Chapter 3, Inferiority and Arrogance

Tang Mi could not help but laugh, feeling as if she were in the vast grasslands herding sheep

Soon, the night lights of the minibus turned on, illuminating the road ahead brightly. Amidst the roaring sound of the engine, the blue minibus made a turn and drove out of the suburbs, joyfully traveling along the country road, with all the passengers bouncing along with the vehicle.

Li Zhixing said, "When I was in the first year of high school, I had just learned that she was my uncle's niece, so I asked my aunt if that was true, as I had never heard her mention it before. Do you know what my aunt said?"

More than twenty years ago, Tang Weidong was perhaps the most famous young man in these ten or so villages. He was exceptionally handsome, shining like a beautiful tree among the nearby villages, and with his excellent academic performance, he was admitted to a prestigious university, quickly becoming a role model for the villagers.

"The girl won the national second prize in the Olympiad? That is indeed impressive." Li Zewen, aware of the difficulty of this award, became more talkative. He set the book aside and said, "It is indeed fitting for someone with the surname Tang."

Indeed

Tang Mi immediately broke into a broad smile and obediently ladled the duck soup into a small bowl, placing it on the little table

Tang Mi sat back in her seat, her eyes slowly reddening. Afraid of being seen, she quietly buried her face in her palms

I previously thought that her attitude towards me was merely prejudice..." Li Zhixing sighed, "After seeing my aunt's attitude, I realized that her actions were not exaggerated.

Grandma shook her head with a smile and said, "You child."

The neighbor aunt, wearing a straw hat, straightened up from the leek field and said with a smile: "Indeed, you are a scholar; you never forget to read, no matter when."

Grandma, please do not kill the ducks; it would be much better to keep them for their eggs. I am very clever and study well, and I do not need these so-called nutrients at all

Tang Mi had long suspected what her grandmother was up to, but she smiled and said, "Grandma, what is this for? The school has given me a scholarship of 800 per month, and I can't possibly use it all."

However, this beautiful terrain has limited economic development, leaving the countryside desolate, as young people have gone to work in provincial cities or more prosperous areas. Many fields in Tangjia Village have been left idle, and economic development has not kept pace, making life particularly difficult for the farmers. A few years ago, the mountain tunnel was finally completed, and after several years, a wide road reached Tangjia Village. With the new road, the economy has gradually developed—then a meeting was held in the village to encourage villagers to raise ducks for prosperity

Li Zewen said: "What other relatives does her family have?"

Grandma glanced at her and said: "I have eaten more salt than you have eaten rice, what do you know? You just came back and you want to teach me how to talk!"

Then, I sent the ducks to the field

I took the bus and went to the front where the 831 bus was queuing to enter the station, but I was blocked by a Mercedes in front, which kept honking its horn

Ducks thrive on a diet of rice and corn. Considering the abundance of idle land in the village, my grandmother contracted a plot of land to cultivate rice for raising ducks. Over the years, despite some setbacks, she has gradually raised three to four hundred ducks.

Tang Mi said: "Is Xiao Gang at home? I will go check his homework in the afternoon"

In Tangjia Village, rice is cultivated with two crops per year, and ducks are almost entirely raised in the rice fields. During the day, they feed on insects and weeds in the fields, and at night, they are herded back to the duck house, where feeding them once during the return is sufficient

Her name is Tang Mi, and she is my classmate

I am indeed thick-skinned. Tang Mi smiled as she took one hundred yuan from her grandmother's hand, while the remaining two hundred was wrapped back up.

Li Zhixing shook his head

Students at Xuan Middle School can be categorized into two types: day students and boarding students. During the senior year, the number of day students and boarding students is approximately equal. Most day students live within Xuan City and are relatively close to the school; even if they are not close, many parents, considering their children's college entrance examination, will rent apartments near the school to facilitate caring for their children. Boarding students also fall into two categories: either their parents are too busy with work to take care of them, or they are students from outside counties who have enrolled in Xuan Middle School and thus have no choice but to board.

After two hours of bumpy travel, Tang Mi got off the bus at the Jia Tai County Bus Station

However, news about him continues to come in intermittently

My grandmother is sixty-four years old this year. Although her back is still straight, she is indeed getting old. Her figure is slightly hunched, and her steps are not as steady as they used to be. When she walks on the low and uneven ridges of the fields, she appears somewhat unsteady.

Li Zhixing understood what Tang Mi's resolute demeanor was like, and there was no time to persuade further. Without saying a word, he turned his head and instructed, "Uncle Zhang, please drive."

"Brother, how do you know she is a girl from a poor family?" Li Zhixing asked. Clearly, Tang Mi was dressed in a school uniform on top and wearing jeans on the bottom, presenting a very ordinary appearance for a girl.

Grandma couldn't help but laugh, saying: "What a thick skin, who praises themselves like that?"

October is just around the corner, and the weather is about to change. You should take some money and buy some clothes

Raising ducks for wealth is indeed a good method, and Tangjia Village is a place of good fortune, where even the duck eggs produced are larger than those from other places, with regular buyers coming to purchase them every week

Tang Mi smiled and replied while walking around the fence: "Yes."

Aunt Er is very clear about what she said. Tang Mi's grandmother was never one to complain; she would never speak of the family's various misfortunes. However, in a small village, there are hardly any secrets; everyone has eyes, sees everything clearly, and news spreads even faster. She has grown up listening to these stories all her life

Grandma, however, did not think so: "You don't need to compare yourself with everyone. Many people, we can never match. For instance, many people are wealthier than us, and that is simply incomparable."

Rural people generally cannot clearly understand what their uncles do, and can only vaguely say that they are a "high-ranking official"

Ah, Xiao Tang, it's Friday again. Are you going home?

It is nothing, Second Aunt, I am grateful for your help to Grandma on a regular basis

Having studied in Xuan for a full two years, Tang Mi was thoroughly familiar with the route home. She did not need to look at the bus stop signs; she simply stood at the bus station, waiting for the No. 16 bus heading to the West Railway Station to arrive. The No. 16 bus came every ten minutes, which was not difficult to wait for

I initially did not know that she was my uncle's niece, and only after finding out did I feel..." Li Zhixing did not continue, slightly furrowing his brow, "Brother, her family is not just generally poor; she relies on the scholarship provided by the school to make a living every month.

Grandmother dismissively said: "What do you know? When one is poor, naturally one will not fall ill."

Hearing the sigh of her second aunt, Tang Mi fell silent.

This was also her only appearance in Tangjia Village. The subsequent events are not difficult to imagine; she only stayed in the village for a brief few hours and returned to the city that same day, never to appear in Tangjia Village again

Alright, I will remember that

The car window was suddenly rolled down

Li Zewen glanced at his younger brother and thoughtfully said: "She is the niece of our uncle by marriage; in terms of our Li family, she is not really related to us and does not even count as a relative."

Li Zhixing smiled helplessly and said, "Perhaps so."

Tang Mi said: "I have money to buy clothes, I still have money left over every month, besides, the clothes from last year can still be worn"

Tang Mi was taken aback: "Grandma, did you kill the duck?"

She grew up in this village since childhood, and the villagers are very familiar with her

Li Zewen raised an eyebrow at his younger brother: "Hmm, didn't the uncle provide her with any support?"

Tang Mi rushed into the old hall, threw down his backpack, and rushed back out again

Tang Mi shook his head; "No need."

Tang Mi was eating duck meat voraciously, and also placed a piece of wing into her grandmother's bowl

When leaving, grandmother carefully took Tang Mi back to the room, gently retrieving a small cloth pouch from under the pillow and slowly opening it

When Tang Mi was in elementary school, his uncle returned to the village once or twice to send some money to his elderly mother

How can this be the same?

There is a promising son, and the villagers all believe that the Tang family has finally turned a corner. However, what they did not expect was that things took a turn for the worse

"You are about to take the college entrance examination. I have heard that nutrition is most lacking before the exam," Grandma said nonchalantly. "Hurry up and serve it out."

The villagers looked at the grandfather and grandson who relied on each other, feeling quite emotional. If it were merely poverty, it would not be so deserving of sympathy, as the circumstances of the rural farmers were generally similar. However, the Tang family was different; they truly had a talented individual. Tang Mi's maternal grandfather passed away early, leaving behind a son and a daughter. The grandmother worked hard to raise her son and daughter, enduring hardships to support her son, Tang Weidong, in his studies, enabling him to gain admission to a prestigious university

How many times has Master Zhao come to make a purchase

Aunt Er was still chattering on, filled with emotion, but Tang Mi had already lost the mood to listen any longer

Grandmother does not know? The latest research shows that older adults require nutrition more than younger individuals

Groups of students gathered at the school gate of Xuan Zhong, while Tang Mi and her roommates waved, saying, "See you next Monday"

Aunt disdainfully said, "She actually got into Xuan Zhong?" Then she added, "Those annoying people from the Tang family had better not set foot in her house."

The voice calling "big brother" startled Tang Mi, and she withdrew her gaze, pausing gently on the young man's face.

Li Zewen originally thought that his cousin would openly admit to liking Cinderella, but he did not expect to receive such surprising news. Even he was a bit taken aback and asked, "So, she comes from the countryside?"

Grandmother kept serving duck meat into Tang Mi's bowl, saying: "Eat more."

Li Zewen raised his eyebrows

Yes, like my uncle, she is from Jiatai County

Major thoroughfares are experiencing significant traffic congestion, causing long delays for buses to arrive

Due to limited economic conditions, she knew that her grandmother usually refrained from eating meat at home.

"It is Ye Yichao, the one who appeared in the news, don't you remember, Grandma? During the summer vacation, when the news was on TV, I pointed him out to you."

Indeed, he was only in the second year of high school when he won the award, and he will probably have another opportunity to participate in the international mathematics competition next year. Tang Mi pouted and said, "He is so smart, Grandma, I really admire him. I would be satisfied if I were half as smart as he is."

Tang Mi was very familiar with these vehicles. She tightened her backpack, spotted a minibus, and hurriedly boarded the vehicle

Tang Mi woke up early. She planned to go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for her grandmother, but to her surprise, her grandmother was already busy in the kitchen. In the morning light, her grandmother's white hair was so striking.

Well, I am eating, Grandma, you should eat too

Tang Mi did not believe that this car had anything to do with her, until the passenger window rolled down and Li Zhixing inside the car slightly nodded at her

"It's nothing at all." Tang Mi pointed to her own face and said unabashedly, "Grandma, I look like you, naturally beautiful, with a good figure, and I look good in anything I wear"

Your second uncle is working in Xuanzhou City, right? I heard from your second uncle that your maternal uncle's official position is getting higher and higher!

Grandmother never complained to Tang Mi about anything concerning Tang Weidong, but as Tang Mi grew older, based on her own observations and the various discussions among the villagers, she came to understand the situation regarding her uncle quite well. She formed her own opinions and thoughts in her heart—many people who have left the countryside are eager to wash away the marks of being a farmer as soon as possible, and they are reluctant to mention their less than glorious past. Her uncle is one of those who has done this quite decisively.

Yes, grandmother, I feel the same way

What do you understand? Grandmother is unhappy, "Whether it is one or a hundred, they are all raised. It makes no difference how many are raised."

Although my grandmother is a farmer and can barely read a few characters, she has a simple understanding of knowledge—books must be read; without reading, one will remain trapped in the countryside for a lifetime, with no chance of turning their life around. Since Tang Mi was a child, my grandmother has been frugal and has saved every penny to support her education

Grandmother took out 300 yuan and handed it to Tang Mi

Li Zewen asked: "Is it that the uncle is not providing support, or is she refusing to accept it?"

This evaluation is so precise

In the small cloth bag, there are hundred-yuan bills, as well as several tens and a few coins of various denominations. Tang Mi knows that every cent was earned by her grandmother through drops of sweat.

All rumors in the world share a common characteristic: if the parties involved ignore them, they will naturally dissipate over time

Tang Mi remained silent. She could envision a scene.

Li Zewen lightly flicked the pages of the book and said: "However... since she is the niece of my uncle, why does she have the surname Tang?"

Sigh, it is not my place to say such things to a child like you... It is rather inappropriate for me, as an elder, to do so

She has always been like this, and it is not the first or second time.

Farmers do not earn much money, merely tending to a mere 1.3 acres of land, which can be considered one of the professions with the lowest output ratio. However, Tang Mi herself is quite ambitious, or as others say, she is naturally gifted for studying, possessing excellent memory and comprehension skills. From a young age, she has always excelled academically, ranking first in the county during the high school entrance examination, and was noticed by teachers from Xuanzhou Experimental Middle School who came to recruit students, leading her to study in Xuanzhou.

Tang Mi felt a pang in her heart, yet she still smiled, stubbornly gazing at her grandmother, until she saw her grandmother eat the duck wing, and then she cheerfully asked: "Grandma, has anything happened at home?"

Aunt Er, no matter how high the official position of Uncle is, it has nothing to do with us

How many days have you worked in the fields? Are you criticizing me?

After all, new things emerge endlessly in the world, and no one pays particular attention to anyone.

After the car drove away, Li Zewen turned back to look at the 831 bus that was following behind his car. The bus was very crowded, and the figure of that girl was lost in the crowd, no longer visible.

Tang Mi nodded seriously: "Grandma, you are right, I understand."

How should I put it, although she is quite difficult to deal with, in a certain sense, she is an interesting person. She has clear goals, is expressive of her emotions, and is extremely dedicated and hardworking. There are many classmates in school who come from rural backgrounds, but I have truly never seen anyone work as hard as she does. She is reluctant to easily accept others' kindness, but once she does, she will sincerely express her gratitude.

For the past two years, she has often taken this bus every month, and both the driver and the ticket seller on the bus are familiar with her

Then I will trouble you

Grandma thought hard and said: "Is it the one who won some mathematics award?"

He understood her subtext very well. Like her uncle, she was a child from the countryside, born into poverty, and had to work hard to strive for success, attempting to change her fate with excellent grades. Clearly, her uncle is a successful example, and Tang Mi may be the next one.

The moonlight is beautiful today, casting a layer of silver glow over the rural rice fields and lotus ponds. Under the illumination of the stars and the moon, Tang Mi jogged along the path through the fields towards the distant lights. There was light in the kitchen, and she pushed the door open and shouted: "Grandma, I am back!"

Tang Muyu said: "What I mean is, you can raise fewer of them, there is no need to work so hard"

The schedule for the monthly exam is the same as that for the college entrance examination. However, considering that some students are not from Xuanzhou City, the last English exam has been moved forward by one hour, taking place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. After the exam concludes at 4:00 PM, the boarding senior high school students will be able to return home.

Return in the same way as you came; you can simply flag down a minibus to Jiatai County on the roadside. As always, Grandma waves to her in the fields and only goes back after watching her get on the bus

Grandma, please do not be angry, I understand now

Tang Mi was somewhat surprised. She remembered that Li Zhixing was the first person in the class, and possibly even in the entire school, to submit his paper, and he should have left the school early. Why was he still near the school now

After graduating from university, Tang Weidong quickly got married to a woman with the surname Li, who is said to be the daughter of a well-known high-ranking official. Of course, the villagers were unlikely to know who the official was, but at the beginning of their marriage, when the girl returned to Tangjia Village with Tang Weidong, escorted by a driver and attendants, she dazzled the entire village with her radiant presence.

Grandma said, "How would I know?"

Tang Mi was speechless. Her grandmother was famously stubborn in the entire village, and she had never listened to anyone's words.

Li Zewen pushed up his glasses with interest: "Have you fallen for Cinderella and are you preparing to be the prince who saves her?"

After the exam, the classroom was filled with joy and excitement. Students who had been living on campus for a long time rushed back to their dormitories, grabbing their already packed backpacks and luggage in preparation to return home

After an hour of bumpy travel, Tangjia Village finally arrived. Tang Mi greeted the ticket seller auntie and cheerfully got off the bus with her backpack.

Tang Mi's grandmother was very tolerant of this; her daughter-in-law came from a well-off background and was probably shocked by the poverty in the mountain village. However, after that, Tang Mi's uncle hardly ever returned to visit his mother.

Grandma, also, the teacher Zhang from the Academic Affairs Office who recruited me into the program has been promoted to vice principal this semester. He had visited our home before.

At eleven o'clock at night, Tang Mi lay in bed, listening to the last duck cease its quacking, and gradually fell into a deep sleep

The first monthly exam after the start of the third year of high school, Tang Mi, like her classmates, submitted her English paper ten minutes early—this was the subject she struggled with the most among all her courses. However, this English exam was relatively easy, and everyone hurried to submit their papers early in preparation to go home

Li Zewen's eyebrows moved slightly, and he was not too surprised, merely nodding: "Orphaned, beautiful in appearance, intelligent, a mix of self-doubt and pride, with a sensitive and suspicious personality; dealing with such a girl is likely to be quite difficult"

Grandma put the duck meat back into her bowl and said: "I can't bite it, you eat it"

The rumors surrounding Li Zhixing and the two girls in a love triangle, although fervently circulated for a period, eventually lost their novelty and were forgotten after a week or two, as the parties involved chose to remain indifferent. Perhaps only the girls from Dormitory 302 know the truth, yet no one would recklessly spread it, especially since half of the rumors are false.

When the other villagers had already built brick houses, the home of the Tang family, consisting of two generations, remained dilapidated. In order to raise ducks, my grandmother only retained the essential kitchen, a bedroom for sleeping, and two granaries, while the remaining rooms on the first floor were converted into duck houses

By the end of September, the weather has gradually darkened, and if it were daytime, there would be many minivans outside the station vying for passengers, but now only a few remain.

Tang Weidong studied mechanical engineering at university and, after graduation, joined an automotive company. With the support of his wife, Tang Weidong's career has been very smooth, allowing him to ascend to a senior position in this state-owned enterprise in a shorter time than others. Now, at just forty-one years old, he is already the head of an automotive manufacturing group with assets worth billions.

I do not know much, but I have heard the teacher mention that she lost her parents when she was very young, and she has always carried her mother's surname

Li Zewen rarely fell silent for a moment

Upon seeing her return, Grandma smiled, continued to stir-fry the vegetables with a spatula, and said: "I was thinking you would be back today, so put down your backpack and get ready for dinner."

In an instant, she made up her mind

"Her academic performance is outstanding, and I cannot compare to her," said Li Zhixing. "She has never ranked lower than the top three in her grade, and she won the national first prize at the mathematics winter camp earlier this year."

"Such enthusiasm for a classmate? Even from across the street, you would go out of your way to pick her up." Li Zewen suddenly smiled slightly, "Of course, she is quite beautiful and has a good figure, but I don't know when you changed your taste and started to fancy a girl from a poor family?"

Yes, elder brother

Ah... Aunt Er lowered her voice and said in a secretive tone, "By the way, have you seen your uncle in the city?"

Since you have encountered numerous setbacks, why do you still choose to face challenges head-on

It's good to be back. Go find a seat in the back. We'll be driving soon!

Tang Mi said with a smile: "Grandma, when we started school, I was almost selected as the student representative to speak at the opening ceremony! But I wasn't chosen. Do you know who the new student representative is?"

"Grandma, you don't have to work so hard," Tang Mi said. "I am currently receiving a scholarship from the school. After entering university, I can also apply for scholarships. You should take good care of yourself and rest. There is no need to raise these ducks anymore"

Grandmother smiled gently, her eyes filled with light

Your second uncle said that your maternal uncle is quite impressive now, being driven around by a chauffeur and surrounded by a group of people eager to curry favor with him, very imposing indeed. Your second uncle doesn't even dare to greet him

It is appropriate to buy some new clothes every year

Comes every week

The duck house is located on the first floor of the earthen building, and it is usually very noisy; however, one becomes accustomed to it and no longer finds it bothersome

Grandmother served the stir-fried cabbage onto a small plate and placed it on the wooden table. The rice in the iron pot was also ready, and the grandmother and grandchild were having this meal under the dim light.

This is akin to winning a lottery of five million only to realize afterward that one has lost the ticket

Tang Mi pressed her lips together and gently furrowed her brows. On Friday afternoons, traffic in the city often becomes congested, but she did not expect that it would start to jam so early, just after four o'clock.

You have excellent grades and do not have to worry about exams. As for my foolish child, who will be taking the high school entrance exam next year, he plays every day and I am uncertain whether he will be able to get into a better high school. It is quite distressing.

The villagers now speak of their uncle with a mix of sentiment and disdain. The sentiment stems from envy; in the eyes of the simple rural folk, Tang Weidong's current success is enviable, and if possible, the villagers would all wish to share in his fortune. Of course, the villagers also know that this is impossible, as he is unwilling to help even his elderly mother, who is over sixty, or his orphaned niece. What can be expected of him when it comes to others? Lacking the ability to help is one thing, but having the ability yet remaining indifferent is another—thus, the villagers all say they can only pity Tang Mi's grandmother, who has toiled for many years, raising a white-eyed wolf.

As always when leaving, Tang Mi leaned out of the car window, her face adorned with a broad smile as she waved goodbye to her grandmother. But the car had to leave, making a "whoosh" sound as it turned a corner, finally leaving Tangjia Village behind.

In the morning sunlight, the ducks gradually woke up. Tang Mi opened the duck house, and the ducks hurriedly waddled out one after another. She carried a basket on her back, herding the large white ducks into the rice fields contracted by her grandmother. Hundreds of large white ducks jumped in an orderly manner, waddling into the boundless green rice fields to frolic.

"We, the villagers, are of no significance to Wei Dong, and there is little to say about it. However, he truly has forgotten his roots after marrying; he is heartless towards your grandmother and you. " Aunt Er sighed again, almost as if speaking to herself, "Your family is poor, and your grandfather is ill... Your grandmother has endured so much hardship raising two children. Your mother gave up her chance to attend university to support him... Now, Wei Dong turns his back on people, which is truly disheartening."

Grandma finally smiled: "Teacher Zhang is a very good person, and good people will also be rewarded."

How she is actually does not matter. The most interesting thing is you, you are not angry because of her rejection, did you anticipate it long ago

"Second Aunt," Tang Mi said with a broad smile, "Please take a good look, as I will be taking the college entrance examination next year."

Since she is in the same class as you, does she study well

During the senior year of high school, the school schedule is tight, with only one day off each week, starting from the end of the fourth class on Saturday afternoon until the end of Sunday. Every four weeks, the school grants a long weekend, and students who live a bit farther away can only return home during these two days off. Tang Mi is one of those students.

The bus was already quite crowded, and Tang Mi found a seat at the back, holding her backpack against her chest, patiently waiting for the minibus to depart

Who is she?" Li Zewen asked

"No need for that," she repeated, pointing at the bus number 831 approaching from a distance, "we can just take the subway instead"

I do not know, but both have approximately the same amount

Every month, on the Thursday and Friday of the fourth week, senior high school students must participate in a monthly examination

Tangjiacun is located in the southwestern part of Jiatai County, surrounded by mountains to the north and south, and adjacent to water to the east and west, making it a beautiful place with picturesque mountains and enchanting waters

Tangjia Village is nestled among the mountains, where countless springs and streams converge at the foot of the hills, forming a small river. The banks are lined with lush willows, creating a stunningly beautiful scene. She walked to the nearby stream with a basket on her back, took out her grandmother's clothes, soaked them in the hollow of the mountain spring, and then sat down on the shore to casually flip through her English dictionary and memorize vocabulary.

There is nothing much going on, the duck is fine, and I am also doing quite well

The early morning is a time for labor, and the villagers greet her with smiles: "Tang Mi, you have come back to see your grandmother."

The indoor lighting is dim due to energy-saving reasons, and my grandmother has always used the lowest wattage light bulb. However, this is of no concern, as the fire in the stove burns brightly, casting a red glow throughout the kitchen. My grandmother's appearance in front of the stove is exactly as it is in her dreams, without a single detail amiss

The ticket seller is a middle-aged woman in her forties, with a very friendly smile

No

Exiting the school gate and walking east along the bustling street for two hundred meters, you will arrive at the bus station

In fact, there is no one left. Her parents have passed away, and she only has a grandmother in her sixties. She usually lives at school and returns home once a month, specifically to visit her grandmother

Listening to gossip can help to alleviate life’s pressures, but that is all it can do. Everyone is a senior in high school, and the weighty exams are looming ahead of them, such as the first monthly test after the start of the school year.

"You are right..." Li Zhixing sighed helplessly, wondering why he should compete with his own cousin

"Grandma, keep the money for yourself and buy some good food. Take care of your health and don't tire yourself too much. Sell off most of the ducks; just keep a few dozen. " She said, "When you feel reluctant to spend money, just think, I still have a wonderful granddaughter who will earn a lot of money in the future. I want to live to ninety and enjoy life with my granddaughter."

Grandma glared at her and said, "If I don't raise ducks, what else can this old woman do? Am I that old that I need to rest?"

Tang Mi's mother passed away when she was seven years old, after which she and her grandmother relied on each other for support

Elder brother. Li Zhixing withdrew his smile, his expression becoming serious as he exchanged a glance with his elder brother, "She is the niece of my uncle by marriage"

After some casual conversation, Tang Mi began to talk about interesting events at school

Suddenly, a Mercedes-Benz drove up and stopped right in front of the bus stop

After staying at home for two days, Tang Mi is going back to school again

The eldest son of Second Aunt's family, named Tang Xiaogang, is two years younger than Tang Mi. They grew up together and have always been very close. Tang Xiaogang is not, as his mother claims, a "foolish child"; he is currently studying at the local junior high school and is performing quite well academically

Duck meat and duck eggs are both somewhat more expensive than chicken meat and chicken eggs. If raised properly, a duck can lay one egg per day and can also be sold at the end of the year. My grandmother, considering that she has a granddaughter who is waiting to go to university, also began to entertain the idea. Like others in the village, she started learning to try her hand at raising ducks at an advanced age.

Li Zhixing's elder brother had a refined and handsome face, appearing to be just over twenty years old, only a few years older than her and Li Zhixing. If she remembered correctly, Li Zhixing was an only child and had no elder brother. Therefore, this young man was likely his cousin or a distant relative.

Tang Mi lifted the lid of the pot and looked at the tender stewed duck meat with sour radish inside, her eyes slightly stinging

Li Zewen said: "Although she is wearing a school uniform, the shirt is clearly washed out, and I remember that your school does not force students to wear uniforms—like you, for instance, are not wearing one. This indicates that she does not have many clothes to wear. The pants are jeans, and it is hard to tell their age at a glance, but pay attention to her shoes. Those sneakers are well protected, but they are quite worn out, clearly having been worn for several years."

The rice is supposed to be cooked, go and ladle out the duck soup from the small pot

If you are going to the West Railway Station, I will give you a ride

Later, he never appeared in Tangjia Village again

The rear window of the car slowly rolled down, revealing a young man wearing glasses, sitting with his legs crossed inside the vehicle. He held a book in his hand, glanced at her, and then looked at Li Zhixing in the front seat: "Is she the one you are picking up?"

Li Zhixing turned his head from the front seat and looked at his cousin

Grandma, let me cook.

I know, Grandma, that you want to leave me something good, but if you don't eat it, I won't feel at ease eating it either. " Tang Mi said with a smile, "Look at this piece of wing, it has been stewed for a long time, the meat is almost falling apart, it definitely won't hurt your teeth.