Cheng Su prepared her ID card, household registration book, and the like, and went to Feng City High School to enroll. She officially embarked on the road of repeating a school year and brought back a bundle of textbooks for it. She also went to a bookstore in the city and bought some books that would be useful for her exams.
When she arrived back at the courtyard with a large bundle of books, everyone was quite surprised. Upon asking, they learned that Cheng Su actually wanted to retake the university entrance examination?
During that period, if a girl had finished junior high, and she was diligent, she could find a rather decent job as a factory worker.
Not to mention Cheng Su had even reached the first year of senior high, it was said that she now ran her own restaurant as the boss, and the business was booming. In terms of spending and affording things, she surely had no difficulties, yet she still wanted to take the university entrance examination again?
"One should keep learning as long as one lives. Anyway, I have plenty of time now, learning more knowledge is never a bad thing," Cheng Su responded to those curious people.
Her words made many feel ashamed, for they were neither as capable as Cheng Su in running a business, nor had they considered studying. Their days revolved solely around their husbands and children, and idle chatter with other women when they had free time.
Therefore, some people disapproved of Cheng Su, saying her ambitions were too great, her heart too wild.
But most people felt inferior, thinking that despite being a business owner and earning a fortune daily, she still thought about studying. From another perspective, this showed that Cheng Su had determination, was progressive, and worked hard.
There’s a saying that the people who are wealthier than you are also working harder than you, and it really hit home.
Hualing also heard about Cheng Su retaking the university entrance exam and was stunned for a while before she laughed, "If she gets into university, I’ll start calling her ’sister’!"
She didn’t believe Cheng Su was capable of it at all; it was merely putting on an act, just flaunting a few books to gild her own face.
Cheng Su turned a deaf ear to Hualing’s mockery. Once she had the books, she started her days of reading, studying, and taking notes. Even in the restaurant, she never forgot to study, showing remarkable diligence and effort.
In August, the list for military downsizing came out from the base, and among those scheduled for demobilization and reassignment were several of Qi Taiguo’s friends, including Old Zhou.
After reviewing the list, Qi Taiguo’s face was very somber when he got home.
"Don’t think too much about it. You had your suspicions, and I’ve said it before, demobilization and reassignment might not be a bad thing. You could go into business, and if you do well, it might even be possible to re-enter politics in the future," Cheng Su said gently, squeezing his shoulder.
Qi Taiguo replied, "Even in the military, it’s all about connections and forming cliques now. It makes me feel uneasy to watch."
Reassignment was not the most important issue. What truly chilled Qi Taiguo’s heart was the realization that in this stringent military base, those with connections could secure promotions first, while those without were relegated aside, an unfair state of things.
"Nepotism has been unchanged for a thousand years. Actually, it’s not too outrageous now. If things get to..." Cheng Su nearly let slip future political matters and swiftly changed the subject, "You should take it in stride. If it’s demobilization, then let it be. By the way, when are Old Zhou and the others leaving? Should we throw them a farewell party?"
"The paperwork will be finalized by next Monday at the latest. We’re planning to find a restaurant to throw a farewell party for Old Zhou and his comrades, and we’ll include family members. You should come along," Qi Taiguo sighed.
"Alright, just let me know when the time comes," Cheng Su didn’t decline, as such social obligations were inevitable, especially for such a significant event.
Qi Taiguo nodded, pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a puff. Cheng Su didn’t disturb him any further. She patted his back and went into her room to study.
She understood very well that even spouses need their own space and time to be alone.