Chapter 6, Zhangpu Town Government
The tears of Xi Ai fell heavily as Bai Cao turned away
The bulletin board was almost finished, with a small space left in the lower right corner. She thought for a moment and decided to sketch a few poppies and copy down a verse from Li Yu's poetry. As she turned around, she noticed Ji Tianmin blushing slightly as he looked at her
Thus, she chose the oldest method—divination. She cut eight strips of paper, four of which were inscribed with "Success" and four with "Failure." She crumpled the strips into balls and closed her eyes to draw one.
She suddenly remembered something, "Mom, do you know? There is an extra credit opportunity at our school for the first high school. ... Could it be ... ? ... Could you give it to me?
She was thinking that if she could find him, she would stop studying and follow her aunt to run a cake business, saving money for her dowry. After three to five years, she would marry him
Seeing her in such a fatigued state, others kindly offered her water and pointed her in the direction of Jingzhe. People were puzzled, saying, "Isn't Jingzhe the one who plays the pipa in the theater? His daughter is dying, and his wife ran off with someone long ago. There is no one left in his family, and he never comes back himself. Miss, do you know Jingzhe? Are you looking for him for something?"
Of course, that is all a matter for later discussion
In the town of Zhangpu during the Jingzhe season, it turns out that the road deity is still helping her find him, and even Mu Ma is assisting her. It seems that her fate with him is not yet over. She went to a small roadside convenience store to inquire if anyone knew the Zhang family of Jingzhe.
The high school entrance examination ... ... her expression darkened again
Bai Caoxin's heart fluttered, and her face turned even redder. She now eagerly hoped to go to No. 1 High School with Ji Tianmin, feeling that with him by her side, she would no longer be lonely. This feeling was both sweet and painful, and she couldn't help but glance at Ji Tianmin again, this growing young man, whose eyes were clean and pure, and whose thin face bore signs of determination and stubbornness. Ji Tianmin was also looking at her, and this time they did not hurriedly look away; instead, they carefully and joyfully gazed at each other, smiling gently.
She smiled slightly to the side, so why doesn't he come to invite me himself? Hmph, I am not going.
It is nothing. Baicao's expression is faint.
None of this was told to anyone by Xi Ai, not even to Bai Cao. She knew that even if she told Bai Cao, Bai Cao would not take it to heart
It is also possible to reduce competitive pressure. She did not say this out loud because she knew that the spot would likely go to Ji Tianmin, and Ji Tianmin would definitely be admitted to No. 1 High School with that spot. Thinking of this, Baicao gritted her teeth and decided, "Mom, help me, I want that spot"
On Sunday afternoon, the school was on holiday. She was alone in the campus creating a bulletin board. It was well known that Chen Baicao could produce an excellent bulletin board by herself. In the past, when creating the bulletin board, Baicao was always in charge, assigning tasks to others. When she noticed others' shortcomings, she would always smile and gently say, "You can go back now, I will handle it." Others, who were already reluctant to create the bulletin board, felt as if they had been granted a reprieve upon hearing this, expressing their gratitude profusely. After everyone left, Baicao would meticulously erase the unsatisfactory parts and patiently rewrite and redraw everything. In this quiet and gentle manner, she proved her own capabilities, rejected others' participation, and made them willingly accept this rejection. Over time, the task of creating the bulletin board was entirely entrusted to her. In this quiet and gentle manner, she proved her own capabilities, rejected others' participation, and made them willingly accept this rejection. Over time, the task of creating the bulletin board was entirely entrusted to her.
Mother smiles, of course it has nothing to do with you, you are the top student at Qingmian Middle School and do not need that spot at all. That spot is reserved for those average students. Baicao, don't overthink it, you are so outstanding, what is there to worry about
She found herself lost. Although there were lights in the distance from every household, they were not familiar to her. The vast fields undulated and surged in the cool spring night breeze. Her body seemed to be influenced by some hidden suggestion, as if it were to sway and ripple along with the waves of wheat and rapeseed. The spring water flowed gently, and the night birds chirped softly
Fudi fell asleep just like that
This was her first time looking closely at Ji Tianmin, and she suddenly realized that his smile was quite charming, not as unpleasant as she had imagined. She also squinted her eyes and smiled, appearing gentle and well-behaved. Ji Tianmin suddenly placed a handful of milk candy and chocolate in her arms, and with a slight blush on his face, said, "My sister is getting married, this is wedding candy, it's for you." After saying that, he left.
Xi Ai was filled with a profound sense of loneliness. She was already alone. Mother had left, Jing Zhe had left, and now, the one who made her heart ache the most, Bai Cao, was also about to leave. They were destined to be people from different worlds. She would go on to attend the best high school in the city, become an outstanding student, gain admission to a prestigious university, and marry an exceptional man. By then, what she would receive from Bai Cao might only be a friendship tinged with pity. Bai Cao had grown up, and she could see the determination hidden deep in Bai Cao's eyes. By then, what she would receive from Bai Cao might only be a friendship tinged with pity. Bai Cao had grown up, and she could see the determination hidden deep in Bai Cao's eyes. Bai Cao no longer needed her sympathy. At that moment, she wished so much that Bai Cao could smile and call out to her, "Xi Ai, what are you dazed about? Hurry up and go."
Do not wait for a few days. Baicao said firmly, let's go tomorrow. Or, you can go right now. Mom, I want to secure that spot, I must.
What she means is, Jingzhe, you should come find me too
The preliminary results have come out, and both Baicao and Ji Tianmin have passed. However, Ji Tianmin's score is more than ten points higher than Baicao's. Baicao feels a great sense of shame. Subsequently, the semi-finals began. The night before, Baicao went alone to the playground of the town's middle school to run. It was still ten laps. She told herself that she must persevere; only by persevering could she succeed in tomorrow's semi-finals
Bai Cao Du pouted, half in jest and half in earnest, "Mom, I want it. With that spot, I can be more secure, and I can also..."
Fudi's eyelids grew heavier, and her gaze gradually dimmed. Yet she still smiled, saying, "Dad, I can see you. I can still hear you playing the pipa. Dad, I want to sleep for a while"
After checking her own score, she quickly fixed her gaze on Ji Tianmin's result—625, which was nineteen points below the passing line
I am not speaking carelessly. Xi Ai is smiling happily; if I were speaking carelessly, you wouldn't be blushing! Also, this afternoon you kept eating the candy, but did he give it to you? ... I heard from Jiu Yue and the others that every day in class, Ji Tianmin would look at you for a long time, not even shifting his gaze...
She must go back, she has no choice but to return. She remembers her mother saying when she was young, if a person is lost, they must not panic. Instead, they should calmly bow to the road gods in all four directions, then close their eyes and throw a stone into the air. The direction in which the stone falls will indicate the path that the road gods have pointed out for you
Baicao ... He called out joyfully yet hesitantly, I also want to take the exam to enter Jinan No. 1 High School, just like you
In the days that followed, although Xi Ai still spent every moment with Bai Cao, the subtle awkwardness could no longer be dispelled. It was like a glass barrier. No one was willing to break it, gazing at each other through that transparent rejection, enough.
The next evening at dusk, Xi Ai went to the theater early. However, she did not see Jing Zhe; instead, another woman was playing the pipa. In a hurry, she squeezed through the crowd and headed to the cultural center, only to find it empty. She ran frantically, not knowing which direction to take, just running as fast as she could. She felt as if Jing Zhe were like a gust of wind, carrying his delicate daughter further and further away, leaving no trace behind.
They cut the kite string, allowing it to drift freely in the sky, as if releasing a shared dream, their hearts feeling both settled and at ease. Baicao cannot ride a bicycle, so Ji Tianmin rides to take her to the home in September
A few days later, in the Xiaoya room of Qingmian Town, Baicao's parents hosted a lavish banquet to secure what seemed to be an unnecessary spot for their daughter with the teacher
She picked up a pebble and, according to her mother's words, bowed in four directions, informing the road deity that she wished to return home and asking for guidance. With a flick of her hand, the pebble rolled away in a certain direction. She steeled her heart and headed in that direction, which must be Qingmian.
He shuddered and shook Fudi vigorously, forbidding her to fall asleep. He feared that if she slept, she might never wake up again. However, Fudi's voice grew fainter, "Dad, I just want to sleep for a little while. I will wake up soon, really.
Her mood suddenly improved, and her complexion looked much better. She put away the note that said "Success," opened the door, and said with a smile, "I want to eat tangyuan." There was a hint of playfulness in her voice, which made her grandmother very happy, and she hurried to the kitchen to prepare. Her mother also said, "Can you please not stress so much? What’s the point of caring about this kind of competition? The high school entrance exam doesn’t offer extra points anyway"
She felt an unprecedented level of tension. After many days of hard work, the competition was finally approaching. Throughout this period of diligent effort, her mathematics performance had undergone a significant leap, and her mother was very satisfied, showing no concern about whether she would win an award in the semi-finals. However, she cared; it was not just a simple semi-final, but a contest between her and Ji Tianmin. Even though her expression remained calm and her words gentle, those who were observant could always see the fierce determination in her eyes.
She lingered for a moment in front of the cold and desolate courtyard, feeling that her worries had dissipated, and she calmed down. Suddenly, she thought about how her aunt must be anxious since she had not returned so late. This time, she did not seek the guidance of the deity of the road, but instead asked the person at the small convenience store how to get back to Qingmian. Fortunately, there was someone in the store who needed to make a delivery that passed by Qingmian, so she did not hesitate and took the ride back.
Zhangpu
Mother thought for a moment and said, "Alright, in a few days I will talk to your class teacher."
A sense of desolation welled up in Xi Ai's eyes. Bai Cao continued to walk ahead. After a while, she noticed that Xi Ai had fallen far behind. She turned back to look at Xi Ai. Xi Ai was also looking at her. It was the first time Xi Ai had looked at her with such a complex and sorrowful gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, and she realized that the friendship they had started in childhood had gradually faded to this extent. Previously, no one wanted to make it clear; now, it was finally understood. A single glance between them was clearer than anything else. Previously, no one wanted to make it clear; now, it was finally understood. A single glance between them was clearer than anything else
With a slight smile at the corner of your lips, you performed very well in the exam. Moreover, you are truly diligent
Fortunately—unfold the note: success
Bai Cao blushed, hurriedly pretending to look at the clouds, and said, "As you wish!"
In the days leading up to the high school entrance examination, Baicao frequently received letters from Ji Tianmin. This taciturn boy, however, was able to write long letters. His handwriting was not particularly neat, which slightly detracted from his image. Fortunately, this did not affect Baicao's mood. In his letters, he expressed his feelings for Baicao over the past three years. He mentioned that he initially did not perform well academically, but in order to be closer to Baicao, he studied diligently. He said he felt particularly pained by the sight of Baicao slightly furrowing her brows and squinting her eyes, which he found extremely adorable. ... He said that he initially did not perform well academically, but in order to be closer to Baicao, he studied diligently. He said he felt particularly pained by the sight of Baicao slightly furrowing her brows and squinting her eyes, which he found extremely adorable. ... He said he said ... . ... His letters brought Baicao a variety of strange feelings. At times, she found them amusing, while at other times, she felt moved. She rarely replied, maintaining a facade of indifference. Yet, she could not bear to discard all of his letters; instead, she carefully kept them, hiding them discreetly. Sometimes, she would quietly take them out to read, reliving that warm and anxious feeling.
She let out a long sigh, and with a mature demeanor, relaxed her brow, telling herself that this was fate
She ran a long, long way without stopping, no longer in the green hills; the concrete roads crisscrossed before her, and the sky had darkened. Suddenly, she thought of going to Zhangpu Town. Yes, Zhangpu. Perhaps Jingzhe had taken her daughter back to Zhangpu. But she did not recognize the roads to Zhangpu. She stood at the dark, unfamiliar fork in the road, her hair disheveled and gasping for breath. Despair and desolation overwhelmed her. What was she doing? She was truly a fool. Her aunt was absolutely right; she was a wayward woman. She crouched under the large tree at the intersection, wanting to cry but too afraid to do so. The night was indeed too dark, as if even the slightest sound would disturb the spirits lurking in the shadows.
Mom smiled, saying, "Oh dear, don't worry. Your math is so good now, you will definitely do well in the high school entrance examination and surely get into Jin'an No. 1 High School."
The village outside Qingmian Town is adorned with vast fields of blooming rapeseed flowers. The sky is an indescribably clear blue, reminiscent of a baby's eyes. Wisps of clouds float gently and leisurely. The ditches are overgrown with lush green grass, and the fava bean and pea flowers resemble butterflies. Ji Tianmin asked her to hold the kite while he ran and released the line. He shouted, "Release!" Baicao exerted herself to let go of the kite, and Ji Tianmin skillfully let out the long line, causing the kite to soar higher and higher, gradually stabilizing. Baicao's heart, too, soared into the clouds like that kite. Ji Tianmin picked a pea flower, tore it open, and urged Baicao to taste the sweet juice from the flower's heart. It was refreshing and sweet, and Baicao bent down to pick a pea flower for him. Back and forth, it felt as if they had returned to childhood, embodying the essence of childhood sweethearts. Tired, they inserted the kite line spool into the ridge of the field, leaning against a haystack in the center of the field, immersed in the fragrance of flowers. Back and forth, it felt as if they had returned to childhood, embodying the essence of childhood sweethearts. Tired, they inserted the kite line spool into the ridge of the field, leaning against a haystack in the center of the field, immersed in the fragrance of flowers. Tiny flying insects flitted about, much like their hearts fluttering at that moment. Baicao thought to herself, Ji Tianmin is actually so charming; how could she have once harbored such animosity towards him? It truly is inexplicable.
These two points have swept away the shadows and discomfort that had plagued Baicao for many days. She felt that she could finally have a good sleep, enjoy a good meal, and have a good laugh. She walked quietly under the magnolia tree at the town's middle school, and it would not be an exaggeration to describe her current mood as one of blooming joy. Just then, Ji Tianmin approached, and she was taken aback, unsure of what to say. To her surprise, Ji Tianmin smiled shyly and said, "Chen Baicao, you did very well on the exam."
A faint joy arose in Baicaoxin's heart, as the sweet taste of the candy lingered on her tongue. She clapped her hands in agreement, smiling innocently at Ji Tianmin.
His family is not very well-off, and it is impossible for them to spend money to send him to a first-tier high school. As for her, it is naturally even less likely that she would attend a second-tier or third-tier school just to be with him
She nodded solemnly
It is not a dream; Xi Ai clearly knows that her body is still swaying on the pipa strings. She had just been on that soul-stirring night boat last night, and she can still distinctly hear him say that he will not leave, that he will play the pipa for her every day.
A few days later, the results of the semi-finals were announced, and Baicao and Ji Tianmin both received the provincial second prize. This should be quite a commendable achievement, yet Baicao remained unsatisfied. She appeared calm as she inquired about the exam results from her teacher, who smiled and said that since they had both won awards, the scores did not matter. She casually glanced at the score sheet. The overwhelming joy that left her dizzy immediately swept over her—her competition score was two points higher than Ji Tianmin's.
The results of the high school entrance examination have been released. The additional points allocation is naturally a waste for Baicao. She was admitted to Jin'an No. 1 Middle School with an excellent score, ranking first in Qingmian Town and fifth in Jin'an City.
She smiled, how come you are here
Thinking of her mother, Xi Ai's eyes became somewhat moist. She wondered if her mother was watching over her from above at this moment. Her mother would surely guide her home.
She arrived at a strange small town, and by the light of the street lamp, she clearly saw a line of slogans on the wall signed by the Zhangpu Town People's Government
As they were speaking, Ji Tianmin happened to pass by with a group of boys. Ji Tianmin glanced at her slightly, and their eyes met for a moment, both quickly averting their gaze. The boys all chuckled, their eyes filled with a tacit understanding and playful goodwill. Baicao suddenly felt a surge of anger, believing that everyone was conspiring against her in secret. She was adept at controlling her emotions, and with a fierce glare at Ji Tianmin, she left without looking back
Bai Cao held a handful of colorful candies and smiled gently. She unwrapped one and put it in her mouth. It was so sweet that the sudden rush of sweetness made her smile bloom once again
That day after school, Xi Ai suddenly leaned in mysteriously and whispered in her ear, "Do you know? Ji Tianmin is interested in you!"
The heart beats wildly, as if success or failure truly depends on these pieces of paper
At that time, Baicao was solely focused on mathematics competitions in both mind and heart
He suddenly turned his head and said, Chen Baicao, may I call you Baicao
She was stunned; during the mock exam, he had never received such a poor score. He had said that he would take the entrance exam for No. 1 High School with her. He said he could definitely do it. He had said so.
September is a very lively boy, and almost the entire class came to celebrate his birthday. When Ji Tianmin brought Baicao to September's house, most of the people had already arrived, all standing in the yard with cheerful smiles watching them. Baicao's face turned bright red, and she walked over to Xi Ai with a shy expression.
Nonsense! ... Baicao seems to be angry, do not speak recklessly ...
From then on, she never saw the Jingzhe again. This young father, who could play the pipa, blindly walked on while holding the cold body of his daughter, crossing rivers and mountains. He hastily buried his daughter and continued to move forward. Suddenly, he remembered passing through a small town where he met a beautiful young girl, and he had promised to stay for her and play the pipa. He smiled faintly, thinking it was just a dream. He had nowhere to go and was penniless. Fortunately, he still had the pipa to accompany him. Tears streamed down his face. Thus, he played the pipa for passersby at the places he stopped, earning a meager income to barely get by. In this way, he wandered and drifted with his pipa lover.
Ji Tianmin was flustered, swaying back and forth, unsure of what to do, and stammered, "I... I will take you to fly kites, the rapeseed flowers have all bloomed"
He felt his daughter's body becoming lighter and lighter, and he shouted with all his might, "Fudi, Fudi, can you see me?"
Bai Cao increasingly appreciates the kind of solitude and tranquility. In her view, life is akin to a journey. Each person chooses a different point to pause based on their own circumstances. The further one travels, the more challenging the path becomes, yet the scenery also becomes more beautiful, and fellow travelers evoke a sense of mutual understanding. She is aware that her destination differs from Xi Ai's, and the scenery she observes is also different; thus, there will be no mutual understanding, and today's estrangement is quite reasonable. Although she feels a sense of guilt within, she chooses not to intervene further. She knows that her destination differs from Xi Ai's, and the scenery she observes is also different; thus, there will be no mutual understanding, and today's estrangement is quite reasonable. Although she feels a sense of guilt within, she chooses not to intervene further
That is a beautiful sea of flowers that is difficult for Baicao to forget in a lifetime
She quickly regained consciousness, calmly making her way through the crowd, passing by those who warmly congratulated her, and headed straight home
On the door of Jingzhe's house, Xi Ai wrote a line with chalk: Jingzhe, I am Xi Ai. I have come to find you.
But heaven did not fulfill her wish. Jingzhe did not return to Zhangpu at all. Fudi suddenly fell seriously ill, and he took Fudi to the city hospital overnight. Fudi said in his arms, Daddy, Daddy, I am tired
Thus, their fate was so shallow. In the future, he would no longer be able to feel "heartache" for her
Yet after walking for a long, long time, she felt that the road was becoming increasingly unfamiliar. She was anxious in her heart, fearing that she might make a mistake, and she sought the guidance of the deity of the path by a patch of reeds. Strangely, it was still the same direction. She had no choice but to brace herself and continue walking
She thought that if she did not strive for that additional 20 points quota and instead gave it to him, he would have no problems, and they could be together. For a moment, she felt dizzy, and outside the window, the gardenia flowers bloomed intensely, their size comparable to a bowl. Yet the rich fragrance brought a sense of sorrow
Ji Tianmin hesitated for a moment and said that today is September, and September wants him to invite her to dinner.
Xi Ai closely followed her, Bai Cao, are you angry? I was just joking a moment ago
She returned home with a pale face and beads of sweat, and without eating, went straight to her room
Later, when the Zhangpu Town government demolished the dilapidated houses, they also tore down the small courtyard belonging to Jingzhe's family. No one paid attention to the faint chalk marks on the door, as the childish writing had long since faded under the sun and rain. The decision made by Xi Ai had also become vague. Years later, she naturally married someone else. Perhaps when she passed by a small stall playing the pipa while shopping for groceries, she would not recognize the gaunt and emaciated man as Zhang Jingzhe, who had once taken her on a night sailing boat. She would casually toss a few coins into the stall, passing by without a glance. It was no wonder, as the pipa strings had long since aged, and the person playing the pipa had also grown old and weathered, unable to play the tune that once brought tears to people's eyes.
But Baicao did not. Baicao merely glanced at her lightly, then turned away and left alone
The night was deep. She dragged her weary body forward. In her line of sight, the lights flickered out one by one, as the fields and villages were ready to rest. A strange dog provoked her. Fortunately, she was not afraid of dogs. Her mother had said that dogs are the most understanding creatures. As long as you are not fierce with them, they will not offend you. And if a dog truly does not let you go, then you should squat down. Dogs are most afraid of people squatting because they are shy and fear having their backsides seen. As long as you are not fierce with them, they will not offend you. And if a dog truly does not let you go, then you should squat down. Dogs are most afraid of people squatting because they are shy and fear having their backsides seen. She remembered her mother saying this at the time, and Xi Ai laughed for a long time, saying how could dogs be shy? Later, however, when a large wolf dog chased her relentlessly, in her despair, she really did squat down, and the dog surprisingly wagged its tail and ran away quickly.
She felt a moment of daze. All along, Xi Ai had treated her the best, holding her hand, buying her food, helping her out of awkward situations, without any complaints. Yet she enjoyed Xi Ai's kindness while hesitating and being evasive. She subtly distanced herself from Xi Ai, rejecting her without any reason. That kind of enduring, slow-burning hurt eventually made Xi Ai feel cold and pained. The two girls stood silently apart, separated by distance. That kind of enduring, slow-burning hurt eventually made Xi Ai feel cold and pained. The two girls stood silently apart, separated by distance
She needs to calm down
Is all of this just a dream