I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 290: Should We Take the College Entrance Exam?

Lu Zhenping didn’t come back as soon as he said he would. During that time, he called Shen Meng to inform her that he had received orders to return to the military.

Shen Meng knew about it. Lu Zhenping’s regiment was being mobilized, and there would be a lot of work to do afterward. She was very understanding; right now, she was doing well managing both her work and the factories of the two communes.

By the end of July, Shen Meng had completed her second year of junior high school. She planned to finish her third year in two months. The teacher who tutored her personally felt she was gifted and reported to the director of studies, who then wrote a recommendation letter for her. As soon as Shen Meng completed her third year and received her diploma, the director was ready to recommend her directly to high school.

It was around this time that the news of the restoration of the college entrance examination (Gaokao) spread, and the educated youths in the communes exploded with excitement.

This news was extremely important for them. If they could get into university, they could return to the city, and after graduating, they would be directly assigned jobs.

Of course, not only the educated youths but almost everyone who could recognize a few characters was excited, as if they themselves had the chance to pass the exams.

Shen Meng had not finished work yet when Li Qianqian came looking for her.

With her own efforts, she had now managed to independently design some decent blueprints. Old John was very satisfied with her performance. In this past half-year, the orders had increased instead of decreasing. The superiors were very appreciative of Mr. Li, with reports that a promotion might be in store for him.

"Sister Meng, are you busy right now? There’s something I want to discuss with you." ƒrēenovelkiss.com

"I have some time now. I’m not too busy. I’ll be leaving work soon. But you have to be quick; I need to go home early today. Ming Kai is fussing to eat crispy meat, so I have to cook for him!"

The kid not only demands tasty food but insists it’s freshly made. She has no chance to cheat.

"It’s not a big deal. The news about the restoration of the Gaokao came out, right? My mom wants me to enroll at a school just to have a name there. She said that now I’m the factory director at the Head Flower Factory, and if I want to achieve greater things and design more attractive, best-selling products in the future, I’ll need to study more. But you know my situation: the factory is just getting started, and it can’t spare any people. Plus, with a young child at home, they need their mother even more. I just don’t know what to choose at this moment."

After thinking, Shen Meng said, "Qianqian, I can’t give you any advice on this matter. If you really pass the exam, it means you won’t be able to come home often for three years. Studying requires focus, and you can’t have both. But Director Qi is also right—if you want to achieve greater things in the future, you’ll have to make some sacrifices. You better discuss this with Hu Biao. The Head Flower Factory is actually alright; there are people here to help you, so you don’t need to worry. But Qianqian, I’ve heard that Mr. Li seems to be getting promoted. At this critical juncture, I think you could bide your time. There’s no rush for this year’s university entrance—everyone’s unclear about what will be on it since the Gaokao was just restored. If I were you, I would take the time to study well while working. You are a capable, potential, thoughtful, and conscientious young woman. I believe you can find the right balance between family, work, and study."

Li Qianqian looked down for a long time before raising her head again.

"I understand, Sister Meng. I’m actually uncertain too. Since starting work, I’ve barely picked up a book, and with marriage and childbirth, the thought of taking the Gaokao really leaves me feeling unsure. Now, having listened to you, I think I could try to gain some experience and see what the Gaokao is like and what it covers. I believe I can do it. Thank you, Sister Meng. Oh right, my father’s transfer order hasn’t come yet, but the biggest merit is yours. My father said that keeping you at the bus company is a waste of talent, and you will have a new position later. I’m congratulating you in advance."

Shen Meng raised her eyebrows but said nothing. However, if there was a new transfer order, it meant that her current job would be taken away, and she felt somewhat reluctant to let go.

"Qianqian, could you please ask for me, if I am transferred, can my current job be given to someone else?"

"Sure, Sister Meng. I’ll ask my dad later. But Sister Meng, I still have to say this: you’re too kind-hearted. Are you thinking of using this job to help others again? Take more care of yourself and don’t always think about others; I feel sorry for you just watching."

Shen Meng: "...."

No, no, no, I just want to sell out. A position can earn a few thousand bucks, which is a significant sum of practically free money—you can’t turn that down!!!

In the evening, Shen Meng and Wu Xianglan, along with Yu Xueli, rode an ox cart towards Lu Family Village. Several other people were also riding with them since the Head Flower Factory had been established in Lu Family Village; every household now had some money.

More people were traveling to the county, and everyone was very polite towards Shen Meng when they saw her on the cart.

"Is that a new dress you’re wearing today? I’ve not seen you in it before."

"Old Qian brought it for me when he went to the Provincial City with the students, saying that this is what the women comrades wear there—it’s quite fashionable. He bought not only for me but also for Daya and Xiao Ya. Look, isn’t it pretty?"

Shen Meng nodded. Dr. Qian was a kind man, not only good at pleasing adults but also kids; it looked like good news for these two was on its way.

Wu Xianglan looked a bit jealous on the side.

"At such an age, just get married if you’ve talked enough, don’t wait too long and let someone take advantage. Mrs. Daya, let me tell you, the Xu Family is still eyeing you. Be careful when you go home; just a few days ago, when I took my child to pick vegetables, I saw those two old good-for-nothings mooching around your home with your unfortunate son. Hey, they might be scheming something!"

Shen Meng glanced at her; she gave an awkward smile.

"I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just afraid Mrs. Daya might be taken advantage of."

Yu Xueli remained silent and didn’t pay much attention to what Wu Xianglan said. Dezi’s grandparents had sought her out not just once or twice, and she had said everything she needed to say. All she could do was provide some money for Dezi’s schooling; beyond that, she couldn’t do more, much less bringing the child to live with her—unthinkable.

The mere thought of it meant that she would be followed by attempts to reconcile her with Lai Zi. She could see that the old couple was not really concerned for Dezi, but for Lai Zi, wishing to drag her down into the mire.

Previously, Daya had given Dezi some food, and this had made the family push their luck. After lecturing Daya last time, since they couldn’t get anything from her, they turned to her instead, using the pretense of a mother’s name, hoping to soften her heart. Ha, they can keep dreaming!

Shen Meng and the others took the same route towards their homes. From a distance, they saw Wang Lianhua hugging Yaoyao, followed by their household possessions being thrown out one by one.