Chapter 36: Friends

Ji Ze also attended a class reunion today. Their high school homeroom teacher was retiring, and the students planned to give the teacher a send-off together.

Because he was in the military, Ji Ze arrived late. As soon as he entered, a few rowdy classmates grabbed him and made him drink three penalty cups. He hadn’t even eaten yet. The homeroom teacher tried to stop them, but Ji Ze had been under a lot of pressure lately. When they filled his cup, he drank it all.

By the time the reunion ended, he was already quite drunk. He tried to stand up twice but fell back both times. Seeing that he couldn’t go home on his own, Song Jing poured him a glass of water. “I’ll call a taxi and notify Aunt Ye.”

Some classmates had heard about their relationship, but since neither of them showed it, they didn’t tease them. Now, Song Jing took the initiative to contact Ji Ze’s family, and her words and actions showed familiarity and closeness. The others exchanged knowing looks and smiled ambiguously.

When the taxi arrived, everyone made excuses and left, helping Ji Ze into the car before leaving.

Song Jing accompanied Ji Ze home. Ye Minshu was already waiting outside. Seeing her son drunk and stumbling, she felt both distressed and annoyed. “It’s a good thing you’re here. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have found his way home. Next time, help me keep an eye on him.”

Song Jing just smiled. “He wanted to make the most of this rare reunion with classmates, and our teacher was there too.”

Ye Minshu appreciated her understanding and was about to thank her again when Ji Ze pushed her away and started to vomit.

Song Jing quickly said goodbye. “I’ll be going now. Aunt Ye, give him some honey water.”

Ye Minshu nodded, trying to take care of her son while asking, “Will you be alright on your own?”

“I called my mom. She’ll come to pick me up.”

Reassured, Ye Minshu went inside. Song Jing walked home and saw her mother waiting at the corner with a flashlight.

“How did it go?” her mother asked as soon as she saw her.

Song Jing frowned. “I think he just doesn’t get it. I’ve hinted clearly enough, but he still doesn’t see it.”

“If he could understand hints that easily, he wouldn’t be single. Someone would have already chased him down,” her mother said dismissively. “I heard he’s quite popular.”

The men in the Ji family were all good-looking and well-behaved, making them top choices among the second and third generations. They were also successful, making them ideal matches for the girls from the compound. Not to mention, many outsiders were eyeing them, hoping to become the next Ye Minshu.

In terms of family background, Ye Minshu was better than Lin Qiao, but she still couldn’t match the Ji family. When she married Ji Jun, many people were envious.

As they walked home, her mother frowned. “It’s a pity Lin Qiao got in the way, and you couldn’t attend their military school. Otherwise, being so far from home, you could have applied for accommodation, and I could have talked to Aunt Ye to have Ji Ze look after you.”

Song Jing pursed her lips and looked at the ground, saying nothing.

“That’s okay. Aren’t you going to intern next semester? You can still go to their military school,” Mother Song continued.

“Do I really have to push myself like this?” Song Jing finally spoke up. “With my grades, I could go to a better high school.”

Mother Song noticed her expression was off. “What better high school? Your school’s affiliated high school?”

Song Jing didn’t respond, which was as good as a confirmation.

In fact, because of her good grades, the school teachers had been discussing letting her graduate early. She was originally supposed to graduate in the spring of ’82, but now she could start working in the summer of ’81. The teachers had recommended several places better than the military and closer to home.

Mother Song raised an eyebrow. “What’s the use of a better school? Wasn’t Xu Li’s school good? She was an excellent teacher, but she still got criticized and had to go down with Ji Chunming.”

“That was then, this is now. Times have changed.”

“Can you guarantee it won’t change back? If your father hadn’t been quick-witted back then…”

Mother Song paused, then continued naturally, “Our family wouldn’t have escaped either. No matter how well you study, you’ll still have to get married in the end. If not to Ji Ze from the Ji family, then to Yu Jin from the Yu family. Ji Ze is better than Yu Jin, right? He’s good-looking and has a capable uncle.”

“What’s the use of being better? Their family doesn’t even like me,” Song Jing said, deliberately belittling herself.

Mother Song knew she was just venting. “Whether they like you or not, you’re still family. Look at your Aunt Ye. No matter what, Ji Ze’s uncle still helped clean up his mess.”

What Mother Song didn’t say was that she and Father Song actually preferred Ji Ze’s uncle, Ji Duo. Unfortunately, they were a generation apart and had never really interacted. Who knew Ye Minshu would push Ji Ze’s childhood betrothal to Ji Duo?

Ye Minshu had no idea her son was being weighed and measured like an object. She was still thinking about how considerate Song Jing was, bringing him back and reminding her to make honey water. Song Jing was well-educated and sensible. If she could really be with Ji Ze, it would be a great thing.

In the bedroom, after vomiting, Ji Ze looked much more sober, but his eyes were still staring blankly at one spot.

“You went to a reunion, so why did you drink so much? It’s a good thing Song Jing was there, or you might have gotten drunk and passed out outside without me knowing.”

Ye Minshu couldn’t help but scold him a bit and then asked, “What have you been busy with lately? After celebrating your grandmother’s birthday last week, you disappeared again.”

Ji Ze suddenly said out of nowhere, “Wang Jianbin got into college.”

Ye Minshu was stunned for a moment before realizing who he was talking about. “The one in your class who couldn’t get into a technical school after two tries?” She remembered because she had used him as a comparison when praising Song Jing to others.

Ji Ze didn’t listen to what she said. “We haven’t had a reunion in two years, and I didn’t know he got into college last year. It’s like he repeated high school.”

“Maybe his family couldn’t arrange anything for him?” Ye Minshu thought that failing so many times didn’t make him a good student.

“He managed to repeat for two years.” Ji Ze stared blankly at the towel Ye Minshu handed him to wipe his face, then suddenly stood up. “I need to find my uncle.”

Ye Minshu was startled. “It’s so late. Why do you need to find your uncle?”

Ji Ze didn’t say anything, but his steps were determined as he walked out.

Just as he left the bedroom, Ji Jun heard the commotion and came out from the other side. “What’s going on? Still not sober?”

Ye Minshu quickly signaled him to stop their son. “Who knows what kind of drunken madness he’s having? He suddenly said he needed to find his uncle.”

Mentioning Ji Duo, Ji Jun quickly intervened. “At this hour, even if you rush back to the camp, your uncle would be asleep. Tomorrow, your uncle will be back.”

His gentle tone had a calming effect, and Ji Ze soon came to his senses. “Right, she can’t know.”

With that thought, his muddled mind cleared a bit. Ji Ze turned back to his room. “I’ll sleep then. Dad, Mom, you should rest early too.”

Watching the door close in front of them, Ye Minshu was puzzled. “What’s wrong with him now?”

Ji Jun, now conditioned to react to the term “second brother,” immediately lost his calm expression. “He wants to find his uncle. What does this have to do with his uncle?”

“I didn’t say anything,” Ye Minshu was left speechless by his reaction.

Ji Jun felt his words lacked authority and looked at his slippers by the door. “Don’t get any ideas.”

Ye Minshu was completely at a loss for words.

On the other hand, the restaurant finally fixed the ceiling fan so the three of them could finally enjoy a peaceful meal.

Midway through, Lin Qiao went to the restroom, and Su Zheng couldn’t help but kick Ji Duo. “You really married a treasure. You even fanning her?”

Ji Duo frowned slightly at the kick. “If you don’t need your foot, you can donate it to the market.”

“My foot has earned its merits, kicked criminals, and stomped on murderers. If I donate it, it should go to the People’s Heroes Memorial.”

Su Zheng was clearly dissatisfied with this response but didn’t kick again. Instead, he winked at Ji Duo across the table. “I mean you, marrying a wife nine years younger than you, and this is how you treat her?”

“She fans like she’s scratching an itch.” Ji Duo didn’t think he was pampering Lin Qiao. What he could do effortlessly, she did intermittently, making neither of them comfortable.

Su Zheng didn’t believe him. “Others can’t fan well either, but I’ve never seen you fan for anyone else.”

That’s different; others didn’t marry him. Ji Duo gave Su Zheng a strange look. Before Su Zheng could say more, Ji Duo suddenly lowered his voice. “Next month is Shaoping’s memorial day. Are you going?”

Su Zheng’s playful and teasing expression vanished instantly. He took a gulp of his drink. “Yes, how could I not go? I’ll never forget how he died.”

Ji Duo didn’t say anything further. He lowered his head and drank the entire cup of wine.

When Lin Qiao returned, the atmosphere at the table had returned to normal, but it was clear that the meal was nearing its end. Su Zheng checked his watch. “It’s getting late. You two should head back. Some people have families now, unlike me, a lone wolf.”

Ji Duo just raised his eyes. “If you’re in a hurry, I’ll talk to Aunt Su tomorrow.”

Su Zheng’s father had married into the family, so all his siblings took their mother’s surname, Su.

Hearing this, Su Zheng grabbed his police cap and left. “Pretend I didn’t say anything.”

As he reached the restaurant door, he turned back to Lin Qiao. “If you need anything in the future, just have Ji Duo let me know.”

Ji Ze held back until Monday morning.

When Ji Duo arrived at the office, Ji Ze was already waiting. As soon as he saw Ji Duo, he smiled and approached like a big dog. “Uncle, you’re here.”

Unfortunately, Ji Duo had work to do. He glanced at his watch. “Come back at lunchtime.”

Ji Ze nodded and left quickly. As soon as he finished his work at noon, he hurried back. This persistence showed some resilience. Ji Duo’s expression softened slightly, and he pointed to a chair by the wall. “Sit down and talk.”

That evening, Ji Duo gave Lin Qiao the confirmation. The other party agreed to all her conditions. She would only provide the formula and one specific ingredient without participating in the production or sales.

To show sincerity, the other party even provided a written agreement.

Of course, it was signed by the agent, Ji Duo.

Lin Qiao saw through it but didn’t say anything. She accepted the note and wrote down the formula for Ji Duo. She detailed the required material ratios, production steps, and precautions. After finishing, she said, “If your… friend still can’t make it, let me know. I’ll teach you first. Since he can’t come forward, you can teach him.”

“Is it difficult?” Ji Duo frowned slightly.

If he had to learn it first and then teach Ji Ze, it would be too troublesome. Fortunately, Lin Qiao said it wasn’t difficult. “I’m just worried that your… friend hasn’t done it before and might find it hard to start.”

That’s Ji Ze’s business. Since he wants to do this, he has to figure it out. Ji Duo put away the formula.

Now that she had a partner, Lin Qiao didn’t have to worry about making and selling the product herself. She felt a great sense of relief. No matter how big or small the other party’s business became, she just had to wait for her share of the profits. She didn’t have to juggle multiple tasks and could focus on her work and studies.

Lin Qiao sighed, took out her high school physics book and the supplementary materials she borrowed from Vice Principal Qi, and started studying.

Teaching high school was tiring and involved managing Class Four’s affairs, but it had its perks. She had access to more high school review materials.

In a good mood, Lin Qiao washed a plate of plums and placed it in the middle of their desks. The purple-red fruits, with water droplets reflecting the indoor light, looked like her bright eyes, exuding a sense of ease.

Ji Duo’s gaze fell on the supplementary book in her hand. “Are you still planning to take the college entrance exam?”

Lin Qiao looked up, meeting his deep gaze, a bit puzzled. “Of course, why wouldn’t I?”

But she quickly figured it out. “You’re wondering why I want to go to college when doing business is more profitable than working?”

“Something like that.” Ji Duo was indeed a bit surprised. Most people went to college for job prospects. Either they couldn’t find a job, or the available jobs didn’t satisfy them.

Lin Qiao had a job and wasn’t short of income sources. Even if Ji Ze stopped in the future, she had the formula, which was like a golden goose. She could always find someone to partner with and make money. Why would she still want to go to college? But clearly, she didn’t think that way.

Sure enough, Lin Qiao said, “I’m not good at business. Studying and researching chemistry suits me better.”

She had an advantage because she came from forty years later. The business knowledge she had was common knowledge in the future. She just benefited from the information explosion. In terms of business acumen, she couldn’t compare to those who could seize the opportunities of the reform and opening-up era and make a name for themselves. It’s important to have self-awareness and not get carried away just because she made some money recently. Many people in society can’t see themselves clearly, even after decades. She was only nineteen and had just successfully completed a business deal, yet she could stay grounded.

Ji Duo suddenly thought of Su Zheng’s term “treasure.” At this age, with such a mind and temperament, she was indeed precious and rare. But the term still made him frown subconsciously.

Su Zheng was someone who could say anything, making a serious person seem unserious, failing at every blind date.

He was thoughtful one moment and frowning the next, leaving Lin Qiao completely puzzled.

Thinking about how deep this man’s thoughts usually were, Lin Qiao decided not to delve into it and remembered something else. “When your… friend buys materials, can they get some for me too?”

“You need them?” The man raised an eyebrow, probably wondering why she needed materials when the business was handed over to someone else.

Lin Qiao didn’t hide it. “I want to do a project with the students. Last month’s exam showed progress in both classes. I promised them that they could participate in a hands-on project if they improved again in the final exam. I have to keep my word.”

The handmade soap could be taken home for use once it’s done. There’s nothing more appealing than an experiment that’s both practical and useful.

Ji Duo knew about the school’s restriction on Lin Qiao conducting experiments with students. Hearing this, he picked up a pen. “What do you need?”

Lin Qiao listed a few common oils used for handmade soap. Thinking that she might as well ask for more, she also mentioned some additives and essential oils to enhance the soap’s effectiveness. “The main ones are the first few. The latter ones are optional; get them if available, but it’s okay if not.”

Ji Duo hadn’t heard of many of the items, but he noted them all down. He decided not to trouble his nephew with these small things and would find them himself.

Thinking of this, he paused with his pen. “Have you always wanted these, or did you just think of them now?”

“I’ve always wanted them, but I had some left, so I didn’t really need to buy more,” Lin Qiao said, already flipping through her book.

The man across the table was silent for a moment, his tone ambiguous. “Then why didn’t you tell me?”

Did she prefer to trouble his so-called friend rather than him?

Lin Qiao caught on and looked at him inexplicably. “Didn’t I just ask you?”

Realizing he was still in the “I have a friend” mode, she paused and cooperatively corrected herself. “Oh, your friend. Isn’t he already buying them, so it’s convenient?”

That made sense. When her school had an issue, she did come to him first.

Ji Duo said nothing more. The next day, he handed the formula to his nephew. “Your aunt said to get the last ingredient from her once you have all the materials.”

Ji Ze took it very seriously. “I’ll memorize it and then burn it.”

It seemed he wasn’t entirely unaware of caution. Ji Duo nodded, and for some reason, he suddenly thought of Lin Qiao asking for things yesterday, his gaze lingering on his nephew.

Ji Ze immediately felt uneasy. What now? Did he do something wrong again?

His uncle was cold but not unkind, especially to his family. He hadn’t been this afraid of him before, but ever since the Lin Qiao incident, every encounter seemed to end with him in trouble, almost giving him a conditioned reflex.

Seeing his nephew’s reaction, Ji Duo was speechless. “Alright, you can go.”

Ji Ze had practically grown up following him around. As a child, whenever he had trouble outside, he wouldn’t tell his family but would come to him, tears and all.

He didn’t dislike his nephew; he just felt frustrated with his lack of progress. But this time, there was a hint of genuine disdain.

Ji Ze went back and started bothering his old friends again. Previously, he only asked for oil; now, he even wanted to know where to buy it.

On the other side, Lin Qiao brought the last few pounds of the first batch of liquid soap to the school.

Soap needs some time to saponify. By the time she sold the remaining bucket at home, Ji Duo’s “friend” should have their batch ready so she wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore.

After sending off a few staff members who had ordered soap, someone knocked on the office door. “Excuse me, which one of you is Li Xiaoqiu’s homeroom teacher?”

“I am,” Lin Qiao stood up and saw a thin, short woman with a slight eyebrow scar on the left side. The distinctive features immediately made her think of the woman’s identity.

Sure enough, the woman looked embarrassed but spoke clearly, “I’m Li Xiaoqiu’s mother. I heard she had some trouble at school, so I came to testify for her.”

The incident happened last Monday, and she only came on Tuesday…

Lin Qiao didn’t want to comment and pulled over an empty chair. “The matter has been resolved. Please sit down and tell me.”

Hearing it was resolved, Li Xiaoqiu’s mother looked even more embarrassed. “Someone from my hometown came out to contract a project, and I was helping manage it, so I wasn’t in one place often. I rushed over as soon as I got the letter from home, but it seems I was still late.”

So it wasn’t business but contracting projects, which indeed had no fixed address.

Lin Qiao explained the situation without mentioning her own efforts. The woman still stood up to thank her. “Thank you for your efforts, teacher. I know Li Xiaoqiu’s father; he only complains and has no patience. Without your help, this wouldn’t have been resolved so quickly.”

She then gave a bitter smile. “If his situation as a teacher was the only issue, I wouldn’t have insisted on a divorce and endured the gossip.”

It seems everyone feels justified and wronged.

Lin Qiao didn’t want to continue this topic. “You bought Li Xiaoqiu a watch to compensate her, right?”

Li Xiaoqiu’s mother nodded immediately. “When I left, I didn’t even have a job, and the child stayed with her father. Now I finally have some money.”

“Then you should spend more time visiting her,” Lin Qiao said. “More than expensive gifts, children need their mother’s company. If you had visited more often instead of being away for years, no one would doubt Li Xiaoqiu when she said her mother bought her something.”

These words made Li Xiaoqiu’s mother fall silent. After a while, she nodded quietly. “The teacher is right. I haven’t been a good mother.”

But Lin Qiao wasn’t the other party, and she couldn’t control what they did, so she could only say this much. She picked up the lesson plan on the desk. “Since you’re here, take a look at your child before you leave. I have a class next period and need to get some things from the lab.”

This wasn’t an attempt to dismiss the other party; Lin Qiao really did have a class next period. With the end of the term approaching, today was the last official class for both of her classes. She planned to perform a classic magic pot experiment for the students. During the experiment, she would add 1mL each of 5% potassium thiocyanate solution, 3% silver nitrate solution, phenol solution, saturated sodium acetate solution, saturated sodium sulfide solution, 1mol/L potassium ferrocyanide solution, and 40% sodium hydroxide solution to seven empty beakers in advance. Because the amounts were small, the beakers looked empty. Then she would sequentially add 60mL of 10% ferric chloride solution to the seven beakers, which would turn red, milky white, purple, brown, golden yellow, cyan, and reddish-brown, respectively.

The entire experiment process was like magic. Each time Lin Qiao poured into a beaker, the students exclaimed with low astonishment.

For the last few, she simply held up the pot. “Do you want to guess what the next color will be? If any student guesses correctly, they can come up and pour the next one.”

Various color guesses erupted from the students, and after they had their fill of visual delight, Lin Qiao wrote several chemical formulas on the blackboard.

“This is our last class. Study hard and do your best on the final exam. I’ve prepared the materials I promised you. Now it’s up to you to do well on the exam.”

At the end of the class, she smiled and said a few words, immediately receiving a chorus of “We’ll definitely do well on the exam.”

As the students left, they still seemed reluctant to go, eagerly anticipating the hands-on project she had promised.

Junzi was a bit conflicted. “Do you think I should do well on the exam or hold back a bit? What if our class improves too much this time, and we don’t get to do experiments next time?”

“With your grades, you haven’t even reached our class average,” his classmates teased him.

Amid the lively chatter, a hesitant voice stood out, “Next time… will Teacher Lin still be teaching us next semester?”