Chapter 27 Sorry, I Graduated from High School

Su Nan returned to her room and retrieved her high school diploma.  Holding it up to Song Tongzhou’s grim face, she calmly stated, “Excuse me, I graduated from high school.” Song Chunxiao couldn’t help but laugh. Song Tongzhou glanced at the certificate; his face instantly turned ashen, like someone who had just eaten something incredibly unpleasant. A slight smile played on Song Chunfeng’s lips; his wife was becoming increasingly interesting. Li Tiantian, half-believing, leaned in to examine it. Seeing it was identical to her own high school diploma, she confirmed its authenticity.

 A country girl like Su Nan had actually graduated high school? Even in the city, high school graduates weren’t that common. Li Tiantian had always felt superior because of her high school education, but now that superiority was crumbling. “The food you eat is grown by farmers like us. If you despise us country folk, then don’t eat what we grow!” Su Nan said to Song Tongzhou. In that era, the most respectable identity was that of a peasant whose family had been farmers for generations.

Anyone labeled as anti-farmer or disdainful of farmers risked being sent to the countryside. Song Tongzhou’s breath hitched; his palms were sweating. He unconsciously looked towards the door, imagining red armbands bursting in to arrest him. The thought sent a chill down his spine. This woman was terrifying. He couldn’t find any way to attack her. He would have to think carefully before speaking; derogatory terms like “country girl” were absolutely forbidden, lest he give others a handle to use against him.

Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself. “That wasn’t my intention,” he said. “Comrade Su, I have always held the highest respect for farmers! Without them, we wouldn’t have our hard-earned food!” Su Nan almost laughed; Song Tongzhou had caved so quickly.

His earlier arrogance had crumbled, replaced by a desperate attempt at self-preservation. He Xiaomei and her husband were stunned; they hadn’t expected Song Tongzhou to be put in his place! They suddenly wished Su Nan wouldn’t join the army; her presence at home could keep Song Tongzhou in check.

Song Chunfeng was shocked by Su Nan’s actions. He knew his wife wasn’t a pushover, but he hadn’t expected her to be this strong! As a soldier, he admired this kind of character. Song Chunxiao admired her sister-in-law even more; Su Nan was the most extraordinary woman she had ever met.

The most disheartened was Li Tiantian. Su Nan’s unexpected display of strength meant that even Song Tongzhou couldn’t control her; she would become even more rampant. Her and her mother’s situation in the family was becoming even more difficult.

Meanwhile, after Song Tongzhou stormed off to his room, Song Chunxiao, remembering work matters, followed him.  The others returned to their rooms, leaving Li Tiantian alone to clean up. Instead of working, she went to Song Tongzhou’s door and eavesdropped. “The Propaganda Department will hold an exam on Friday. It’s a surprise exam, not many people know about it. Don’t spread the word,” a voice said.

 “They’re only hiring one person. Just take the exam, I’ll handle the rest.” “Okay, I understand, Dad.” Hearing footsteps, Li Tiantian guessed Song Chunxiao was leaving and hurried back to the table, grabbing the dishes and quickly heading to the kitchen. Song Chunxiao glanced suspiciously at her back, unsure if she had been eavesdropping. She would have to watch Li Tiantian carefully until the exam. The next day, Li Tiantian told Ye Hong about the Propaganda Department exam at the hospital.

 “Mom, Song Chunxiao is also taking the exam!” “From what Uncle said, I feel like the position is already hers.” “What’s the point of me taking the exam then?” Ye Hong gestured for her to keep her voice down; if others heard, they might all take the exam. She whispered, “Whether it’s fixed or not, you must take the exam. I have a way to stop Song Chunxiao.” Li Tiantian leaned in, her gloomy expression brightening after hearing the plan. “Mom, I knew you had a way! What would I do without you?” Li Tiantian hugged Ye Hong.

Ye Hong affectionately patted her head, “I’ll be discharged tomorrow, and I’ll help you deal with this.” “Has Uncle suspected anything about the alcohol?” Ye Hong hadn’t slept well these past few days, worried that her trip to the countryside would be discovered.

 A city dweller wouldn’t randomly go to the countryside; if discovered, she would be defenseless. “No,” Li Tiantian replied. “Uncle is furious with that country girl.” Li Tiantian recounted the previous night’s events. Ye Hong wasn’t as happy; she was surprised. Su Nan was too formidable; living together wouldn’t be easy. But for now, Su Nan could distract Song Tongzhou; he might forget about the drugged alcohol soon. “Okay, go back. I’ll be discharged tomorrow.” “Okay, I’ll pick you up tomorrow.” Li Tiantian left the hospital happily. Back at the compound, she saw Su Nan arguing with some women.  She approached to watch, but a finger pointed at her.

“Tiantian said it! You shower every day; you’re using up all the water!” “If you didn’t smell bad, why would you shower every day?” Su Nan’s lips tightened; a storm brewed in her eyes. Seeing Li Tiantian, she slapped her without hesitation. The sound echoed, stunning everyone. She acted without hesitation. The woman who had accused her of smelling bad kept her distance, afraid of being slapped.

 Li Tiantian was stunned, then heard Su Nan yell, “When did I smell bad?” Su Nan, realizing words wouldn’t work, lifted her armpit for Li Tiantian to smell, shocking her speechless! The women who had accused Su Nan of smelling bad instinctively covered their noses and mouths, fearing they’d be next! The country folk were indeed fierce; they dared not provoke Su Nan!