Chapter Fifty-One: Turmoil

Fifty thousand yuan! Fifty thousand yuan in 2009 was still a considerable sum! If last time’s five thousand merely made the students envious and the teachers sigh in admiration, then this time, it truly made every teacher and student in the school jealous.

The high school teachers, in particular, could not help but lament; their annual salary might not even reach this amount. Yet, this child, still in school, was being chased down by the Education Bureau and the school with rewards—exceptional academic performance truly made one remarkable!

Most importantly, many dared not even dream of being admitted to the two top-tier universities, Huasheng and Jingda. Yet, this child was being courted by both institutions, eager to enroll her. In a small county, news travels fast; the scene of Wu Jingye and Jin Yu answering the phone had already spread far and wide.

It was said that in order to secure Wu Tong’s direct admission, both universities started with a scholarship of one hundred thousand yuan, with monthly stipends as well. If she successfully enrolled, Jingda’s scholarship would likely increase further. Combined with subsidies through several years of university, it would easily amount to several hundred thousand yuan!

Not only did the child not spend any money on her education—she essentially earned back her parents’ ten years of wages, amassing a fortune for the family. Compared to her, other children’s achievements seemed negligible.

Such a grand reward became the hottest topic in the small county for a long time, spreading ever wider. Newspapers and media wanted to interview Wu Tong, businesses sought her for endorsements, and parents brought their children hoping for Wu Tong’s tutoring or guidance. If not relatives or acquaintances, they were colleagues of Wu Jingzhong and Jin Yu.

The media and businesses could be refused outright, but those familiar faces could not be ignored. Customs and relationships mattered most; any slight neglect would provoke gossip enough to bury the couple in criticism, making it hard to live in the county.

As the saying goes, people fear fame, pigs fear fattening. As word spread, both the Wu and Jin families were overwhelmed by the constant disturbances.

Wu Tong couldn’t concentrate on her studies at home; even at the Jin household, enthusiastic neighbors gathered. She could only stay at school as much as possible, where classmates were at least more reserved.

For those seeking guidance, Wu Tong’s tutoring notes for Jin Xin were printed by Wu Jingye in stacks and placed at home, never stingy—what should be shared was shared. Beyond that, Wu Tong’s energy was limited, and she had her own research; she truly couldn’t provide one-on-one tutoring for everyone.

This was understandable to rational people, but some cared only for themselves, exhausting the family.

Especially when Grandma Wu, bringing her eldest grandson who was repeating his studies, wanted to move into the Wu household, insisting Wu Tong should prioritize tutoring her grandson to achieve the same academic results and attend a prestigious university.

“Our Wu Junyang is the only direct male descendant of the Wu family. Second son, if something happens to you, Junyang will be the one to mourn for you. You heartless man, you must look after Junyang no matter what.” Grandma Wu spoke as if her demands were perfectly reasonable.

If Wu Tong hadn’t been a girl—her eldest son said it couldn’t be helped, but ideally, Wu Tong should give up her Jingda admission for Junyang.

“Junyang is very smart; last year he just didn’t perform well because of a fever!”

“I heard that girl received a lot of prize money, several tens of thousands. How much can a girl spend anyway? Better to use it to hire a few good teachers for Junyang, specialized tutors! I’m not comfortable having her tutor him herself.”

So, they wanted to use Tongtong, yet looked down on her? They had already planned out how to spend Tongtong’s money, extracting every last bit!

Hearing this, Jin Yu almost laughed in exasperation. How could there be a person like Grandma Wu? If there was anything she was dissatisfied with in her husband, it was only his suffocating original family.

The Wu family was from a nearby village—three siblings. Wu Jingzhong was the second, with an elder brother and a younger sister. Grandma Wu favored the eldest son and grandson, doted on her daughter.

Years ago, there were many conflicts, leading to distant relations; now Wu Jingzhong handled that side. During holidays, Jin Yu didn’t stop him from sending appropriate gifts, but she and Wu Tong seldom visited, and their feelings toward that side faded.

Since the falling-out, Jin Yu had barely set foot in the Wu household for years.

She had a job and capability, her own family was supportive, and her in-laws dared not go too far. Only a fool would submit to filial piety and suffer abuse in the Wu household.

Fortunately, her husband Wu Jingzhong, whether favored by his parents or not, had carved his own path, left the rural life, received higher education, and was completely different in character and values from his original family. He kept things clear, and their relationship was such that Jin Yu didn’t have to endure the pain of an oppressive family. Otherwise, no matter how good their relationship, they couldn’t have lasted.

“Mother, Tongtong’s summary notes are here. If Junyang wants to study, let him take a copy; that’s my goodwill as an uncle and Tongtong’s as a cousin. Any other requests, I’m afraid I can’t fulfill. I’ll take you and Junyang out for a meal, then help you catch an early bus home!” Wu Jingzhong had always been clear about his position; his ties to his parents and siblings were thin, but he had his wife and daughter. He wouldn’t neglect his filial duty, but he wouldn’t let himself be manipulated either—not filial piety to siblings as well.

When he struggled to get into university, his parents wanted him to give up his spot for his elder brother, which completely severed his expectations of parental affection.

Wu Jingzhong didn’t want to say much, nor to let these vexing matters upset his wife. Soon Tongtong would return, and he didn’t want her ears poisoned by such things. He simply ushered the grandmother and grandson out. He’d shoulder the family mess himself.

“If you two behave, you’ll get your due respect. If you insist on making trouble, don’t blame me for losing my temper. If it comes to it, let the court decide how much support you get. Then you’ll see whether the court grants more, or if my conscience provides more!” Before seeing them off, Wu Jingzhong made his point.

With those words, the family would behave for a while! He knew his parents best—their own interests mattered most.

Their favoritism toward the eldest was because he flattered them for their money and labor, and they hoped he would support them in their old age. If Wu Jingzhong stopped his support, they’d see what kind of life they’d have!

If they didn’t want a good life, then no one would. His wife and daughter were his bottom line. Though his parents had raised him, he would fulfill his duty, but he wouldn’t submit meekly. Anyone who tried to harm his daughter, he’d fight to the end.

His tuition was paid by the state; his loyalty belonged to the nation. Later, his and his wife’s retirement would be provided by the state.

Even if they didn’t have a child as outstanding as Tongtong, there would be arrangements for their future; no need for the old family to worry. The rituals of mourning and burial—he cared nothing for them.

“This year, Tongtong won’t be returning home with me for the New Year. After the holiday, I’ll send her to Beijing early!” Back home, Wu Jingzhong discussed with Jin Yu. With the situation at home, Tongtong couldn’t focus on her studies. During contract signing video calls, they realized how advanced Tongtong’s studies were—her progress was already limited by the county’s resources.