Chapter 21 Encounter

When she was sent to the farm, she never attended school, so where would she get a primary school diploma? If that’s the case, she would have to go back to the village primary school and take the exam with this year’s graduates, which seems like a waste of time.

Standing outside the school, she felt a bit melancholic. She had been planning to take the high school entrance exam with this year’s graduates from the commune’s middle school, but it looks like she will have to find another way.

Not far away, Lu Yichen looked at the disheartened little girl, feeling a hint of pity in his heart.

Because there was no work in the brigade today, he went to the commune to handle some matters with a comrade. He didn’t expect to run into the little girl there.

After the little girl left, he found himself inexplicably drawn to follow her.

Luo Qiao thought that since it was only April, there was still time to come up with another plan. If it really didn’t work out, she could take a shortcut and go directly to the middle school principal’s house. There would always be a way.

With things settled here, and noticing it was lunchtime, there was a state-run restaurant ahead. She was considering whether to go in for a meal or find a secluded place to conjure up some food from her space to satisfy her hunger.

Then she heard a voice from behind saying, “Hungry?”

Luo Qiao turned around and saw Lu Yichen standing behind her. “Brother Lu, are you also here at the commune for business?”

Lu Yichen had just found out from the school gatekeeper that this little girl was here to inquire about attending school, showing some admirable determination.

Lu Yichen looked at Luo Qiao and said, “Let’s go, it’s already noon. I’ll take you to have lunch.” His familiar tone made it sound as if they were old friends.

Luo Qiao hadn’t expected Lu Yichen to suggest lunch so directly. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she replied, “I have… I brought some dry rations with me, Brother Lu, you don’t need to treat me.”

Originally, Luo Qiao wanted to say she had food coupons, but Lu Yichen knew her situation well enough. She didn’t want to cause trouble for herself, so she changed her response.

Leading the way towards the state-run restaurant, Lu Yichen noticed Luo Qiao hadn’t followed. He turned back and saw her still standing in place. “Why aren’t you coming?”

Initially, Luo Qiao had wanted to insist, but seeing Lu Yichen’s slightly furrowed brow, she reluctantly followed him inside.

Once inside the restaurant, Lu Yichen gestured with his eyes to ask Luo Qiao what she wanted to eat.

Glancing at the daily specials listed on the blackboard, Luo Qiao replied, “I’ll have a bowl of plain noodles.”

Lu Yichen ordered two bowls of noodles, braised pork, hot and sour shredded potatoes, and two steamed buns.

After Lu Yichen paid with food and meat coupons as well as money, Luo Qiao finally came over and sat down.

Luo Qiao was actually feeling a bit embarrassed. She glanced at Lu Yichen opposite her and thought to herself that she had originally planned to make some dumplings tonight to send over as a gesture of goodwill. Now, however, she owes him again. She sighed softly, lowered her head, and continued with what she was doing.

Unexpectedly, Lu Yichen happened to look up just as she did that motion. He thought to himself that this little girl really knew how to be playful.

Unable to help himself, he asked, “What are you doing in town today?”

Luo Qiao replied, “I bought some daily necessities.” Thinking there was nothing to hide, she added, “I also inquired about attending school at the commune junior high.”

Lu Yichen asked, “You want to go to school?”

Luo Qiao nodded, “But it’s not easy to get into the commune junior high. When I was on the farm, I followed some teachers and completed the junior high courses. I originally wanted to ask if I could advance with this year’s graduating class.”

“But the gatekeeper said it’s impossible. Either I need an elementary school graduation certificate and pass the school’s exam to transfer, or I have to take the exam along with this year’s elementary school graduates.”

Lu Yichen hadn’t expected that this little girl had already finished junior high courses. Seeing her unhappy expression, he hesitated for a moment before saying, “I have a comrade in the county education bureau. I’ll ask him if there’s any way to help.”