Su Ciliang understood his younger sister's meaning and continued, "You could consider pursuing a postgraduate degree at Beijing University."
Su Changjiu, naturally, was unaware of the different tiers of universities. However, Su Xiaocao, having attended university herself, even if it was just a normal teachers' college, knew the basics.
It was just that Su Xiaocao was never a confident girl. Even though she had worked hard to get into university and was now a teacher, doing quite well among her peers, she still lacked confidence.
Su Xiaocao always felt like an ugly duckling, destined to be the most unremarkable girl lost in the crowd.
She never believed that someone as ordinary and unremarkable as herself could have a better life than she did now.
And a postgraduate student at Beijing University at that!
Su Xiaocao hurriedly shook her head, "I don't have that ability, I wouldn't dare to even think about it!"
Beijing University postgraduate studies, the requirements must be so high!
How could she possibly get in?
It was better to quietly teach in the provincial capital and be a teacher, not to aim too high.
Living a peaceful life like this was already a blessing.
It had to be said, she wasn't a girl with grand ambitions to begin with; she was already quite content with how things were.
Su Xiaotian didn't say much upon hearing Su Xiaocao's response.
She looked at Su Xiaocao and simply smiled faintly.
But she already had other thoughts in mind.
Su Xiaocao must be an excellent teacher; her being assigned to Beijing for training was proof of that.
After all, if it weren't for her outstanding performance, such a rare opportunity would certainly not have been given to her.
Having known each other since childhood, Su Xiaotian actually knew that Su Xiaocao's academic performance was quite good.
When she took the university entrance exams, Su Xiaocao's scores were slightly lower than they had anticipated.
Thinking back now, it was probably due to Su Xiaocao's lack of confidence.
Su Xiaocao had a decent foundation. If she could start reviewing now and have someone guide her, it would be entirely possible to pass the postgraduate entrance exams next year.
Even if she couldn't get into Beijing University, other slightly less prestigious schools would still be entirely possible.
Su Xiaotian thought about it and subconsciously glanced at Su Xiaocao again.
Seeing Su Xiaocao lowering her eyes, she decided not to say anything further.
This matter required careful consideration. Fortunately, Su Xiaocao would be staying in Beijing for several months, and she was confident she could persuade her.
Perhaps this girl, who had always been so unobtrusive, could find a different path after living in Beijing for a while.
Yes, in Su Xiaotian's heart, Su Xiaocao had always been a shy and introverted girl.
Compared to girls of the same age, she lacked the boldness and freedom of Su Xiaomei.
Su Xiaotian could never understand this.
Su Xiaocao had two older brothers, and her Uncle Changjiu and his wife doted on their only daughter, but for some reason, this girl was not as confident as Su Xiaomei.
When they were in school together, Su Xiaocao was the least noticeable among their group.
But Su Xiaotian knew that Su Xiaocao had quietly done a lot for them during those two years.
It could be said that it was always Su Xiaocao who quietly thought of them and took care of them.
Su Xiaotian had also thought about getting along well with Su Xiaocao.
But for some reason, after they arrived in Beijing, they gradually drifted apart from Su Xiaocao.
Su Xiaotian wrote letters to Su Xiaocao. At first, Su Xiaocao would reply, but later, her replies became fewer and fewer, and it seemed to have stopped.
Su Xiaotian once thought it was because of the great distance that they slowly grew apart.
But thinking about it now, perhaps it was due to the inferiority complex ingrained in Su Xiaocao's bones.
Now that Su Xiaocao was in Beijing, perhaps everything would be different.
"That's right, Xiaocao, even if you can't get into Beijing University for postgraduate studies, you have other options. For example, our Agricultural University is also a good choice. Even if it's not as good as Beijing University, it would be nice to be with Xiaomei and me."
Su Sangong, for some reason, suddenly said something like this and even actively invited Su Xiaocao to the Agricultural University.
Su Xiaotian looked at her third brother in confusion. Was he out of his mind?
"Third Brother, how could Sister Xiaocao go to the Agricultural University?"
Su Xiaotian's words made Su Sangong realize. That's right, postgraduate students admitted to the Agricultural University were generally graduates of the Agricultural University, as it was a highly specialized institution.
At that moment, Su Sangong felt immensely disappointed.
Actually, he didn't know why he was disappointed or why he had spoken to persuade Su Xiaocao to stay in Beijing.
But subconsciously, he felt that he wanted to see this girl.
At this time, Su Sangong was ignorant of romantic feelings between men and women. He didn't realize that his liking for this girl was different from his liking for his sister Su Xiaotian.
He thought it was just childhood affection.
Shen Zizhen was not familiar with Su Xiaocao. Even though they had lived in the same village for many years, because Su Xiaocao was so unobtrusive among the children, he had never paid attention to her.
However, since the children were all earnestly persuading Su Xiaocao to give it a try, he also spoke up.
"Even if you can't get into the Agricultural University for postgraduate studies, finding a postgraduate program that matches your major shouldn't be difficult. If you want to take the exam, I might be able to offer some advice."
Shen Zizhen thought for a moment and then added, "If you can pursue postgraduate studies, even if you continue to be a teacher in the future, it won't be the same as now. You are currently a middle school teacher, but by the time you complete your studies, you might become a university teacher."
Shen Zizhen's words made a flicker of light flash in everyone's eyes.
Really?
Could she become a university teacher?
Su Xiaocao felt her breathing quicken.
University teacher and middle school teacher were completely different; Su Xiaocao, now a teacher herself, knew this very well.
But she couldn't believe it, could she really be qualified to be a university teacher?
"Sister Xiaocao, you're going to stay in Beijing for several months anyway, so you can think about it slowly. There's no rush."
Su Xiaotian understood Su Xiaocao to some extent. She had a personality that resisted being pushed and would retreat if pressured.
So, it was better to let her consider it herself.
After all, the path one takes in life must ultimately be a choice made by oneself; no one else can replace it.
As expected, the uneasy Su Xiaocao let out a sigh of relief after hearing Su Xiaotian's words.
But in her heart, a tender seedling had already begun to sprout and grow slowly.