Chronicle of the 70s

Recently, Jianqing's enthusiasm for learning surged remarkably because of the snowfall, the literacy class switched to once every two days. However, the study workload doubled, far surpassing the pace and difficulty of a regular primary school. Jianqing's determination to join the army was unstoppable, and when he realized his sister Xianglu had an exceptional memory, he almost stopped asking the educated youth teacher and turned directly to his sister for help.

Xianglu, seeing Jianqing's motivation, was also willing to teach him, so usually after lunch, they would place a small table on the warm kang on the east side to study.

However, it was mostly a pattern of Jianqing asking questions and Xianglu answering.

In the afternoon, with no need to attend the literacy class and no chores left at home, both of them would study cozily on the kang. Xianglu's shoes were already crafted, with a thick collar made from rabbit fur. She was currently sewing the fur onto the sole. The awl she used was borrowed, and she had to be especially careful with the needle, for it was hard to replace if broken.

Jianqing was reciting poems and just then, a woman's voice called out from the courtyard: "Second Uncle, are you there?"

It was Xiangwei's voice. Xianglu quickly put on her cotton shoes and went out to invite her in. Xiangwei's plump cheeks were slightly red from the cold. Upon seeing Xianglu, her gaze flickered and she blinked, asking, "Little sister, where are Second Uncle and Second Aunt?"

Feeling puzzled, Xianglu replied with a smile, "They've both gone out, probably visiting someone's house."

Xiangwei said, "Grandma is calling for them. She wants Second Uncle and Second Aunt to come over."

Jianqing also put on his shoes and came down from the kang, saying to Xianglu, "They're probably at Patriot's house next door. I'll go call them."