Chapter Thirty-Nine

  A few people had a great time playing in Beijing and didn't return until the 16th, although Yucai and others had their first official class on the 15th.

  Yu Cai first went to the Qi family, her luggage was still there. After going online, she saw that the publisher had replied to her letter, saying that her new book would probably be available in about a month and they were very interested in the animation she sent, asking her to make another one for the new book, which could be made into a CD together with the previous one and given away with the book.

  There was even a letter from the Shanghai New Concept Writing Competition Center, inviting her to participate in this year's competition. Yu Cai was thrilled for a moment, but then felt that what she wrote lacked depth and couldn't compare with those profound kids on New Concept.

  Yu Cai was entangled in worries, while Jixi was having his first introspection about life.

  This time in Beijing, several parents took them to visit the major universities in Beijing with great care. Of course, what they didn't know was that this idea was first proposed by Yu Zai.

  A few people strolled around the Unnamed Lake at Peking University, and Qi Shu Fan suggested that they let the high school students walk on their own for a while, so they could take a break. Halfway through the stroll, Xia Yunyun said, "I wish I could get into Peking University."

  He Qiaojie said, "What's so good about Peking University? I want to go to Renmin University of China Law School."

  Xia Yun sighed and asked, "Yu Cai, which school are you going to take the exam for?"

  "I don't care, as long as it's a university."

  How despicable! "You're too laid-back, aren't you?"

  Xia Yunyao said, "Yu Cai, your grades are very good, you can completely choose a university you like".

  Yu Cai thought for a moment, "Actually, I really want to go to Tibetan University to study, but my parents won't agree".

  Xia Yunyun was shocked, "Where are you going? I've heard the weather is bad there, the people are barbaric, and they speak a language that can't be understood. The food is also inedible."

  "So my parents won't agree!" Yu Cai shrugged her shoulders, "Ji Shi, which university do you want to attend?"

  Qizhi's gaze shifted from the lake surface without uttering a word.

  Yu Cai pretended not to understand He Qi and Xia Yunyun's exchange of glances, and continued to ask, "Don't you want to go to college?"

  Ji Shi still didn't speak, looking at Yu Cai with a hint of confusion.

  Yu sighed, "Now many people say things like high scores and low ability, but a university diploma is still the basic guarantee for us to gain respect in society. Moreover, I think that in college we will have experiences worth treasuring for a lifetime, including knowledge, teachers, and classmates."

  He Qizhen nodded in agreement, "My mom said that nowadays when people mention someone who hasn't been to college, it feels like they're saying he's illiterate."

  "And besides, we all have to make a living one day. Except for the very few exceptions, those without a university degree can only do manual labor. Even if you don't have to worry about your future, I think you wouldn't want to live under your dad's shadow forever, would you?"

  Yu Cai's last words heavily struck Ji Xuan's heart, and he suddenly realized that he had actually been under Ji Shu Fan's all-pervasive care all along, even Yu Cai was found by Ji Shu Fan to help him...

  Ji Shi began to consider his own future for the first time, was it really as Yu Cai said that he would spend his whole life under the protection of Ji Shu Fan, and even after his death, rely on the legacy he left behind?

  After calming down and thinking for a few days, he saw Yu Cai staring blankly at the computer and asked, "Yu Cai, do you think that only by going to college can one gain respect and make a living?"

  Yu Cai lifted her head, stunned for a long time before realizing that Ji Shi's words were true. She asked herself if she wasn't just hallucinating, thought for a moment, and then solemnly spoke up, "It depends on the specific situation. For example, take me. If I couldn't get into college, I would be forever stuck as a country girl. Even if I went out to work, no one would respect a migrant worker like me. With my qualifications, it's impossible for me to make a name for myself or start a business. As for making a living, that's doable - after all, hardly anyone starves to death these days. But we have to look at how we make a living. If every day is just a struggle to survive, with no money to buy the things I like or travel to places I want to go, and not even enough for medical care, let alone securing my family's standard of living...I think this kind of life lacks basic joy and dignity, and isn't worth encouraging. But if it were you, even if you didn't get into college, your dad would find you a great job with a good income, and maybe even leave you a large inheritance. You wouldn't have to worry about encountering the same problems as me."

  "What if he wasn't there?"

  Yu Cai's voice was even warmer, "Let me tell you, I don't mean to look down on you, but with your current grades, it's not certain that you'll be able to get into university. Moreover, you're not fond of speaking, which will be a huge disadvantage in society. Without special opportunities, you'll only be doing the most basic jobs for the least amount of money. And you know, you look very good, which is an advantage, but at the same time, it will also increase your risk."

  Qí Shì furrowed his brow, "Is it that without him, you wouldn't be accompanying me and saying these things?"

  Yu hesitated for a moment, then looked at him sincerely with her eyes, "Qizhi, you should understand that if it weren't for your dad, we wouldn't have met. I'm just an ordinary high school student, while you're the son of heaven. We come from different worlds. But now because of your dad, we've met and I've been paid to accompany you, doing my best to help you. However, this doesn't mean our relationship is purely transactional. Let me put it this way: you and your class teacher are also connected because your dad pays the tuition fees, which he uses to teach and guide you within a certain scope. But his concern for you is genuine; as your teacher, he hopes you'll improve and be happy in the future. Our situation is similar - your dad paying me is real, but my concern for you is also genuine, not just because of money. Although you don't like to talk much, at heart, you're a very easy-going person and a good student who listens attentively during lessons and completes assignments on time. Honestly, I really like you and hope you'll do well in the future."

  Qī shì zhī níng shén xiǎng le yī huìr, "nà hé qí ——"

  "He Qi is always taking care of you, maybe part of it is because of your dad, but I think he genuinely likes you and regards you as a friend."

  Qī shì zhī diǎn tóu, "xiè xiè".

  English Translation:

  Jiexi nodded and said, "Thank you."

  Yu Cai Rou smiled and said, "No need to be polite, I think you're always too careless, it's good to think more," then continued staring at the computer in a daze.

  This conversation was clearly heard by Qishu Fan, who was sitting not far away reading a magazine. He had mixed feelings in his heart and his eyes kept wandering back and forth between his own son and Yu Cai. When he looked at Yu Cai, his expression became even more complex and obscure.

  A tranquil atmosphere enveloped a person in a daze and two deep in thought, until Yucai suddenly jumped up, "Ah, it's nine o'clock, I have to hurry back and tidy up, there's class tomorrow, you guys should get some rest too".

  "It's getting late, I'll walk you back."

  Yu Cai knew it was so late, he must not be at ease with himself going back alone, so he nodded in agreement, bid farewell to Qi Shi Zhi, and followed Qi Shu Fan, who was carrying big and small bags, downstairs.

  The car had just started moving when Ji Shu Fan spoke up in a low voice, "Xiao Cai, I don't know how to thank you".

  "You don't have to thank me, I'm just telling the truth. I really like this student, and if I can help him in any way, I'd be happy."

  Qibook softly sighed and said in a low voice, "Mr. Qi, forgive me for speaking straight, but sometimes you really spoil him too much, to the point where he doesn't even know some very basic things."

  "Xiao Cai, you don't know—"

  Yu Cai saw that he hadn't continued for a long time, shrugged and said, "I don't know, and I think you had me come to teach him just to keep him company, like how you would invite Auntie over."

  "I didn't deny it, Teacher Mei called me at that time and said there was a girl in their class who wanted to find a student to teach, and also said you have a stable personality and are very sensible, maybe it will bring some good influence to Xi Zhi. I thought He Qi's personality is a bit impulsive, so I agreed with an attitude of trying it out, unexpectedly, Xiao Cai, you always surprise me, I'm glad I made that choice at the beginning."

  "Mr. Qi, you're overpraising me, I'm really not as good as you said, it's just that I've grown up a bit."

  "I'm glad he has you by his side when he grows up."

  Yu Cai smiled lightly and said, "I think he should be grateful for having a father like you."

  Qishu's face flashed with pain for a moment, and just as he was about to say something, Yu Cai spoke up, "Let's stop here, I live in this alley."

  When they stopped the car, Ji Fan insisted on sending Yu Cai back, and Yu Cai had no choice but to agree.

  Yu Xiang hasn't returned from self-study yet, and the small courtyard is pitch black.

  Yu Cai watched as Qi Shu Fan finished putting things away, "I won't keep you any longer, if I'm not mistaken, you still have to rush to work early tomorrow morning, get some rest early".

  Qishu Fang nodded and said, "You should get some rest too, if there's anything call me."