kingnovel Chapter 442 Wu Shanshan, one of only two government-sponsored study abroad spots
Chapter 442 Wu Shanshan, one of only two government-sponsored study abroad spots
Wu Shanshan felt a turmoil in her heart as she listened to her brother's words.
She quickly wiped away the tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't know when it had happened, but Xiaojun seemed to have grown up all of a sudden and become sensible. He was no longer the naughty little boy he used to be.
"Xiaojun, Mom passed away early. I'm the older sister, so it's my duty to take care of you."
After saying that, she gently pushed Xiaojun away and urged, "Let's go, the car will be leaving soon."
Xiao Jun nodded, then carefully took out a lucky charm from his pocket. He knew that his father was good to him because he was a boy and wanted him to take care of him in his old age. His "mother" was the same; because he was a boy, she didn't dare to go too far and was also good to him, but that was based on his father's attitude. In this family, he could only feel a trace of his mother's presence through his sister, so he also wanted to be good to his sister.
"Sister, this is a peace charm. I went to Hanshan Temple with my classmates a few days ago to get it. They said it's very effective. Take it with you and make sure you take good care of yourself in Shanghai."
Wu Shanshan took the amulet and held it tightly in her hand.
Watching her younger brother disappear into the crowd again, Wu Shanshan could no longer control her emotions.
Throughout her school years, she always cultivated an image of a fearless and tough woman, bearing the pressures of studying and life all by herself.
Her brother's words were like a key, unlocking her facade of strength and allowing the sadness and grievances that had been hidden inside to find an outlet.
She couldn't hold back any longer and squatted down, bursting into tears.
Just then, a woman passing by saw Wu Shanshan squatting on the ground crying and thought she had been deceived by someone, so she asked her with concern.
"Sister, are you okay?"
Having vented her frustration, Wu Shanshan hurriedly wiped her face, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace: "Sister, I'm fine, it's just that my ankle is sprained and a little sore."
She carefully kept the amulet close to her body and walked towards the school. At that moment, she was a true iron lady.
...
Wu Shanshan's relentless efforts during this period have finally paid off.
In March, at the start of the new semester, the dean and several teachers personally approached her with smiles of relief on their faces, and told her some incredibly good news—she had been selected as one of only two government-sponsored students to study abroad in September, and the university she would be attending was New York University in the United States.
For her, this opportunity was like a ray of light in the darkness, illuminating her hopes for the future.
She subconsciously touched the amulet in her pocket, a blessing from her younger brother. She hadn't had a chance to tell Xiaojun the good news yet.
Today, Wu Shanshan specially invited Tu Nan and Wan Shu to dinner.
There are two reasons for this. First, she felt regretful that she couldn't go back to attend their wedding. There were many reasons for this regret. Second, she always remembered Teacher Zhuang's kindness to her.
Taking the college entrance exam was a pivotal turning point in her life that rewrote her destiny. Without Teacher Zhuang's guidance in her studies and help in her life, she wouldn't be who she is today.
Secondly, it was also a way for her to celebrate this hard-won opportunity to study abroad on a government scholarship, the culmination of her many years of hard work, which deserved a proper celebration.
She listened to the radio, continued practicing her spoken English, and made plans in her mind.
Over the past three years, she has saved up some money by tutoring and publishing some essays in magazines.
She learned from Wang Jiang that the current exchange rate for Chinese Yuan to US Dollars was 3.9 yuan to 1 US Dollar. On the black market, the exchange rate could be even higher, reaching 4 yuan.
She silently calculated in her mind that the money she had saved could only be exchanged for a maximum of eight hundred dollars.
Wang Jiang is one year older than Wu Shanshan and was admitted to graduate school last year.
Wu Shanshan knew perfectly well what he was thinking about her.
Wu Shanshan had already made it clear to him about this fruitless relationship that she was determined to go abroad and didn't want to hold him back, so he shouldn't hang himself on her.
But Wang Jiang acted as if he hadn't heard her, continuing to run around for her, seemingly determined to cherish this relationship.
At this moment, roommate Yang Qing climbed down from the top bunk and looked at Wu Shanshan, who was still focused on practicing her spoken English.
"Shanshan, you've already secured a government-sponsored scholarship, why are you still working so hard? It's five o'clock, aren't you going to the cafeteria for lunch?"
Wu Shanshan didn't even look up, continuing to practice her pronunciation along with the broadcast while answering the questions.
"I need to practice my spoken English. I'm afraid I won't be able to understand lectures in a foreign language, and I'm even more afraid I won't be able to communicate with people and will become a mute international student." After saying that, she subconsciously looked at the alarm clock on the table and found that it was already five o'clock, which was exactly the time she had agreed to meet with Xiaoting and the others.
She got up, stretched, and loosened her stiff body. "I'm not going. I have to go out for a bit later."
She stood in front of the table, picked up a mirror, looked at herself, and tidied her hair.
Then, she slung her backpack over her shoulder and left the dormitory.
......
In a small restaurant near Fudan University.
Xiaoting, Lin Dongzhe, Tu Nan, Zhang Wanshu, and Shanshan sat together.
Tu Nan opened the soda and handed it out one by one. Shan Shan had just heard from Xiao Ting that she had been selected as a government-sponsored student to study abroad, and the college had posted the announcement on the bulletin board.
As Zhang Wanshu handed it over, she said, "Shanshan, congratulations on getting a government-sponsored scholarship to study abroad. Tu Nan will treat you to dinner today."
Shanshan took the soda. "Sister Wanshu, I feel really bad that I didn't attend your and Brother Tunan's wedding. This meal must be on me."
Lin Dongzhe pushed the freshly served crispy pork further inside. "Sister Shanshan, my brother has money, let him treat you. Save your money for your trip abroad. Don't be polite with us, we've all grown up together."
Hearing them say that, Wu Shanshan didn't stand on ceremony. "Okay, then Brother Tu Nan will treat us."
In this lively little restaurant, everyone seemed to have returned to their childhood in the alley, chatting freely about all sorts of interesting things in their daily lives.
Zhang Wanshu still admires Tu Nan, the girl next door.
She knew in her heart that Shan Shan's success in securing a government-sponsored overseas student position was due to the extraordinary efforts she had made.
Zhang Wanshu still remembers that when they first met, she keenly sensed that Shanshan's feelings for Tu Nan were somewhat special.
But she didn't think it was anything special. After all, Tu Nan was indeed outstanding, and it was only natural that he would attract the admiration of many people.
When they were dating, Tu Nan openly told her about Shan Shan, and Shan Shan herself had no shortage of suitors.
Look at Shanshan, she's not only sweet and beautiful, but she's also very strict with herself, striving for perfection in everything she does.
Such an outstanding girl, Zhang Wanshu sometimes even thought that if she were a boy, she would probably be deeply attracted to her as well.
However, whenever Zhang Wanshu thought about how many hardships Shanshan had gone through at such a young age, she still felt a little sorry for this strong little sister.
She also hoped that Shanshan's life would be smoother and less bumpy from now on.
After dinner, on the way back, Shanshan affectionately linked arms with Xiaoting, and the two walked slowly behind her.
Xiaoting said with an envious look.
"Sister Shanshan, you are so amazing! Being able to study abroad is the dream of everyone who wants to pursue further education."
Shanshan looked at Xiaoting, and as the older sister, she really wanted to give Xiaoting some advice.
"Xiaoting, as long as you work hard, you will definitely reap the rewards. You and Tu Nan are both the pride of Teacher Zhuang and Aunt Huang. Girls should have their own opinions and not limit their vision to petty romances. They should pursue their own wonderful lives. Of course, this is just my personal opinion. It is also very beautiful for you and Dongzhe to accompany each other and make progress together."
Xiaoting nodded seriously; she certainly understood the deeper meaning behind Shanshan's words.
For her, Dongcheol was not only a lover, but also a like-minded partner on her path forward.
They made a promise to work hard together and grow together. Her life included not only Lin Dongzhe, but also her dreams, her friends, and her family.