RIRW – Chapter 143

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All the major newspapers were reporting on it. Grandma went out for a walk and came back with a pile of newspapers. After reading them out loud at home to Zuo Dan and Shen Youyou, she carefully put them away, planning to pass them down through the generations of the Shen family as educational material for future descendants.

After reading the newspapers, Zuo Dan felt a twinge of guilt at first, but quickly consoled herself—she had said those things to serve as an educational example. After all, she couldn’t exactly say she was a transmigrator or born with extraordinary abilities, could she? That would be misleading. What she did was for the good of everyone—herself, others, and society. Yes, nothing wrong with that.

The reports about Zuo Dan stirred up quite a response.

Some young people who hadn’t received university admission notices regained their confidence after reading about her. They decided to give the college entrance exam another shot. After all, a rural girl had managed to persist in her studies despite such difficult conditions and ultimately earned the honor of being the top scorer. Having experienced rural re-education themselves, they finally understood how hard it was to pursue academics. But due to the tough environment, many had not touched a textbook in years.

In comparison, it made sense that they failed the first time, but they would not give up. They vowed to work even harder than Comrade Zuo Dan and take the exam again next year.

And upon learning that Zuo Dan studied hard so the sent-down youths could return home sooner, many educated youths were deeply moved. They saw her as a fellow comrade of the proletariat.

On the rural side, after the production team leaders read Zuo Dan’s story, they too were greatly inspired—especially by her words that “knowledge can change destiny,” which struck a chord with the villagers.

She was a fellow rural youth. Because she persisted in her studies, she not only became a college student but also appeared in the newspapers. Meanwhile, their own children were still rummaging in the fields for food, as they hadn’t paid enough attention to their education.

To change one’s fate and become a university student, one must study hard. They had to start valuing their children’s education.

So, parents began thinking seriously about sending their school-aged children to school. If someone from the family got into university, the whole family would gain prestige—it would be a “university family,” and they’d gain face in the community.

Zuo Family Village was the most deeply affected.

After all, Zuo Dan and Zuo Cong were the two most educated young people in the village. People used to think their studying was pointless, especially since the Zuo family was so poor. Big kids like them not earning work points and instead just studying—what for?

But look at them now: both got into university. And Zuo Dan even made the papers and was commended by provincial leaders.

This proved that studying was the right path. Kids had to study hard to have a shot at making something of themselves.

Sure enough, not long after winter break ended, a group of parents came to discuss with Zuo Dacheng whether they could send their children to school at the start of the new year. Didn’t matter if they were only five or six—they wanted to start early. A year or two more of education might just mean a future university acceptance.

They even asked Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui how to raise a child who could get into university.

Zuo Dacheng was terribly embarrassed—he honestly didn’t know how the kids managed to study so well. So he handed it over to Li Hui to explain.

Li Hui said, “Just now Dacheng read the article to you all. What it means is, studying requires hard work. As parents, we can only teach our children to put in effort. Only through diligent studying can they go out and attend university. Dandan will be back in a few days. When she returns, she can speak to you herself.”

Hearing that Zuo Dan was coming back made everyone ecstatic.

Zuo Shuisheng even came to the house to discuss with Zuo Dacheng about organizing a seminar at the village elementary school once Zuo Dan returned, so she could share her experiences.

After all, she had been featured in the newspaper and was part of the very first batch of college students accepted under Chairman Hua’s leadership. Such an honor needed to be celebrated and used as an example. The three of them (Dandan, Youyou, and presumably Cong) would be invited to speak on stage.

“…” Zuo Dacheng said awkwardly, “Isn’t that going a bit overboard?”

Zuo Shuisheng took a puff of his cigarette and said, “What do you mean overboard? You’re not just their father now—you’re also a local cadre. You’ve got a duty to promote this.”

Zuo Dacheng quickly nodded, and then immediately called Shen Yiming to let them know in advance.

Over in the provincial capital, Shen Yiming picked up the phone, agreed to the idea, exchanged a few words with Zuo Dacheng, and then hung up.

A while after hanging up, Editor-in-Chief Wang came out of his office and called Shen Yiming in.

The others, seeing Shen Yiming walk into the office, all showed expressions of reluctance. They knew—Shen Yiming was about to leave the newspaper. He was going to university.

Inside the office, Chief Editor Wang looked visibly unwilling to let him go.

“Yiming, I’ve read your resignation letter. But I still hope you’ll reconsider. We can keep your position open. After you graduate, if you want to come back, you’re always welcome… sigh, I know your future has even greater possibilities.”

After speaking, Chief Wang felt a bit emotional.

To be honest, Shen Yiming had done excellent work the entire time he’d been at the paper. Wang was very pleased with him. He had even been grooming him to be his successor.

Who would’ve thought that after the sudden reinstatement of the college entrance exam, Shen Yiming would take it—and pass?

It was unexpected, yet somehow inevitable. A young man like him deserved a bigger world.

Shen Yiming said sincerely, “Thank you, Chief Editor, for your support. But since I’ll be at university for several years, I can’t keep holding onto this spot. Don’t worry—even though I’m leaving, I won’t recommend anyone casually. The person I recommended to you earlier—the one who wrote those drafts I submitted—is quite talented. His father is a Public Security Bureau official and also related to our military. With your guidance, he’s bound to become a capable young journalist.”

Since Shen Yiming had explained it so thoroughly, Chief Editor Wang didn’t say more. After all, Yiming had also helped him build another valuable connection.

“Alright, Yiming—no matter where you go in the future, don’t forget about our paper. You’re one of our homegrown talents. Don’t let us down.”

Chief Editor Wang said with a hearty smile.

Shen Yiming stood up and gave a crisp military salute. “I will remember the leader’s instructions.”

After getting off work, Shen Yiming made a call to Beijing. He spoke with the operator and asked for Zuo Dongshan, then hung up.

After a while, the phone rang again, and Zuo Dongshan’s voice came from the other end.

Shen Yiming smiled and said, “Uncle Dongshan, when are you coming back? Your old friends here are still waiting to treat you to a meal.”

Zuo Dongshan caught the underlying meaning of his words and chuckled. “I still need to submit a request. Once it’s approved, I’ll be free to return. Yiming, it’s really a shame — before you came to Beijing, I was already planning to head back and have that meal with you all. Yiming, Uncle Dongshan really appreciates this meal.”

“Uncle Dongshan, I’ve always been grateful for what you did for me back then. I remember your kindness clearly. A meal is hardly enough to express my gratitude.”

“Alright, no more thanks between us. You treat once, I treat once — we’ll never be able to keep track. Once I’m back, let’s have a drink together. I might be returning around the New Year.”

Shen Yiming laughed. “Then I’ll warm up the wine here and wait for Uncle Dongshan to come back and have a drink.”

Before the Lunar New Year, Shen Yiming handed over his work responsibilities. He didn’t return the car immediately — it was temporarily listed under Sister Chu’s name and he planned to use it a few more days before heading to Beijing.

After packing up at home, they were ready to head to Zuo Village for the wedding banquet. Grandma insisted on going too. Ever since Zuo Dan married into the Shen family, she hadn’t visited her in-laws’ home yet.

That would be too impolite. Now that she felt much stronger than before and since they were driving, it would be very convenient. She insisted on going herself.

Seeing that Grandma was determined, Zuo Dan and Shen Yiming put a quilt in the back seat, letting Shen Youyou and Grandma sit there wrapped in it. It was warm and soft.

Shen Youyou loved car rides. As soon as he got in, he knew they were going out. His eyes were wide and curious, looking all around.

Watching him made Grandma feel much better, her discomfort seemingly disappearing.

To take care of Grandma, they didn’t drive too fast. After having lunch in the morning, it was already past 5 p.m. when they arrived at Zuo Village.

Li Hui and the others already knew they were coming, and had been waiting at the courtyard entrance, watching the road. The house was at the entrance of the village, so they could see any approaching car right away. When they saw the familiar vehicle returning, Li Hui happily shouted and came out to greet them.

She knew that Shen Yiming’s grandmother was coming today — an elder who must be welcomed properly.

Grandmother Zou came out of the house when she heard the commotion. Just as she reached the doorway, she saw Shen Yiming’s car pull up in front. After Shen Yiming and Zuo Cong got out, they immediately opened the back door to help Grandma and Zuo Dan out.

Zuo Cong helped Zuo Dan get out and then carried Shen Youyou. On the other side, Shen Yiming helped Grandma Shen out of the car.

Before getting out, Grandma Shen had already tidied her clothes and hair. Even though she had been in the car all day, she was still full of energy. With one glance, she spotted Grandmother Zou and asked Shen Yiming, “Is that Dandan’s grandmother?”

Shen Yiming nodded. Grandma Shen smiled and walked over, holding Grandmother Zou’s hand. “Elder sister, congratulations!”

Grandmother Zou felt her warmth and enthusiasm, and the awkwardness she felt earlier faded. She found this city grandmother easy to talk to and smiled back. “You came such a long way — sorry for the trouble.”

“It’s no trouble. Even if it were farther, I’d still have to come meet you in person. You raised such a wonderful granddaughter and sent her to our Shen family. I must personally say thank you.”

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Zou broke into a wide grin. As a senior, of course she hoped the daughters and granddaughters who married out would be praised by their in-laws — it showed how well they had been raised.

Although she hadn’t done much raising of Zuo Dan herself… cough cough… but still, the girl grew up under her watch, so she could claim some credit.

The two elderly women held hands and walked into the yard together.

Li Hui carried her grandson and followed them into the house. Seeing how happy Youyou was, she beamed as well.

Inside the house, Zuo Dan asked, “Where’s my third uncle?”

“He took Suli to the county to look around. The two of them can’t sit still. Oh right, Suli’s admission notice arrived. It’s not the provincial capital university she listed, but a teachers’ college in the provincial capital. Your third uncle is thrilled. He’s planning to pull some strings and find a job in the provincial capital too, rent a place to live over there,” she then whispered to Zuo Dan, “Your grandma’s the only one upset, saying once a man gets a wife, he forgets his mother. But she didn’t really complain. After all, the house is big and she lives comfortably. Your uncle still sends her living expenses every month. She’s the most content old lady in the village now.”

Hearing this arrangement, Zuo Dan supported her third uncle’s decision. After all, one couldn’t stay stuck in the same place forever — they had to step out.

Thinking of her third uncle moving to the provincial capital, Zuo Dan also remembered Zuo Cong’s job arrangement. While the grandmas were chatting in the living room, she pulled Zuo Cong and Shen Yiming into the room to discuss it with Li Hui.

Zuo Cong said, “Mom, I want to give this job opportunity to you. It’s a good position, and since you’ve been to college and are working in the education system, it’ll be easy for you to transfer to the provincial capital’s education bureau.”

Li Hui was stunned. “Me? Join the education bureau?”

Zuo Dan nodded.

“Mom, I think it’d be a pity to give up this opportunity. But that’s just what we think — it still depends on what you and Dad decide. I know you’re reluctant to be apart from Dad.”

Li Hui fell silent. She really couldn’t bear to leave Zuo Dacheng. All the children would be going to Beijing. If she also went to the provincial capital, what about Dacheng?

“I’ll think about it.”

Zuo Cong and Zuo Dan didn’t press further. Work was important, but it was also about their parents’ own decisions. They didn’t expect their parents to earn money — they just hoped their mother, who had attended college, could have a place where she could make the most of her abilities.

That afternoon, after Zuo Dacheng finished work and came home, he was thrilled to see the whole family gathered. When Zuo Chengcai returned from the county, the men all got together to drink and chat.

So many happy events had happened this year.

They welcomed little Youyou into the family, had three college students in the family now, and even settled Zuo Chengcai’s marriage. Just thinking about it made them happy.

Shen Youyou watched his grandpa and dad drinking and opened his mouth happily, wanting a taste.

Zuo Chengcai jokingly put a wine cup near his mouth, and the boy immediately frowned and slapped it away.

“Hahaha, this clever little guy,” Zuo Chengcai laughed heartily.

The next morning, the Zuo family got busy preparing to host the village guests for the wedding banquet.

While they were in the middle of preparations, a tractor rolled into the village.

It wasn’t from Zuo Village — it looked like it came from the commune.

Everyone was wondering who it could be. Then Zuo Chengcai’s smiling face stiffened slightly before he laughed and ran over, calling out, “Mom, Dad, Big Brother, Little Sister.”

Grandmother Zou: “……”

Where did this third son’s parents suddenly come from? She had no idea at all!