Chen Lishu glanced at the woman’s legs. If they were not treated soon, they might become permanently disabled. She could tell this family was in dire straits.
Sensing Chen Lishu’s gaze fixed on her legs, the woman grew a little embarrassed and covered them with a very dirty blanket. “I’m so sorry for making you see such a sorry sight.”
Chen Lishu realized her gaze had caused the woman distress and quickly retracted it. “It’s I who should apologize for disturbing you. I am the owner of Shu Se Group. I came here mainly to inquire about the children’s schooling. But it seems the child isn’t home now; has he gone to school?”
Chen Lishu had intended to say she could wait in the room if the child was at school, but the parent’s words surprised her.
The woman said, “So you’re a big boss. Please forgive my lack of hospitality. My legs are not very convenient, so I can’t offer you tea. My son hasn’t gone to school; he’s chopping firewood in the back mountain. Is there something you need him for?”
“Chopping firewood instead of going to school?” Hearing this, Chen Lishu frowned. She looked around the house. Although it was dilapidated, the walls were covered with awards. By all accounts, this child should be a good student. Didn’t people nowadays believe education could change their lives? And the company was providing funds for these children’s education. Why would he choose to drop out?
Thinking her understanding might be mistaken, Chen Lishu asked, “You mean the child took a day off today specifically to chop firewood? Does he usually attend school?”
Mentioning this, a despondent look crossed the woman’s face, and her voice choked as she said, “Ever since my legs were hit by a car, Xiao Kun dropped out of school to take care of me. He hasn’t been to school for half a semester now. I know I’m a burden to my child. Sometimes I think about why I don’t just die, why I have to burden a 16-year-old. But then I think, if I were dead, my child would have no family in this world. What if he’s bullied?”
As she spoke, the woman broke into wails.
Looking at the woman’s weathered face, Chen Lishu felt a pang of sympathy. “Sister, you mustn’t think like that. You won’t suffer forever; life will get better. I can see your child is very outstanding, and your fortune is great. Better days are ahead.”
At this, the woman’s expression improved slightly. She said, “Thank you for your kindness. If I hadn’t been a burden to Xiao Kun, making him stay home to care for me, the principal said that with his first-place results, he might have been recommended for university!”
Hearing the woman say this, it was clear the child’s academic performance was indeed remarkable.
Just as Chen Lishu was about to inquire further about their situation, hurried footsteps sounded from outside the door.
“Mom! I sold the firewood I chopped today. Guess how much I got?” The boy’s excited voice rang out from outside.
Upon hearing the boy’s voice, the woman’s expression instantly softened. She suppressed her grief and, pretending nothing was wrong, asked, “How much did you earn?”
“Fifty cents! I bought some cabbage and minced meat at the market. Tonight, you can finally eat your fill!” The boy’s voice grew closer, and then he appeared before them.
Seeing two unfamiliar women in the room, his smile froze. He then looked suspiciously at Chen Lishu and Su Nian, demanding, “Who are you two? Why are you in my house?”
The woman lying on the bed reprimanded softly, “Xiao Kun, don’t be so rude. Guests in the house are visitors. What did you learn at school? Don’t you know you should greet people?”
Seeing his mother getting agitated, Zhou Kun quickly put away his prickly demeanor and ran to her side. He skillfully helped her drink water and gently patted her back. “Mom, don’t be angry. I know I was wrong.”
Chen Lishu also quickly comforted her, “Sister, don’t be angry. It was I who intruded without invitation. You’re called Xiao Kun, right?”
Zhou Kun remained wary of Chen Lishu but didn’t want to upset his mother with a cold demeanor. He could only coldly acknowledge, “Mm.”
Chen Lishu approached Zhou Kun, her expression as amiable as possible. “I wanted to ask if you have plans to return to school? I’ve heard from your mother that you are a rare genius. With your grades, getting into a good university shouldn’t be difficult.”
Upon hearing the word “university,” Zhou Kun’s expression showed a flicker of emotion, but he quickly regained his composure, lowered his gaze, and shook his head. “My family’s situation… no longer allows me to attend school.”
Chen Lishu grabbed Zhou Kun’s hand. “Are you worried about the money? Didn’t Shu Se Group offer you a scholarship? Guaranteeing your university education and providing living expenses for four years should be fine.”
She expected Zhou Kun to accept or at least say he would consider it. To her surprise, Zhou Kun disgustedly pulled his hand away and said, “Liars. What scholarship? It’s just a gimmick for businesses to make money. Since I dropped out, the principal hasn’t even contacted me about this. If you two have nothing else, please leave. My family is poor and doesn’t have extra food to entertain guests.”
After speaking, Zhou Kun glanced at the small portion of meat, which he intended to use to supplement his mother’s nutrition. Even though his mother had just chided him for his rudeness, Zhou Kun stood by his decision and saw Chen Lishu and Su Nian out.
Chen Lishu understood Zhou Kun’s concern. She winked at Su Nian, signaling her to buy some groceries. After doing so, she grabbed Zhou Kun’s hand. “Now you don’t have to worry about us eating your food for free, right? To be honest, I am the boss of Shu Se Group. This project was my idea, and I came here today to see how it was being implemented. Anyway, the funds have been allocated, and you still have to study. Do you want your mother to suffer with you all her life with no hope? Only knowledge can change destiny! Think carefully about what I just said. If you want to go back to school, you can contact the school leaders and inquire about the scholarship.”
Perhaps sensing Chen Lishu’s goodwill, Zhou Kun was no longer as resistant. He lowered his head, his voice as faint as a mosquito’s, “There’s no scholarship. I already asked.”