Chapter 28: Arrangements for School

Chapter 28: Arrangements for School

Ye Mei had already heard about what had been going on at home, so seeing Ye Xiaoxiao was no surprise.

Miao Cuifang led Ye Xiaoxiao inside and asked, "When you came back, Mei, did you visit your eldest sister? Why didn’t you return together?"

Ye Mei sighed, "Eldest sister seems to be sick. When I went to see her, she looked really under the weather. She gave me ten yuan to buy some things for you."

Miao Cuifang: "Lian’s having a tough time. Don’t buy things when you come home in the future. You too—even if you’ve got money, you can’t just throw it around."

Ye Mei was torn: "Of course, I couldn’t take her money, but if I didn’t accept it, I’m afraid eldest sister would feel worse. When I go back, I’ll buy some gifts and take them over to the Qian family."

Li Guilan felt sad, "Your eldest sister’s had it rough."

Ye Mei: "If things are this bad, she might as well get a divorce sooner rather than later."

Li Guilan: "Don’t be ridiculous—divorce isn’t that simple."

Ye Mei rolled her eyes and said nothing more.

She’d never put up with what her sister has.

But she couldn’t call her sister weak. Back then, the family was struggling to get by, and the dowry from her sister’s marriage helped put several siblings through high school.

Although once she had money, she often sent things to her sister.

She still ached for her sister.

From her sister and mother’s conversation, Ye Xiaoxiao gathered that her eldest sister, Ye Lian, was having a hard time with her in-laws.

It was just that, after years of marriage, she’d only had two daughters.

Although the Ye family did not favor boys over girls, her husband’s family valued this very much.

Moreover, her mother-in-law was sharp-tongued and hard to please—not the easiest person to live with.

Noticing the somber mood, Ye Mei decided to steer the conversation elsewhere.

"Sheng and Yuan are heading to the county town for school soon, aren’t they? Senior year is crucial, and the school conditions aren’t great. I’ve already talked it over with their brother-in-law to have the kids stay with us.

And Xiao Xiao, are you in school too? If you’re transferring, you’ll need to let the teacher know ahead of time."

Miao Cuifang shook her head: "How can they stay with you? Your place is a factory unit—it’s not exactly roomy."

Ye Mei: "Auntie, don’t stand on ceremony. Let me handle this."

This reminded Ye Xiaoxiao of what Lu Hanchuan had told her.

It seems that the current school conditions are really not that good.

If she doesn’t want to stay in the dorms, she’ll need to find a place close to school.

Miao Cuifang kept objecting, but she was also concerned about Ye Xiaoxiao adjusting to dorm life, leaving her at a loss for words.

After the elders finished talking, Ye Xiaoxiao found Ye Mei alone.

"Second sister, can you do me a favor?"

Ye Mei was very straightforward: "What is it? Tell me."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Second Sister, could you help me find a place to rent near the school? I only need to rent it until the college entrance exams are over."

Ye Mei took a closer look at her younger sister.

Although she was young, she was quite determined.

"There are definitely places to rent near the school, but the prices aren't cheap."

Ye Xiaoxiao simply said, "Money isn't an issue."

Ye Mei: "Alright, then I'll help you look."

Ye Xiaoxiao thanked her.

Actually, her biggest worry wasn't finding a place to stay, but figuring out how to cook if she lived alone.

She had no idea how to cook.

...

Ye Mei stayed at home for just one day, and on the morning of the fifteenth, she left Baichuan Village with her husband after breakfast.

She brought home several beautiful floral fabrics for everyone to make clothes.

Miao Cuifang and Zhang Xue talked about making a set of clothes for each child who was about to start school.

Ye Changsheng: "Mom, I don't need it, just make some for Xiaoxiao."

Miao Cuifang shook her head, "Make two sets of light clothes for spring and summer. Your summer clothes from last year are probably too short now."

Boys grow really fast and don't stop until they're around Ye Changqing's age.

"Mom, I don't need it either, I brought my own clothes."

Ye Xiaoxiao had seen the clothes in the suitcase—all of them brand new.

Before the truth came out in the Hao family, the original owner was very spoiled.

Miao Cuifang waved her hand: "You kids don't need to worry about this; you won't have to do anything."

Ye Xiaoxiao had no choice but to stop persuading.

The clothes couldn't be worn now, and probably not until March when it's warm enough to take off the heavy jackets.

After the fifteenth, the start of school was getting closer.

Ye Changsheng used to stay at Grandpa Miao's house when he was studying because it was closer to the county's No. 1 Middle School.

By his third year of high school, both Ye Changsheng and Ye Changyuan started living at school.

Grandpa Miao suggested taking the kids back to town early to avoid snow delays that could mess up their classes.

Miao Fengshan: "Changyuan, come stay with us at home—make yourself at home."

Li Guilan: "Then it's a lot of trouble for Uncle Fengshan to take care of the child."

"Changyuan, be good when you get to Grandpa's house. I'll give you some things to bring, and don't forget to visit your eldest sister."

Changyuan, feeling reluctant to leave his family, nodded obediently, "Okay, Mom, I'll visit my eldest sister."

Ye Changning volunteered, "There's a lot to carry, I'll take Grandpa and the others back."

Ye Xiaoxiao glanced at him.

Helping to carry things? More like planning to make a quick exit.

Ye Changning looked back, and they shared a silent understanding.

Miao Cuifang and Li Guilan packed clothes, food, and daily necessities for the children, and also gave them tuition fees.

Li Guilan said, "Don't spend it recklessly, and don't lose it. This is for the teacher at the start of the semester."

Ye Changyuan replied, "I know."

Miao Cuifang then asked her father, "Is Xiaoxiao's transfer easy to arrange?"

Miao Fengshan said, "The principal of Baichuan High School is my student. Xiaoxiao can definitely join the class. I'm just concerned that Xiaoxiao might not adjust to the learning environment here."

Ye Jianguo chimed in, "We shouldn't put too much pressure on Xiaoxiao. Xiaoxiao is studying medicine; she's bound to have a bright future."

Miao Cuifang nodded and left it at that.

Ye Changning pulled the sled loaded with their belongings and walked with Ye Xiaoxiao and the others.

Trekking on mountain roads was always the hardest part for Ye Xiaoxiao.

But this time, they ran into an acquaintance right at the village entrance.

A big rig was parked at the village entrance.

Li Deshu leaned out of the car window.

"Brother Changning, where are you headed? Let's ride together."

Ye Changning asked, "Is the main road clear now?"

Li Deshu replied, "The forest farm is in a hurry to start work, and the main road has been cleared."

Only a fool would pass up a ride when there's a car available. Ye Changning immediately accepted Li Deshu's invitation.

"We're heading to town, just drop us off."

Li Deshu grinned from ear to ear. "Want to ride inside? There's space in the back."

Ye Xiaoxiao flatly refused, "I'll sit outside."

Li Deshu was very disappointed.

He hadn't seen Ye Xiaoxiao around the village these past few days, and winter here isn't suitable for going out to play.

He felt like he'd missed out big time.

Once they were in the car, Ye Xiaoxiao thought walking might have been better—it was windy and even chillier.

Luckily, the drive wasn't long.

When they got to the town entrance, Ye Xiaoxiao and the others hopped out of the car.

Ye Xiaoxiao was totally out of it.

Ye Changsheng asked, "You cold?"

Ye Xiaoxiao nodded mechanically.