Chapter 80 2/2

They had a dumbfounded expression, “Um?”

After playing wildly in the fields in the afternoon, they forgot everything they had learned in the morning.

Captain Zhao felt that this kind of schooling wasn’t very meaningful.

However, since ancient times, it was said that all is lowly compared to studying. And with a cultured person like Qiao Wei around, with a different demeanor and eloquence, and having earned such a big face with her knowledge and culture, Captain Zhao felt hesitant.

“The concept of studying is very broad and shouldn’t be understood as just reading textbooks from school,” Qiao Wei remembered Lu Tianming and said, “If the school’s textbooks don’t work, then try reading a different kind of book. How about… learning a trade?”

Lu Tianming also stopped studying after junior high. His family sent him to the county to learn a trade. After completing his training, he returned to the town committee’s broadcasting station, where he worked as a technician, handling both the broadcasting station and the switchboard, doing technical work.

In reality, as long as the lines and machines didn’t malfunction, he didn’t have to move from his seat all day. He spent his days drinking tea and reading books.

When Qiao Wei first arrived, she thought the office plants were cared for by Lu Manman or Hu Sui, but it turned out… it was Lu Tianming who watered, fertilized, insect-proofed, and pruned them every day.

A divine job.

The parents of both Lu Manman and Lu Tianming could be seen as pragmatic, arranging work for their children as soon as they finished junior high. From another perspective, they could be seen as clear-minded, truly understanding what their family and personal lives needed in this small town, and arranging it very well.

They were all from prominent families in the town, with solid backgrounds, which enabled them to have such clear understanding and organizational ability.

“In ancient times, people only studied the Four Books and Five Classics. Anything outside of the classics was considered frivolous knowledge, not serious. But now it’s different. Science and technology can make the country stronger. Learning a trade is the proper way to study.”

“I think nowadays schools, um, um, learning agriculture and technical skills are quite good,” Qiao Wei originally wanted to say “schools don’t teach anything useful,” but changed her wording at the last moment.

Although she didn’t say it out loud, Yan Lei and Zhao Dongsheng exchanged a glance, and from their gaze, Qiao Wei knew that both men understood her unspoken meaning.

“Quite good, quite good. Um, um, but learning a trade is even better,” Qiao Wei said. “Brother Zhao, Gangzi is 14 now, I think you can start considering, or arranging for him to learn a trade. Being a jack of all trades is better, or you can let him join the military.”

As a family friend, Qiao Wei gave her own advice to the Zhao family. But everyone had to walk their own path.

After discussing the children’s education, they talked about other things.

“It’s about time for the announcement, isn’t it?”

“Almost.”

Qiao Wei asked, “About the merger of the town and the county?”

“Yes. How do the people at the town committee feel about it?” 

“No feelings,” Qiao Wei said. “They just eat and drink, completely indifferent.”

Yan Lei said, “They’re all locals.”

More than 95% of the people are locals. The prominent families make up 60%.

They’re deeply rooted, fearless of anything. Whether there’s a merger or not, nobody can touch me.

That’s the attitude of grassroots personnel.

“I don’t know about the leadership’s attitude either,” Qiao Wei said. “I’m just a broadcaster.”

Everyone laughed.

As they ate and chatted, the host and guests enjoyed themselves.

Leaving the restaurant, the sky had already darkened. The two families parted ways at the street corner, each heading home.

With no one else around, Yan Lei took Qiao Wei’s hand and swung it as they walked.

Qiao Wei: “?”

“Is everything okay?” Qiao Wei asked.

It didn’t feel quite normal.

Yan Lei said, “I’m happy.”

Alright.

Qiao Wei let him hold her hand.

Yan Xiang was already dozing off on Yan Lei’s shoulder. When they got home, Yan Lei placed him on the kang.

After Qiao Wei finished washing up, she prepared warm water and a towel to clean Yan Xiang’s face.

The child’s mouth was sticky. Even genius children couldn’t overcome the obstacle of sticky sweet potatoes. 

When she came out, Yan Lei was wiping himself beside the well with cold water.

Qiao Wei hurried over, “Why are you using cold water?”

As September arrived, the summer heat gradually dissipated, and the weather became pleasantly cool.

But the water in the well became noticeably colder, even chilly in the mornings and evenings. Qiao Wei had to mix warm water for washing.

“It’s not cold. I’m not afraid,” Yan Lei said casually. “If you don’t believe me, feel it.”

He took Qiao Wei’s hand and pressed it against his skin.

At first touch, it was cold from the water he’d used. But then, the warmth from his body radiated through his skin and into her palm.

“Qiao Wei!” Yan Lei bent down and lifted Qiao Wei high into the air.

Qiao Wei, caught off guard, let out a small cry and clung to him, scolding, “What are you doing?”

Yan Lei said, “I’m happy.”

He wasn’t acting normal. Qiao Wei carefully looked into his eyes, which were bright.

Finally understanding, Qiao Wei asked, “How much did you drink?”

She had been too engrossed in her conversation with Sister Yang and hadn’t noticed the men drinking, leading this guy to get drunk.

“Not drunk,” Yan Lei denied, insisting, “Just happy.”

“Qiao Wei, do you know how many people have congratulated me these past few days?” he said. “They said your husband is really amazing, winning the first prize in the city.”

Qiao Wei hugged his shoulder, smiling, “Are you happy then?”

“I’ve said it several times, I’m happy,” Yan Lei grumbled.

“But, some people said some sour words…”

Qiao Wei leaned against his forehead, “Oh?”

She could probably imagine what those sour people would say.

Even in the future, some men couldn’t accept their wives being too prominent.

“Are you angry?” she asked.

“Not angry,” Yan Lei said, “The more sour he is, the more I know he’s jealous of me.”

Qiao Wei chuckled against his shoulder.

Yan Lei caressed her back, tilted his head to the side, and bit her neck.

Qiao Wei kissed him back.

Yan Lei shifted her slightly, holding her securely, and walked towards the house.

Qiao Wei thought he was going to carry her back to the bedroom.

Instead, Yan Lei brought her to the window and placed her on the cool bed.

“Hey!”

“Shh… Don’t wake the kids…”

“Here…”

“No mosquitoes, they’re all gone.”

The man’s slightly hoarse voice murmured softly in the courtyard, “Weiwei, the moonlight on your skin looks especially beautiful.”

“Let me see…”

Rustling, her blouse fell to the ground by the cool bed.

The man’s murmurs, whether drunk or sober, she couldn’t tell.

“Let me see…”

The moonlight enveloped her skin, reminding Yan Lei of a book he once read, now turned to ashes in the hearth.

“It’s like milk,” he murmured.

Perhaps only half-drunk people were the craziest.