Chapter 159 - 158: Admitted (Fifth Update)
During the middle school exam, Gu Xiaoqing’s exam venue was at another middle school a hundred miles away—Qiao Wang Middle School.
The exam lasted three days.
Because it was far from home, it wasn’t convenient to return home.
Li Xuemei deliberately didn’t go to work, as both she and her husband were worried about their daughter being so far away, possibly encountering any issues. Hence, each morning, they would ride a tricycle to take Gu Xiaoqing to the exam, and stay there waiting for her to finish.
At noon, they would find a spot under a big tree. Li Xuemei brought meals and a thermos of hot water, fearing her daughter might suffer.
This place was a village, not a town market, and there was no place to buy food. If they didn’t come to deliver meals to their child, there’d be nowhere to eat.
Many children from outside villages also brought their own food like buns, eggs, and pickled vegetables. It wasn’t convenient to return.
Parents like Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei, who cherished their children so much, were rare to see.
After three days, the exam was over, and Gu Xiaoqing finally had a break.
Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai were hesitant to ask Gu Xiaoqing how her exam went, mainly fearing she might have performed poorly and feeling bad, adding to her distress wouldn’t be comforting.
The whole family avoided mentioning this topic.
But the results came out soon.
Gu Xiaoqing knew her score before the school break, 395 points.
Each subject had a maximum score of 100 points.
This score was only five points short of a perfect score.
The principal and Fang Nan teacher were all smiles, beaming with joy.
This score was the first in the county, and although other students’ scores weren’t particularly ideal, this student’s result compensated for many.
This was the best result Sishui Middle School ever had.
The school had long hung a red banner, displaying: Congratulations to Gu Xiaoqing for achieving first place in the county and being admitted to City No. 1 Middle School.
Enough to make many village parents envious.
Gu Xiaoqing was also very happy, her dream finally realized step by step.
The reporting date was August 30th.
This time, Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei were truly overjoyed.
Their daughter was the first place in the entire county.
What a concept.
Even when Gu Xiaocheng got into college back then, it wasn’t as remarkable.
Both were constantly cheerful, often caught by villagers for half-hour long congratulatory conversations.
Faces full of smiles, instantly looking several years younger.
However, the upcoming matters also needed to be addressed.
Because once Gu Xiaoqing needed to attend school in the city, the relocation for Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei’s family couldn’t be delayed.
Gu Xiaoqing eventually discussed with her parents, thinking it’s just right during summer vacation, they might as well visit the city, primarily to check out housing.
Additionally, they should visit Fang Shaonan’s family, as reciprocating hospitality is important since living in the city might eventually require their help, better not resort to last-minute efforts.
Also, allowing parents to experience the city’s environment, familiarize in advance, and avoid feeling lost.
Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai agreed.
Having their child alone in the city was truly worrying for them.
So visiting wouldn’t be wrong.
Therefore, the whole family of five set out.
Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei carried two thousand yuan, mainly worried about city expenses, unsure of the exact needs, but prepared nonetheless, as this trip included taking three children along, better be ready.
Consider it a chance to broaden their horizon.
Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai prepared a bag of red dates and walnuts for He Cui’s family, these were last winter’s harvests, all fresh, Li Xuemei even picked each one, selecting the well-shaped, and finest ones.
In Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei’s minds, they didn’t have much valuable offerings, even if these crops from their own fields weren’t special, they were heartfelt, and these were indeed good items.
Hence, the family embarked on their journey.
Early morning, they got on a bus from the town, reached the county in three hours, then bought long-distance tickets, spent an arduous eight-hour ride, arriving in the city as daylight faded.
Upon getting off, both Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei felt a bit dizzy.
The three children stayed close.
The city felt different from the village, though it was dark, the roads were brightly lit, especially the bus station area, bustling with people.
The family of five stood amidst the vibrant lights, genuinely a bit at a loss.
Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei, being adults, indeed felt anxious, and firmly held onto the three children, unfamiliar territory, losing someone here, where would they look?
Li Xuemei unconsciously touched her belt area, where the pocket carrying their entire money was pressed against her stomach.
Gu Xiaoqing knew this unfamiliar sensation could easily make her parents apprehensive, so she tugged at Gu Ruhai, saying, "Mom, Dad, let’s go. There’s a bus over there, probably still running at this hour. Let’s first head to the guesthouse near the commercial street to stay, then decide tomorrow. I know the way, our teacher led us here last time."
Could hardly say she had been here in a past life.
Gu Ruhai felt relieved, having someone who knew the way was certainly better than wandering in the dark.
Catching the No. 11 bus, three stops later, they arrived at the commercial street square and got off.
The current commercial street wasn’t advanced, and the square was quite basic, yet for a provincial capital city, it was impressive enough, neither Gu Ruhai nor the others had ever seen such a scene.
Just the neat concrete pavements on the street, the asphalt roads, the bustling traffic was already eye-opening, along with the luminous signboards, most captivating were two tall buildings bearing dazzling neon lights, truly unprecedented views.
They arrived at the guesthouse.
The family of five, dressed in clear rural attire, earthy and rustic. The guesthouse staff showed their disdain, brusque and unfriendly, saying, "No five-person rooms available, only two or three-person rooms, two-person rooms cost ten yuan per night, three-person rooms thirteen, deposit one day’s payment as security, refunded upon leaving. How many days are you staying?"
At this time, guesthouses were expensive places, generally not frequented unless attending studies, conferences, or tourism, mostly organizational stays that didn’t hesitate to spend.
Indeed upon hearing the price, both Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei found it expensive.
Too costly indeed.
This one night’s stay for the family would cost twenty-three yuan, quite daunting.
Was this daylight robbery?
Seeing the pained expression on both Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei’s faces, the staff grew impatient.
"Are you staying or not?"
Finally glancing at the twilight outside, Gu Ruhai grit his teeth and pulled out the money, "We’ll stay for one day."
Once formalities were done, they threw them two keys.
"Second floor, 201, 205, hot water dispenser on the first floor, for hot water, bring your thermos down to fill it. Shower room and restroom are at the end of the hallway."
The staff no longer paid them any attention. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users can read at m.qidian.com.)