Chapter 351

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Protagonist:

Chai Mi

From far away, she saw Lao Liutou hunched over, stealing trees from the roadside grove again.

"Liu Yeye!" Chai Mi called out.

Lao Liutou turned, squinting: "Yo, Chai Mi! What are you off to do?"

Chai Mi smiled: "I'm going to Chai Erke's place. Liu Yeye, why are you still stealing trees?"

Lao Liutou was unhappy: "If I don't steal them, won't someone else just steal them?"

Chai Mi: "……"

Reasonable, impossible to refute!

A few days ago, because of that Ming Dynasty Treasure scam, Lao Liutou had been shot for no reason. He was stealing trees, came back to watch the excitement, and ended up being taken away by the police.

Fortunately, everyone thought he was old, so they didn't bother much and just let him go.

But after this, Lao Liutou showed no restraint at all; instead, he stole trees even more diligently.

"Then Liu Yeye, steal more, clear out the grove, and then we can go farm."

Lao Liutou hehehed: "I saw you taking Xiu'er out earlier—what were you doing?"

Chai Mi said: "Took Xiu'er to buy stationery and such. School starts soon, so I'm sending Xiu'er to study."

Lao Liutou grinned, showing his few remaining teeth: "Good, good! Going to school is good! Promising! Better than following you to set up a stall!"

"That's for sure, you need education." Chai Mi said: "Then Liu Yeye, I'm busy now, I'm going to my Erke's..."

Lao Liutou waved a hand: "Go do your business."

Chai Mi then came to Chai Erke's house, shouting outside the door: "Erke Brother? Is Erke Brother home?"

Chai Erke's voice came from inside: "Who is it?... Ai ya, Chai Mi! Come in, come in!" Footsteps approached, and Chai Erke was already at the door: "Rare guest, rare guest! What brings you here today? Is Xiu'er here too?"

Chai Mi decided to get straight to the point, directly stating her purpose to avoid wasting time on pleasantries. Erke Brother was straightforward, no need to beat around the bush. "Erke Brother, I have something to ask you for. Well, Xiu'er is reaching school age, and I was thinking of sending her to school."

Chai Erke immediately agreed: "Good thing! She should have gone long ago! To the village school? Chai You Fu... cough, your Second Uncle is there, let him look after her?"

Chai Mi knew he would mention the village school and Chai You Fu, so she had to state her position immediately to avoid misunderstanding. "Not the village school. Planning to send her to Ganzhu'er Primary School."

Chai Erke was visibly stunned: "Ganzhu'er? That's not close at all! Why go so far? The village is so convenient."

Chai Mi needed to explain clearly but couldn't be too blunt and offend people, after all they were relatives. "The distance isn't bad, just a short bike ride. Mainly... Erke Brother, you know, because of that chicken meat thing recently, Second Uncle hurt his leg, and between our families... well, there's some unhappiness. I'm afraid if Xiu'er went to the village school, if something happened... children are thin-skinned, might suffer some grievance, not good. Better to send her farther away, for peace and quiet."

Chai Erke was silent for a moment, sighed: "Ai... that's true. The Old Chai Family made such a fuss over this. So you came to Brother for...?"

Chai Mi knew the key point had arrived, bringing up An Baoyu's connection. "I heard Director An Baoyu of Nanwa is the Teaching Director at Ganzhu'er Primary School? I remember my Sister-in-law's maiden family are neighbors with his family?"

Chai Erke's wife's voice came from inside: "Who's looking for Director An? Chai Mi?"

She came out, sizing up Chai Mi from head to toe: "What do you want with An Baoyu?"

Chai Mi saw Second Sister-in-law come out; this person was calculating, she had to be careful in dealing with her, not let her feel she could be manipulated.

And the two families didn't interact much, just acknowledging each other's identities.

"Second Sister-in-law. It's just that Xiu'er wants to study at Ganzhu'er, unfamiliar with the place, wants to ask Erke Brother to help introduce her to Director An, say hello, see how the enrollment procedures work. Xiu'er is a bit older, afraid the school might have something to say."

Second Sister-in-law's eyes turned, with shrewdness: "Oh~ this matter. I know that person An Baoyu, he's aloof, strict at school, not just anyone's words work. Besides, we're just neighbors with him, don't visit much..."

Chai Mi knew she was trying to put on airs or hint at wanting benefits, couldn't follow her line of thought, had to shut it down. "Second Sister-in-law is right, Director An is a cultured person, definitely follows rules. But we're fellow villagers, neighbors, Erke Brother and Sister-in-law saying a word is better than us two going in blind. Just to lead the way, say my child wants to enroll, follow school rules, whatever should be done will be done. Whether it works or not doesn't matter, definitely won't make Erke Brother and Sister-in-law embarrassed."

Chai Erke glanced at his wife, said to Chai Mi: "Chai Mi's words are sincere. That person An Baoyu does have some airs, but isn't unreasonable. Neighbors for so many years, this small favor should be doable. Like this, I'll take you there once, make an introduction, tell him about Xiu'er's situation."

Second Sister-in-law pouted: "Fine, fine, if you're willing to run errands then go. But Chai Mi, Director An's family has a high threshold, going empty-handed doesn't look good."

Chai Mi had long expected her to bring this up, and had prepared her words.

"Second Sister-in-law reminds me well. But among neighbors, being too polite creates distance. First time going, if we bring money or something, they might not accept, and we'd lose face instead. I was thinking to bring some freshly picked vegetables from our own garden, fresh, not worth much, just a gesture. Director An is a cultured person, values 'a light gift, heavy sentiment' right?"

Second Sister-in-law was a bit huffy: "... Suit yourself. You two hurry and go, go early and come back early."

Chai Erke called out: "Let's go, Chai Mi, bring Xiu'er, come with me, Nanwa isn't far."

Nanwa, at the gate of An Baoyu's courtyard.

Chai Erke stepped forward and knocked: "Director An? Is Director An home? It's me, Chai Erke from behind the village!"

The door opened, a middle-aged man wearing glasses and a neat Zhongshan suit appeared, expression serious: "Oh, Erke. What's the matter?"

Chai Erke hurriedly said: "Director An, disturbing your rest. This is Chai Mi from our village's back street, my clan's younger sister. This is her younger sister Chai Xiu. They have something to trouble you with."

An Baoyu's gaze swept over Chai Mi and Chai Xiu, with scrutiny: "What is it? Come in and say."

He turned sideways to let them into the courtyard, but didn't let them into the house, standing in the courtyard: "The house is small, let's just say it here."

Chai Mi felt he indeed had airs, not even letting them into the house.

But it didn't matter, standing and talking was the same, the point was to make things clear. "Director An, hello, disturbing you. This is my younger sister Chai Xiu, now seven years old... birthday is late, nine in nominal age. Family conditions weren't good before, always delayed. Now want to send her to Ganzhu'er Primary School to study, start from the beginning. Heard you're the Teaching Director there, so boldly asked Erke Brother to bring us here, want to consult how the enrollment procedures go? For Xiu'er's situation, can the school accept her?"

An Baoyu pushed his glasses, frowned slightly: "Nine years old? First grade? Way overage. Our school in principle only accepts school-age children within the school district, enrolling at six years old. At her age... by regulations, it's quite troublesome."

Chai Xiu felt this teacher looked fierce, spoke coldly, scarier than Chai You Fu. Sister said follow the rules, his meaning is he doesn't want to accept me?

She muttered softly, but deliberately let An Baoyu hear: "Rules are dead, people are alive... I'm not illiterate, at home my sister taught me quite a few characters..."

Chai Mi felt Xiu'er interrupting was a bit rash, but this line was unexpectedly good, just right to point out Xiu'er had a foundation, not starting from zero. She hurriedly went along: "Director An, Xiu'er is right. At home I indeed taught her some characters, she can write her own name, can do simple math. Just never attended formal school. The child knows she was delayed before, now especially wants to go to school. You see, can you make an exception? Should there be an exam, an exam, should there be an interview, an interview, we guarantee to cooperate with all the school's requirements, definitely no special treatment. And I was also thinking, just let her directly enter third grade."

An Baoyu looked at Chai Xiu, directly enter third grade?

And this isn't special treatment?

Whose child goes to school and enters third grade?

But An Baoyu seemed a bit surprised by her words just now: "Oh? Studied at home?" He turned to Chai Mi, "How much did you learn? Do you have textbooks?"

Chai Mi's heart stirred, there was a chance!

He proactively asked about the details, showing his attitude was softening.

Chai Mi answered truthfully: "There are no textbooks; I just teach her to keep accounts, read letters, and such. She basically knows the common characters and can do some addition and subtraction. She can basically recite Tang poems and Song lyrics too. Mainly, the child herself is eager to learn. This time, for school, I just took her to the Gongxiaoshe to buy a new schoolbag, notebooks, and pencils; she was overjoyed."

Chai Mi was actually still being conservative; Chai Xiu could actually read the Twenty-Four Histories and a large pile of novels, and had even read the newly released Jin Yong martial arts novels.

Chai Erke spoke up at the right time: "Director An, Chai Mi is well known in our village as capable and polite. Her younger sister Xiu'er is also clever. The family used to be in difficulty, but has recovered now; the first major thing is to support her younger sister's schooling, and this heart is quite rare. You see, can you give them a chance? Their family lives right behind us, they have a bicycle and such at home, and it's not especially far from our school, so picking up and dropping off is convenient."

An Baoyu pondered for a moment, his expression slightly easing: "Hmm... overage enrollment isn't completely impossible. It needs the principal's special approval. How about this: on the day school starts, bring the child directly to the school to find me. I'll take you to meet the principal and explain the situation. If the principal nods, then let the child take a simple test to see if her actual level can keep up with third-grade lessons. If she can keep up, it's not a big problem."

Chai Mi was overjoyed in her heart—great! He had softened and was willing to introduce her to the principal! This was the biggest progress.

"Thank you so much, Director An! Rest assured, we will definitely arrive at the school on time when school starts! We will fully cooperate with the test. Xiu'er, quickly thank Director An!"

Chai Xiu hurriedly bowed: "Thank you, Director An!"

An Baoyu waved his hand: "Don't rush to thank yet; the principal's hurdle hasn't been cleared yet. But..." He glanced at the small basket of fresh vegetables Chai Mi had placed by his feet. "Neighbors helping neighbors, and Erke made a special trip; this favor I can help, I will naturally help. Take the things back; I accept your good intentions."

Chai Mi noticed he had seen the vegetables but clearly refused them; he was indeed a person of principle, though he had also given Erke ge face.

This way was best—clean and clear.

But the words still had to be said; Chai Mi said politely: "Director An, it's just vegetables from our own garden, not worth money; let you taste something fresh. If you don't accept, we'll feel even more uneasy in our hearts. You've helped us so much..."

An Baoyu said firmly: "Helping is because the child has a heart for learning; it has nothing to do with vegetables. Take them back. The school has its rules."

Chai Erke smoothed things over: "Director An is upright; we all know that. Chai Mi, the director said he accepts your good intentions, so just take them back; don't make the director uncomfortable."

Chai Mi had no choice but to reply: "Alright, then. Director An, thank you again! We will definitely arrive on time when school starts!"

An Baoyu nodded: "Hmm. Go back."

Leaving An Baoyu's home, on the road back to the village

Chai Erke said while walking: "Chai Mi, the matter has some clues now. An Baoyu is just like this—cold-faced, but keeps his word. He promised to take you to meet the principal; this matter is half done."

Chai Mi also felt it was indeed smoother than expected. An Baoyu was strict, but reasonable, and didn't deliberately make things difficult. The key was the principal's hurdle. "Thanks to you, Erke ge, for leading the way and speaking up! If Xiu'er can really enroll, I and Xiu'er will properly thank you!"

Chai Erke waved his hand: "Cough, what thanks among family? Just being able to help is enough. Your second sister-in-law... she speaks fast; don't take it to heart."

Chai Mi expressed understanding: "Second sister-in-law is also thinking of us. Ge, you've worked hard today; go home and rest early. Xiu'er and I can walk back ourselves."

Chai Erke replied: "Fine, I'll go back first. Call out if there's anything." After saying this, he left first.

Chai Xiu let out a long breath, patting her chest: "Mommy, this Director An looks even scarier than our village school principal! His face was pulled long, and his words were ice-cold. Sister, can he really speak up for us? Will that principal be even fiercer?"

Chai Mi felt Xiu'er had been a bit frightened by An Baoyu's strictness; she needed to cheer her up and also remind her to follow the rules after enrollment. "What's there to fear? He's the Teaching Director, in charge of discipline, so of course he has to be strict. But since he promised to help introduce you, it shows he is reasonable and sees that you truly want to go to school. As for the principal... even if he's fiercer, can he eat people? We just follow the rules, take the exam well—what's there to fear? Once at school, strict teachers are a good thing; only strict management lets you learn real things. Do you think it's like at home, where you can talk back whenever you want?"

Chai Xiu was unconvinced: "I don't talk back all the time at home... Sister, you say, is that test hard? Will I fail? If I fail, do I have to go back to the village school and look at Chai You Fu's old donkey face?"

Chai Mi saw she was starting to worry about the test, showing she really took this matter to heart. She needed to eliminate her worries and also give her some pressure. "Now you know to worry? What were you doing earlier? At home I told you to learn more and you found it annoying! The test will definitely cover recognizing characters and arithmetic—just what I usually teach you. These few days, behave yourself at home and review properly! If you can't even pass a third-grade test, see how I deal with you! Still want to go to Ganzhu'er Primary School? Not a chance! You don't even think about going to Chai You Fu's place; just stay home and tend cattle for me!"