When they came downstairs, the schoolteacher called out through a loudspeaker: "Students from the Mechanical Factory, gather in Classroom 2 on the first floor."
Because the rain was pouring down so heavily, it was impossible to speak outside. Once everyone was in the classroom, the teacher responsible for the group began, "Quiet down, everyone. As you can see, the rain is quite heavy. Some students have suggested staying in the city. I’m now seeking everyone’s opinion.
Those who want to go back please queue up to get on the bus. Tomorrow morning, at the same time, gather at the square in front of the residential area gate to board the bus. Those who wish to stay at the guesthouse, please register over there. A teacher will take you to the guesthouse across the street."
At this point, a student spoke up: "Teacher, my aunt lives in the city, I can stay at her house."
The teacher in charge looked up and explained, "Students, due to the weather conditions, I cannot agree to this request. If anything happens to you on the way, the teacher cannot explain it to your parents, so I ask for your understanding."
Xinyan thought since He Jinxuan had already booked a room at the guesthouse across the street, she should stay and not waste their kind gesture by going back.
So Xinyan whispered to Zhao Jianlan: "I’m not going back, what about you?"
Zhao Jianlan felt a bit troubled, thinking that she didn’t bring much money with her and had no meal coupons, plus she wanted to go home and review the subjects for tomorrow’s exam.
Xinyan, seeing her indecision, said, "I have brought meal coupons and money, enough for our expenses for the next two days, you don’t need to worry."
Zhao Jianlan still shook her head, "No, I must go back. If it’s still raining heavily tomorrow, I will stay in the city, but I need to go back and inform my family."
Seeing Xinyan still trying to persuade her, Zhao Jianlan quickly said, "It’s mainly because I want to go over the math and chemistry once more tonight."
Originally, Xinyan wanted to offer to tutor her, but seeing Zhao Jianlan had other matters to attend to, she didn’t press further on her decisions, nodding, "Alright then."
In the end, six students from this exam location chose to stay in the city, led by the teacher to the guesthouse across the street, and Duan Ruilian was among them.
However, as soon as they left the school gate, Duan Ruilian’s big brother was there waiting, saying he had already booked a room for her and arranged for her sister-in-law to accompany her that night.
Hearing this, it was clear they didn’t want anyone sharing a room with his sister, possibly to avoid disturbing her rest, or perhaps they simply didn’t want her to share with someone else.
But this worked out; among the six, only they were girls, which saved a lot of hassle.
The teacher leading the group knew Duan Ruilian’s big brother and left the six students in his care to go to the guesthouse, while he stayed to start roll call for the Mechanical Factory students bound for home.
Duan Ruilian, feeling a bit awkward, said to Xinyan, "Xinyan, I’m sorry, my big brother and sister-in-law are just a bit worried about me."
Xinyan gave a gentle smile, "You don’t have to say that, I understand. Your family cares for you, go and rest."
Duan Ruilian’s big brother, Duan Ruikun, asked the lady responsible for registration about room availability and then let the students discuss how many rooms they needed. While a few boys were discussing, Xinyan deliberately chatted with the registration lady.
Unexpectedly, He Jinxuan was quite cautious. Room 206 upstairs was registered with her personal information.
That relieved her, not wanting any further trouble because of this. Smiling, she greeted the lady and told the boys a word or two before going upstairs.
Soon, they also settled and got two triple rooms and quickly obtained the keys.
Normally, lodging would require an introduction letter, but today’s situation was special. The teacher had already negotiated on their behalf, and the leaders of the Mechanical Factory had talked to them as well. As long as they had an admission ticket, accommodation was provided.
Duan Ruikun seemed quite responsible, ensuring everyone had settled in and gave them some instructions: "You can access the state-run restaurant through the guesthouse’s back yard. You should have your meal there later. Once you finish, return quickly, and make sure to go out in pairs. Stay safe."