Luo Zhao Jun did not have high expectations for the test papers Chen Li Shu handed him. He had already assigned his students so many during their senior year that he and his students had grown weary of them. He had bought every available set of practice papers from bookstores.
He had been drawn into the shop by the words "Zhuang Yuan" on the signboard. Luo Zhao Jun thought that since he was already there, he might as well buy a set of test papers to bring some good luck to his students and set a positive precedent.
With that in mind, he began to review the questions as a routine measure, intending to test them himself first. If he found the set useful, he would then purchase them for his students. However, as he delved into the papers, his brow furrowed deeply.
Noticing Luo Zhao Jun’s reaction, Su Nian, who was standing nearby, quietly approached Chen Li Shu and whispered in her ear, "Madam, judging by his attire, he looks like a teacher. Could there be something wrong with the test papers? Are we going to face problems before the bookstore even officially opens?"
"I'm not sure," Chen Li Shu replied nonchalantly. In truth, she hadn't thoroughly reviewed the content of the papers. Their success, or lack thereof, depended entirely on the feedback from the teachers and students.
If they proved effective, she planned to hand over the bookstore’s management to Zhou Kun, allowing him to assist more people in need, thereby addressing the financial difficulties of students from impoverished families at the source. If the papers were not satisfactory, it would at most mean a loss of a few hundred yuan, a sum insignificant to her current financial standing.
Chen Li Shu and Su Nian stared intently at Luo Zhao Jun, eager to hear his evaluation of the test papers.
Perhaps it was the intensity of their gaze that finally drew Luo Zhao Jun’s attention away from the exercises. He adjusted the frame of his glasses and spoke with an irrepressible excitement in his voice, "I have been educating students for over 20 years, and this is the first time I've encountered a set of test papers with such a broad scope of knowledge.
This set of papers integrates the key knowledge points from past college entrance examinations! I've always wanted to create such a paper myself, but time constraints, coupled with my advancing age and declining mental agility, made it difficult to structure it effectively.
I never expected that a newly opened bookstore would fulfill my long-held wish. Madam, may I ask the price of one set of these papers? I’d like to buy quite a few for my students to use."
Sensing Luo Zhao Jun's eagerness, Chen Li Shu hesitated for a moment before slowly extending five fingers and stating, "Five yuan."
Five yuan! That was a month's worth of meals for most students. Luo Zhao Jun felt a pang of concern. However, considering the pivotal role of the college entrance examination and how a small investment could lead to a better university and a brighter future for his students, Luo Zhao Jun gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, five yuan it is. Please give me 48 sets!
However, I might not have all the cash on hand right now. I'll need to distribute these papers to the students and collect the money from them before I can pay you. Would that be acceptable? Please don't worry, I won't run off with the papers. I am the head of teaching affairs for Class 3 at No. 1 Middle School, and I've been teaching here for over two decades. Everyone on this street knows me. If you don't trust me, you can always inquire."
Class 3 at No. 1 Middle School? Hearing this, Chen Li Shu’s gaze towards the elder filled with a touch of admiration. If her memory served her correctly, this gentleman had guided over three hundred university students to success!
One had to consider how precious a university student was in the 1990s. It was rumored that these over 300 university students were now spread across the country, some working as scientists, others as doctors, all contributing significantly to China. This achievement was even reported in the news 50 years later, causing a nationwide sensation!
Moved by such a righteous teacher, Chen Li Shu immediately set aside her thoughts of profit. She said, "If you truly need these papers, please take them. I'll even reduce the price by another yuan." She had calculated that selling them at four yuan would cover her costs and allow the children to save a little, ensuring their basic needs were met.
Luo Zhao Jun had assumed that, as a stranger to Chen Li Shu, his request would be excessive and that he would likely be refused. He hadn't anticipated that she would not only agree but also offer a discount, which filled him with unexpected joy.
However, believing that such good fortune rarely came without a catch, Luo Zhao Jun brought his fist to his mouth and coughed lightly to compose himself. With a serious expression, he asked, "May I inquire, Madam, why you are doing this?"
Chen Li Shu shared Zhou Kun's story with Luo Zhao Jun. She hadn't intended to publicize the matter, but upon reflection, she realized that Luo Zhao Jun, as an experienced and seasoned educator, might be able to provide guidance to the children she was sponsoring, potentially securing their futures.
Upon hearing about Zhou Kun and the plight of the other children, a hint of pity appeared on Luo Zhao Jun's aged face. Then, as if struck by an idea, he suddenly looked up and asked, "Are you implying that these test papers were custom-made by the child named Zhou Kun?
How come I never knew there were such talented students in the capital? Madam Chen, could I trouble you with a request? Would you be able to provide me with a list of the students you are sponsoring? I would like to personally mentor them!"
Chen Li Shu was more than happy to grant Luo Zhao Jun's request. She turned to Su Nian behind her and instructed, "Go home this noon and bring the materials to Teacher Luo."
With Chen Li Shu's consent, Luo Zhao Jun's spirits seemed to lift considerably. He picked up a bundle of test papers and said with a beaming smile, "Madam Chen, thank you for your contributions to the field of education. I'll take these papers with me for now! I will be sure to promote your bookstore enthusiastically in the office. Rest assured, I will not let your bookstore incur losses. Businesses as conscientious as yours should indeed flourish!"
Without waiting for Chen Li Shu to offer polite pleasantries, Luo Zhao Jun, carrying the test papers, vanished from the shop like a gust of wind.
Thanks to Luo Zhao Jun's promotion, the Zhuang Yuan Bookstore was soon swarmed by students and teachers. Although the profit margin per test paper was small, the sheer volume of sales resulted in a net profit of over 100 yuan per day.
Chen Li Shu had intended to manage the bookstore for a couple more days until things stabilized, after which she planned to hand over the reins to Zhou Kun. However, life is unpredictable, and on the third day of opening, they encountered an unforeseen issue.
----
Chen Li Shu rushed to the bookstore early in the morning to find its main door wide open. Her immediate thought was that the shop had been robbed, and she hurried inside to check if anything was missing.
After a quick scan, Chen Li Shu realized that nothing had been taken, but a most unexpected guest had arrived. This guest, it turned out, was someone she had mentioned not too long ago.
As their eyes met, the atmosphere grew somewhat peculiar.
Just as Chen Li Shu was about to take control of the situation, the woman spoke first, "Chen Li Shu, it's been a long time. Surely you haven't forgotten this old woman, have you?"
Meeting the woman's sharp gaze, Chen Li Shu let out a soft chuckle and said meaningfully, "How could I possibly forget Aunt Wu? I relied on your care during our days at the temporary compound."