Jiang Lin asked, “Sis, are you really okay?”

Jiang Min laughed even louder, “Of course, I’m fine. Linlin, why are you making such an expensive phone call if it’s not urgent? Why not just write a letter?”

Jiang Lin said, “Did you apply to college this year?”

Jiang Min replied, “Yes, I applied last year but didn’t get in. I applied again this year but still didn’t get in. Haha, getting into college is a matter of luck.”

Hearing her laugh so happily, Jiang Lin would have felt fine if she didn’t know about the admission list.

Now, she felt especially distressed.

“Sis, I saw your name on the list at the Finance College. It’s not a common name; I’m sure it’s you,” Jiang Lin said slowly.

There was silence on the other end.

After a moment, Jiang Min laughed again, but it sounded forced, and she said, “How did you find out? I thought I didn’t get in…” Her voice lacked confidence.

Jiang Lin asked, “Sis, did you not receive the admission notice? We’ve already requested the school to resend it to you. Just come over, and you can still make it for the final exams. Start preparing and come quickly.”

There was more silence, and then a muffled male voice was heard, as if the receiver was being pressed down.

After a while, Jiang Min’s voice came back, “Linlin, actually, I did receive the notice. I… just don’t want to go. I don’t see the point in a diploma when I already have a good job at the farm headquarters. I don’t need to go to college.”

From claiming she didn’t get in, to thinking she didn’t get in, and then saying she got the notice but doesn’t want to go, Jiang Lin wasn’t sure about her sister’s inner struggle, but she was certain that Jiang Min must be facing difficulties.

She said, “Sis, if you’re having any problems, tell us. Big Brother is earning a lot now, and Sister-in-law is willing to help out. Both Little Brother and I are in college, and we’ve even partnered with Second Brother to open a distribution point, so money isn’t a problem.

Your brother-in-law Cheng Rushan has a job in the military district and knows many people, so you don’t have to worry about anyone bullying you.

Whatever you need, just let us know.”

Jiang Min’s voice trembled a bit before she laughed again, “…Linlin, you’ve grown up, and it’s really nice. Don’t worry, Sister… is doing fine. I really am okay…”

“Hey, we’ve already talked to the school. As long as you come before the end of the year, you can continue studying without any problem.”

Jiang Min sounded anxious, “The call is expensive, so I won’t say more. I’ll write you a letter tonight. Goodbye…”

Jiang Lin wanted to say more, but the call had already ended.

When Jiang Lin tried to call back, they said Jiang Min had already left.

Cheng Rushan helped her hang up the phone and hugged her. “Don’t worry, we’ll go there in person to check it out.”

Jiang Lin nodded.

It was the only option they had.

In the afternoon, Jiang Lin went to her class, and Cheng Rushan went to work. After school, he picked her up to go to the finance college.

They first visited the school office to ask about the situation.

Teacher Zhou said that Jiang Min had excellent exam results and they didn’t know why she applied for a vocational school.

The school was very willing to give such a student special treatment.

Given the long distance she traveled and possible issues with notifications, the school approved her late admission.

“As long as she can attend the final exams, she still has a month. Please ask Jiang Min to come as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, teacher. Thank you for the school’s consideration,” Jiang Lin thanked the teachers repeatedly.

After saying goodbye to Teacher Zhou, Jiang Lin and Cheng Rushan picked up Jiang Xinglei and went back to the Jiang family home to discuss what to do next.

…..

When they arrived, Xu Aimei was preparing dinner, and Jiang Dongjian was strolling in the yard with a cane.

He had hurt his back at work when winter began.

The doctor advised him to stay in bed, but he couldn’t bear staying at home and insisted on going back to work, which made his condition worse.

He had no choice but to rest at home.

Now, he’s almost recovered, but he still can’t exert much strength, so Jiang’s brother got him a cane to use.

“Linlin and Rushan are here! Where are Dabao and Xiaobao? Why didn’t they come along?” Jiang Dongjian asked, stretching his neck to look outside.

Jiang Lin replied, “They’re at home, Dad. We have something to discuss.”

Jiang Xinglei hadn’t told their parents about the situation with his elder sister yet, so they didn’t know.

Seeing his daughter’s serious expression, Jiang Dongjian became anxious. “Linlin, what’s going on?”

Jiang Lin said, “Let’s talk inside.”

Xu Aimei also looked concerned. “Linlin, what’s the matter?”

Jiang Lin explained the situation about Jiang Min, “The school agreed to let her attend the final exams as long as she arrives within a month.

But when I called her, she didn’t seem eager to come back. I think something might be wrong, so we should consider going to check on her.”

Jiang Min hung up quickly, which made Jiang Lin realize there must be a problem.

Since the college entrance exam registration had been a long time ago, Jiang Min must have been thinking about it a lot.

But her first reaction was to lie when Jiang Lin called, which showed her deep internal conflict.

Jiang Xinglei offered to go.

Xu Aimei said, “What can you do if you go? I’m planning to retire, so I might as well go.”

She wanted to retire and have Jiang Erge take over her responsibilities, while she could help manage the distribution point.

Jiang Xinglei said, “Mom, it’s minus fifty or sixty degrees there right now. You go, and you might freeze into an ice pop! Besides, Dad and Sister-in-law need you here.”

Xu Aimei hadn’t been there but had heard about it. “It’s not that bad. How much colder can it be? Your dad’s fine, and Sister-in-law is easier to take care of now with the third child.”

Jiang Dongjian said, “Let’s wait for Elder Brother and Second Brother to come back and discuss it.”

Xu Aimei replied, “Xingye is so busy with work; he can’t leave the factory even for learning. Xinglai’s health is just getting better—what if going to Beidahuang makes him sick again?”

Cheng Rushan said, “Mom and Dad, let Jiang Lin and I discuss it. We’ll go there and see the situation. It’s easier for us to handle it together.”

If the issue is environmental, he can handle it. If it’s Jiang Min’s personal concerns, Jiang Lin can talk to her.

Jiang Dongjian said, “That won’t work. Rushan is busy with work, and Linlin is still studying and facing final exams. We can’t delay that.”

Cheng Rushan responded, “Dad, it’s okay. I don’t need to drive right now; it’s fine.”

Jiang Lin added, “I’m fine with it too. Some of my classmates return a month early to review for their final exams. I usually study well, so I’ll be fine for the exams.”

Jiang Dongjian was still concerned about delaying their time.

Jiang Xinglei suggested, “I can go. It’s alright if I go.”

Jiang Lin said, “There’s no need for so many people…”

“Why not? Just get me meal tickets, and I’ll handle the money myself!” Jiang Xinglei said confidently, “I can help even if it’s just running errands. I’m faster than my sister!”

Cheng Rushan nodded, “Xinglei is an adult now; it’s fine for him to go too.”

Jiang Xinglei became very excited, “Mom, did you hear? My brother-in-law said it’s okay.”

Xu Aimei thought for a moment and said, “Then we’ll cover the expenses. We haven’t spent much in the past two years and have saved some money.”

Since Jiang Erge’s health improved, the family’s income increased.

They hadn’t bought big items or gotten married, so they saved up some money.

Mainly, Jiang Dage’s salary increased, and so did the amount they contributed.

Xu Aimei took out the 300 yuan they had saved and gave it to Jiang Lin, “Take this with you. Don’t be short of money on the trip.”

Actually, they wouldn’t need to spend much on the journey.

Cheng Rushan’s military job provided free train tickets for work-related travel, and Jiang Lin and Jiang Xinglei, as students, got half-price tickets.

The main expense would be food, which is necessary no matter where they are, though it might be a bit more expensive on the road.

Jiang Lin only needed 100 yuan, so she returned the remaining 200 yuan to Xu Aimei, “The family needs money too. We have enough.”

Xu Aimei knew that if Jiang Lin refused, she meant it, so she didn’t argue and took back the money.

Cheng Rushan said, “Since it’s decided, we shouldn’t delay. I’ll go get the train tickets now. We’ll leave early tomorrow morning.”

Jiang Xinglei, “Mom, hurry and pack my bag. I’m going with my brother-in-law.”

Seeing his excited expression, Xu Aimei felt like hitting him.

She had thought he was mature and responsible, but he seemed more like he was going on a vacation.

She said, “Can’t you pack your own bag? I need to prepare a meal for your sister and brother-in-law.”

Song Lijuan, Jiang Dage, and Jiang Erge came back one after another.

They were happy to see Jiang Lin and Cheng Rushan and asked why Daba, Xiaobao, and Wensheng didn’t come.

Song Lijuan, who was seven months pregnant, had a much bigger belly this time due to better nutrition.

Jiang Lin asked if she was expecting twins.

Song Lijuan said no, she had a scan at the hospital and the baby was not very large.

It was just that she had gained more weight, making her look much rounder compared to before.

Xu Aimei explained the situation about their eldest daughter, “It’s hard to explain over the phone. Your sister and brother-in-law need to go see her.”

Elder Brother Jiang said, “I should go instead. Rushan is busy with work.”

Cheng Rushan responded, “Elder Brother, it’s already arranged. Please don’t argue.”

Although Cheng Rushan’s temper had become milder and he was very polite, when he said no, his demeanor was still imposing, which Elder Brother Jiang could not withstand.

Elder Brother Jiang said, “Well… make sure to take extra money. I heard it’s very cold there. Besides thick cotton jackets and pants, it’s best to wear military coats. Also, bring blankets in case the guesthouse’s bedding is too thin…”

Jiang Lin smiled, “Elder Brother, don’t worry. They have heating there.”

Second Brother Jiang said, “You should still bring them, just in case.” Although he wanted to go himself, he knew everyone would not agree.

He was self-aware enough to avoid causing trouble for others.

Jiang Xinglei was very excited and quickly packed his clothes.

He didn’t have a military coat and needed to borrow one from Lu Hang.

Cheng Rushan told him not to worry and to borrow Cheng Yunzhi’s coat.

In the winter, Cheng Yunzhi mostly stayed indoors and rarely wore such thick clothing, which was quite heavy.

During dinner, Lu Hang came over with a car, bringing 100 yuan and some canned milk and fruit for Jiang Lin to eat on the way.

Jiang Lin only took a few apples to quench her thirst and declined the rest because it was too heavy.

Lü Hang said, “Cheng Ge, Linlin, don’t worry about things at home. I’ll take care of it.”

Cheng Rushan thought, “When did Lü Hang start taking on such responsibilities?”

Jiang Xinglei patted Lü Hang on the shoulder, “Help me deliver my leave request to school tomorrow.”

“Got it. Linlin, I’ll also help with your request.”

Jiang Lin said, “No need. I’ve already taken care of it.” Her homeroom teacher, Liu Jianwu, was very understanding.

She only needed to inform him, and the leave duration was flexible.

Cheng Rushan drove Jiang Lin and Jiang Xinglei back to the military district.

After dropping them off at home, he went directly to the train station to buy tickets.

As someone from the transportation department, he frequently interacted with the train station and knew many people, making it easy for him to get train tickets.

To get to the city, it would take two nights of travel, and then they’d need to transfer to another vehicle to reach the farm.

Sitting for so long was unbearable, so Cheng Rushan decided to buy sleeper tickets.

At that time, soft sleeper tickets weren’t easily available and required a certain level of status.

Since Cheng Rushan didn’t have enough status, he used Director Di’s name to buy a ticket for Jiang Lin.

Director Di gave him a work ID and said if any issues came up, Cheng Rushan should handle it as needed.

He was happy Cheng Rushan could take care of things, so he didn’t have to worry.

The two compartments Cheng Rushan bought were next to each other, separated by just a door, so it wasn’t a big deal.

When he got home, it was almost nine o’clock, and everyone was in Yan Runzhi’s room talking.

Jiang Lin had already explained things to the children, “Mom and Dad are going to Beidahuang to pick up Auntie. You need to take good care of Grandpa and Grandma while we’re gone.”

Wensheng said, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll take care of things.” Da Bao and Xiao Bao also promised to study hard and take good care of the home.

Fang Chengguang and others pooled some money to give to Jiang Lin, so she could bring more with her.

Jiang Lin naturally declined.

Fang Chengguang and the others didn’t have much extra money; most of it went to Yan Runzhi for meals, so there wasn’t much left.

She didn’t want to take it.

She herself was quite well-off, so she didn’t tell them how much money she had to avoid startling them.

Since it was getting late, Yan Runzhi told them to go to bed early because Mom and Dad needed to wake up early the next day.

After everyone had left, Fang Chengguang returned and handed Cheng Rushan an item.

When Cheng Rushan saw it was a handgun, he said, “I don’t need it. I’ve brought two daggers with me.”