He Dongxue being accepted into university was indeed a great thing, but immediately following this joy came the worry about money.
Last year, He Zhilan’s tuition was borrowed from the Liang Family. This year, with the addition of another student, He Dongxue, even the Liang Family wouldn’t be able to lend so much money. More so, they also had Liang Jing, who was at an age where they needed to spend a lot on her needs.
When He Dongxue’s acceptance letter came in, He Zhongguo started hustling for his daughters’ tuition fees. He sold the remaining chickens in town to get some cash. However, that was merely a drop in the bucket when it came to paying tuition fees.
Last year, He Zhongguo had already borrowed from all his relatives and friends. This year, naturally, there was no one left to borrow from. Looking at the pig in the pen that wasn’t big enough yet, He Zhongguo thought that if things got really difficult, he might have to slaughter the pig early, sell it for whatever he could, and somehow put together the university fees for one of his girls.
He Zhilan held a sum of money in her hand, enough to cover one person’s tuition fees. However, she didn’t know how to explain to her father where it came from.
Apart from what she earned from making hair accessories, the rest of the money, which also made up the major part, was the compensation she received from the Gu Family when Gu En accidentally caused a burn to her hand.
Telling the truth was out of the question. If her father knew that someone like Gu En had harmed her, he would surely worry about her life in the capital.
Creating a lie wouldn’t work either, considering it was quite a large amount of money.
After much thought, He Zhilan finally said, "Dad, if you slaughter the pig early, it will cause significant financial loss. Let’s wait and see. When I go to C Province, I will also get paid there. My professor said the pay is quite good, and my brother’s army stipend and subsidies should also help. Let’s see how much we lack by the time school starts and then decide about slaughtering the pig."
Therefore, He Zhilan decided to add this money to what she would earn in C Province.
"However much you make, it won’t be enough for both of you to pay for tuition." He Zhongguo shook his head and sighed, "It’s my fault for failing to make enough money and causing you to also worry about this."
The always silent He Dongxue suddenly looked up at He Zhilan and then at her father. Biting her lip, she said, "Dad, if we don’t have enough money, we mustn’t slaughter the pig early. Even if it covers tuition for me and sister-in-law this term, it won’t cover next term. If that’s the case, I’d rather not go to university! Sister-in-law has been studying for a year and is doing well. Let her continue studying. I can take up part-time jobs in a factory with my classmates to alleviate some financial pressure on the family. After sister-in-law graduates, I will see if the university still wants me. If they do, I’ll go then."
He Dongxue’s compromise left He Zhilan stunned.
She still remembered this time last year when the family allowed her to continue school causing He Dongxue to temporarily stop her education. He Dongxue was furious then, but now, she was the one proposing He Zhilan continue?
How could she not be moved? Only someone without a heart or feelings wouldn’t be.
"Dad, I’m not kidding. Besides, if both sister-in-law and I go to school, I would be worried about leaving you alone at home," said He Dongxue before ushering her father to rest, "So it’s settled, dad. Don’t consider slaughtering this skinny pig anymore!"
Then, He Dongxue pulled He Zhilan back to their room. Although her proposition seemed firm, having studied so hard and now setting aside her aspirations for the opportunity to attend university, she undoubtedly felt a sense of loss in her heart.