Chapter 596: Rivalry Intensifies (4)_1
"It’s about teaching one’s own child to read and write, but there’s no money in the house to do so. As soon as my brother mentioned supporting my nephew’s education, my mother-in-law had the children from the second and third households join in, causing my son to fall behind till now. He can’t study anymore," she lamented, "He’s twelve this year."
"If he doesn’t pursue schooling, it’s best he learns a craft early on. With a skill in hand, one won’t fear hunger wherever they go," Pei Qin said.
Zhao Hongmei wasn’t stupid, hearing her suggest this, she eagerly pleaded for help with an idea, "...I’ve given up hope on my husband. My hopes rest on the two boys! Xiao Pei, you are capable and full of ideas, please help with a suggestion! The brothers can’t end up like me in the future."
Seeing her eagerness, Pei Qin offered, "Then, send him over, let me take a look."
"He came with me, went to see his uncle the carpenter! I’ll go call him over!" Zhao Hongmei hastily rose to her feet and left.
Sun Tiezhu had recovered and wished to help his sister. His brother-in-law was beyond hope and his nephew couldn’t continue his studies, which made him particularly eager to pass on his own skills to the boy by working with him for a few years until he could make things on his own.
But Zhao Ju really didn’t like carpentry, even though he knew his uncle was well-meaning; whenever he came by, he would stand by and listen.
When he heard that Pei Qin wanted to take a look at him and could offer him a suggestion, possibly a job or a craft to learn, he was extremely nervous.
Once called over, Pei Qin spoke with him for a while, "Then you should start off by helping at the roasted goods shop—Silly Melon Seeds!"
Grandma Sun had been wanting to suggest this but feared Pei Qin might get upset; upon hearing that Zhao Ju was to go to Silly Melon Seeds’ roasted goods shop, she expressed her gratitude over and over.