CHAPTER 85: CHAPTER 85: LIFE FILLED WITH HOPE

Fortunately, all the money was spent on visible things; otherwise, she would be heartbroken.

The mother and two children returned to Nanyu.

Lin Yi knew Lin Qin had bought a heap of things for the kids but didn’t say anything, only quietly carried his hoe, working hard to clear land.

Early Monday morning, Lin Yi got up to make a hearty breakfast for the kids, two fried eggs, sweet potato porridge, and a soy sauce eel.

"Hurry and eat, then go to school with your mom. Remember, don’t start any trouble, but also don’t let others bully you."

The two children nodded heavily; the wounds on their bodies had started to heal, and with their new clothes on, they looked much more spirited.

Lin Qin also wore a new dress, secretly bought for her by Chen Wenjun.

A white short-sleeved shirt and a floral long skirt, paired with women’s sandals and shoulder-length short hair; her entire demeanor seemed transformed.

To those unknown, it could appear as if she worked for some respectable establishment!

The mother and children boarded a boat across the river and encountered Chen Yongding’s fishing boat.

Zhou Shuifang was surprised to see the stylishly dressed mother and children, and ran to the deck to gossip, "Oh! Where are you headed dressed like this?"

Lin Qin smiled at her reservedly.

Ping’an, facing familiar people, became instantly lively, and before Lin Qin could speak, he loudly replied, "Grandmother, my mom is taking us to school in the city, the City Experimental Primary School!"

Zhou Shuifang looked at Ping’an in surprise, "City Experimental Primary School? They accept children from our area?"

Everyone knew the reputation of City Experimental Primary School, An City’s best elementary school.

Ping’an shook his head and said proudly, "It’s my mom who helped us secure it! Goodbye, Grandma."

The two boats passed by.

Zhou Shuifang was a bit flabbergasted and ran to Chen Yongding to whisper, "Did you hear? That woman indeed has skills and even got Ping’an to call her mom! What’s her family background? How did she manage to get the two kids into the City Experimental Primary School?"

Chen Yongding rolled his eyes speechlessly, "You ask me? Who am I to know? I see Wenjun married an incredible woman; look how quickly they bought land, built a house, and now Ping’an can go study in the city. Perhaps great fortune awaits them; stop gossiping about others. This year, both Wenhai and Wenjiang will return for the New Year, take some time to tidy up the house."

Chen Wenhai and Chen Wenjiang are Chen Yongding’s sons, one twenty, the other eighteen, both working on ships in South Port. They only return during Chinese New Year due to the busy schedule, but they earn well, so their family is better off than other Dang people.

Speaking of her two sons, Zhou Shuifang couldn’t help but mumble, "They should already be settling down; who knows if they fancy anyone? We’ve kept a pot of grass at the bow for a year, and though there are inquiries, none seem suitable. Without the sons at home, it’s impossible to make arrangements regarding the boat."

The Dang people’s marriage customs are that when there’s a woman ready for marriage, flowers are placed on the boat, and for a man ready for marriage, grass is placed at the bow. Land people build new houses to marry; Dang family build new boats, or refurbish old ones if funds are tight.

Chen Yongding thought about it and went to the cabin to discuss with Grandpa Chen.

By now, Lin Qin had already taken the two kids onto the highway.

Monday in the city was bustling; everywhere was the sound of bicycle bells. On the way to City Experimental Primary School, she parked her bicycle and took the kids to meet the principal with their enrollment documents.

The principal, a cultured middle-aged man, spoke calmly and confidently. No wonder he was capable of being the principal of the City Experimental Primary School.

Under the principal’s guidance, Lin Qin and the kids reached Class 1-3.

The homeroom teacher, surnamed Zhao, was an amiable elderly teacher nearing retirement, friendly both in temperament and appearance.

Teacher Zhao had reviewed the kids’ attitudes towards learning in advance, feeling quite satisfied. Upon discovering Chen Ruiyu had a congenital condition, he made an exception to give him extra care.

Introducing the two kids in front of the whole class, he stated loudly, "Although Chen Ruiyu and Chen Xinyue have temporarily transferred to our class, I hope everyone will get along. Furthermore, Chen Ruiyu’s health isn’t the best, so I hope you can assist him, becoming helpful children."

"Yes!" the whole class responded loudly.

Lin Qin, observing secretly from the back door, was overwhelmed with emotion, seeing the kids seated in front and attentively participating in class. She quietly exited, continually thanking the principal.

The principal, with a gentle demeanor, comforted Lin Qin, "I’ve heard about the children’s past experiences. A teacher like An Meihua can’t belong to our school. In fact, our school accommodates special needs children with more challenging issues than Chen Ruiyu, without any bullying occurring here. You can rest assured, Comrade Lin."

Lin Qin was increasingly grateful, expressing many words of thanks before leaving with peace of mind.

Along the way, her mood soared, suddenly feeling enlightened and life filled with hope.

Having a bicycle made getting around convenient. She then headed to the Tian Cai Market, shared the situation with Chen Wenjun, and helped him sell fish for a while, separating out the small fish, prawns, and snails to bring to the construction site first.

When Chen Wenjun finished his tasks, she would ride the bike to pick up the kids and return the cart to Nanxi.

After a week, the two children had fully adjusted to life at the new school.

Lin Qin also found Ping’an much more open than before; sometimes he would even proactively speak to strangers, with his gaze no longer furtive.

From the kids’ portrayal, one could sense their state at school.

Lin Qin was delighted, wanting to thank Huang Weixiong well, so she requested Chen Wenjun to inquire.

Upon knowing her intention, Chen Wenjun pondered a bit, "That day I sought help from Gao Lei; we ought to thank him as well. He provided so many materials, this favor is difficult to repay."

Lin Qin, however, was pragmatic, "You saved his life; he helped us a lot too. Favors can hardly be distinguished. Proper thanks should be given, but we should keep in touch more often going forward."

Chen Wenjun nodded, then asked, "Shall we send cigarettes, alcohol, and tea?"

Lin Qin hesitated, shook her head, "Cigarettes, alcohol, and tea they probably have enough of, sending valuable fish is better. It shows sincerity and isn’t too conspicuous. They can accept it without reservation."

Since interacting with Gao Lei’s family, Lin Qin figured out their way of handling matters. People like them, without backgrounds, shouldn’t gift too lavishly, as others might hesitate to accept.

If expressing gratitude, one certainly shouldn’t be stingy. Therefore, Chen Wenjun specially caught plenty of bamboo fish, while Lin Qin took the kids to fish as well, catching many big fish.

They sent two portions to Gao Lei, entrusting Gao Lei to pass one to Huang Weixiong.

Gao Lei looked at the items in front and commented jokingly, "Does Brother Wenjun want me to become a fish seller? This much, I can’t eat all!"

Chen Wenjun grinned, "No worries, you can give some away if it’s too much; they’re all big fish, fresh, feel free to keep them or gift them slowly."