"Dad, Mom, why are you here?" Shen Ruoning asked, completely dumbfounded. Her eyes were wide and her lips slightly parted, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"We came. Aren't you happy?" Shen Wenji said with a smile, tenderness and doting flashing in his eyes.
"Of course I am, I'm very happy," Shen Ruoning said with a smile, the radiance of joy sparkling in her eyes. Her smile was as bright as the sunshine.
Shen Xinning also smiled and said, "This Mid-Autumn Festival we are spending it right here in Yangqing Town, so Mom and Dad came along. To give you a surprise, we didn't tell you beforehand."
Shen Ruoning's face was full of smiles, her mood exceptionally cheerful.
"Let's go then, Han Junzhe is still waiting," Shen Xinning said with a smile, her voice light and lively.
"Go? Go where?" Shen Ruoning asked in bewilderment, her gaze falling on her elder sister with a hint of incomprehension.
"Home, of course!" Shen Xinning said with a smile, her tone relaxed and cheerful.
"I still have classes this afternoon?" Shen Ruoning said, her brows furrowed slightly as she worried about it affecting her studies.
"It won't delay your classes. Today we're going back to eat," Shen Xinning said with a smile.
"Oh," Shen Ruoning said quietly.
The four of them walked out of the teaching building together. When passing by the cafeteria, Shen Ruoning was shocked by the scene before her. She saw the area outside the cafeteria packed with people, with students standing in long lines outside. Everyone was holding a lunchbox in their hands. A student who had already finished getting her food walked past them, and Shen Ruoning saw that their dishes consisted of onions stir-fried with meat, plain stir-fried eggplant, and potato slice soup. Just the look of the food was entirely unappealing.
When it was time to eat, the students did not return to their dormitories or go into the cafeteria because the cafeteria was simply too small to accommodate so many students. Therefore, everyone had to eat their lunch and dinner either on the playground or in various corners of the garden.
The girls would carefully prepare a pretty bag to put their lunchboxes in, making it look particularly elegant. The boys, however, were not nearly as particular; some used a simple plastic bag to hold their lunchbox, while others didn't even use a bag at all, simply holding their lunchbox as they walked back to the classroom to put it away after finishing their meal.
Seeing this scene unfold before her eyes, a sudden wave of sadness welled up in Shen Ruoning's heart. She thought of Shen Xinning. Back then, her sister must have spent her school days the exact same way, right? Perhaps the conditions were even harsher than now, yet she had never uttered a single complaint nor mentioned it to anyone. Thinking of this, Shen Ruoning couldn't help but feel a deep sense of heartache and admiration for Shen Xinning.
"Ruoning, what's wrong?" Shen Xinning asked with concern, seeing that Shen Ruoning's complexion didn't look too good.
"I... I'm fine," Shen Ruoning forced a smile, though her voice trembled slightly.
"Sister, has it always been like this at Yangqing Middle School during meal times?" Shen Ruoning asked, trying her best to keep her tone steady.
"Yes, we've always eaten outside. Except in the afternoon when we might go back to the dormitory to eat. Their food has actually improved a lot by now. Back when we were in school, the potatoes weren't even peeled, and you could basically never find any meat in the meat dishes," Shen Xinning recalled with a smile.
Hearing her sister describe her past life in such an understatement, an indescribable heartache surged within Shen Ruoning's heart. Imagining the hardships and difficulties her sister had once endured, tears almost welled up in her eyes.
"Ruoning, why did you suddenly stop talking?" Su Yun, standing nearby, noticed the change in Shen Ruoning's mood and asked with a smile.
"Oh, no, I'm fine. I just realized how fortunate I am," Shen Ruoning quickly adjusted her emotions and broke into a radiant smile.
"You will always be this fortunate," Shen Xinning gently patted her younger sister's head, her eyes filled with deep affection.
"Get in the car," Shen Xinning said with a smile, opening the car door for Shen Ruoning and gesturing for her to get in. Shen Ruoning nodded and climbed into the car. Throughout the ride, she didn't say a single word, just sitting quietly and looking out the window.
Upon returning home, seeing the table full of sumptuous dishes, she didn't show the excitement she usually did. Looking at the colorful, aromatic, and flavorful dishes of all kinds, she couldn't help thinking of the plain, tasteless meals her classmates held in their hands, and her mood grew somewhat gloomy.
Su Yun and the others kept piling food into Shen Ruoning's bowl. Shen Xinning smiled and said, "Ruoning, eat more. Everything here today is your favorite."
Shen Ruoning smiled faintly and said, "Thank you, brother-in-law, for preparing so many delicious dishes. You've worked hard."
Han Junzhe smiled and said, "As long as you like it."
"Ruoning, remember to eat today's fruit. Don't leave any behind," Shen Xinning's tone carried a hint of reproach, but it was filled with utter love.
Shen Ruoning smiled and accepted the lunchbox handed to her by Shen Xinning. Inside it were neatly arranged all kinds of cut, cored, and peeled fruits, complete with a small fork for convenience.
Shen Xinning had noticed Shen Ruoning's preoccupied mind. On the way back to drop Shen Ruoning off at school, Shen Xinning asked, "Ruoning, what's making you unhappy? Were today's meals not to your liking?"
Shen Ruoning smiled and said, "No, brother-in-law's cooking is wonderful. I... I'm just a bit sad."
"Sad, why?" Shen Xinning asked in puzzlement, though mostly with worry.
"Today was the first time I saw the students at Yangqing Junior High School eating their meals, seeing how they eat bland and tasteless food every day, and having to finish their lunch or dinner in the playground or in various corners. Whenever I think that you used to live through days like this too, my mood gets really heavy," Shen Ruoning said with a tremor in her voice.
Seeing Shen Ruoning feeling so heartbroken for her, Shen Xinning was deeply moved. She smiled and said, "Ruoning, don't let it weigh on you. Life in the past may have been bitter, but I accepted it calmly, because many people were just like me, and they could take it in stride just as well. Because I went through it, I don't want you to have to go through it again. Isn't your sister doing very well now? With all of you by my side, I've never given those past days a second thought."
"As long as you want it, as long as you wish to do it, we will all support you and give it to you, because we now have the ability to let you have anything you desire. Ruoning, don't worry, just accept all of this with peace of mind. The past me had no choice but to accept that kind of life, but the present you rightly deserves this kind of life," Shen Xinning comforted her with a smile.
Hearing Shen Xinning's words, Shen Ruoning felt a weight lift from her heart, and her mood became much lighter. After getting out of the car, she gave Shen Xinning a tight hug. Shen Xinning gently stroked her back and said with a smile, "Alright, go to class now. Pay attention during PE class this afternoon, and remember to eat some chocolate if your blood sugar drops," Shen Xinning reminded her considerately, her eyes brimming with care.
Shen Ruoning nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. She looked just like an injured little beast, stirring one's protective instincts. Slowly loosening her grip around Shen Xinning, she walked toward the teaching building, looking back every few steps.
When she stepped into the classroom, she found that all her classmates had already arrived and were sitting quietly in their respective seats, engrossed in their own tasks. That was because Zhang Xinda had given everyone an assignment that morning, requiring them to finish it and hand it in for him to grade before the end of the noon self-study period.
Shen Ruoning walked silently to her seat. Seeing her, Kong Zhe immediately stood up to yield his seat to her. After Shen Ruoning walked in and sat down, she gently took out her mathematics textbook and exercise book. Then, taking a pen in her right hand, she walked briskly to the podium, sat down there, and began working on the assignment earnestly. The classroom was exceptionally quiet, with only the rustling sound of pen tips scraping against paper.
In less than twenty minutes, Shen Ruoning finished the assignment. She briskly walked down from the podium, went over to her deskmate Kong Zhe, and whispered, "Help me take out an English book from my desk."
Hearing this, Kong Zhe immediately put down his pen, reached into Shen Ruoning's desk to retrieve the book she needed, and handed it to her. Shen Ruoning took the book and whispered, "Thank you." Afterward, she placed her math textbook and exercise book neatly on her desk, then turned and walked back up to the podium.
Shen Ruoning read the English book with complete concentration, becoming entirely engrossed in it. She was so absorbed that she didn't notice at all when Gu Qin walked into the classroom. Gu Qin looked at Shen Ruoning, so focused on her book, and couldn't help feeling curious. He walked up to Shen Ruoning, lowered his head, and asked in a low voice, "What book are you reading? You're so engrossed." Gu Qin's sudden voice startled Shen Ruoning. She raised her head, looking somewhat flustered. Seeing her expression, Gu Qin couldn't help smiling. Shen Ruoning gently patted her chest to calm her nerves and replied, "An English book. It has some words and their usages in it."
Hearing this, Gu Qin wore a gratified smile, nodded gently, and said warmly, "Alright, keep reading then." His gaze fell upon Shen Ruoning, full of trust and encouragement.
With that, Gu Qin slowly walked down from the podium with steady and unhurried steps. He patrolled the classroom slowly, his eyes sweeping over every student as if conveying a silent care and supervision. Then, he quietly walked out of the classroom, leaving behind an atmosphere of quiet study.
Not long after Gu Qin left, Shen Ruoning lightly lifted her wrist to check the time on her watch. There were only five minutes left until the afternoon self-study period ended. Thus, she stood up, her crisp voice breaking the classroom's tranquility: "Group leaders, please collect the math assignments and put them on the podium. When self-study ends, I'll take them to the math teacher."
Hearing Shen Ruoning's instruction, the group leaders immediately sprang into action. They quickly stood up and methodically collected the math assignments from their classmates, filling the classroom with a burst of murmuring noises. Shen Ruoning herself went down from the podium to collect the assignments for the third group.
Once all the assignments were gathered, Shen Ruoning picked up the thick stack of exercise books and walked with firm strides toward the office on the first floor. Arriving at the doorway, she took a deep breath and politely announced, "May I come in?"
The teachers inside the office were busy with their work. Hearing Shen Ruoning's voice, one of them responded, "Come in." Shen Ruoning walked cautiously into the office. She went straight to teacher Zhang Xinda's desk, placed the stack of exercise books down gently, and then turned and quietly left the office.
"Wait a moment," Gu Qin said with a smile.
Hearing the voice, Shen Ruoning stopped in her tracks, walked over to Gu Qin's desk, and looked at him with a smile, waiting for his instructions.
Gu Qin said, "I have something to attend to and will be a little late for the next class. You lead the students in reviewing the vocabulary I've taught and keep the discipline."
Shen Ruoning smiled, nodded, and obediently replied, "Alright, Teacher."
With that, Shen Ruoning turned and left the office.
Returning to the classroom, Shen Ruoning found that her deskmate Kong Zhe was sleeping with his head down on the desk, so she didn't want to disturb him.
Seeing Shen Ruoning return, Gu Sha asked with a smile, "You're back. Why don't you wake him up?"
Shen Ruoning shook her head, a bold idea popping into her mind.
She smiled and whispered to Gu Sha, "Could you please get up from your seat for a moment?" Gu Sha looked somewhat puzzled, but complied anyway. Then, Shen Ruoning cautiously stepped onto Gu Sha's chair, then stepped onto her own desk and chair, and finally stepped down from the chair onto the floor. After completing this maneuver, she didn't forget to politely say thank you to Gu Sha and handed her a tissue, gesturing for her to wipe away the footprint she had left behind.
Shen Ruoning successfully made it back to her seat, picked up her book, and read for a while before Kong Zhe woke up. Rubbing his eyes, he saw that Shen Ruoning was already sitting in her seat, and couldn't help showing an expression of surprise, asking curiously, "How did you get in?"
Shen Ruoning smiled mischievously and replied triumphantly, "I have my own ways."
A few minutes later, the class bell rang precisely, its crisp sound echoing through the classroom. Shen Ruoning motioned for Kong Zhe to stand up so she could get out. The corners of Kong Zhe's mouth curled up into a smile, and he teased, "Why don't you go out the exact same way you got in?"
Hearing this, Shen Ruoning smiled and said, "The way I got in wasn't very proper, it's not suitable to use right now. I'd better take the proper path."
Hearing Shen Ruoning's words, Kong Zhe finally stood up leisurely and cleared a path for her. Shen Ruoning stepped out of her seat, gripped her English textbook tightly, and walked lightly toward the podium.
Standing on the podium, Shen Ruoning's gaze swept across the entire class, her eyes resolute and confident. She smiled and said, "The head teacher will be a little late due to something to attend to. Please open your English textbooks to the vocabulary list first, and let's review the words we learned previously together. I'll read a word, and you will read it after me twice." Her voice was clear and resonant, carrying an unquestionable authority.
Shen Ruoning took a deep breath and began reading the first word: "Good." The students followed along one after another, their voices unified and loud: "Good," "Good." Then, Shen Ruoning continued to lead everyone in reviewing word after word, each pronunciation accurate and full of a steady rhythm.
"BBC," Shen Ruoning read.
"BBC," "BBC," the students read in unison, their clear and bright reading voices echoing throughout the classroom.