People in the alley: A woman dressed as a man shouldn't be foolishly filial, Zhuang Chaoying

At this moment, Zhang Amei's face was extremely pale, turning from green to white, and her lips trembled slightly, yet she didn't know how to refute it.

Her hands unconsciously gripped the hem of her clothes.

Old Wu also sat in the chair, constantly rubbing his face.

He knew Zhuang Chaoying was right; Shanshan's grades had always been among the best, and she was good enough to go to university. But when he thought about his family's financial situation and his second wife's insistence, he was caught in a dilemma.

After Huang Ling pulled Zhuang Chaoying out of Lao Wu's house and back to her own home.

Huang Ling was furious and punched him twice: "Chao Ying, what's wrong with you today? This is their family matter. We are outsiders and shouldn't say too much. Why did you say so much? Now Lao Wu and A-mei will start fighting again. You're just asking for trouble."

The two sat on the edge of the bed. Zhuang Chaoying gently took Huang Ling's arm and sighed, "Ling, I can't stand it anymore. With Shanshan's grades, she could definitely get into university. She's so smart and hardworking. It's such a waste for her to go to a vocational school. I just can't hold it in anymore."

"But you can't just say that this is the end of it and that you shouldn't get involved in things like this in the future. Although I also don't approve of Lao Wu letting Shanshan apply to vocational school because of Zhang Amei, we are, after all, outsiders."

Zhuang Chaoying already had a plan in mind. The reason they didn't want Shanshan to go to high school was simply because they didn't want to pay for three years of high school tuition. Another reason was that Zhang Amei's appearance was not good, and they were afraid that Shanshan would outshine Xiaomin.

Huang Ling is right. I shouldn't meddle too much in other people's family affairs. I should just do what I can with a clear conscience.

We can find a suitable opportunity to discuss it closer to the high school entrance exam.

...

In the evening, Zhuang Chaoying, Huang Ling, Song Ying, and Lin Wufeng sat together playing cards.

The sound of cards being flipped and the occasional exchange of words.

As Huang Ling skillfully arranged the cards in her hand, she couldn't help but talk about her visit to Old Wu's house that day. "Old Wu was just being polite by asking you for your opinions, but who knew you would actually say them?"

He stared at Zhuang Chaoying with slightly wide eyes, and his hand movements as he played the cards seemed a bit forceful.

Zhuang Chaoying played a three: "I also can't stand how Lao Wu, as a father, treats Shanshan. No matter what, Shanshan is his biological daughter."

Lin Wufeng pondered for a moment, then produced a five-digit card: "Teacher Zhuang, we can't blame Lao Wu. He's in a difficult position too. He has two children, Zhang Amei has one, and Xiaojun is still young and will need to be supported for many years. Plus, they both have elderly parents on both sides. Since we can't solve their high school tuition and living expenses, then we shouldn't get involved in their family's affairs."

Zhuang Chaoying nodded: "Engineer Lin, you're right, that's definitely the logic."

Will Shanshan still betray Song Ying, who was kind to her, when she goes to college?

It's almost become an obsession for him.

During the lunch break the next day, Zhuang Chaoying took advantage of the good sunshine and hurriedly went to the junior high school section.

As soon as Zhuang Chaoying reached the bottom of the building, she saw a male teacher smoking.

The male teacher exhaled smoke rings that slowly rose and dissipated. "Teacher Zhuang, what brings you to the junior high section?"

"I'm here to find Ms. Zhao, the teacher of the third grade class."

The male teacher nodded and exhaled another puff of smoke: "They're in the office."

"Ok, thanks."

Zhuang Chaoying quickened her pace and entered the teaching building.

He went up the stairs to the second floor, stood at the office door and knocked gently: "Knock knock knock! Is Teacher Zhao in?"

Teacher Zhao is an older female teacher with some gray hair.

She was writing a lesson plan when she heard a knock on the door. She looked up and saw it was Ms. Zhuang, the head of the senior high school's academic affairs office. She stood up with some confusion and asked, "Ms. Zhuang, is there something you need?"

Zhuang Chaoying nodded, then gestured for Teacher Zhao to walk with her to a shady spot by the school wall, where it was relatively quiet.

Zhuang Chaoying took a deep breath and went straight to the point, telling Teacher Zhao about Wu Shanshan's family situation.

Teacher Zhao's eyes widened: "Wu Shanshan is in the top ten in our school, she's a potential university student, so why are her family unwilling to support her?"

Zhuang Chaoying sighed. "They're remarrying, there's nothing we can do, Teacher Zhao, that's what I think..."

After listening to Zhuang Chaoying's explanation, Teacher Zhao nodded in agreement. "Teacher Zhuang, you're a good teacher. Don't worry about this. If Wu Shanshan's father really dares to come and change her college application, I will definitely tell Shanshan to decide for herself. In all my years of teaching, what I can't stand the most is seeing promising children have their future ruined by family factors."

For the next six months, Shanshan's time at the affiliated high school was busy and fulfilling.

Teacher Zhao introduced her to a work-study job, which was to clean the teachers' offices and the principal's office every day after school, and sometimes run errands for the teachers.

Shanshan's homeroom teacher was particularly fond of this girl who had good grades and was well-behaved and sensible.

Behind all of this is Zhuang Chaoying's silent support.

He sets aside five yuan each month. Although it's not a lot, it's an investment of his hope for Shanshan's future.

Five yuan won't get you promoted or make you rich, but consider it a donation to children in impoverished mountain areas.

This was something Zhuang Chaoying and their homeroom teacher had agreed on beforehand, so that she wouldn't tell Shanshan that the money was from him, just to avoid any trouble, and to let Shanshan save up enough tuition fees herself.

He didn't tell Huang Ling about this, fearing that if he did, Huang Ling wouldn't let him get involved in the Wu family's affairs.

,,,,,,,

When Zhuang Chaoying returned home from get off work, he saw Shanshan coming to borrow a magazine as usual. "Shanshan, don't go yet, Uncle Zhuang wants to talk to you."

Shanshan nodded obediently, clutching the magazine, and sat down gently in the chair. "Teacher Zhuang, please speak."

Zhuang Chaoying pulled up a chair and sat opposite Shanshan: "Shanshan, a person's perspective determines what they can think about. Only by going out and seeing the vast world can you break through your own mental limitations."

Look at the world outside, so many wonderful things await you to discover. Shanshan, you must be brave. Your path is one you must actively strive for; don't be afraid. Do you want Xiaojun to end up like you? If you maintain these grades, going to university won't be a problem. That's all Uncle Zhuang has to say to you. Go back and think it over carefully.”

Wu Shanshan listened intently, nodded, then stood up and bowed deeply to Zhuang Chaoying: "Thank you, Teacher Zhuang!"

Then, she glanced at Tu Nan inside the house, turned around, and walked out of the farmhouse.

The moment she stepped out of the dealer's house, Wu Shanshan's steps became even more determined.

As she walked, she kept thinking back to what Teacher Zhuang had just told her.

She secretly vowed to herself that she would study harder, get into university, and see the world.

Zhuang Chaoying watched Shanshan's departing figure, then turned and walked towards Tu Nan's room, gently pushing open the door. "Tu Nan, did you hear what Daddy said to Shanshan just now?"

Tu Nan was sitting at his desk, putting down his homework and looking up at Zhuang Chaoying. "Dad, I think you could be a psychologist. You're absolutely right. People need to break free from their own mental limitations. Dad, I'm going to write that down."

Zhuang Chaoying walked over to Tu Nan and patted him on the shoulder. "When you have time, talk to Shan Shan for your father. Tell her that people should be grateful and brave enough to fight back. Mention it whenever you have time."

Zhuang Tunan nodded. "Dad, I know. I know about Uncle Wu's family situation and how Shanshan's stepmother treats Shanshan and Xiaojun. Don't worry, I'll bring up that brainwashing thing you mentioned to Shanshan from time to time to give her a good brainwashing."

We need to consider reality. Zhang Amei is greedy and calculating, but she's not entirely bad. Once Shanshan gets into high school, they have no reason not to let her continue her studies. Old Wu can support two children by raising chickens and ducks.