Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Chen Li curled her lip in a sneer, “Sure, you can talk all you want about elegance and ideals, but without money, how can you pursue an education?
Graduating would be a distant dream. What makes you think you can chase after your dreams?”
“Young lady, let’s be practical here. Isn’t all your hard work ultimately aimed at making more money and living a better life?”
“Now there’s a convenient shortcut right before you. Why not consider taking
As Chen Li’s words echoed, Xia Wan’s mind drifted back to her past life. It brought to mind Liu Hua’s cousin who had attended university, only to marry a man from the county with a mere elementary school education. The man had a
minor leg disability, and the incident had become a topic of village gossip. Many pitied Liu Sha for her fate.
Seeing the situation firsthand, Xia Wan finally comprehended the underlying reasons for that incident.
In the past, Liu Hua might have struggled to counter Chen Li’s arguments, perhaps even internalizing them, believing that pursuing university education would be futile and a burden on her family.
However, things had changed. With 4,500 yuan from selling lingzhi, Xia Wan found newfound confidence.
Liu Hua stood her ground, “You need not concern yourself with this. Our Liu family will gather the funds for our cousin’s university education. Since you’re unwilling to offer financial assistance, you’re free to leave. Your so-called help holds no value for us. You’re disrespecting us!”
Chen Li cast a scornful glance at Liu Hua, “You? You claim you’re ready to assist Liu Sha. Are your parents on board with this? Do you think borrowing money is a simple matter now? It won’t be as straightforward if you ever require my help in the future.”
Initially demoralized by Chen Li’s words, Liu Sha regained her resolve witnessing Liu Hua’s defense.
She squared her shoulders and addressed Chen Li, “I won’t marry. Auntie, please depart.”
Liu Li also chimed in, ushering Chen Li away, “Just go. Your help is not needed here.”
Confronted by unanimous rejection, Chen Li emitted a derisive snort, “You people simply fail to recognize a good opportunity.”
With that, she departed in a huff, convinced that these sisters would inevitably come knocking for assistance sooner or later.
After Chen Li’s departure, Liu Sha looked apologetically at Liu Hua and Xia Wan, “I’m sorry you had to witness that.”
Liu Li expressed his remorse to Liu Sha, “My child, it’s due to your unfortunate father that you’ve been subjected to this. You’re bright, with excellent grades, and you’re dutiful. If only you were born into a more privileged family, you wouldn’t be grappling with such challenges.”
In wealthier households, a child with such achievements would undoubtedly be provided the best resources.
Liu Li desired to offer the best for Liu Sha, but his health limited his ability to work as much as he wished.
His eyes glistened slightly as he spoke. They say true men are not quick to shed tears, but when it came to his daughter’s education, his feelings of inadequacy were genuine.
Liu Sha consoled him, “Dad, it’s alright. Where I’m studying, there are plenty of job opportunities. I can work part-time when I don’t have classes, and I can even find work in the school cafeteria.’
Upon hearing this, Liu Li’s distress deepened, “Working in the school cafeteria?
What if your classmates see you? They might mock you.”
Despite both attending university, some could afford luxurious lives, while his daughter had to work to make ends meet.
Liu Sha smiled, masking a hint of bitterness in her gaze, as she assured him that it didn’t matter.
Observing their interaction, Liu Hua could no longer contain herself, “Cousin,
Uncle, I can lend you some money. It’s not much, but I can provide 1,000 yuan.”
Although she hadn’t yet commenced her university studies, Liu Hua had spoken with Liu Sha previously and knew that her annual tuition was 1,000 yuan, with living expenses varying. Some who ate at the cafeteria spent only a few yuan per day.
While Liu Hua’s family wasn’t affluent, they still possessed some savings. Lending 1,000 yuan could assist Liu Sha in covering her tuition, with other expenses becoming minor concerns.
Liu Sha looked at Liu Hua in astonishment, “Hua Hua, where did your family acquire such money?”
She was aware of their circumstances; they only earned 200-300 yuan each month. Earning 1,000 yuan would necessitate four months of income, even without accounting for other expenses.
Liu Hua fabricated a story, “Wan Wan’s shop is undergoing renovations. They require extra hands for daily tasks, and my dad is helping out. Coupled with the occasional work at the shop, I managed to accumulate some funds.”
“And I still have a year before university expenses become a concern. Cousin, please use the money for now. This could alter your destiny. Wouldn’t you like to postpone marriage for a while?”
Once a woman married, she might face pressure from in-laws to have children, potentially hindering her career prospects. Liu Hua couldn’t bear the thought of her cousin enduring such a fate..