease after several days.

Finally, Zheng Jiamin couldn’t hold back anymore and asked Fu Mingze: "Is your friend still hung up on that issue? Since the girl’s already got a good match, chances are it’s all settled by now, so your friend shouldn’t be troubled anymore, right?"

Fu Mingze shot him a cold look, making Zheng Jiamin feel a bit uneasy. After a pause, Fu Mingze threw out a random question: "Ever been to the county theater to catch a movie?"

Zheng Jiamin frowned and shook his head: "Nah, doesn’t the commune screen movies outdoors every so often? With just a handful of movies, why waste money on the county theater?"

Back then, there were only a few movies going around, and everyone knew them by heart, having watched them at least three times.

Fu Mingze nodded. "Exactly. What’s the point?"

So, what kind of guy would sweet-talk a girl into going to the county theater?

Zheng Jiamin had already forgotten that Shen Moer might be going to the movies with her date, but Fu Mingze, who’d caught wind of it, had been on edge lately.

Tomorrow was Sunday.