TPW – Chapter 58

Originally, Qiao Lu had only intended to come and talk some sense into Fang Youwei, hoping the mother and son could communicate better and stop quarreling.

It was fine during the day, but at night the arguments were endless. How were the neighbors supposed to rest?

Unexpectedly, this child turned out to be quite a talent! Not only gifted, but also determined and genuinely interested!

“Youwei, with your skill… if you take the art entrance exam, you might actually get into a university.”

She said this with a smile, but her expression was serious—there wasn’t the slightest hint of mockery.

“Sister Qiao Lu… you’re not joking, are you…” Fang Youwei couldn’t believe it. His hands, hanging by his sides, trembled slightly.

His ultimate goal was actually just a vocational college. As for university—that was something he had never thought about, nor dared to think about. His academic foundation was weak.

“No, I’m serious.” Qiao Lu’s gaze was sharp and resolute. She wasn’t joking at all: “I think you should give it a try. After all, art exams have lower academic requirements.”

“Sister Qiao Lu…” Really, no one had ever known how much pressure he was under. As much as he loved drawing, he feared letting others know.

Drawing had always just been his spiritual escape. Whenever he told others, all he received was mockery and scorn.

And now, suddenly, there was someone firmly encouraging and affirming him… It felt surreal. How could he believe it?

“Why don’t you sign up for a training class or something, and give it your all in the last few months… I mean no harm, Youwei. I heard you missed getting into college by just three points this year, which means your academic base isn’t great. So, in your case, with your talent in art, wouldn’t an art exam be the most effective path?”

Fang Youwei’s eyes flickered—clearly, he was moved.

But right in front of him lay a harsh reality.

At seventeen, a teenager’s pride matters most. He summoned all his courage to say just one sentence: “But… but my family’s situation…”

Back then, there wasn’t really a concept of art training classes. To take the art college entrance exam, there were only two training options.

One was a training group organized by high school teachers. The other was the youth palace’s art training, which required selection.

Both required money, neither was free. For ordinary working-class families, the cost wasn’t unbearable. But for someone in Fang Youwei’s situation, it was still quite hard.

Thinking of his family’s financial struggles, his expression turned uneasy.

“And my mom wouldn’t agree.” That was the real issue.

Currently, even his school expenses were paid by his girlfriend—not only the fees, but she also gave him thirty yuan a month as a “wage” to fool his mom…

If he now asked her to fund his art training, how could he even bring it up? He feared she would think drawing was a waste of time and wouldn’t understand him.

And he was afraid his mom would find out and scold him.

“How much do you need? I’ll lend it to you,” Qiao Lu said without even thinking.

“Sister Qiao Lu…” Fang Youwei was at a complete loss for words, his eyes red with unshed tears.

After days of being downcast, what he needed most at this moment was understanding and encouragement—nothing more.

Even if he ultimately failed to pursue art, her words alone had already lit up his lonely and disheartened path of education.

That was enough.

Qiao Lu chuckled and pulled out a tissue: “Why are you getting emotional? I said I’m lending it to you, not giving it away. When you make it big someday, just pay me back.”

He took the tissue and wiped away his tears, lips trembling: “I… I’m just a little surprised, a little caught off guard, a little embarrassed.”

Qiao Lu smiled: “Don’t be embarrassed. Did you forget? Your mom was the matchmaker for me and Haizhou. Without her, maybe Haizhou and I wouldn’t be together.”

“That’s a separate matter,” Fang Youwei said, finally smiling through his tears.

That was so long ago. Qiao Lu still often brought food over to their home. He felt that he’d already repaid that favor long ago.

“How is that a separate matter?” Qiao Lu didn’t bother arguing. She simply pulled five 10-yuan bills from her pocket. “Is this enough? Write me an IOU so you won’t feel uncomfortable.”

She understood a teenager’s pride better than anyone. His mother’s earlier “insults” had already made it impossible for him to ask his girlfriend for help. The only way to make him accept the fifty yuan was for Qiao Lu to take the initiative and offer him a way to save face.

Back then, the cost of pursuing art wasn’t even close to what it is today.

Nowadays, even the bare minimum costs ten to twenty thousand yuan. But in the 1980s, including tuition and materials, it cost at most fifty to sixty yuan—was that so much?

To Qiao Lu, it was just the profit from selling two coats.

But what was worth more than that fifty yuan?

Talent.

If she hadn’t seen it for herself, fine. But now that she knew, how could she watch a naturally gifted young person be snuffed out before he even had a chance?

“Sister Qiao Lu, it’s already December. If I switch to the art exam track, is it still possible?” By now, Fang Youwei’s heart was already wavering.

But the professional skills exam was in early March, and half of this month had already passed. Was there still time?

“Has the registration deadline passed?”

Fang Youwei shook his head: “I don’t think so.”

“Then it’s not too late. Even if there’s only one month left, with your level, you could still make it with a final push.” She smiled, then asked the final question: “So? Are you willing? If you are, I’ll talk to your mom.”

With those words, Fang Youwei felt as if his whole world had brightened.

In that moment, what Qiao Lu gave him wasn’t just a guiding light for a confused future—it was a lifeline in his moment of despair.

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they were shining with firm determination: “I’m willing!”

That day, Fang Youwei completely changed his previously dispirited demeanor. He eagerly helped his mom wash vegetables, do dishes, and laundry. He was sincere and attentive.

Liu Xiaohong didn’t show much appreciation. She didn’t talk to him, but her expression looked more relaxed than before. Occasionally, she glanced at him and seemed to want to say something, but ultimately held back.

After dinner, everyone—young and old—gathered in the courtyard to chat. Kids ran around laughing, just waiting for 6 p.m. to arrive so they could go watch TV at Qiao Lu’s house.

“Where’s Youwei? Haven’t seen him outside in days. Didn’t they say he was repeating the year? Why isn’t he going to school?” someone casually asked, and suddenly all eyes turned to Liu Xiaohong.

What was the hottest gossip in the courtyard recently? It wasn’t Song Qingping arguing with her in-laws—that was old news!

It had to be Fang Youwei: secretly repeating a year without telling his mom or grandma, and dating a 20-year-old street vendor who was even paying for his tuition and giving him a monthly “salary”! That was the real scandal!

Once the topic started, it couldn’t be stopped.

“He hasn’t been feeling well lately, so I let him rest at home,” Liu Xiaohong replied without looking up, still sewing insoles.

“You didn’t forbid him from repeating the year, did you?” Everyone exchanged glances. Aunt Tian nudged her with an elbow, signaling her to answer.

“No, the tuition’s already paid. Not repeating would be a waste.” At this point, what was done was done. Whether he passed or not, the money couldn’t go to waste.

“What do you mean, a waste? Didn’t he just earn ninety yuan, haha!” Aunt Tian added, clearly enjoying the drama.

Everyone burst into laughter. They looked at each other, and the meaning in their eyes was obvious—they clearly wanted to gossip too.

But this Aunt Tian really was a bit too much. She clearly knew that Liu Xiaohong cared deeply about her pride, and now she was poking at her sore spot—wasn’t that just asking for a scolding?

After chatting about it for several days, even Liu Xiaohong, who usually had a good temper in front of the neighbors, couldn’t help but feel annoyed. She frowned and clicked her tongue.

“So annoying! You were nagging yesterday, still nagging today! Can’t this just be over already? If it can’t be solved, then just cut it off! Wasted all my time untangling this mess!” She was fuming and threw the tangled mess of yarn on her lap.

As soon as she spoke, the whole yard fell silent for a moment. Everyone’s eyes were glued to the two balls of yarn on her lap. She’d spent so long trying to untangle them with no success—maybe cutting them really would be easier…

Her words were clearly directed at someone, though not named, everyone knew who was being criticized.

Aunt Tian shrank back awkwardly and got a sharp glare from her husband.

She didn’t dare continue digging anymore and quickly changed the topic to Qiao Lu, laughing and joking.

“Qiao Lu, um… when are you and your husband planning to have another child?” She grinned so widely she looked more cheerful than the Laughing Buddha.

Qiao Lu paused slightly, slowed her knitting, and answered shyly, “We’ll let it happen naturally—whenever it comes, it comes. We’re not in a rush. Besides, Haizhou and I are still young.”

“You may be young, but Haizhou isn’t anymore—he’s what, twenty-six or twenty-seven?” she chuckled.

“Yeah, about that. After the New Year in May, he’ll be twenty-seven.”

“Oh, right! How’s your second sister doing? I saw her with a big belly not long ago—has she given birth yet?” Aunt Chen suddenly asked.

Qiao Lu slapped her forehead as she was reminded. “Ah! Aunt Chen, good thing you mentioned it. She’s probably about to give birth. Her in-laws are taking it seriously—she was admitted to the hospital a few days ago. I need to go to the department store tomorrow to buy her some supplements and visit her.”

“Right, right. It’s her first baby, right? Buy her more things to nourish her—malted milk, canned goods… Oh, by the way, do her in-laws treat her well?” Aunt Chen continued.

Qiao Lu glanced at her and smiled, “Very well. They treat her like a precious gem—afraid she’ll melt in their hands.”

“Wow, that good, huh?”

“Yeah.” Something seemed to come to her mind, and Qiao Lu’s eyes sparkled. “Well, my sister’s outstanding, after all. She’s a college graduate. Outstanding people get admired wherever they go.”

As she said this, her gaze briefly flicked to Liu Xiaohong, who was still struggling with the tangled yarn.

“So envious. College graduates have it so good—guaranteed job placements after graduation. Right into office jobs at the factory. Easy work and high salary. Unlike my two boys—they’re only good enough to work under those college grads.”

Qiao Lu nodded in agreement. “Yes, the treatment for college grads at my sister’s factory is really nice. Just a few months ago, a new graduate joined. First day, he was assigned to the technical department—sits in an office all day drawing blueprints. Super easy. Makes seventy yuan a month!”

“Just sitting in an office and you get seventy yuan a month?” Liu Xiaohong stopped bothering with the yarn, incredulous.

In her mind, those who worked in offices were all leaders—doing the lightest work for the highest pay.

Before her son Youwei took the college entrance exam, she’d dreamed of him one day going to college and getting a job like that. But later… sigh.

“Drawing blueprints? Sounds easy—just drawing, right? Any college grad can do that?” Aunt Tian asked.

“No, no, not every college student can. That kind of work requires learning art from high school, then passing the college entrance exam through art, and studying drawing or design in college…”

Her long explanation left most people half-confused—they kind of understood, but not really.

“Then after graduation, you’re assigned based on what you studied. The pay is usually quite good.”

“Drawing? You can earn that much just by drawing?” Liu Xiaohong asked.

“Don’t underestimate drawing, sis. If you’re good at it, you can become highly sought-after in many industries! The treatment is top-notch!”

Qiao Lu explained enthusiastically: “Product development, food packaging, national engineering institutes… they all need designs, and those designs need to be drawn! There’s no industry nowadays that can do without designers! Drawing is a universal skill! Do you know what ‘universal’ means?”

Everyone shook their heads in perfect unison: “What’s that mean?”

“It means it’s useful everywhere—you’ll never be out of a job! It’s like having a guaranteed government job! If someone can master drawing, they’ll never worry about finding work!”

“Wow, really? That kind of major must be super hard!” someone said.

Qiao Lu suppressed a laugh. “Not at all. You don’t need to be super smart. You just have to like it and be willing to learn—it’s not that hard. But why do you think there are so few designers around?”

“Yeah, why?” everyone asked in chorus.

“Sigh,” Qiao Lu pretended to be sorrowful. “How many parents actually care about developing their kids’ drawing skills? Everyone only focuses on academics—Chinese and math, right?”

“True. Otherwise how will they get into college?”

“Exactly! That’s the problem. Smart kids who struggle with academic subjects switch tracks and go into art. They still get into college, get office jobs, earn high salaries.”

“My sister knows that designer who earns seventy yuan a month. Back in high school, his academic grades were similar to Youwei’s—barely good enough for a technical college. But later, he switched to art, trained for just four months, and ended up getting into a regular university!”

This wasn’t something Qiao Lu made up—she’d seen it happen with a classmate.

That student’s grades only qualified them for a junior college, but four months before the art exam in senior year, they switched to art, did well on the art portion, and despite weaker academics, they got into a full university instead of a technical college.

Can you say that person didn’t deserve to be in university? No—everyone has their strengths.

“Wow, really? Learning to draw can take you from a technical college to a full university?” Liu Xiaohong admitted—she was very tempted.

She remembered how Youwei used to love drawing in his notebooks. Always begging her to buy watercolor pens and art books. But back then, money was tight, and she couldn’t justify spending it on something “useless.”

Now… does he still like drawing?

“Yup. Our country has had a dedicated arts track in the college entrance exam since 1978. Arts include vocal music, instruments, visual arts, dance… lots of options. If a kid chooses the arts path, they don’t need top academic scores. Someone like Youwei could totally give it a shot—but only if he likes it. If he doesn’t enjoy it, he won’t be able to learn it.”

“Hey, Guifang, listen up—your daughters have good grades. Maybe they could go down this path in the future,” Aunt Tian quickly called out.

Wu Guifang modestly smiled, “Their grades aren’t that great—just average. College is still far off.”

Though she said that, she was clearly all ears. What parent doesn’t want their kids to get into college? It’s a great honor!

“Sounds great. So as long as someone learns drawing, they won’t have to worry about getting a job, and they can sit in an office, with high pay.” Liu Xiaohong said enviously.

“Xiaohong, didn’t you hear what Qiao Lu said? It’s not just about learning to draw—you have to pass the college entrance exam with it! Only then will the good job follow. Oh my, the salary is really something!” Aunt Tian corrected her.

“Oh, right. You have to get into college. If you do, that would be amazing.” You’d be set for life.

She was about to ask more when suddenly a little “cannonball” rushed in through the gate and flung himself straight into Qiao Lu’s arms.

“Mommy! Daddy and I are back! The water was a bit too hot today—look, Mommy, is my hand all red?”

He’d just come back from the bathhouse with Xu Haizhou, still smelling of minty soap. His hair was half-dry, and now that he’d run back out, the wind made him feel chilly.

“Oh my, it really is red! How didn’t we end up cooking this little piggy?” Qiao Lu laughed and pinched his cheeks.

Qiao An giggled and wriggled out of her arms, snuggling into Xu Haizhou’s embrace: “Because Daddy protected me!”

As he spoke, one of his small feet lifted, wagging like a puppy’s tail.

“Oh, so you’re just relying on your dad to protect you.”

Xu Haizhou bent down and picked up his son. Qiao Lu chuckled and gave the boy’s little bottom a gentle pat. “Come on, let’s go home and watch TV.”

At that, all the kids in the courtyard swarmed behind the family of three, neatly forming a line, ready to head to the Xu family’s house to watch television.

The adults also began tidying up and getting ready to move—after all, it was warmer inside than out.

Tonight’s episode of Huo Yuanjia was almost at its end. Both kids and adults were excitedly speculating about what show would be aired next, filling the air with lively chatter.

Outside, the cold wind howled and the rustling of leaves echoed—highlighting the cozy warmth inside. Once everyone left, the house became quiet, and the temperature dropped sharply.

“Everyone’s gone?” Qiao Lu had just come back from her bath. When she’d left, the room was full of people. Now, the main room was empty and desolate.

Xu Haizhou took the towel and began drying her hair, replying softly, “Mm, An’an is already asleep.”

“This early?” she asked, walking toward the bedroom. Xu Haizhou paused his movements until she sat down before continuing to dry her hair.

“Mama, Mama, you’re back.” The little one huddled in the blankets, his voice muffled and sleepy.

“You’re sleepy already today?”

Rubbing his eyes, Qiao An replied, “Yeah, I went out with Brother Kangkang today. We played hide-and-seek, hopscotch, and I jumped rope with Xiaomai. Then we watched TV. I’m so tired.”

“You’re just a little guy, yet your schedule is busier than your dad’s.” She tucked him in and patted his chest comfortingly. “Go to sleep, Mama will stay until you’re asleep.”

The child yawned and closed his eyes. Under the warm light, his thick eyelashes fluttered a few times, then stilled.

Qiao Lu smiled, stood up, and leaned against Xu Haizhou’s chest, whining sweetly, “I’m so tired. Carry me upstairs.”

The man chuckled and kissed her cheek gently, “Your hair’s still a bit wet. Wait a bit.”

“Mm…” Qiao Lu slouched lazily against him.

He used his fingertips to gently massage her scalp with the towel, letting it absorb the water. She felt so comfortable she began to drift off.

“Can we actually sleep properly tonight and not do that?” In the quiet stillness, Qiao Lu suddenly asked.

His hand paused. Xu Haizhou pinched her earlobe lightly, the faint scent of mint from his wrist brushing her nose.

His voice was gentle, but his words were firm: “Just once.”

Qiao Lu: …Once is basically like twice.

She really couldn’t take it.

While Qiao Lu was racking her brain for a way to make him pause for one night, a crisp sound came from the door:

Knock knock—

“There’s someone. Go check.”

Xu Haizhou got up reluctantly and went out.

As the door opened, a blast of cold air rushed in, momentarily making it hard to breathe. He squinted into the light and finally recognized the person.

“Youwei?”

It was Fang Youwei. The night was dark, and the backlight made his face hard to see.

“Ha-Haizhou-ge, I’m here to see Sister Qiao Lu.” His hands were nervously twisted in front of him, his tone uneasy.

“To see Qiao Lu?”

“Mm.”

“Wait a moment.”

Xu Haizhou turned and went into the bedroom. Qiao Lu was still drying her half-damp hair and tilted her head curiously, “Who is it? Why didn’t they close the door?”

“Fang Youwei. He’s looking for you.”

She quickly tousled her hair, rushed out, and called out, “Youwei, why are you here?”

Xu Haizhou followed, carrying a thick cotton coat and draping it over Qiao Lu’s shoulders. “Why the rush? So careless.”

Qiao Lu gratefully kissed his cheek, which finally made the man leave the room in satisfaction. As he turned to leave, his gaze briefly fell on Fang Youwei before quickly looking away.

“Would it be okay to talk inside?” It was freezing outside, and seeing Qiao Lu in thin autumn clothes made Fang Youwei worry she might catch a cold.

“Come in.” Qiao Lu stepped back to let him in.

“What’s wrong? Did you need something?”

“Mm.” Fang Youwei watched as she shut the door. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a stack of bills.

“Sister Qiao Lu, I’m returning this to you.”

It was the 500 yuan she had given him that morning.

“What’s this about…?” Qiao Lu’s heart skipped a beat, fearing he had changed his mind about pursuing art.

“Sister Qiao Lu.” But his face lit up with joy. “My mom said she’ll let me study art!”

She couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief and silently cursed how slow he spoke—scared her half to death.

She slapped his arm playfully. “That’s great! Congratulations!”

“Thank you, Sister Qiao Lu. I heard everything you said this afternoon. My mom must have changed her mind because of you…” His eyes suddenly turned red.

He was grateful it was nighttime, and that the lights in the Xu house were dim—no one could see his teary eyes.

“I’ll work hard. I have to work hard!” If he didn’t get into college, he wouldn’t have the face to meet all the people who supported him.

“Good. Be confident. You can do it. Also, don’t argue with your mom these days. Talk things out calmly. You’ve depended on each other for so many years—don’t let small stuff hurt your relationship.”

Fang Youwei nodded, smiling: “Yeah. I told her, until the college entrance exam is over, we’re not talking about money or relationships. Everything can wait till afterward.”

“Good. Go home now. If you need help, come ask me anytime.”

“Thank you, Sister Qiao Lu.”

“What happened?”

The door clicked shut. She tiptoed across the cold floor and crawled into bed, burrowing into her husband’s arms.

After snuggling into a comfortable spot, she slowly recounted what had happened with Fang Youwei.

After hearing it all, Xu Haizhou fell silent for a moment, seemingly disapproving of her approach.

“The college entrance exam is no small matter. And this is his second attempt, so the pressure’s even higher. What if he still doesn’t pass—won’t he blame you?”

“Blame me? Why would he blame me?” Qiao Lu perked up and sat up to look at him.

Xu Haizhou sighed deeply and pulled her back into his arms, gently rubbing her shoulder.

“He chose to repeat the year on his own. If he didn’t pass, he’d only have himself to blame. But now that you’ve persuaded him to change paths and study art—if he fails, won’t you bear some of the responsibility too?”

“Huh? I guess…” Only now did Qiao Lu realize she hadn’t thought that far ahead.

She fell silent for a long while, then coughed awkwardly. “If he blames me, I’ll just accept that I misjudged him… consider it a lesson learned.” Her tone lacked its earlier cheer.

Everything had happened so quickly. She hadn’t thought it through…

Xu Haizhou sighed, tucking her closer. “Think things through next time before acting.”

From his purely rational standpoint, fewer complications meant fewer problems. No matter how mature Qiao Lu acted, she still let emotions drive her sometimes, making it hard to stay fully logical.

Qiao Lu admitted she hadn’t handled it thoroughly and now felt a tinge of regret.

She used to be so rational—had she been too comfortable in her cozy life and lost her edge?

“Mm, it all happened so fast. I just wanted to tell him not to fight with his mom, and then I discovered he had talent. I couldn’t help myself.” She drew circles on his chest in frustration. “I didn’t think it through… But could I really just watch a talented kid fail again? Sure, maybe he could get into a vocational college, but that would be such a waste.”

Xu Haizhou chuckled quietly and pinched her nose. “You’re only a few years older than him, and you’re calling him a kid?”

Qiao Lu batted his hand away. “It’s just a term. Besides… if he does well in art but screws up the written test, that’s on him, not me. Who told him not to work harder?”

After two seconds of silence, Xu Haizhou replied, “Yeah. It’s fine. Let’s wait and see. In six months, we’ll know if it was the right call.”