Chapter 34: Chen Shi’s Proud Moment!

After class ended, Chen Shi and Shen Youchu walked out arm in arm. The snow had just melted, leaving the path muddy and treacherous—one wrong step could send them sinking into a slushy pit.

Under the cover of darkness, the young couple stole intimate moments, their cheeks flushed with excitement.

“Comrade Chen!”

A sweet voice called out. Chen Shi turned to see Liu Yuxiu holding out a notebook.

“Comrade Chen, I noticed you have a strong learning ability. You memorized many characters just by seeing them once! This is my handwritten copy of the accelerated literacy textbook. It covers common characters—take it home and study. In these times, our new nation needs educated people to rebuild!”

Chen Shi accepted it with a grin. “Thank you, Teacher!”

The title made Liu Yuxiu blush. “You’re welcome. Comrade Shen, you should study hard too. With your good background, you might even join the working class someday!”

Shen Youchu nodded earnestly. “Thank you, Teacher. I’ll do my best!”

After bidding Liu Yuxiu farewell, Chen Shi tucked the notebook into Shen Youchu’s pocket. “How many characters did you remember today?”

Shen Youchu whispered shyly, “Two… maybe three…”

Chen Shi smirked.

Nearby, Jia Dongxu boasted to Qin Huairu, “Huairu, how many did you learn?”

Qin Huairu replied, “Numbers one through ten. I actually studied a bit back in the village.”

Jia Dongxu gloated. “Wow, you learned ten characters in one night! You’re amazing!”

He then shot Chen Shi a挑衅 look.

Chen Shi muttered, “Pit, pit, pit!”

Jia Dongxu scoffed. “Hah! ‘Pit’? My Huairu knows ten characters, and you’re just jealous—OW!”

Mid-sentence, he stepped into a muddy pit and face-planted. Chen Shi burst out laughing. “Told you—pit, pit, pit! Maybe watch where you’re going next time!”

With Shen Youchu in tow, Chen Shi strode ahead, leaving Jia Dongxu fuming as Qin Huairu helped him limp back to the courtyard.

At home, Tian Xiulan greeted them warmly. “Xiao Laoshi, you’re back! Must be freezing—quick, take off your padded clothes. I’ll dry them by the stove. Youchu, fetch hot water for him to wash his feet!”

Shen Youchu hurried to prepare warm water in an enamel basin, testing the temperature with her fingers before gently removing Chen Shi’s shoes and socks. Her soft yet slightly calloused hands massaged his feet—a luxury Chen Shi had never experienced in his past life.

Compared to the entitled women of the future… well, no point dwelling on that.

After the foot bath, Shen Youchu helped him change, handing the damp clothes to Tian Xiulan to dry by the stove.

Just as Chen Shi was about to pull Shen Youchu into bed, Chen Laohan rapped on the window.

Annoyed, Chen Shi barked, “What?!”

“Don’t forget your recommendation letter, household register, and everything else. No letter, no registration—no exam! And if Section Chief Li isn’t around to reissue it, you’re screwed!”

“Yeah, yeah, got it!”

Once the room was quiet, Chen Shi pulled Shen Youchu close.

Nervous but unresisting, she whispered, “Chen Shi… are you really taking the railway exam? If you pass, will you become a worker?”

Chen Shi nodded. “Mhm. Then you can hold your head high in this courtyard. Proud and glorious.”

Shen Youchu’s eyes sparkled. “You’ll be amazing at driving trains!”

Chen Shi chuckled. “Why so sure? Haven’t you heard? I’m Beijing’s most notorious slacker.”

“My mom said you shouldn’t judge people by rumors or words—only actions. To me, you’re the best, most capable man in the world.” She paused. “But… will your job be like Dad’s? Is it hard?”

Chen Shi’s expression softened. “Probably similar. Hard? Well…”

“Two rounds in bed, four shovels of coal—

From afar, your man looks like a beggar; up close, a scrap collector.”

He cut himself off with a grin. “Enough talk. You slacked off today—punishment time. Lie down…”

“Two tracks stretch straight and true,

A tunnel dark and deep,

The engineer pulls hard—

Choo-choo, the train goes… peep.”

Outside, the howling wind mingled with Shen Youchu’s breathless pleas. “I’ll study harder tomorrow! Ten characters, I promise!”

Satisfied, Chen Shi drifted off to sleep, hands resting on his wife’s soft curves.

The following days passed in a blur—literacy classes by day (with ample appreciation for Teacher Liu’s figure), and “train rides” with Shen Youchu by night.

Chen Laohan also drilled him on railroading basics, sharing trade secrets.

Before he knew it, exam day arrived.

As Chen Shi lazed in bed, his [Contrast System] pinged:

[Contrast: Literacy Progress – Chen Shi vs. Jia Dongxu]

*Winner: Chen Shi → +2 Attribute Points*

[Contrast: Literacy Progress – Shen Youchu vs. Qin Huairu]

*Winner: Shen Youchu → +2 Attribute Points*

[Total Attributes: 10]

Chen Shi bolted upright, thrilled. Ten points!

His efforts had paid off—studying rail manuals had boosted his literacy past Jia Dongxu’s.

Qin Huairu’s early lead (thanks to pre-learned numbers) had crumbled once real characters entered the picture. Meanwhile, Shen Youchu, desperate to avoid Chen Shi’s “punishments,” had pushed herself to the limit—proving she was no less clever than Qin Huairu, just less scheming.

Now, with ten points, Chen Shi faced a choice: Gamble on the lottery? Boost skills? Or save them for the exam’s toughest hurdles?

After some thought, he decided to wait. Adapt as needed.

Shen Youchu peeked in. “You’re awake? Dad wanted me to wake you. Mom boiled eggs for you—your clothes are warming under the blanket, socks under the pillow. Hurry, I’ll get wash water.”

Chen Shi dressed quickly, then cheekily presented his face for her to wash. Shen Youchu complied without complaint, dabbing his cheeks tenderly.

Outside, Chen Maihua pouted. “Mom! Dad! Why does he get breakfast and I don’t? I have school too!”

Tian Xiulan scolded, “You selfish brat! Your brother’s exam involves shoveling coal—you think that’s easy? Get moving!”

Chen Laohan watched Chen Shi wolf down his meal. “At the depot, behave. No slacking. And double-check your documents—got everything?”

Chen Shi grinned. “Relax, old man. If I pass, you owe me a favor—deal?”

Chen Laohan snorted. “Pass first. Then we’ll talk—ten favors, if you want.”