Daily Life in the 70s-Chapter 204: Return to School

Bai Hehua was not wrong, it was Yang Peiying who had agreed to give her the item, thus, it was hers to distribute as she saw fit, even knowing Bai Hehua was cunning, Yang Peimin did not plan to intervene, at most she would remind her later, but with Zhang Minghua around, Yang Peiying would not be at a disadvantage.

Then, Bai Hehua clumsily tied a pale orange silk ribbon around her neck, attempting to mimic a knot the way she remembered it, and self-satisfied, asked the people nearby if it looked good. Li Hong’s eyes flickered slightly as she stared at the scarf around Bai’s neck, "Sister-in-law, wearing that makes your skin look quite yellow, don’t take it personally, I’m just being honest, it doesn’t look good on you."

Bai Hehua rolled her eyes at her, her face darkening as she retorted sharply, "What do you know? You’ve never even worn a scarf, how can you judge if it looks good on others?"

The two sisters-in-law started quarreling in front of everyone until Zhang Minghua loudly interrupted them, instructing Bai Hehua to give the scarf back to Yang Peiying.

Reluctantly, Bai Hehua untied it and returned it to Yang Peiying, "Yingzi, you must take good care of it. Don’t get it dirty."

Yang Peiying nodded emphatically, carefully folding it and wrapping it in a piece of cloth, then Yang Peimin spoke, "Yingzi, in a few days I’ll go with you to the town, and you should wear this. I’ll teach you how to tie it properly, it will look beautiful. Also, don’t be too kind, lending it out; it will get dirty or worn out and become useless. If someone asks to borrow it, just tell them I bought it specifically to match your skin tone and personality, it won’t suit anyone else, and without a compatible outfit, it’s pointless. Next time I visit, I’ll match it properly for you."

She said this in front of Bai Hehua and Li Hong, as a warning, to curb any ideas about Yang Peiying’s scarf.

Yang Peiying’s eyes sparkled as she looked at her sister, her face filled with admiration.

Yang Peimin walked over, took her arm, and they went inside to talk in private.

Yang Peiying then took out a pair of fabric shoes from a trunk, her face flushed with embarrassment, she nervously said, "Sister, just keep these shoes for wearing around the house."

The shoes were not the usual black, but pink with a floral fabric surface. In rural homes, shoes were typically not a concern and were made from whatever old fabric was available, but the ones she held were clearly made from new fabric.

Yang Peiying explained, "I’ve been helping mother make caramel candy. She gives me two yuan a month, and I’ve been saving it diligently. This is the fabric mother bought for making clothes, and I thought since there was extra, I’d make a pair of shoes for my sister..."

Initially, Zhang Minghua hadn’t wanted to give Yang Peiying any money; she felt her younger daughter didn’t need money, as everything she required was provided by the family. Also, being a soft-hearted and easily influenced girl, there was a risk that someone could deceive her into parting with her money.

So, Zhang Minghua kept the money for her, planning to save it for her dowry.

However, Yang Peimin later convinced her that a young girl needed some pocket money for small purchases like sewing supplies or hair accessories—otherwise, it undermined her confidence and her motivation, given her contributions to the family’s labor.

After reflecting on her elder daughter’s words, and discussing with Yang Dahai, Zhang Minghua felt there was wisdom in the argument. They decided to give Yang Peiying two yuan a month as her allowance, considering it a kind of bonus.

Yang Peiying was incredibly surprised initially and didn’t dare to accept it, but when Zhang Minghua insisted, with a firm attitude that it was hers to save, she finally accepted.

Yang Peimin immediately tried on the shoes—they fit perfectly. "Yingzi, thank you, I really like them. Look, they fit so well."

Yang Peiying shyly smiled with joy.

After a brief chat, Yang Peimin prepared to return home, planning to stop by the school to see Principal Li.

Knowing her intention to visit the school, Zhang Minghua suggested that she bring several pounds of caramel candy to Principal Li, aligning perfectly with Yang Peimin’s intentions. At this point, it wasn’t Yang Peimin who had to bring up leaving; instead, Zhang Minghua urged her to go quickly, "Get on with your business early, before others finish work and you disturb them. Go now, and come back for a meal when you have time."

Yang Peimin nodded repeatedly.

Returning to Yu Ying Primary School, Zhang Minghua inevitably ran into her former colleagues.

Sister Huang, who was pouring water outside, was happy to see her, "Oh, Xiao Yang, you’re back to visit us!"

In fact, she hadn’t planned to get together with those old colleagues; it was just that she happened to run into them and naturally exchanged greetings and said a few kind words.

"Yes, just taking a walk and thought I’d stop by and chat with the principal."

"You’re thoughtful to come by and bring so many things." Sister Huang’s gaze stopped on the paper bag in Yang Peimin’s hand. She remembered the delicious caramel candy Yang Peimin had brought last time and appreciated Yang Peimin’s generosity.

Yang Peimin smiled, "Oh, right, is Principal Li still in his office? I’ll go find him and we can talk more later."

After hearing this, Sister Huang’s smile faded slightly, "He’s inside."

Yang Peimin didn’t know what she was thinking and thanked her before heading inside.

Principal Li had his own private office, which was a small room partitioned off within the teachers’ office.

Walking in, she had to pass through the teachers’ office, but since it was class time, there were hardly any people around.

Principal Li was inside holding a large tea mug, drinking tea while reading the newspaper. He looked up when he saw Yang Peimin knock and enter, smiling, "Xiao Yang is back, come in."

"You’re here about the tutoring sessions, aren’t you?"

Yang Peimin was taken aback and then smiled, "Principal, you’re truly insightful."

Principal Li waved his hand and handed her a slip of paper, "Take this slip and go to the Red Flag Middle School next to the Southern City Post Office in the county. They have a college entrance exam tutoring class there. Find Teacher Cheng Zhi and show him this note."

Principal Li swiftly finished speaking, then blocked Yang Peimin’s thanks, "Your admission into college would be the best thanks for me." He then gestured for her to leave.

Yang Peimin was somewhat caught off guard by his brisk manner, but fortunately, she hadn’t forgotten the items she had brought, quickly placing them on Principal Li’s desk, "Principal, this is for you," before hurrying away.

"What’s this? Come back, take it with you."

Outside, the teachers had finished their classes.

Then, she became the focus inside the office again.

"Xiao Yang, what are you up to?"

"Xiao Yang came to see the principal," Sister Huang said.

"Xiao Yang, you’re well-informed. Did you know that Mr. Ou and Mr. Hao are being transferred back home? Their positions will be vacant, and you’re here to discuss this matter with your principal, aren’t you?"