Help others? It's better to help yourself - Chapter 18

The class hadn’t ended yet, so Xu Jing’an quickly stored most of her things in the space and headed to Teacher Tang’s office.

Looking through the window, she saw that only Teacher Tang was in the office.

*Knock, knock, knock* “Come in,” said Teacher Tang. As Xu Jing’an entered, she saw Teacher Tang preparing lessons. The desk was covered with many questions that the teachers had created themselves.

“Jing’an, what’s the matter?” Students who had been on leave and returned to school usually had something to discuss.

Xu Jing’an spoke softly, “Teacher Tang, have the people from the sports school arrived?”

Teacher Tang replied, “Yes, they just arrived today. Is someone in your family planning to sign up?”

Xu Jing’an smiled, “My younger brother is in the first year of high school here. He’s tall and well-built, but he’s quite mischievous.”

“He’s the youngest at home, so everyone spoils him! It’s better for him to go out and toughen up; it’s definitely better than staying as he is now.”

Teacher Tang nodded, “Then he should go as soon as possible!”

Xu Jing’an said, “Teacher, I’ve already found a job, so I won’t be coming back here. I came specifically to say goodbye.”

Teacher Tang quickly responded with a quiet congratulations, “That’s great news! Jing’an, if you need any help, just come back to school!”

Xu Jing’an expressed her gratitude, “Thank you, Teacher Tang, for all your care.”

Even though the office was empty at the moment, both of them instinctively kept their voices down while speaking.

Teacher Tang didn’t ask for details about where Xu Jing’an would be working or what her job would be.

Teacher Tang urged, “Get your paperwork done and start your job as soon as possible. There will be plenty of time to chat later!”

After bidding farewell to the head teacher, Xu Jing’an went to Principal Liang’s office to say goodbye.

Seeing the young woman before him, Principal Liang didn’t say much and efficiently signed the documents to transfer her records.

After all, it was Principal Liang who had personally issued her graduation certificate.

Unexpectedly, Principal Liang also wrote a recommendation letter. “I’m not sure if this will be of any use for your job, or if you’ll even need it. But it’s the school’s recognition of your efforts over the past few years and a gesture of goodwill,” Principal Liang said gently.

This was truly unexpected for Xu Jing’an. Regardless of the reason for the recommendation letter, she felt deeply grateful.

After receiving it, Xu Jing’an bowed deeply to Principal Liang before leaving.

With the paperwork completed, only one crucial step remained—arranging for Xu Jianshe to be transferred.

At lunchtime, while at the cafeteria, Xu Jing’an seized the opportunity to pull Xu Jianshe aside to a private area.

“Third Brother, what’s up?”

Looking at Xu Jianshe, who was already 1.75 meters tall at 16 years old, Xu Jing’an said, “I heard that the sports school is recruiting and will have closed training for four months. Our school can recommend two people. Are you interested?”

Every year at this time, the sports school looks for prospects in various middle and high schools. Compared to many who are struggling with hunger, Xu Jianshe’s physique would definitely earn praise!

“What’s the point of going there? It’s really tiring!”

“Are you foolish?”

“Third sister, why are you saying that?”

“Training at the sports school is a way out. Being able to find a good job later is better than anything else,” Xu Jing’an said, disappointed that her younger brother didn’t understand.

“Plus, you don’t have to pay for it yourself. Letting them train you for free is a benefit for us. If your body is well-trained, even if you don’t make it to the provincial team, you can still enlist in the military!”

“Besides, if it doesn’t work out or you find it too exhausting, you can always come back. With Mom’s job, you have a safety net, so what’s there to fear?”

“Isn’t that better than just going to class and sleeping every day?”

After hearing Xu Jing’an’s words, Xu Jianshe thought they made a lot of sense. He skipped his afternoon classes to talk to their parents about the opportunity.

The parents agreed that their son’s suggestion was reasonable and, fearing that the spots might be taken, quickly took leave from work. Xu’s mother packed up their things, and Xu’s father strongly insisted that their child be admitted to the sports school. The next morning, Xu Jianshe left with the sports school teachers.

Xu Jing’an finally felt relieved. She spent another night in the dormitory. That night, her roommates whispered among themselves upon seeing her. Xu Jing’an was increasingly frustrated that Jin Sanshun had disrupted her peaceful life.

She could only avoid seeing him, slow her breathing, and eventually fall asleep.

On April 1st, the usual payday for workers, Xu Jing’an got up early, packed the remaining things, and put them in the space when it was dark and no one was around. After Xu’s mother finished collecting the month’s allocation slips, Xu Jing’an quietly returned to get a recommendation letter from the office director and hurried to the government office. Once her job was officially confirmed and she received her work certificate, Xu Jing’an finally relaxed.

“Brother Zhang, do we have any dormitories available?” Xu Jing’an quietly asked the clerk, Xiao Zhang, and discreetly handed him a pack of cigarettes.

Xiao Zhang quickly pocketed the cigarettes. “Yes, we still have a few. I’ll take you to check them out.”

Xu Jing’an smiled shyly. “You’re too kind. I just need a place to stay. I don’t need anything fancy. Thanks for your help.” It was a joke to think she could ask for something extravagant!

Xiao Zhang smiled and said, “Alright, you can go to dormitory building 305. There’s an empty bed available there.”

Xu Jing’an responded promptly, “Thank you, Brother Zhang. I’ll treat you to a meal later.”

“Sure,” Xiao Zhang said, not being polite.

Xu Jing’an took the key to room 305, and upon opening it, she saw that Brother Zhang had indeed taken good care of her.

The room was about 4 by 5 meters, with two single beds against the walls on either side and a 1 by 0.5-meter desk by the window. The floor and the desk had a layer of dust, indicating that the room was not frequently used. It was essentially a private room for her!

Xu Jing’an quickly cleaned the dormitory, made several trips to organize the bed, hung up curtains, and bought a thermos, a basin, and other necessary items. By noon, she was done.

She specifically went to a state-run restaurant, packed a serving of braised pork in a new lunchbox, and discreetly handed it to Xiao Zhang.

Xiao Zhang’s smile became even more genuine.

In the afternoon, Xu Jing’an returned to the Xu family home and handed the household register back to her mother.

“Mom, I put the household register in your room.”

Xu’s mother replied, “I know. Why didn’t you have the fourth son bring it back yesterday?”

Xu Jing’an said, “Jianshe is always so reckless. I was afraid he might lose it if he took too much.”

Xu’s mother nodded, “That’s true; he’s never been steady!”

With Xu Jianshe not at home, the whole house felt much quieter. This was especially noticeable to Xu Jianguo!

Because there was no one to compare everything with and compete over every little thing!

On Saturday, April 2nd, it was time for the family’s regular shopping trip.

This weekend, the school was closed for two days. Xu Jing’an will start work on Monday, April 4th. With everyone else busy with their jobs, she became the main shopper.

After a tiring morning, she finally got all the groceries back home. By the time Xu Jing’an arrived, her feet were sore and her back felt like it was going to break!