For rural areas, September is also the busy farming season, but all diligent farmers will get up early and go to the fields to work hard, but for lazy people, it does not make any difference no matter what month or day it is.
Chen Jinshui and his wife had already gone to work in the fields before dawn. When Zhou Chen came to the main room, he saw Qiaogu bringing the wowotou to the table.
Even though Qiao Gu is only fourteen years old, she is proficient in housework, washing and cooking, sweeping the floor and tidying up the room, and can even do farm work.
However, Chen Jinshui did not have the mentality of favoring boys over girls, so he was very kind to Qiaogu, his only daughter, and rarely let Qiaogu go to farm with them.
Not only Qiaogu, but also Zhou Chen, who has been here for two years, rarely works in the fields.
In the original memory, the original person still had great respect and trust for this uncle. Apart from Chen Jinshui being a bit temperamental and keeping his opinions to himself at home, he treated the children very well and never gave up anything delicious.
If you eat with them, you can be regarded as a qualified and good elder.
When Zhou Chen was watching TV, he actually had opinions about Chen Jinshui, but TV dramas are TV dramas after all. Now that he has personally experienced it, Chen Jinshui is not as unbearable as shown in the TV series.
Of course, it's also possible that Chen Jinshui didn't become so angry and show his unbearable side because nothing involving his interests happened.
Regarding Chen Jinshui's question, Zhou Chen thought it was normal. He had lived for hundreds of years and had never seen any kind of people. He knew that human nature is contradictory.
Unless they are the kind of people who are born evil, normal people's human nature is both good and evil. No matter how great a saint is, he will have an evil side, let alone an ordinary person.
"Brother, you drink porridge."
Qiao Gu placed a bowl of thick stick noodle porridge in front of Zhou Chen, and handed a steamed bun to Zhou Chen.
Zhou Chen smiled and touched Qiaogu's head. Fourteen-year-old Qiaogu was just a child in his eyes. That is to say, in this era, if it were placed thirty years later, a girl like Qiaogu would still be
Being held in the palm of my parents' hands.
This little girl is really hard-working and has a docile personality. Even though she is uneducated, she is definitely a prosperous husband. Whoever gets married doesn't have to worry about the family's future.
It's a pity that in the plot, she married that scumbag Chen Daguang, which left her half alone and miserable.
"Brother, don't touch my head, your hair is messed up."
"I haven't seen how neat your hair is without doing it."
Zhou Chen joked with a smile, then picked up the stick noodle porridge and took a sip. Well, it didn't taste very good, but thinking about this day and age, it's pretty good to have stick noodle porridge to drink.
"Uncle, will they come back for lunch?"
Qiaogu sat down next to Zhou Chen and also drank porridge. When she heard Zhou Chen's question, she replied: "If you don't come back, they will come back at night. My dad asked us to eat by ourselves at noon. I made an agreement with Daguang and wait."
I’ll go out to catch fish and bring some steamed buns with me, and I’ll eat some when I’m hungry.”
Zhou Chen nodded, not surprised at all. It was like this during the busy farming period. Sometimes he was busy from morning to night and didn't even have time to eat.
"Then prepare some seasoning later. Brother will catch more fish today and make grilled fish for you."
"Brother, can you also cook grilled fish? Why haven't I heard you say that before?" Qiao Gu looked curious.
Zhou Chen has lived in their house for two years. She knows this cousin quite well. He is not lazy, but he is definitely not diligent either.
According to her father, Zhou Chen grew up in the city and has never done rural work, so it takes time to adapt.
So when she heard Zhou Chen say he knew how to grill fish, she didn't believe it.
Zhou Chen said: "I learned it secretly. You will know it when the time comes. Eat it quickly."
Qiao Gu had a simple mind, so she didn't ask any further questions.
"Well, brother, you should eat quickly, we will leave later."
It didn't take long for the two of them to finish their meal. After Qiaogu prepared her things, they went out together.
As soon as I walked out of the door, I met a chubby little guy, fifteen or sixteen years old, with a strong build and a round face that looked silly.
"Da Guang." Qiao Gu happily greeted Little Fatty.
When Chen Daguang saw Qiao Gu, his eyes lit up and he ran over excitedly: "Qiao Gu."
Then he called to Zhou Chen: "Brother Zhou Chen."
Zhou Chen nodded at him. In fact, the two of them were not very familiar with each other. They only became familiar with each other because Chen Daguang often came to play with Qiao Gu.
At this time, Chen Daguang seemed honest and honest. No one would have thought that he would turn into an ungrateful villain who only wanted to take shortcuts.
"let's go."
The three of them walked together and soon left Chenjiacun. Under the leadership of Chen Daguang, they walked for nearly an hour before arriving at a large river.
Chen Daguang pointed to the river: "This is it. I heard people say there are a lot of fish here."
Zhou Chen looked around and saw that it was not a reservoir, just a river.
"Is this place under contract? Will anyone take care of catching fish here?"
He didn't want to get into a dispute just because he caught a few fish. Although the folk customs at this time were simple, troubles could easily occur in remote areas. After all, the public security in this era was not very good, and people in the area would stick together. If one person was offended, it would easily attract a large group of people.
Chen Daguang said with an indifferent expression: "Whatever, I think a lot of people are fishing here and it's fine, and you can swim and bathe here. Qiaogu, don't go down to the river, just stay by the river. I'm here now
Go down and have a look.”
As he said that, he walked to the side, took off his clothes, leaving only a pair of shorts, and plunged into the river in one fell swoop.
This guy is so fierce.
Zhou Chen was very surprised. After a few seconds, Chen Daguang's head emerged from the water and shouted to Zhou Chen: "Brother Zhou Chen, there are many fish in the river, do you want to come down too?"
Looking at the somewhat turbid river water, Zhou Chen shook his head decisively. Although he could swim, a gentleman would not stand under a dangerous wall.
His main mission in this world is to survive for at least forty years, and he cannot leave until the mission is completed.
Even though his physical fitness is amazing, this river seems to be quite deep. Don't be afraid of 10,000, just be afraid of what happens.
"Brother, if you want to go down, just go down and don't worry about me." Qiaogu said.
Zhou Chen shook his head and said: "I won't go down. You wait here while I find a tool to fish."
He walked around the river. The river was indeed not small. Zhou Chen also planted trees. Soon he found a branch more than two meters long. He sharpened one end and went to the river to start fishing.
Relying on a branch to catch fish doesn't seem very reliable, but he is now very physically fit, both in strength and agility. If he shoots fast enough, he still has a good chance of hitting the fish.
More than half an hour later, Chen Daguang looked at the two fish in his hand, and then at Zhou Chen who was already grilling another fish, with a look of doubt on his face.
He spent a lot of effort in the river to catch two fish weighing more than a kilogram. In the end, Zhou Chen only used branches and caught seven or eight fish.
Is it because the fish in the river are so easy to catch, or is there really something to be said for spearing fish on branches?
Originally, he wanted to bring Qiao Gu here to show off his abilities, but now he has no such intention. He is completely outclassed by Zhou Chen.
If he had known that when he came today, he would have brought a fishing net. If he had brought a fishing net, he would definitely be able to catch more than Zhou Chen.
Zhou Chen and Chen Qiaogu didn't know Chen Daguang's complicated psychology at this time. They were sitting by the fire grilling fish.
Qiao Gu's face was full of admiration and excitement. Today, her cousin really gave her some experience. She could actually catch fish with a branch. It was amazing.
There were two fish cuffed on the fire. She had already given the salt and other seasonings to Zhou Chen.
There were only a few condiments, which made Zhou Chen frown secretly. This place was really poor. Even Chen Jinshui, the head of the village, didn't have much inventory at home.
"You can eat it later, but the fish grilled this way doesn't taste much better."
Zhou Chen has not experienced grilling fish in this way a few times. It definitely doesn't taste as good as cooking it in a pot, but in this era when there is not much to eat, it would be nice to have something to eat.
Chen Qiaogu saw how Zhou Chen handled the fish from beginning to end. She felt that Zhou Chen had more experience in killing fish than she did and he handled it cleaner than her.
She usually cooks for Zhou Chen at home, but this is the first time that she doesn't participate in the whole process, and Zhou Chen grills fish for her.
The three of them gathered around the fire, and the grilled fish with seasonings gave off the smell of meat, making Chen Daguang and Qiaogu salivate.
After a long while, Zhou Chen said: "You can eat, one for each of you."
Chen Daguang and Qiaogu immediately took the grilled fish handed over by Zhou Chen eagerly, and then started eating it with big mouthfuls.
Zhou Chen also picked up a piece of fish and took a bite. The fish was cooked, but the taste was really average, so he could eat it.
After eating the fish, the three people went to other places to play, and did not return home until the evening.
After a day of getting along with each other, Zhou Chen had a slight change in his opinion of Chen Daguang. This guy may be still young. Although he is a bit cunning, his nature is not bad.
On the way back, he was still thinking about whether to change Chen Daguang's future in the future.
When Zhou Chen and Qiaogu returned home, Chen Jinshui and his wife had not returned yet. Qiaogu started boiling water for cooking after she returned home. It was not until completely dark that Chen Jinshui and his wife returned home.
"Dad, Mom, you're back. I'll get you some water. You should wash up quickly."
Zhou Chen and Qiaogu helped Chen Jinshui and his wife get the tools, and Qiaogu even pulled them to the basin where water had been filled.
The way of survival passed down from the ancestors of Chenjiacun is to exchange chicken feathers for sugar, but nowadays, exchanging chicken feathers for sugar is considered speculative. They were arrested at the beginning, and since then, no one in Chenjiacun has gone out to do the business of exchanging chicken feathers for sugar.
, the villagers basically farm at home or do odd jobs.
Without the business of exchanging chicken feathers for sugar, life in Chenjiacun would naturally be very difficult. Those with more fields were fine, but those with less land really had trouble eating.
Poverty has become the mainstream in China in this era. Except for a few places, most other places are very poor.
At the dinner table, Chen Jinshui and his wife were hungry after a busy day, so they ate with big mouthfuls. They ate most of it in a few minutes, and then slowed down.
Chen Jinshui took out his dry cigarette and smoked it. Amid the smoke, he looked at Zhou Chen.
"Xiao Chen, you will be eighteen years old next year and can go out to work. If we hadn't severely cracked down on speculation now, I would really like to pass on the art of exchanging chicken feathers for sugar to you."
He has only had a daughter in his life. Although he is not so patriarchal, there is still a difference between boys and girls in his heart.
You can count on boys to inherit the family, but don't count on girls to inherit the family, unless you recruit a son-in-law.
Zhou Chen is his nephew. Although he does not expect Zhou Chen to provide for him in his old age, he also hopes that Zhou Chen will be successful. After all, this is his biological sister's child.
"What kind of work do you want to do? If you want to farm, I can find a way to get you a few acres of land. You won't make a fortune farming, but as long as you work hard, you won't starve to death. But if you want to do something else, you can also follow
Let me tell you, my uncle doesn't have much ability, but he can still give you some advice."
If Zhou Chen's parents were still alive, he wouldn't have to worry about it as an uncle, but now that Zhou Chen's parents were gone and he was kicked out by his eldest brother and sister-in-law, as an uncle, he naturally couldn't just sit idly by.
He could even pick up an orphan like Chen Jianghe from the snow and raise him, let alone a nephew like Zhou Chen who was related by blood.
Zhou Chen didn't think anything about it and directly expressed his thoughts.
"Uncle, I want to get into college."
"ah?"
Chen Jinshui's family of three were all stunned, and Chen Qiaogu even shouted in disbelief: "Brother, what did you say, get into college?"
Chen Jinshui and his wife looked at each other in shock.
"Xiaochen, why do you have such an idea? Aren't you unable to enter college now?"
Chen Jinshui also found it unbelievable, but after all, he had some knowledge and knew that he could not enter college now.
Zhou Chen said: "I heard the news before that the college entrance examination may be resumed at the end of this year. There are still three months left. I want to give it a try."
Chen Jinshui's wife Chen Erli asked doubtfully: "Where did you hear the news? Even if you can pass the college entrance examination, haven't you just graduated from junior high school? Can you pass the college entrance examination?"
"If the college entrance examination is resumed, the first college entrance examination will definitely not be difficult. Although I graduated from junior high school, I have read high school books. If I study now, I may not be able to get into college." Zhou Chen said calmly.
Chen Jinshui pondered for a moment, then asked: "If the college entrance examination is resumed, are you really sure?"
Zhou Chen said confidently: "I dare not say 100%, but give me a few months to study. As long as the college entrance examination resumes, I will still be 70% or 80% sure."
Chen Jinshui gritted his teeth and said: "Then study. If you can get into college, you will be a proud ancestor and have a bright future. It is much better than living in the countryside farming all your life. Xiaochen, I support you. From now on, until the college entrance examination resumes,
You just study hard at home, and you don’t need to do anything else.”
Zhou Chen waited with awe, this cheap uncle is very courageous.
When he didn't know the specific situation of the college entrance examination, he actually made this decision based on just a few words he said. Most people really don't have the courage like him.
Chen Erli had no objection at all. In this family, Chen Jinshui was the head of the family, and she kept her word. No matter what happened, Chen Jinshui would do whatever she said. All she had to do was follow orders.
"Thank you, uncle. Don't worry, I will definitely be able to get into university when the college entrance examination resumes."
With Chen Jinshui's support, Zhou Chen didn't say anything else, just a solemn assurance.
Chen Jinshui said: "If you can get into college, our family will be dependent on you in the future."
Zhou Chen said: "I will definitely do it, uncle."
Chen Jinshui showed a happy smile. Their Chenjia Village was very remote and not well-informed. He didn't know if what Zhou Chen said was true, but he felt that Zhou Chen wanted to go to college because he had ideals and ambitions, so he was sure
Will support.
If Zhou Chen can really get into college, it will be great news to Chenjia Village. If others don't tell them, their family will definitely take advantage of it in the future.
Chen Qiaogu even raised her hand and said sweetly: "Brother, I also believe in you. You will definitely be able to get into college. Then I will have a college student brother."
Feeling this family affection, the smile on Zhou Chen's face became even brighter. From this brief contact, he could feel that this family of three really cared about him, at least countless times more than his eldest brother.
Ever since Chen Jinshui agreed to let Zhou Chen study, he didn't let Zhou Chen do anything in the days that followed. Zhou Chen looked at the books he brought here, which were all junior high school books. In fact, he was just pretending.
.
It was not until more than a month later, almost November, that the news of the resumption of the college entrance examination finally reached them.
Chen Jinshui was shocked when he heard the news. It seemed that what his nephew Zhou Chen said was indeed right. The college entrance examination was really going to resume.
Thinking of Zhou Chen who was about to take the college entrance examination, Chen Jinshui was full of expectations and went out of his way to find connections to borrow books.
Although Zhou Chen felt that he could get into college even if he didn't review or read, he didn't stop Chen Jinshui from doing so.
On this day, Chen Jinshui came back happily and said to Zhou Chen: "Xiao Chen, I have used our relationship with the production team to recommend you to take the college entrance examination. Time is limited. You will be responsible for studying now. You are not required to do anything else.
Tube."
"Thank you, uncle."
"Thank you for nothing. As long as you can go to college, I will be satisfied and I will be able to live up to your dead parents."
Reviewing became Zhou Chen's next main task, and Qiaogu served Zhou Chen around the clock, not even going out to play with Chen Daguang.
…………
In the blink of an eye, it was December of 1977. All provinces across the country had begun the college entrance examination one after another, and Zhejiang Province, where Zhou Chen was located, was about to begin the college entrance examination.
On the day of the college entrance examination, Chen Jinshui drove himself and, together with Chen Jintu from the same village, sent Zhou Chen to the examination room early.
"Uncle, Uncle Jintu, you go back, don't wait for me, I will go back by myself after the exam is over."
Outside the examination room, Zhou Chen said to Chen Jinshui and Chen Jintu who had sent him here.
Chen Jinshui waved his hand and said: "No, you go to take the exam first. We will wait for you to finish the exam before we go back together."
Chen Jintu also said: "Yeah, running back and forth is too troublesome, we'd better wait for you to go back together."
Chen Jintu is Chen Daguang's father and Chen Jinshui's loyal follower.
Zhou Chen tried to persuade them a few more times, but when the persuasion failed, he gave up. Seeing that the time was coming, he said goodbye to them and walked into the examination room.
"Xiaochen, don't be nervous, take the exam well."
As soon as Zhou Chen left, Chen Jintu couldn't help but ask: "Brother Jinshui, I don't know what you think, how can you let him take the college entrance examination? Can he pass it?"
Chen Jinshui glared at him angrily: "If you don't let Zhou Chen take the exam, why don't you let your son Da Guang take the exam? Is he the right one?"
He can still look forward to Zhou Chen taking the exam, but doesn't he know about the other qualified young people in the village? Each one of them is useless.
Especially Chen Daguang, he has always disliked him, because this kid always drives Qiaogu crazy and has evil intentions. How could he have no objection?
Chen Jintu, who was scolded, pursed his lips and did not dare to say anything. Chen Jinshui was not only the village chief of Chenjia Village, but also the leader of their generation of brothers.
It is no exaggeration to say that Chen Jinshui's words will be echoed by all the young and old in Chenjia Village. He is the village chief and is similar to the clan leader.
"Brother Jinshui, I just asked casually, why are you so anxious?" Chen Jintu shrank his neck.
Chen Jinshui snorted coldly: "Let's go to the county town and have a look."
The college entrance examination is really a very simple matter for Zhou Chen. Although he has never participated in the college entrance examination in Zhejiang Province in 1977, with the knowledge he has mastered, it is really easy to cope with the college entrance examination.
A few days passed quickly. After the college entrance examination, the results would not come out for at least half a month, so Zhou Chen was not in a hurry. Anyway, he had filled out his application form and passed the exam. All he had to do next was to wait for the news.
He was not in a hurry, but Chen Jinshui's family of three were very anxious. Even though Zhou Chen assured them that the test paper this time was very easy and they would definitely be able to get into college, they were still uneasy until the dust settled.
Finally, the day came when the college entrance examination results came out. When Chen Jinshui learned that Zhou Chen was admitted to Peking University as the top scorer in the province, everyone was dumbfounded.
On the day when the results came out, Zhou Chen's name resounded throughout Zhejiang Province, especially in Yiwu, which caused an uproar.
What followed was countless city leaders, county leaders, reporters, etc., looking for Zhou Chen everywhere.
When they found Zhou Chen's eldest brother's house, his eldest brother Zhou Yong and his sister-in-law were dumbfounded when they learned that they were looking for Zhou Chen and that Zhou Chen was admitted to Peking University as the top scorer in the college entrance examination.
At this moment, they regretted driving Zhou Chen away. If they knew that Zhou Chen still had this ability, how could they have driven Zhou Chen away.
When they thought that Zhou Chen had been admitted to Peking University and would definitely become a national cadre after graduation, they felt regretful that such a good opportunity to rise to prominence had slipped away from their hands.
However, these two people were also thick-skinned, and when they saw the benefits, they immediately thought of repairing their relationship with Zhou Chen, and headed to Chenjiacun with the leading reporters who came to find Zhou Chen.
The remote and backward Chenjia Village was extremely lively on this day. Everyone knew that the nephew of the village chief Chen Jinshui's family had become the top scorer in the college entrance examination and was admitted to the best university in the country.
A college student, let alone the top scorer in the province, there has never been such a talent not only in the surrounding areas, but also in the entire Yiwu.
Although Zhou Chen's surname is not Chen, at this moment, he has become the most handsome boy in Chenjia Village.
Before the celebration in Chenjiacun was over, Zhou Yong led a large group of people to the door of Chen Jinshui's house. There was a lot of noise along the way.