Chapter 28

Zho Hungyo hesitated for a moment, shaking her head and said “I’ve done the calculations, and I don’t need this much. Five hundred yuan should be enough. Even if it’s a bit less, there are other ways, my family can figure it out. After all, borrowed money needs to be repaid, and I don’t want to carry too much debt on my shoulders.”

She took fifty ten-yuan bills from Song Haowen’s hands, and unable to hold back her tears, she said, “Thank you, little brother! I’ll give you an IOU later.” Without waiting for a meal, she hurriedly went to the post office to send a telegram to her family.

After the two classes in the afternoon, when no one was paying attention, Zhu Hongyu handed a five-hundred-yuan IOU to Song Haowen. After taking it, Song Haowen looked at the elegant handwriting, praised it with a sigh, and tore up the IOU.

“Consider it repaid.”

“No.” Zhu Hongyu became anxious. “If you do this, I won’t take the money you lend”

Song Haowen smiled and said, “Sis, aren’t we both brother and sister? Well, you’ve admitted it. Why don’t we make a brother and sister agreement? Just remember this debt in your heart; you don’t have to be bound by formalities.”

Zhu Hongyu stared with wide eyes and said, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to explain it clearly later.”

Song Haowen countered, “Why would you be unable to explain? This matter is known only to you and me, whether to repay or not, and how much to repay, it’s all up to you. Anyway, I won’t be bothered by this small amount of money.”

Zhu Hongyu smiled, and a pair of charming dimples suddenly appeared. She said, “Little brother, let me repay the money after I start working. It might be too far off; after all, I’m just a freshman now. How about I work for you?”

Song Haowen was taken aback. “You, the class monitor, working for me? Besides, isn’t that unfair to you?”

“The taste of being short of money is not pleasant. Without money, even heroes can starve to death. I’ve figured it out. That’s why so many people in the world ignore shame and even take risks, all for the sake of money,” sighed Zhu Hongyu.

“Don’t think like that. Riches and honor can’t corrupt, poverty and humble status can’t change. These are the principles we live by,” Song Haowen spoke confidently.

A blush spread across Zhu Hongyu’s face like a red cloud.

“I’ll help you with odd jobs, but the timing has to be set by me, and I won’t take money. Just keep a record of it as part of repaying the debt.”

Song Haowen laughed heartily. “Are you exploiting the worker as a capitalist, or is the worker exploiting the capitalist?”

Zhu Hongyu pouted. “Don’t forget, the odd-job worker here is a top student at Beijing University!”

“Alright, alright. You can talk. You truly deserve to be the class monitor. However, if you’re going to help me, you have to agree to two conditions.”

“What? I have to set conditions to help you?”

“Of course.” Song Haowen raised a finger.

“First, you can’t come alone. You need to bring another classmate. Otherwise, being alone together for a long time might attract unnecessary gossip.”

Zhu Hongyu spat on the ground. “I’m a girl; I’m not afraid of such things. You, an underage brat, you’re just thinking too much, aren’t you?”

Song Haowen remained calm and extended a second finger.

“Second, you’re both precious individuals. Asking you to do odd jobs might be a bit much. I’m thinking of having you learn electrical appliance repair with me because I’m too busy and need help in this area.”

“That’s not a problem. We’ve started practical classes, gained some hands-on experience, and learning this shouldn’t be difficult. But who should we ask to come?”

Zhu Hongyu thought about which classmate might be willing to help. “How about Ren Hua?”

“Sure, as long as she’s willing, I welcome her with open arms,” Song Haowen said.

“When you come to help me, it’s both assistance and a way to earn money. Don’t just focus on one aspect. Even if you can’t truly enjoy this job, at least give it you’re all for the sake of earning money.”

“I’ll offer you a daily wage of five yuan, payable monthly or daily. Work as much as you can handle, but try to ensure at least four hours of work every day. You can decide whether to work during the day or at night.”

“This condition is quite good; I can accept it. I’ll ask Ren Hua later in private and see if she’s interested,” Zhu Hongyu said, satisfied.

The next day, before Song Haowen even reached the science building, Ren Hua intercepted him on the way. She had a flushed face and a curious look in her eyes.

“Song Haowen, according to Sister Hongyu, you secretly rented a big house off-campus and started a small business? You’re quite bold. Aren’t you afraid the school will find out and punish you?”

Song Haowen was taken aback; he didn’t expect her to say this. He smiled wryly and said, “We’re in a new era of reform and things opening up for public. It’s not an age where being poor is honorable. On the contrary, being wealthy is honorable, and the greater the contribution to the country.”

“Just look at those individual businesses on the street. How many of them pay taxes? How can you talk about contributing to the country?” Ren Hua couldn’t understand.

Song Haowen knew that this question had puzzled many people in his previous life, leading to a grand “Capitalist or Socialist” debate. To make her understand, there needed to be a process.