NOVPUBChapter 101: Chapter 101: Beating Gongs and Drums
Chapter 101 -101: Beating Gongs and Drums
The villagers all came to visit; this was indeed a joyous occasion. Before, it was just talk, but now the village chief’s colored paper clearly stated that Bai Xiao had been admitted to university. It was posted on a red cloth for all to see, signifying the pride of their entire village.
It wasn’t certain that one could find a college student in every ten or eight villages.
In Liupan Village, having a college student was enough to give them something to talk about, even during discussions about their children’s marriages—it was an advantage. Although it wasn’t their own child who had gone to university, it proved that Liupan Village had good feng shui, nurturing its people.
Li Chunmei and Liu Baoguo were hosting the guests like elders, simply sitting in the courtyard, handing out cigarettes, and chatting. Everyone knew the village chief didn’t organize a banquet to save money for Bai Xiao’s school travel expenses. Most visitors gave a small red envelope, not much, a dime or two just to show goodwill. Of course, there were also some forward-thinking ones who enclosed a dollar, which was already a significant amount in the countryside.
Liu Baoguo had the village accountant, Joe Lao San, keep track of the contributions. This was a matter of sentiment; they had no plans to ask Bai Xiao to repay it, but they couldn’t just forget it—they intended to repay it in the future.
Bai Xiao was packing his belongings inside the house when Liu Hong came in slowly. Seeing Liu Hong, Bai Xiao didn’t speak; he wasn’t the type of warm person who could instantly connect and be friendly without any sense of strangeness. If others didn’t speak, Bai Xiao wasn’t good at livening up the atmosphere either.
Thus, an awkward scene unfolded in the room: Bai Xiao silently packed his things while Liu Hong just stood by the doorway, leaning on the frame and watching the busy Bai Xiao.
“Bai Xiao, do you think I deserve what happened to me, that it’s my own fault?” Liu Hong’s sudden question made Bai Xiao turn around. 𝘯𝑜𝘷𝘱𝘶𝘣.𝘤𝘰𝑚
“Why should I think that? Do we have a grudge?” Bai Xiao didn’t know what she was thinking. Could she possibly suspect him, her life-saver?
That would be biting the hand that feeds.
“I always used to mock and isolate you, along with others. Don’t you hate me for that?”
Bai Xiao smirked, “You think that’s worth my hatred? If so, should I hate my grandmother and uncle even more? Don’t overthink things. Making a mistake or misjudging people isn’t a big deal; everyone errs at some point. But if you think the whole world looks down on you because of this, you’re overthinking it. Life is short, everyone is busy; who has the time for your trivial matters? What really matters is how you live your life. Are you going to let that scum ruin your life? That’s what would really be laughable and a disappointment to your parents. Remember, you’re not alone—you have parents who love and care for you and two brothers serving in the military. Compared to me, aren’t you fortunate enough?” This kid just needed a lesson, always creating problems for no reason.
She wasn’t going to indulge Liu Hong just because her father was the village chief; she had no obligation to do so. She had saved her life once because in her previous life she had encountered a scumbag and didn’t want Liu Hong to think that a single mistake should cost a life—not worth it. Secondly, of course, it was because of Liu Baoguo’s status. It wasn’t out of pure kindness; she wasn’t that benevolent.
She didn’t have the time to pity or save others; she had her own struggles to manage.
Liu Hong fell silent, standing aside and pondering.
Bai Xiao’s attitude actually awakened her. Right, she was too presumptuous, expecting others to care about her. In fact, compared to Bai Xiao, her life was much more blessed. She had the protection of her loving parents and the affection of her brothers. It was her own doing, how was it related to others? Bai Xiao didn’t need to ridicule her, because she wasn’t worth the attention or revenge. What she considered a slight grievance was just trivial bickering in the eyes of others. Was it worth taking to heart?
“Bai Xiao, thank you!” This time, Liu Hong was sincere, especially after this incident! Liu Hong truly grew up and matured. People only mature through experiences, don’t they?
Bai Xiao smiled, “Live well and don’t worry your parents. You are their only daughter. If something were to happen to you, it would claim their lives. Just look at your mother’s temples; in just a few days, they’ve turned white. The greatest sorrow in the world is for parents to outlive their children. When children want to provide care, their parents are no longer there. Don’t wait until it’s too late to have regrets. Look at me; even if I wanted to honor my parents, they are no longer here.” It was the truth. If possible, Bai Xiao would rather return to the time when her parents were alive. At least, she would ensure they had a good life and enjoyed it without leaving so soon.
Unfortunately, life is unpredictable! Nothing happens as one wishes.
The time of her return was already late; the past lives’ kindest two people to her could never come back.
Such a regret is incomprehensible to anyone.
Although she wasn’t their biological child, her parents truly loved her as their own. They even ensured, before their passing, that her siblings looked after her. Her greatest fortune was having such a family; not by blood, yet better than many blood relationships.
“I understand! I won’t let them be sad anymore. Call me when you make the quilt; at least I can help out a bit, sort of repaying the favor,” she joked, immediately brightening the atmosphere.
Bai Xiao wouldn’t refuse, as having an extra friend wasn’t a bad thing, “Sure, I’ll call you.”
The two girls looked at each other and smiled, instantly feeling closer.
Gradually, everyone left because it wasn’t mealtime, and to linger would be imposing for a meal, an embarrassing dishonor no one would tolerate.
Bai Xiao and Liu Hong quickly prepared lunch at home, not letting Li Chunmei and Liu Baoguo come for nothing. Liu Hong was even willing to help; over the course of the morning, the two found much common ground. Perhaps friendship is that simple. Despite Bai Xiao’s quiet disposition, Liu Hong’s enthusiasm complemented it, making their unlikely friendship quite meaningful.
Li Chunmei and Liu Baoguo didn’t hesitate to appreciate their daughter’s cooking, especially since she seemed less gloomy than before and more cheerful. Apart from still being worried about Liu Hong’s health, they were happy to see her and Bai Xiao getting along. After all, Bai Xiao was a steady and methodical person, who could potentially influence Liu Hong.
Right after the meal, An Zhiyuan arrived, and this time, he came alone, apparently just for Bai Xiao. After greeting Liu Baoguo and Li Chunmei, he took advantage of the moment Bai Xiao was washing dishes inside to hand her an envelope.
