Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Representative Action, Humph! Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Representative Action, Humph! Lih Huakun said that if Hua Hua ever got sick, they could bring her to his place, admitting he wasn’t a vet, but he knew more about small animal illnesses than they did.
Jingqiu nodded in agreement.
After returning home, she gave Hua Hua another pill, which went down more smoothly this time.
“Hua Hua, you weren’t very good today, scratching someone like that. Come, let’s trim your nails and don’t you dare struggle, understand?”
Perhaps because she wasn’t feeling well, Hua Hua laid on the couch and didn’t move. It took Jingqiu over ten minutes to get all her nails trimmed.
It wasn’t until everything was cleaned up that she realized she hadn’t had dinner yet.
Not feeling like cooking, she made herself a cup of Malted Milk, went upstairs, and finally had time to open and read the two letters.
Yun Yuzhi expressed many thanks in her letter, saying that without her inspiration, they would’ve never thought of reading and would not have started revising two months earlier than others.
To escape Ten-miles Village, Jingqiu was their life’s savior.
Jingqiu thought it was a bit of an exaggeration, but to Yun Yuzhi and Zhang Yumin, who had spent five or six years in the countryside, it was redemption.
Jingqiu replied to their letter, happy they had both been admitted to university, and informed them she was also preparing for university entrance exams. They could correspond from time to time, and she hoped they could meet someday.
Li Qing and Li Yinger were the same, though they were studying at the same school and dating, which was quite romantic.
They shared their aspirations to study hard and try to stay at the school as teachers.
Jingqiu also replied to their letter, telling them about her university plans and to keep in touch.
When her father returned, he asked about Hua Hua’s health–Jiang Nanzhou must have told him.
Jingqiu replied, “I gave her medicine, we’ll see how she is tomorrow. Dad, I accidentally injured Comrade Nanzhou today, I feel really bad about it.”
“It’s fine, we soldiers are tough,” he said.
“Right, I heard from Comrade Nanzhou that the army is setting up study classes that family members can attend. Dad, please let me know when it starts.”
Lu Xianrun nodded, “Okay, I’ll inform you when the time comes, but there is actually something I need you to do.”
Jingqiu put down her pen, “What is it?”
“The propaganda paintings in the government compound, did you do them?”
“Yes.”
“The army’s boundary wall also needs repainting and new propaganda slogans and paintings. Dad wants you guys to do it.”
Jingqiu nodded, “Sure, but dad, you’ll have to call my workplace for a transfer.”
“Alright, I’ll have the propaganda department make the call tomorrow.”
Jingqiu giggled and cheekily asked, “Dad, is there any bonus for us? The government gave us five yuan each.”
“Money-grubber.”
“Hehe.”
“You study now, dad won’t disturb you anymore. Don’t stay up too late, I’ll watch Hua Hua tonight.”
“Okay.”
…
The next morning, Xiao Shun was perched on the courtyard wall asking, “Sister Xiao Qiu, I heard Hua Hua is sick. Can she still play with Ah Fu?”
Jingqiu nodded, “She should be able to, did your mom stop opposing you guys having a cat?”
During this period, Aunt Liu hadn’t stopped scolding the kids about the cat, throwing it out and then them bringing it back.
It was a battle of wits between Aunt Liu and the kids, but Xiao Shun always found a way to keep the kitten around.
“She still doesn’t, Sister Xiao Qiu, what should I do?”
Jingqiu was taken aback for a moment, then asked, “Has your dad been promoted recently?”
Xiao Shun nodded, “Ah, yes.”
Jingqiu smiled but did not share any tricks. This time, as she was leaving, she listened at the door for quite a while until she saw Aunt Liu coming out, and then pretended to bump into her by chance.
“Aunt Liu, off to work?”
“Xiao Qiu, why are you heading out so early today?”
“I’m going to the farmers’ market first to pick up some vegetable leaves for the chicks. The two chicks you chose for me are doing great, getting fatter and growing quickly.”
“Hey, I don’t know much; I just picked two randomly. You’re the one raising them well.”
“This is my first time raising chickens; I have no experience. I’m grateful for Xiao Shun and Xiao Yin, they help me feed the chickens when they catch bugs.”
“Hey, don’t talk to me about those two. They insist on having a cat just like yours. Hua Hua was left to you by your mother, and they don’t even have enough food at home, but still want to waste food on a cat.”
“Cats don’t eat much–leftovers are enough for them, and they catch mice from time to time, not much trouble. Oh, by the way, I heard Uncle Liu got promoted.”
The mention of the man of the house got Aunt Liu talking, “Of course, and it’s thanks to your dad’s promotion. Once I arrange everything, I must have you and your dad over for a meal.”