Rebirth of Wu Tong

Chapter11

Wu Tong only stayed in Shanghai for a little over ten days. Originally, she had thought of visiting Chu Qing's home, but considering the difficulty in explaining why she would suddenly appear there, she had to give up. Anyway, Chu Qing would be returning to the small mountain village soon, and they would meet shortly. There was no need to rush.

Regarding this trip, Wu Tong was quite satisfied. Not only did she retrieve the most important belongings of the Wu family and fill her own purse, but she also found many affordable daily necessities, antiques priced like Chinese cabbage, and books. What made her even happier was that she bought a variety of seeds and fruit tree seedlings. When she was in the small mountain village, even if she went to the county town, she could only buy a few common local vegetable seeds and fruit seedlings. The variety was limited, and there were many things to be cautious about. After all, a young "educated youth" who had just arrived in the countryside buying these things would be quite strange. Wu Tong always felt like a thief whenever she went to the county town to shop, shrinking and fearing to encounter familiar faces. This time, as long as she was cautious, no one would pay attention to her as a stranger. She could buy whatever she wanted without any constraints.

Before leaving, Wu Tong specially ordered a batch of finished wooden boards from a suburban lumber factory. She didn't have the ability and energy (of course, she also didn't have enough materials) to build a bamboo house or a brick-and-tile house, but it was no problem to build a simple hut with finished wooden boards. Although she couldn't understand the reason, Wu Tong did feel that she had gained significant strength when in the spatial realm. This was undoubtedly beneficial to her plan to build a small home. After all, leaving furniture and the like scattered on the lush grass was somewhat unsightly.

When Wu Tong returned to her temporary home in the small mountain village, she happened to encounter Wan Qing, who was walking with a stern face. Although this child had become more cheerful under the influence and education of Wu Tong and Chu Qing, it was only towards people he was more familiar with. He remained indifferent to those he didn't know well. Now, seeing him with an angry expression, it surprised Wu Tong.

"What's wrong, Aqing? Why are you so angry? Who made you upset?" Wu Tong approached with large and small packages, asking with a concerned expression. To make Wan Qing, who usually didn't care about anything, look like this, it seemed that something was not simple.

"Why did you come back so soon? You must be tired. Come, let me help you carry..." As soon as Wan Qing saw Wu Tong, he paused for a moment before immediately stepping forward to take the large and small packages from Wu Tong's hands. Although there was no apparent change on the surface, Wu Tong could clearly feel that his mood had improved a lot. However, he didn't answer Wu Tong's question. Seeing that he didn't want to talk, Wu Tong didn't ask further. After all, everyone had their own secrets that they didn't want others to know. She didn't want to be seen as a gossiping busybody in the eyes of this boy she treated like a younger brother.

After moving the things Wu Tong brought into the house, Wan Qing helped tidy up the house, which had accumulated a layer of dust in the short half-month of not being lived in. In this half-year, Wan Qing had not only made progress in academics and mindset but also improved his proficiency in handling household chores and cooking. At least, he was much better than Wu Tong, who was a kitchen disaster. Combined with Wan Qing's significant transformation in appearance over the past half-year, from the original skinny clown to a tall and handsome cool guy, although his indifferent personality scared away many admirers, Wu Tong was well aware that in a few years, girls wouldn't be as reserved and shy as they were now. It was easy to imagine the fervent pursuit Wan Qing would receive at that time. Every time she thought about this, Wu Tong would sigh longingly at the sky, regretting that she couldn't decide which lucky girl would end up with the outstanding man she and Chu Qing had cultivated. Of course, this could be understood as a pseudo-mother's protective instinct or a romanticized maternal love. If Wan Qing knew that someone considered him a son and cared for him like this, who knows what expression he would have...

"You rest well, I'll go back." After Wan Qing finished the heavy work and even thoughtfully prepared bathwater for Wu Tong, he said goodbye. Through long-term contact, he knew how much Wu Tong loved cleanliness. After such a long journey, she must feel uncomfortable, right? "Xiaotong" was a term he dared only use in his heart. Usually, he addressed her with "you" or "hey," and at school, he referred to her as "Teacher Wu." He didn't know why he cared so much about a simple address. Even though he had been teased by Xiaotong several times and even used all sorts of sulking tactics, he still refused to call her sister. Perhaps the word "family" was too heavy for him? Although he tried to convince himself like this, he knew deep down that it wasn't the main reason...

"Don't leave so soon. I brought gifts for you. Wait a moment, I'll help you carry..." After quickly washing her face, Wu Tong opened the seemingly large and exaggerated suitcase, starting to rummage through it. In fact, the gifts she bought for everyone were not just these. She had stored them in the spatial realm for Chu Qing and other friends. Since they hadn't returned home yet, when she took them out to give to them later, no one would find anything strange.

"You've grown taller in the past half-year, and your clothes are too small. I bought a few more suitable ones for you. Try them on when you get home. If there's anything inappropriate, I'll accompany you to Auntie Yu's house to get them altered. Auntie Yu is very skilled. Also, these books, junior high school and high school textbooks. When you have time at home, study them well. If you don't understand, you can ask me and Chu Qing." Wu Tong seemed to remember something, lowering her voice and saying to Wan Qing, "I have an uncle in the central government. He told me that there might be a possibility of resuming the college entrance examination next year. You should study hard. Even if you can't pass this year, strive to pass in the following years. By then, you, me, and Chu Qing can go to the capital to attend university together. Maybe we can even go to the same school..."

"Really? Can you be sure?" Obviously, the precocious Wan Qing knew what resuming the college entrance examination meant. He asked excitedly, grabbing Wu Tong's hand. His usually expressionless face became emotional, surprising Wu Tong. Thinking about it, this child had always known how to progress. It was not surprising that he cherished every moment spent with Wu Tong, as if a terminally ill patient indulging in the final moments of life. However, now Wu Tong's words were like an oasis in the desert, giving him infinite hope and dreams. Of course, at the same time, it made him feel somewhat anxious and uneasy. After all, hope came

too suddenly, giving people a dreamlike and uncertain feeling.

"Of course, why would I deceive you? My uncle is not someone who speaks lightly. Since he's so certain, it's probably just around the corner..." Wu Tong said without changing her expression. If it weren't for the deep damage caused by the first college entrance examination in her past life to her first love, she wouldn't remember this date so clearly. Of course, the "uncle" did exist, but the words were somewhat exaggerated. Qin Uncle was still in a dormant period. Although no one dared to easily offend him and his family, entering the core of power was not easy. He might be able to sense the major decision-making, but he didn't have the confidence to confirm it. Moreover, secretly informing Wu Tong to prepare was out of the question.

"Thank you, thank you. I won't let your hope down. I will study hard and strive to go to university with you guys in the capital..." Wan Qing, excited and somewhat incoherent, held Wu Tong's hand. His usually emotionless face became surprisingly emotional. Wu Tong was astonished. Every time she heard such sincere words from Wan Qing, it touched her deeply. She only hoped that he could fulfill his aspirations.

"I can only provide you with better conditions. Everything else depends on your efforts. Let's work hard together. But you must be careful to hide these books. If those with impure intentions see them, they might use it as an excuse to cause trouble. After all, the country hasn't officially announced this news yet. Be cautious..." Wu Tong reminded with some concern. She had experienced it once in her past life, well aware of the madness and filthiness of some opportunistic scoundrels in this chaotic era. She didn't want them to be caught off guard by those scheming individuals before they were ready, wasting time and energy and affecting their moods. They didn't have much time left to prepare, and they couldn't afford to waste it on such people.