"Little Chen, you're here, sit down." Ding Yongfeng was grading papers for students in the diagnostic test when he saw her come in and smiled, inviting her to sit.
"Uncle Ding, does your school's study program accept students from outside the school?" Chen Lishu sat down and hesitated before speaking.
Ding Yongfeng's hand paused as he was grading papers. "Little Chen wants to participate?"
"Yes," Chen Lishu nodded.
For the past two years, she had been studying on her own without any systematic guidance. Although her results were acceptable when she occasionally did Gu Xingping's practice tests, only Chen Lishu knew that she was still quite far from where she needed to be.
Seeing Ding Yongfeng frown and remain silent for a long time, Chen Lishu knew her request might be a bit abrupt. However, she pressed on, "Uncle Ding, I won't participate for free. I can share the study materials I have with the school."
Because she had been preparing for a long time, she had accumulated a lot of study materials. During her trip to the scrap metal recycling station, she had found many valuable materials from the 1960s. There were also the books she bought in the provincial capital. Since the news of their availability had spread, study materials were being snapped up, and they were impossible to find in bookstores.
Upon hearing this, Ding Yongfeng's interest was piqued. "Little Chen, how many study materials do you have?"
After ten years of persecution, the school had very few useful materials to provide students. Most of the exam questions were compiled by teachers based on their own knowledge. If Chen Lishu could truly provide revision materials, it would be a great boon for the school. It would only require adding a seat, and the principal likely wouldn't object.
Chen Lishu's eyes lit up when she heard him. She stood up and said, "Uncle Ding, wait for me a moment. I'll go get the materials for you." With that, she walked out quickly.
Ding Yongfeng smiled helplessly at her hurried departure. Even someone usually so composed could be so impulsive. It seemed she really wanted to attend the study program.
When Chen Lishu returned carrying a large stack of books and materials, Ding Yongfeng was genuinely surprised. After a quick glance, he couldn't help but feel excited.
So many precious materials were almost impossible to find on the market.
"Little Chen, where did you find these books? Do you know how important they are to everyone at this crucial time? These could potentially change many people's destinies!"
Chen Lishu's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled upon hearing him say they were useful. She smiled and said, "Actually, I found these by chance at a scrap metal recycling station."
Ding Yongfeng thought to himself, no wonder. During the most tumultuous years, weren't these materials treated as trash by those people?
"You are truly willing to provide these materials to the school? If others do well because of your materials, then you..." Ding Yongfeng fondly touched the books in his hands and looked at her earnestly.
Human nature is selfish. At this critical juncture, many people secretly used their materials to study hard, fearing that others might do better and snatch their spots.
Although he didn't finish his sentence, Chen Lishu understood his meaning. She smiled and said, "I know what you mean, Uncle Ding. But my competitors are not limited to our county town; they are all over the country, millions of candidates. As the saying goes, 'a thousand horses and ten thousand soldiers crossing a single-plank bridge.' I believe studying in isolation doesn't significantly improve oneself. If I go to school, there will be teachers and students there, which will be of greater help to me. Even if I improve by just one point, I might be able to outcompete hundreds of rivals nationwide."
"Haha," Ding Yongfeng laughed heartily, immensely pleased by her words. He added with emotion, "Little Chen, if everyone could have your awareness and understanding, it would be wonderful."
If he had any hesitation before, after hearing her explanation, Ding Yongfeng decided that he must recommend her to the principal. Even if it ultimately didn't work out, he would put in extra effort to tutor her himself.
"Leave these materials here for now. I'll go talk to the principal about this tomorrow. Little Chen, don't worry, even if it doesn't work out, your uncle and aunt are here for you."
With Ding Yongfeng's assurance, Chen Lishu's heart finally felt at ease. After leaving Ding's house, she went straight home to continue her studies.
The matter proceeded smoothly. Especially after Principal heard Ding Yongfeng recount Chen Lishu's words, he readily agreed to her request without any reservations.
At the same time, this incident also inspired the principal. He convened an impromptu meeting of the study group, suggesting that if there were families in similar situations to Chen Lishu who were willing to share their study materials for free, they could be recommended privately.
Following this decision, several people who were already working and aspiring to attend university were drawn to the school, and several very useful study materials were also acquired.
"Third Sister-in-law, are you serious? You mean you'll be going to school with me from now on?" Gu Xingping, upon hearing Chen Lishu's words after school, happily grabbed her hand and shook it vigorously.
Chen Lishu smiled, "Not just me, but Ding Chen will also be with us from now on."
Gu Xingping turned to Ding Chen and asked, "Aren't you already a good student? Why are you joining the fun?"
Ding Chen sheepishly scratched his head, "I've forgotten a lot of things, and the school has more materials, which makes it more convenient for me to study."
In reality, he could study fine on his own at home, but he wanted to see Gu Xingping more often, which was why he had brought up the matter of attending school with his family.
As she was going to school the next day, Chen Lishu felt both excited and a little apprehensive. She lay awake for a long time that night, unable to sleep.
She really wanted to write to Gu Xingdong, but she was afraid of being embarrassed if she didn't get in. She wanted to tell him after she had results.
To ensure she had a full and energetic state for school, Chen Lishu closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind and prevent too many thoughts from interfering. After an unknown amount of time, she finally drifted off into a hazy sleep.
The next day, Chen Lishu woke up early. Just as she finished making breakfast, Ding Chen came in from outside.
"Why are you here so early? Have you eaten? Why don't you have something here? My Third Sister-in-law made rolled pancakes, saying they're convenient for lunch," Gu Xingping said as she saw him enter.
"I've eaten," Ding Chen replied, automatically sitting on the sofa nearby, quietly waiting for the two of them to finish their meal.
Soon, the two sisters-in-law finished eating. Chen Lishu packed their lunches, and the three of them set off for First High School together.