The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 941: Chapter 919: Top Student in the 1980s 47

Two days later, Xiao Yuan found out about Liu Zhi’s situation.

This matter actually started with He Erniu. Originally, He Erniu refused to send money to the He Family out of spite. Later, someone probably persuaded her, and she began sending Liu Zhi some money every now and then for almost a year, then she stopped.

Since He Erniu stopped sending money to Liu Zhi two years ago, Liu Zhi’s life with her two children has become increasingly difficult.

She wasn’t very capable to begin with. It was already good if she could support herself, but adding two kids was really beyond her means.

Originally, Liu Zhi wanted to exploit He Daniu; however, He Daniu’s in-laws kept her locked up and wouldn’t let her leave, so Liu Zhi didn’t dare to go ask for money and endured a tough period.

She couldn’t take it anymore and decided to take a step forward.

Coincidentally, an acquaintance introduced her to a man.

This man’s family was in the county, he had a house and a proper job, the family situation was simple, he’s been divorced but has no children, and he didn’t mind Liu Zhi bringing her kids along.

Liu Zhi found these conditions very favorable, so she gladly accepted.

Both were remarried, so there was no need for any wedding ceremony; they just registered their marriage, and Liu Zhi brought her kids over.

When she first arrived with her two children, the man treated her well.

But after a little over a month, the man’s attitude toward her and her children worsened.

Originally, Liu Zhi wanted the man to support He Li and He Ming for their studies.

She learned that Anning excelled in studies, and thought that since she gave birth to them all, it was unreasonable for Anning to do well while the other two didn’t have success.

She hoped to provide for her children, get them good jobs, and thus enjoy life herself.

But the man disagreed.

The man had other thoughts.

If these two children were truly nurtured, they would be like kites that flew away, never to return.

He married Liu Zhi and wanted her to bring the kids because he couldn’t have children himself, wanting someone with kids to ensure he had someone to support him in old age.

So with this idea in mind, he suppressed the children’s wings, making sure they couldn’t fly, ensuring they stayed obediently by his side for security.

If they were allowed to go to college and find good jobs, then they could take Liu Zhi to enjoy life, but where would that leave him?

If they were conscientious, they might take him along, but if they were ungrateful, there’s no telling.

The man was unwilling to take chances on human nature, so he opted for the safest method.

No matter what, he refused to let the kids go to school, just wanted them to do work at home. Liu Zhi argued, they fought, and in the end, the man started hitting Liu Zhi.

He not only hit Liu Zhi but also He Li.

Because He Li often secretly read books.

To the man, what’s the point for a girl like He Li to read? She’d just end up marrying someone; it was entirely unnecessary to fuss over.

The man also treated He Li poorly. He didn’t rely on daughters for support, just needed He Ming to grow up.

He Li had a bad temper too, often quarreling with the man. When angered, he would beat her severely.

During such times, He Ming would hide and not dare to speak.

No matter if his sister or mother was being beaten, he wouldn’t intervene.

Listening to Xiao Yuan’s story, Anning couldn’t hold back a sneering remark, ”A bunch of heartless scoundrels.”

Truly, back then, He Jian was determined to take on all guilt to have Liu Zhi stay at home and take care of the kids, resulting in his imprisonment. And in just a few years, Liu Zhi had remarried, utterly disregarding her marital bond with He Jian.

Liu Zhi is not only ruthless but also incredibly greedy.

If she hadn’t been so greedy when He Erniu was sending her money, hadn’t thought about exploiting He Erniu, it’s possible He Erniu would continue sending her money from time to time.

With money, if Liu Zhi were a bit more diligent, the He Family owned a substantial amount of land in Shangpo Village. As long as she was willing to work, she could yield plenty of grain each year, enough to feed the family after paying agricultural taxes, and she could sell some, raising chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs for decent income too.

Furthermore, at this time, children attending school truly didn’t cost much, especially for rural kids whose tuition fees were really low. Just the money He Erniu sent would be enough to support two children through school.

All things considered, Liu Zhi’s life could have been more manageable, yet she turned an acceptable situation into such misery. It’s puzzling.

Regardless of He Li’s situation, just looking at He Ming, he’s a true ingrate.

When his mom and sister are beaten, not only does he not help but he doesn’t even plead or resist; he just hides away, which is saying something.

Maybe the man Liu Zhi married recognized He Ming’s cold indifference early on, hence suppressing his education.

”Liu Zhi bore several children. Those with good hearts were discarded or scattered, but the worthless ones, foolish and venomous, she treasures as if they were precious.”

Xiao Yuan laughed and commented, ”Her judgment is really lacking, isn’t it?”

Anning thought about it and realized it was true.

He Daniu was so filial, yet even when Liu Zhi sold her off, she stayed loyal.

He Erniu, though bold, acted decisively compared to He Daniu, but this girl was truly nice. She had foresight and worked hard, evidenced by sending money to Liu Zhi and Anning upon arriving in the Capital, showing she had a sound conscience.

And then there’s Anning, whose original self was such a smart little girl, but discarded by Liu Zhi and her husband since childhood.

The first three girls were so good, and Liu Zhi didn’t appreciate them, instead treating waste as treasure.

Anning chuckled, ”She’ll get what’s coming to her later.”

Xiao Yuan added, ”I heard He Jian behaved well in prison, and supposedly achieved some merits, which could result in an early release, possibly by year-end or next year.”

Things will get even more exciting then.

Once He Jian returns and sees Liu Zhi remarried with his beloved son, he won’t ignore it, Liu Zhi’s life could become even more complicated.

These are just stories Anning listens to; she doesn’t take them too seriously.

The path is carved out by each person; whether it’s smooth or thorny is each one’s choice, and others can’t help you.

Anning stayed a few days in the county, finding out about matters involving the He Family and Zhang Fugui’s house.

At Zhang Fugui’s house, Li Guilan managed to hold on.

But Li Guilan’s days were tough.

Zhang Qiang needed care, Li Guilan had to farm and do chores, bustling from dawn till dusk, exhausting herself like a dog, while villagers gossip, making her life even more bitter than coptis.

This sort of life was truly hopeless, yet Li Guilan had to grit her teeth and persevere.

Anning simply made inquiries without any intention of doing anything.

After ten days or so, Anning returned to the Provincial City with Zhang Heping and his family.

A few days later, the college entrance exam results were announced, and Xiao Yuan achieved the province’s top scorer in liberal arts with only one point shy of a perfect score.

Provincial First Middle School hung large red banners, and the Provincial Daily covered it extensively. As news reached the Xiao Family, Xiao Heizi and Sister Xu were ecstatic, almost jumping for joy.

They hurriedly rushed to the Provincial City, first visiting the school to meet the principal and teachers. Meanwhile, reporters came over for interviews.

They were busy for several days; Xiao Yuan also received scholarships from the province and the school, and Xiao Heizi organized a teacher-appreciation banquet at a large restaurant.

With all the hustle and bustle, suddenly Xiao Yuan needed to pack his things for the Capital.

During this time, Anning received a letter from He Erniu, who mentioned that she performed well on her exams, got into Jing University, and was about to start college. She also asked about Anning, encouraging Anning to study hard and aim for Jing University in the future.

Upon receiving the letter, Anning wanted to visit He Erniu in the Capital.

However, she was about to start school and really didn’t have time to go.

With no choice, Anning wrote a letter to He Erniu and sent it along with some of her savings to buy some things for her, including local specialties, handing them all to Xiao Yuan when he headed to the Capital, asking him to pass them to He Erniu.

He Erniu was no longer called that; she had long changed her name to He Anjing.

The name was obviously inspired by Anning’s, suggesting she saw her siblings as unreliable and intended to sever ties, but she couldn’t be alone, hence desired close ties with Anning, even choosing such a name.

Overall, Anning shared many details about He Erniu, instructing Xiao Yuan to check on her when he arrived in the Capital.