Chapter 175: Chapter 175

Cai Meina has been incredibly busy lately, helping Cai Ming copy some materials.

As she was copying, Cai Meina suddenly stopped.

Gong Tao noticed his wife seemed off, could she be tired? "What’s wrong?"

Cai Meina looked at her husband’s concerned face, "Nothing, I was just thinking if we might have the opportunity to go to college."

Back then, Cai Meina had good grades, but her family wouldn’t support a daughter who would eventually belong to another family, so she graduated from junior high and went to work in a factory.

Her words stirred Gong Tao’s long-held dreams, making them gradually emerge. Alas, some things and thoughts don’t fade over time but become clearer.

"Let bygones be bygones. We can focus on the future, work hard to improve ourselves, so when our children go to high school, we can tutor them a bit."

"If they have the chance to go to university, we can send them off, and we can stroll around the campus."

The dreams their generation didn’t fulfill could be achieved by their children. "And we can see our grandchildren enter university."

Listening to Gong Tao’s plan, although it seemed distant, it was still an aim. "Good, we should start working hard now, so we can set a good example for the children."

Nights in the Northeast can be quite dull. Apart from resting after farm work, people either visit neighbors or stare into space.

Cai Meina wasn’t familiar with the village folks nor did she want to wander outside. Staying home, finding tasks to do felt better than chatting.

Though the couple had been away from campus for a while, they still had some foundation. Especially these test explanations were very clear, though difficult to comprehend initially, with some effort they began to make sense.

If they encountered truly difficult parts, Cai Meina and the others weren’t in a hurry; they could wait for Cai Ming to come over and explain.

Gong Tao was preparing for the children, yet secretly hoped that if they had the chance to go to university, there’d be no lack of preparation.

Gong Tao had this thought after his brother-in-law discussed with them for a while.

Despite this idea, Gong Tao felt it might be unlikely. But he didn’t want to give up, what if they really had the chance?

Since they were idle now, why not work hard and learn more? New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel•fire.net

Seeing the Gong Tao couple getting serious made Zhao Gang annoyed.

"You don’t actually think we could go to university, do you?" Zhao Gang was there when Cai Ming said those words.

He thought Cai Meina’s analysis was reasonable but doubted they could go to university—after all, they were married with children, and their age was a factor too.

"Maybe Cai Ming might have the chance." Zhao Gang wasn’t trying to undermine Gong Tao’s confidence but thought it would be better to consider how to make money.

Regarding those ideals of striving for socialism, Zhao Gang no longer had the motivation to pursue them, having given enough. Ultimately, his whole family moved to the Northeast.

"That’s not the way to talk. I’m working hard because our current situation is much better than before." Gong Tao understood why Zhao Gang said that.

Some things make people lose hope once they’re heartbroken, and his friend was in that situation.

"Better how? If it were better, you wouldn’t be here." Zhao Gang got agitated, raising his voice.

Their argument frightened Gong Ruini and the other three, especially Gong Ruini.

Having spent time with the Zhao family, she’d seen various sides of Zhao Gang but never this agitated—what could he be so upset about, and that too against her own dad?

Did her dad do something that displeased Zhao Gang?

As Zhao Gang got more worked up, Gong Tao tried to signal his friend to calm down, "We’re just having a discussion, don’t scare the kids."

Seeing the kids’ changed expressions, Gong Tao intended for Zhao Xuran to lead Gong Ruini and the others away, but realized their presence might help calm Zhao Gang faster.

Why were they here? Zhao Gang never wanted his children to see him lose composure, fearing they’d think he was incompetent and also afraid they’d be terrified.

He motioned Zhao Xuran and the others to leave.

Seeing Zhao Gang a bit out of sorts, Zhao Xuran wanted to say something but didn’t know how, especially with Uncle Gong around to advise his father, or if needed, call his mom.

He didn’t know how to advise his dad on the discussion topic with Uncle Gong. From his dad’s perspective, bringing the family to the Northeast, even if they lived comfortably with food, drink, and were welcomed here, was a mistake—a blow to his pride, turning his family into villagers.

Gong Ruini understood Zhao Gang was really upset, knowing neither she nor even Gong Tao could console him, just hoping he’d figure things out.

Gong Ruini didn’t expect her parents would start revising too. Despite hearing progress wasn’t great, it’s only 1974, with two and a half years till college entrance exams resume.

As long as they persevered during these days, Gong Ruini was confident they’d be admitted to university. Especially since Cai Ming mentioned their educated youth point didn’t have anyone reading, only looking for ways to return to the city or seeking easier jobs.

Overall, the atmosphere felt chaotic, and even if it’s just one educated youth point like that, surely it’s not unique—a situation likely more common.

As Zhao Xuran led everyone away, Gong Ruini kept turning back while Zhao Guangran blushed.

Zhao Guangran couldn’t believe Uncle Gong was working hard on reading, despite being of an age not needing studies, puzzled why he was still making the effort.

"Brother Guangran, study hard; my dad is working hard too." Gong Ruini whispered as she walked beside Zhao Guangran.

If Gong Tao and his wife were genuinely studying hard, there was no excuse for students like Gong Ruini and others not to strive even more.

While Gong Ruini didn’t mind, as she always worked hard, Zhao Guangran felt different, facing more pressure, worried failed exams would lead to heavier punishments.

It’s overkill! Even when he’s worried, why mention it? Aren’t they aware it undermines his efforts?

Zhao Guangran expressed discontent, yet despite his frustrations, couldn’t do much about it.