Chapter 387: Chapter 387

"Cai Ming, Cai Ming." Wan Qiweng called out to Cai Ming.

Cai Ming was rushing home with a stack of books. These days, Cai Ming no longer brought these books back and forth daily; otherwise, he wouldn’t know what time he could return home.

Of course, the excuse used was that the kids at home had already copied a set. As for the educated youths borrowing books to copy, they didn’t care if they actually copied them; they just knew that with multiple sets of books, they could copy until nine or ten in the evening before going back home.

Upon hearing Wan Qiweng’s voice, Cai Ming stopped and looked at her with confusion. He still had a good impression of her.

Back then, she was the one who came to ask if she could borrow books to copy, and with her friends and classmates, she firmly rebutted Dong Juan, letting those unaware educated youths around them understand the ins and outs of the matter.

"We think we should establish a fixed study point here, where everyone can discuss questions and progress together. But the classroom here is a bit small." Wan Qiweng and the others had no choice; it was really noisy.

Some want to copy books, some discuss math, others discuss language arts, chemistry, or physics. It’s truly chaotic, making it difficult to study properly.

Previously, it was tolerable as there weren’t many people, but now it’s truly unbearable; more people keep coming, and everyone fights for space. "Recently, there’ve been countless arguments over space."

Alas, it’s truly a dilemma. Cai Ming really feels his head is getting big. "But there are still children attending classes at school; it’s impossible to have them take a break for our college exams."

Even if the children agreed, their parents wouldn’t be willing; they’d feel shortchanged.

As for Principal Wang, don’t even mention it; educating those little children is his main job. Whether the educated youths can truly get into college has nothing to do with Wang Jianming.

"Well, I know that. Those children get out of school after two; can we use their classroom?" Wan Qiweng and the others really wished for the classroom to be available for them, but they knew even thinking about this suggestion was futile. Even if Cai Ming agreed to ask, the principal wouldn’t agree.

This request, Cai Ming said he would consider it. "I’ll go ask for you now."

After all, Principal Wang lives at the school, so he can be asked anytime, saving some people from complaining about delaying till tomorrow.

"Thank you so much." Wan Qiweng really didn’t know how to thank Cai Ming. These days have been truly troublesome for him.

Yet, some educated youths still had sarcastic remarks. Sometimes, Wan Qiweng really wanted to confront them. She didn’t believe anyone lacked study materials. Although most didn’t bring books, a few did bring them as educated youths—it’s impossible they didn’t preserve the books, burning them as kindling.

Those people acted completely unbothered, coming here just to copy books. After copying for not long, they’d join the discussions. If there were no issues with this, how could it be possible?

They treated everyone as fools, but Cai Ming was the best.

"Once you go to Beijing for university, I’ll treat you to a meal." Wan Qiweng really didn’t know how to thank Cai Ming. Given the conditions here aren’t great, she’ll have to invite him to dinner after returning to Beijing.

Huh, Cai Ming found it odd. How did Wan Qiweng know he was going to Beijing for university? It seemed he never mentioned this topic.

"Well, my family is in the Northeast. I’m sure you won’t choose universities other than Beijing." Wan Qiweng heard gossip saying Cai Ming’s family relations aren’t great.

Moreover, after coming to the Northeast for many years, many said Cai Ming hasn’t had much contact with his hometown. Although Wan Qiweng wasn’t aware of the details, each family has its own challenges, and he probably wouldn’t apply to Southern University.

Such a smart kid, although Cai Ming rarely discussed topics with these people, it only took a few occasional interactions for him to know Wan Qiweng was really quick-witted.

"I hope to get into a university in Beijing." Wan Qiweng wasn’t a talkative person, so Cai Ming didn’t mind mentioning the university he wanted to attend.

"Alright." With a deep look at Cai Ming, Wan Qiweng returned to the classroom to continue her studies. With so many people here, over time, who knows how many rumors would spread.

Cai Ming was helping out out of goodwill; there was no need to drag him down. Moreover, if he truly went to university in Beijing, there would be plenty of time to keep in touch.

Cai Ming watched Wan Qiweng return to the classroom, where it was truly bustling with heads. Fortunately, it was winter; if it were summer, the smell in there would’ve been indescribable.

Wang Jianming considered Cai Ming’s suggestion, then couldn’t help but smile wryly, "You’ve really brought me quite a challenge."

Cai Ming realized he truly was impulsive this time. If it were a different leader, they might not be pleased with the current situation, but Wang Jianming endured it all.

"Principal Wang, I just thought that everyone could study together, as this is their hope for returning to the city." If families had some connections, they would’ve returned when policies relaxed, instead of staying away from school for years only to pick up books and start revising again.

Let’s not say they’re truly passionate about studying—just hearing that sounds so insincere. You could say they just don’t want to miss this opportunity to return to the city.

Moreover, being a college student would mean better career opportunities in the future, at least plenty of them will have office jobs. Everyone can calculate this; so even though these days are tough, they’re willing to fight for their future prospects.

"Tell them that after the children get out of school, they can use the other classrooms, but they mustn’t damage anything inside." Wang Jianming recalled the excitement from his own school days.

"It’s been years since I’ve seen such dedicated kids." Wang Jianming, having been a teacher for so many years, truly felt this profoundly.

After receiving confirmation, Cai Ming prepared to spread the news, then planned to go home to study.

Although the school had a stove for heating, with such a large classroom and only one stove, it was really cold; home was more comfortable.

There was a warm kang under him, a stove beside, and most importantly, hot tea was always available. No matter how late he studied, there would always be warm food—it truly was a life filled with various comforts. Updates are released by novel·fire.net

Thinking of the lively atmosphere at home, Cai Ming wanted to hurry back there, "After school, you can use the empty classrooms to study and also use the stove, but you’re responsible for the firewood."

After all, the school’s firewood was only so much, picked up by students on the way to school and stored for winter heating.

It’s impossible to freeze the children for the educated youths; that would upset them.

"Okay, thank you Teacher Xiao Cai." As one after another saw Cai Ming leave Wang Jianming’s office, they knew their proposal would likely be approved, but they dared not let their guard down without a definitive answer.

After hearing Cai Ming’s words, everyone excitedly jumped up, each promising they would handle the firewood.

This was easy to solve. By staying here, the firewood at the educated youth’s place wouldn’t be burned, and using it here was the same.