PCJ – Chapter 441 Li He

Chen Cheng and Chen Fenglian ignored the antics of Chen Dianzi and Zhang Jiaohua. The two sisters had completely eliminated any feelings of unfamiliarity, as the bond of blood had transcended the gap of time.

“Sis, why don’t your family move to the city and work there? That way, we can see each other often. There are more opportunities in the city, better educational resources, and it would be much better for the kids’ future than staying in Meizi’ao,” Chen Cheng suggested, thinking about how lonely she would feel again after returning to Shanghai. She wished she could bring the whole family with her.

It was clear that Chen Fang wasn’t going to Shanghai with her. Chen Fang and Chen Dianzi were now inseparable, making up for the lost time. Chen Fang no longer viewed her daughter as the sole focus of her life. Though Chen Fang often scolded Chen Dianzi harshly, it was evident she deeply loved him. Their affectionate interactions were so syrupy that even a young person like Chen Cheng found them cringeworthy.

“Cheng, what would I and your brother-in-law do in Shanghai? We’re not well-educated, and the city is full of intellectuals. The best we could manage would be cleaning jobs,” Chen Fenglian shook her head.

“Sis, there’s no way I’d let you and my brother-in-law do such work. I have many friends in Shanghai; I can find suitable jobs for you both,” Chen Cheng insisted.

Zhang Jingbing laughed and said, “I’m the only son in my family. If my parents knew I planned to go to Shanghai, they’d probably break my legs.”

Chen Fang chuckled too. “Cheng, you should visit Meizi’ao whenever you have the time. Look at how wonderful it is here now—fresh air, clean water, and the best food. Your brother-in-law and I both have stable jobs. Meizi’ao Elementary School is under construction, and it won’t lag behind city schools in the future. As Meizi’ao becomes a tourist spot, the elementary school will even attract excellent teachers. Shanghai is great, but it’s just too crowded for me.”

“Mom, I get it. In your eyes, there’s no place better than Meizi’ao now. You even promised to stay with me forever, but as soon as we got here, it’s like you don’t even have a daughter anymore,” Chen Cheng pouted.

Chen Fang laughed lightly. “You’ve grown up, and now it’s time to find yourself an honest boy to keep you company.”

Chen Cheng blushed and said nothing more.

Zhang Jingbing quickly added, “Cheng, visit Meizi’ao whenever you can. If we have time, we can visit you in Shanghai too.”

“Jiaohua, will you come to Shanghai to visit me?” Chen Cheng asked.

“I will,” Zhang Jiaohua said shyly, scratching his head.

When the film crew dispersed, the members all returned to the city. For stars like Chen Haibo, Zou Heming, Chen Cheng, and Tang Yan, the time spent in Meizi’ao felt like a loss given their packed schedules. Still, they gained something from the experience in this serene place.

After the crew left, Zhang Jiaohua found himself stuck at home every day under Liu Qiaoye’s watchful eye.

“You’ve had enough fun this summer. Do you even realize school is about to start? You’re going into your second year of middle school. If you don’t buckle down and fail to get into First High, I won’t claim you as my son anymore,” Liu Qiaoye said, keeping Zhang Jiaohua busy with summer homework.

“Our teacher said I’m the only one in class who doesn’t have to do summer homework. With a student as outstanding as me, high schools would fight over me. There’s no need to take an entrance exam. Besides, Uncle Luo will make arrangements for me if needed,” Zhang Jiaohua replied, completely unbothered.

“Why do you have so little ambition? You have to rely on your own abilities to get in!” Liu Qiaoye scolded.

When Zhang Yuanbao and Ya Ba came over to play, Liu Qiaoye firmly refused to let Zhang Jiaohua go out. Tearfully, Zhang Jiaohua had no choice but to finish his homework.

Ironically, Zhang Jiaohua, who usually didn’t care for school, started missing it. School was freedom—the teachers turned a blind eye to most of his antics. At home, there was no room for rebellion.

On the first day back at school, Zhang Jiaohua met Qi Xia and Nie Tong at the gate. Nie Tong wore new clothes and carried a shiny new bag, exuding newfound confidence.

“Jiaohua, why are you so late? We’ve been waiting forever!” Qi Xia exclaimed as soon as she saw them.

“It’s Yuanbao, dragging his feet as usual,” Ya Ba complained.

“It’s not even a class day. Why come so early? It’s not like Teacher Cai will give you a certificate of merit for enthusiasm,” Zhang Yuanbao retorted.

“Your disciple is here,” Zhang Jiaohua remarked, spotting Xie Mingyuan running toward them from afar.

Out of breath, Xie Mingyuan finally arrived. “Master, I’ve been waiting for you to register all morning.”

“More like you’ve been running your business while waiting for us,” Zhang Yuanbao exposed him.

“Can’t I do a little business while I wait?” Xie Mingyuan laughed.

When it came time to register, they learned that Teacher Cai had been transferred to teach at County First High. A fresh graduate, Teacher Li He, had taken over as their homeroom teacher.

The moment Zhang Jiaohua saw Li He, he was reminded of Li You, the spoiled rich kid he’d clashed with in Meizi’ao. But one was a second-generation heir, and the other a new homeroom teacher—there didn’t seem to be any connection.

“Starting today, I’m your homeroom teacher. In my eyes, whether a student has good grades or not, everyone is equal. The other teachers warned me about certain ‘special’ students in this class, but I won’t tolerate that. In my class, no one gets special treatment,” Li He said, immediately singling out Zhang Jiaohua.

Zhang Jiaohua was puzzled—why was this new teacher targeting him right away? Still, he had matured significantly after the tomb incident and his dream experiences, making him more composed than his peers.

After the class meeting, Li He called Zhang Jiaohua into the office.

“Zhang Jiaohua, I’ve learned a bit about you. Your grades are good, but I expect you to lead by example in other aspects as well,” Li He said.

“I don’t think I have any issues. I even organized a basketball team for the class,” Zhang Jiaohua replied confidently.

“I’m talking about not associating with people outside of school. From now on, no private arrangements or special privileges!” Li He said sternly.