Chapter 1, The Boy from the Mountain Village

The young girl saw her father lost in thought and couldn't help but poke him, nervously calling out, "Father." The man from the Chen family suddenly came to his senses, threw his head back, and laughed heartily. After a while, he looked at his startled daughter and said, "Very good, this is the descendant of the Chen family. My girl, it is not that I, as your father, am intentionally making things difficult for your brother. Our family has had this teaching of surviving through difficulties since ancient times. I remember when I was young, I was also restricted financially by your grandfather. If one wants to survive, one must rely on their own hands." As he spoke, he gazed at the setting sun, which had already dipped halfway, and sighed.

The middle-aged woman and the little girl bear a striking resemblance to each other, both possessing remarkable beauty. It is not only rare to encounter such beauties in this rural area, but they are also quite uncommon in large cities. Before the woman could speak, the beautiful little girl pouted her delicate lips and said: "Dad, who is waiting for you? My mother and I are waiting for my brother"

The young boy raised his head again, looking worriedly at his mother, and then glanced at his sister, who was dragging him towards the well with a beaming face. A hint of pain appeared in his eyes, and he couldn't help but let out a sigh in his heart

"Girl, there are some things I will tell you later. For now, go and get anything you want to take with you, but you don't need to worry about clothes and such." Chen's family said gently.

Seeing his son in such a weak state, Chen Jiazhong couldn't help but sigh. He turned around to his wife, who was smiling at him while wiping her hands on her apron, and shook his head with a bitter smile

The young man shivered slightly, lowered his head, and softly replied, "Yes." Chen patted the young man's shoulder again with great enthusiasm and said loudly, "Come on, today your father is particularly happy, let's have a drink together..." Before he could finish his sentence, he was fiercely glared at by his wife, which startled him into quickly changing his words, "Uh... let's eat, let's eat."

The middle-aged man looked at his wife with a cheerful expression. That beautiful middle-aged woman smiled kindly and said softly, "You two wait here; I will go back to heat up the food." After saying this, she went back into the house. The large yellow dog, after greeting its owner, lay down at the man's feet and closed its eyes.

Chen Jiazong sighed inwardly but still smiled as he patted the young man's shoulder: "Well, come on, I've been waiting for you to eat." As he spoke, he walked inside. After realizing how hard his son had been living outside, Chen Jiazong suddenly felt a bit hesitant to face this son.

The girl asked with a hint of disbelief, "Father, aren't those thousands of fruit trees and several acres of fish ponds shared by the village?"

At the dining table, the young man lowered his head and slowly picked at his food, hardly taking any vegetables for himself; the dishes on his plate were served by his mother and sister. The Chen family remained silent, slowly sipping their wine, occasionally glancing at their son.

"Pah! Five thousand is still not enough for the change from those fruit trees. Have your father and mother worked so hard for so long, saving every penny just to accumulate this little bit of money?" said the dissatisfied member of the Chen family

Chen Yixin interjected and asked, "Brother, what rank are you in at school?" However, as soon as she said this, Chen Yixin couldn't help but stick out her small tongue, realizing from her brother's dejected expression that she had asked the wrong question.

Ziyin Village, this is a very common mountain village, yet it differs from other developed villages. There are no typical cement houses here, nor are there various factories; almost all the houses are tiled-roofed, although there are occasionally a few tall brick houses. Due to the absence of any factories, the mountains here are particularly beautiful, and the water is exceptionally clear. The villagers who have grown up in such a picturesque environment not only possess striking features but are also kind-hearted and simple. They have become accustomed to a life of working at sunrise and resting at sunset, appearing to be free from worldly disputes. Due to the absence of any factories, the mountains here are particularly beautiful, and the water is exceptionally clear. The villagers who have grown up in such a picturesque environment not only possess striking features but are also kind-hearted and simple. They have become accustomed to a life of working at sunrise and resting at sunset, appearing to be free from worldly disputes.

Chen Jiazhong once again rolled a cigarette, lit it, took a puff, and then slowly stood up to gaze at the approaching figure. It was a boy, barely over 1.6 meters tall, wearing a slightly yellowed white shirt on top and a pair of black trousers that appeared somewhat faded. From his attire, it was evident that his physique was quite frail. His features were not clearly visible, as he was currently bending down to stroke the head of a large yellow dog that was eagerly welcoming him.

"Brother, aren't you going to get your graduation certificate? Can you show it to me?" When Chen Yixin said this, everyone felt the young man suddenly tremble. In their hearts, they couldn't help but think: "Could it be that he didn't receive his graduation certificate?"

Mother smiled and said, "We are going to move."

Chen Jiazhong's eyes widened as he was about to say something, when the beautiful woman gently touched him and gave him a knowing glance. Chen Jiazhong immediately understood why his son was reluctant to attend high school; he must have thought that the family's financial situation was very difficult and, in order to alleviate the burden on the family, had decided not to continue his studies.

Chen gazed at the ceiling and sighed, Ancestors, do you think the family teachings you left behind are no longer suitable for the times? Such outstanding descendants are actually considering giving up their studies due to concerns about the family's financial issues

So... what about brother? What about Xiao Huang? Chen Yixin clearly knew that the move was related to her brother; otherwise, they wouldn't have moved right after he went to study abroad. However, she did not dare to ask directly, so she could only phrase it this way.

The young boy said softly, "697 points." Everyone furrowed their brows again; this score is quite high, so why is the boy not happy?

Grandpa and Grandma? ! '' Chen Yixin was very surprised, as she had never heard her parents mention that she had grandparents.

As the sun sets in the west, the beautiful hues of red and yellow bathe the entire mountain village in a golden glow, evoking a dreamlike and ethereal feeling. White smoke curls gently from the chimneys of each household, filling the air with a simple and rustic aroma. The housewives have begun to call the men who are chatting and resting in the courtyards, as well as the children chasing after small dogs, to come home for dinner. This harmonious atmosphere repeats day after day, year after year in this village, and no one wishes to disrupt such a serene ambiance. The housewives have begun to call the men who are chatting and resting in the courtyards, as well as the children chasing after small dogs, to come home for dinner. This harmonious atmosphere repeats day after day, year after year in this village, and no one wishes to disrupt such a serene ambiance

"Brother, what are you thinking about?" Chen Yixin, who was shaking the water in the well, noticed that her brother was absent-mindedly washing his hands

Throughout the entire summer vacation that followed, although the young man still spoke little, he became more diligent in helping his family with work. Perhaps he hoped that this would assist his family in some way. A month later, the Chen family left the village to see him off. Watching the young man board the long-distance bus with his simple luggage, the Chen family sighed. The beautiful woman and Chen Yixin both looked at the departing bus with tears in their eyes. Nanjing University Affiliated High School is over a thousand kilometers away from here. The young man is now taking a bus to the provincial capital, and then he will have to take several days of train travel. Although flying is an option, it is generally not feasible for ordinary students, let alone a young man from this mountain village.

She turned around and saw that both her father and mother were standing behind her, with her mother holding a small package. She couldn't help but ask curiously, "Mom, where are you and Dad going?"

The boy, with his head lowered, hesitated for a moment before putting down his bowl and chopsticks. He then took a graduation certificate out of his pocket and presented it with both hands.

The young man cast a worried glance at the figure in the Chen household, then approached the beautiful woman, lowered his head once more, and said: "Mom, I am back"

Chen Jiazhong, surprised, pointed at his own nose and said: "Am I biased? Where have I shown bias?"

Haha, I certainly know that he is very strong-willed inside, but what I am referring to now is his appearance. It is not only that he appears weak, but he is also rather reluctant to speak. If he were not still studying, I would have long since kicked him outside to toughen him up. Otherwise, how could he qualify to become the heir of the Chen family

Chen Jiazong looked up, and under the embrace of the setting sun, a frail figure was slowly approaching. The large yellow dog at Chen Jiazong's feet immediately stood up and barked as it rushed towards the figure. Of course, the little girl was not slow either, and she ran ahead.

Hehe, girl, as long as you can study well, not to mention high school, even university, your father has the money to send you there!" Chen Jia said proudly

Chen Yixin joyfully exclaimed as she hugged the young man, "Wow, brother, you are amazing, Nanda... Oh, Nanda Affiliated High School." Her mother looked at her son with a beaming smile. In the country, no matter whom you ask, even those who are illiterate, they will tell you that Nanda is the highest institution of higher learning in the nation, a sanctuary for scholars. Nanda Affiliated High School is the secondary school that is easiest for many students to enter Nanda, as many professors from Nanda also serve as lecturers at Nanda Affiliated High School. Therefore, the teaching quality of this secondary school is unmatched by other schools.

The boy's voice became lower: "It's also the first..." At this moment, everyone stared wide-eyed in surprise at the boy

The little girl could not savor these words any longer, so she had no choice but to gaze silently at the distant country road. Suddenly, she joyfully exclaimed, "Brother is back!"

I... I can just take Xiao Huang, Xiao Huang was given to me by my brother. " Chen Yixin said sadly while hugging the big yellow dog beside her, completely confused about what was happening, wondering why as soon as her brother left, her father insisted on moving immediately. Her mind was in a mess, and more than anything else, she was concerned about this little yellow dog, as it represented her brother's care.

Hehe, this year I have already contracted them. Hehe, I will secretly tell you, but don't tell your brother. I have deposited this amount in the bank." A mysterious hand from the Chen family waved slightly.

For the first time, Chen's family felt a pang of heartache. He had always been unaware of how hard his son was working outside. He thought that the money he provided each semester, aside from tuition fees, would be sufficient until the end of the term. All this time, his son had never complained to the family, and it seemed that his daughter only dared to share these things with herself after understanding the family's situation. No wonder both of his children rarely asked the family for money; it appears that the daughter, having her brother as a role model, has also learned well. All this time, his son had never complained to the family, and it seemed that his daughter only dared to share these things with herself after understanding the family's situation. No wonder both of his children rarely asked the family for money; it appears that the daughter, having her brother as a role model, has also learned well

Hmph, my brother is not weak at all. He doesn't know how strong he is; he is the best. The little girl pouted as she spoke.

"Five thousand?" the girl asked in surprise

Chen Jiazhong took a look at the notification letter and then slapped the young man's shoulder with great force, throwing his head back and laughing heartily: "As expected of my son, Nanda Affiliated High School is a key national school. Don't worry about anything, just focus on your studies, and then you can directly enter Nanda. Hahaha"

The kind woman smiled as usual and said, "It's good that you're back, Yixin. Go fetch some water for your brother to wash his hands, and let's get ready for dinner." As she spoke, she also walked into the house.

Chen Yixin felt that the atmosphere was very tense. Although she did not know what was happening, she continued to talk with her family, hoping to break the tense atmosphere

Nanjing University Affiliated High School? ! '' The father and daughter exclaimed in unison, and the mother also displayed a look of surprise

However, the young man expressed his concerns, but his father immediately interrupted, saying, "There are no 'buts.' If you don't go study, I will break your legs!"

The girl was taken aback upon hearing this and said in a somewhat flustered manner: "Father, you..."

Chen Jiazhong took a breath and gestured for his daughter to switch places with him. After sitting down next to the young man, he cheerfully patted the young man's shoulder and said: "Son, I know what you're worried about; you don't need to worry about money. Do you know? I have contracted those orchards and fish ponds..." Chen Jiazhong conveyed to his son what he had told his daughter, and Chen Yixin chimed in from the side. As for the beautiful woman, she kept smiling as she watched her family.

"The first place..." Upon hearing the youth say this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed that the youth was feeling this way because he did not achieve a good ranking in the city.

Uh, it's nothing. The young man hurriedly rubbed his hands a few times, shook them off, and then got up to walk into the house. "Hey, brother, wait for me!" Chen Yixin called out in dissatisfaction while quickly washing her hands under the still-running faucet, and then she swiftly caught up with the young man, once again linking her arm with his as they walked into the house

Indeed, his brother is worried that it is very difficult for the family to support his studies. Hasn't he only asked you for money for tuition? The young girl feels a bit sorry for her brother. Although 50,000 is not a lot, in this mountain village, it can be considered wealthy.

The woman saw that Chen Yixin's eyes were filled with tears, and she couldn't help but affectionately stroke her daughter's head, saying gently: "Don't be sad, this is something that the men of the Chen family must go through. We are going to see Grandpa and Grandma, and you can bring Xiao Huang along. In the future, our family will still be reunited, so cheer up a little."

The girl, busy, pulled at Chen's hand and said insistently: "Father, I didn't say that, I was asking why my brother hasn't returned yet." However, judging by her delighted expression, it was clear how happy she was that her father had agreed to let her graduate from high school.

The woman smiled as she looked at the Chen family and said, "You weren't this age when you were out on your own; your son is now 16 years old, and it's time for him to go out."

Chen Jiazhong shouted loudly, "No!" After saying this, he spoke gently, "Son, Nanjing University Affiliated High School is different from other key high schools; the classes are taught by university professors. That knowledge cannot be bought with money, so you must attend Nanjing University Affiliated High School! I still have that little bit of money!"

Five... fifty thousand! The little girl was so astonished that she covered her mouth.

Still, the younger sister was clever. She hurriedly asked the book, "Brother, which high school did you get into? Is it a direct admission?" The young man, upon hearing this, lowered his head and shook it, softly saying, "I... I don't want to go to high school."

Chen's eyebrows twitched, and he asked in a stern tone: "What is your score on the high school entrance exam?" Everyone thought the young man was acting this way because he had not performed well on the exam. Naturally, they all displayed expressions of disbelief, as the young man usually had excellent grades.

Your brother has grown up and has begun his journey of experience. Haha, little did we expect that while we wanted to keep him by our side a little longer, heaven was already eager to hone his skills.

Chen's family certainly knew why their daughter was panicking. He chuckled and patted his daughter's head, proudly saying: "Girl, do you look down on your father and mother? Do you know whose fruit trees and fish ponds you and your brother helped take care of this summer? They belong to your old man and your mother!"

"Brother." The call of the young girl made him lift his head, and upon seeing him, those present were immediately captivated. He was an exceptionally handsome young man. If it were not for the simple and honest demeanor typical of rural folk on his face, the slight hint of shyness revealed in his features would have made him indistinguishable from an underage beauty. Wasn't it as if the young girl, standing beside him with her arm linked through his, resembled a pair of beautiful sisters?

The girl busily leaned forward, obediently taking the match from the middle-aged man and lighting his cigarette. The middle-aged man took a satisfying puff and affectionately stroked the girl's head, saying: "Hehe, my daughter from the Chen family is still the most filial in the whole village."

A middle-aged man with a simple and honest appearance greeted his companions, humming a little tune as he walked along the country road on his way home. Upon seeing his wife and their daughter, who would be starting her third year of junior high next semester, standing at the door, along with their big yellow dog wagging its tail excitedly, he couldn't help but grin and chuckle: "I say, dear wife, after all these years, why are you still so warmly welcoming me at the door?" The big yellow dog, hearing its owner's voice, barked happily and rushed over to greet him, prompting the middle-aged man to first pat the dog's head.

She stomped her foot in dissatisfaction and said, "Father, you are biased!"

Moving?" Chen Yixin stood up in surprise

The middle-aged man suddenly realized and slapped his forehead: "I was wondering why you all are so nice, it turns out you were waiting for my well-behaved son. Hahaha, Dad will wait with you too." The middle-aged man sat down on a bench arranged in a line by the door, took out his pipe, pinched a bit of tobacco, and rolled it up in a piece of cigarette paper.

The little girl first nodded, but then immediately asked with suspicion: "Father, why can't we tell brother? He is very frugal at school, wearing only his school uniform, and I heard that he even delivers newspapers to earn some pocket money."

Chen Jiazhong opened it after receiving it, and the mother and daughter sitting on either side curiously leaned in. When everyone saw the excellent grades and the approval for graduation, they all breathed a sigh of relief. Then they looked at the young man with suspicion, as they could not understand why he was so nervous.

The young boy anxiously said, "But the tuition fees there... should I just attend an ordinary high school instead?" His concerns were not unfounded, as it was a key national high school, one of the most prestigious, and their tuition fees were several times higher than those of other schools.

The girl squatted on the ground, gazing at the distant, dimly lit country road. While idly plucking a blade of grass to play with, she asked the middle-aged man, "Father, you said that after my brother goes to school to collect his graduation certificate..."

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this. The younger sister quickly regained her composure and asked, "What about the province?"

Uh... the boy still kept his head down, hesitating for a moment before saying in a very low voice: "First place"

Chen Jiazhong comforted the little girl by gently patting her head and said, "Good, my little girl has finally grown up." Upon saying this, Chen Jiazhong sighed again, "Alas, your brother is fine in every way, but he is just too weak, not at all like a man should be."

Chen Jia coughed lightly and said, "Yes, let me take a look at your graduation certificate."

The little girl stared blankly at her father. It was only on this day that she realized her father was not merely the simple farmer he appeared to be. Could a farmer have such family teachings? Could a farmer express such words? The little girl shook her head, deciding not to think too much about it; after all, as long as she knew that this person was her father, that was enough.

Chen Yixin listened blankly; with her intelligence, she quickly understood that her parents had deliberately waited until her brother left before moving.

"Alright, girl, what do you want to take with you?" said someone from the Chen family

Hmph! You still say you are not biased. You treat brother this way and me that way; what else could it be if not bias? I want you to treat me the same way you treat brother!

Chen's family certainly knew that his daughter was not worried about this. He chuckled and said, "Don't worry, your father still has enough money to support both of you through high school. I won't be like those ignorant fellows who think finishing junior high is sufficient. You must understand that in this world, knowledge is essential!"

The boy raised his head only after hearing his father's words, yet there was still concern in his expression. He stammered slightly as he said, "But Dad, I have been admitted to Nanda Affiliated High School." As he spoke, he took out a notice from his pocket once again

"Brother, you are so amazing, ranked first in the whole school! By the way, brother, what is your rank in the city?" The younger sister asked with a feigned cheerful expression after blinking her eyes.

The beautiful woman shot him a glance with a smile and said softly, "Aren't you going to greet your son?" Chen Jiazhu nodded slightly, biting on a grass cigarette, and took a step forward. The young boy had already spotted Chen Jiazhu and the beautiful woman. He hurriedly pulled his sister along and walked a few steps closer, then lowered his head and said softly, "Dad, I'm back"

Oh? Delivering newspapers for some pocket money?" Chen's family revealed a joyful smile

Chen Yixin sat dazedly at the door after returning home with her parents. She was happy for her brother, but saddened by the fact that she could only see him once during the entire semester. She did not know how long it had been when a voice startled her: "Yixin."

Father, how can one praise their own family?" The girl playfully glared at her father

The couple exchanged a wry smile and looked at each other, while Chen nodded slightly: "Alright, let's go." Thus, the three of them and a dog left Ziyin Village, and no one knew where they had moved to.

Chen's family was very pleased with their daughter's expression, nodding with satisfaction: "Yes, it's 50,000. This 50,000 is specifically set aside as a fund for you and your brother to pursue your studies. So you can study with peace of mind, and ideally, come back with a doctor's degree! By the way, you must not tell your brother about this."