Chapter 46: Ye Changsheng’s Dilemma

Chapter 46: Ye Changsheng's Dilemma

"Brother Sheng, why do you look so unhappy? You were selected for the national math competition, right?"

After school, Ye Xiaoxiao noticed Ye Changsheng looking gloomy and was puzzled.

"I'm fine," Ye Changsheng muttered, avoiding further explanation.

Even after dinner, Ye Changsheng didn't explain why he was upset and went off to read alone.

Ye Changyuan, however, could guess why he was unhappy.

"Brother Sheng never used to participate in these competitions because they require intensive training sessions and traveling to other places for exams. Both the travel and registration fees aren't cheap, and he's worried about the money."

Ye Xiaoxiao understood, "Ah, so he's worried about the family not having enough money. But it's okay, I still have some savings. We should at least give it a shot; this opportunity is really rare."

Ye Changyuan lowered his voice, "Let's discuss it at home later. Brother Sheng definitely won't take your money."

Ye Xiaoxiao nodded, "Sounds good."

Time flew by at school, and on their day off, Ye Xiaoxiao, Ye Changsheng, and Ye Changyuan returned to Baichuan Village together.

Ye Changsheng told his family about the competition.

"Of course you should go! This shows the teacher believes in you. Participating will definitely benefit you," Ye Changqing immediately agreed.

"Brother Sheng, don't worry about the money. Your big brother has been working at the mine in the south for two months and has saved quite a bit. It'll cover your expenses," Ye Jianguo also said.

"Take all the family's money with you. We may be poor, but you should travel comfortably. Don't scrimp on meals and take care of yourself outside," Ye Jianguo added.

Ye Changsheng said, "Dad, Mom, Big Brother. Even if I go, I might not do well... It's a national competition, and I don't have confidence in myself."

Ye Xiaoxiao advised, "Brother Sheng, although the result is important, the experience itself will help you grow. You should go to the capital and broaden your horizons."

Zhang Xue, holding her child, didn't complain at all about her husband's willingness to spend money, "Brother Sheng, I also support you going to the competition."

Ye Changsheng's voice choked slightly, "Thank you all."

Miao Cuifang patted her son's head, "Silly boy, no need to be so formal. We're family."

After dinner, Ye Changqing called Ye Changsheng into the room and slipped him fifty yuan.

"It's not a lot, but it's something. It's a little token from your big brother and sister-in-law."

Ye Changsheng clenched the money in his hand, "Big Brother..."

Ye Changqing said, "Enough, no need to say more. As long as you can get into university, I'll have no regrets."

Ye Changsheng nodded heavily.

Ye Jianguo also separately gave Ye Changsheng a hundred yuan, "Make sure to eat well while you're away, don't starve yourself. If you run out of money, send a telegram or drop us a letter home, and we'll send you more."

Ye Changsheng refused, "Dad, I don't need this much money. Big Brother already gave me fifty yuan."

Ye Jianguo stuffed the money into Ye Changsheng's hand and went out to patrol the mountains with his gun, "That's from your big brother—keep it."

Ye Changsheng: "..."

Ye Xiaoxiao also asked Ye Changsheng if he had enough for travel and registration fees, as she still had some savings she could spare.

Ye Changsheng refused to take her money, saying, "I’ve got enough, really. You don’t need to give me more."

Ye Xiaoxiao said, "Okay, then."

She could buy a few more test papers for Ye Changsheng.

Miao Cuifang and Zhang Xue, taking advantage of the children's return, packed some flatbreads, pickles, and dried meat for the children... especially for Ye Changsheng, who was going on a long journey, so he could take the bread and meat with him.

Ye Changsheng, with money from his father and brother and food from his mother and sister-in-law, vowed silently to make a name for himself and repay his family.

Back at school, Ye Changsheng submitted his application form and paid the registration fee.

Qian Fenfang was surprised that Ye Changsheng decided to participate.

Usually, he would have declined.

But since he was her student, his success would boost her bonus, so she didn’t mind.

...

Ye Changsheng had a week left before heading to Beijing for the competition.

Someone unexpected showed up at the gate of Baichuan No. 1 High School.

"Third Brother!"

Ye Changsheng instantly noticed Ye Changning at the school gate.

Ye Changyuan also ran over, "Brother Ning!"

Ye Changning, decked out in a floral shirt, jeans, and shiny leather shoes, was hard to miss at the school gate.

Ye Changsheng ran over, exclaiming, "Third Brother, where’ve you been? Mom and Dad are worried sick!"

Ye Changyuan asked, "Third Brother, what’s with this outfit?"

Ye Changning hugged his brothers, saying, "This is the latest fashion. School’s out, right? Let’s grab some good food—Xiao Xiao, come on!"

Ye Xiaoxiao hesitated, "..."

She wasn’t a fan of the outfit, even though it was trendy at the time.

The four siblings headed to the small restaurant Ye Xiaoxiao had been to before, chatting about Ye Changning’s recent adventures while waiting for their food.

Ye Changning and his friends had gone to southern coastal cities to buy clothes to sell, and business was booming.

After two trips, they’d recouped their investment and started turning a profit.

"Brother Ning, are you heading out again after this?"

Ye Changning replied, "Yeah, I’m just here to let you know I’m okay and drop off some gifts. I’m not going home, so don’t rat me out, okay?"

Ye Xiaoxiao asked, "Third Brother, did you come back by yourself this time?"

Ye Changning said, "Nah, I came back with my buddies Gangzi and Shengzi."

Ye Changning was thankful to Ye Xiaoxiao—her money had made the trip go smoother than expected.

After the meal, Ye Xiaoxiao took Ye Changning back to their rented place.

At night, Ye Changning and Ye Changsheng had to share a bed.

Ye Changning got to know the house and went out again.

When he returned, he was carrying a large bag.

"I brought you some clothes—trendy city styles. There's something for everyone in our family—our grandparents, parents, and uncles and aunts. Hold onto them and take them home when you go."

Ye Changyuan: "Brother! How much did all this cost you?"

Ye Changning: "These are factory goods I got, so it didn't cost much."

Ye Changyuan couldn't wait to dig into the bag and pull out his own set, which included the trendiest jeans, a baggy white tee, and some canvas sneakers.

Ye Changsheng got the same outfit.

For Ye Xiaoxiao, he brought a beautiful dress.

Ye Changyuan: "Brother! I love it! This is awesome!"

Ye Changsheng, however, was a bit worried, "Third brother, what exactly are you doing for work?"

Ye Changning: "We're running a legit business, but... I only figured out after leaving that sometimes money comes easy.

Out in the cities, skyscrapers are everywhere, and life is all glitz and glamour."

Ye Changning's words filled his two younger brothers with longing.

Ye Changyuan: "I also want to go out and see the world."

Ye Changning: "You'll get your chance."