Shen Pandi turned her back and ran desperately towards the dormitory, afraid to look back, lest tears fall.
Shen Rong was from the same village, and their relationship was naturally close. Usually, when her family sent something delicious, this girl would share a portion with her.
She also cherished the kindness of this girl and Teacher Chen's family, often studying and discussing homework with Shen Rong. While it was called discussion, most of the time Shen Pandi was teaching Shen Rong some techniques for solving problems.
The two girls, close in age, had become like sisters after this period of getting along.
Seeing Chen Yang come to pick up Shen Rong, she secretly hid behind and watched. To say her heart wasn't hurting would be a lie.
Her best friend at school was going home, but what about her? She had no home to return to. That so-called home, that mother who never treated her like a human being, was in the past. Better not to think about it.
Shen Pandi actually heard Chen Yang calling her, but she didn't dare to turn back.
She didn't want to show her most vulnerable side to Chen Yang. She wasn't like Shen Rong, who was cherished by her parents since childhood and then by her elder sister and brother-in-law as she grew up.
She knew very well that if Teacher Chen saw her like this, he would definitely want to invite her home for the New Year.
This wouldn't do. She and Chen Yang's family were not related in any way, and people would definitely gossip. If it reached the ears of her already resentful mother, it would inevitably cause trouble for Teacher Chen.
Therefore, she chose to turn and run quickly.
But as she ran, tears couldn't help but slide down the corners of her eyes.
When everyone was desperately studying, she didn't feel anything, but now that the New Year was approaching and everyone was going home to reunite with their families.
She realized that even she, who was strong, couldn't help but feel sad, wronged, and want to cry.
She also wished she had loving parents and a happy family reunion with her siblings for the New Year.
Tears blurred Shen Pandi's eyes uncontrollably. With blurred vision, she accidentally tripped and almost fell.
At the school gate, Chen Yang watched the solitary figure gradually disappearing into the distance, his heart growing more and more heavy.
"Dad, brother-in-law, please let me take Sister Pandi home for the New Year. She's too pitiful."
"In this cold weather, her being alone at school, how much she must suffer, not having enough to eat or wear, and no one to talk to."
Shen Rong looked at Shen Pandi, who was stumbling and almost fell, feeling very distressed. She had been getting along with Shen Pandi like real sisters during this time and truly couldn't bear it.
"You girl, why don't you listen? Dad also knows that Pandi is pitiful, but this matter, it's not our turn to do it."
"Even if Pandi doesn't acknowledge her mother, she still has her father, and two uncles. Taking her back for the New Year, no matter what, it's not our family's place to do so, as we are not related."
"If we take her back, outsiders will definitely gossip about your brother-in-law, which would make your brother-in-law look bad and also damage Pandi's reputation."
"Her mother is a lunatic. If she comes to our door, who knows how nastily she'll curse."
Shen Futang sighed. This world is like this. You can't do what you want, and people's words are formidable.
Hearing his words, Shen Rong lowered her head and said nothing.
Seeing his daughter unhappy, Shen Futang felt he had spoken too harshly.
"If you feel this girl is pitiful, at most on New Year's Eve, we can cook some good food during the day and bring it to her by carriage."
Shen Futang wasn't entirely heartless. After all, he loved his daughter.
Although families in this era generally favored sons over daughters, Shen Futang was different. He only had two daughters in his life, so who else would he dote on if not his daughters?
Looking at Shen Pandi's situation, even as an outsider, he felt pity for the girl.
"Dad, I'm going to talk to that girl."
"There's nothing to be afraid of. Before, so many people in the village thought of me as a lazy good-for-nothing, who only knew how to lie at home and depend on his wife to earn work points for a living. Haven't I still managed to get by?"
"Now, who in the village, when they see me on the road, doesn't greet me, and how many dare to look down on me?"
"Dignity is earned, not given by others."
"As long as I, Chen Yang, act upright and honorable, why should I care about others gossiping?"
Chen Yang watched Shen Pandi running further and further away, and suddenly gave a self-deprecating smile.
When did he, Chen Yang, stoop to considering other people's opinions?
Dragons never stop their steps because of the spittle of ants. In his past life, there were countless people who coveted his wealth and status and wanted to replace him.
But when they truly stood before Chen Yang, who didn't respectfully call him Chairman Chen?
Who dared to say half a word of criticism to his face?
Dignity is not given by others; it is earned by oneself.
In Shenjiaba Village, as long as he, Chen Yang, earned the most money, and as long as he, Chen Yang, could help these fellow villagers make money, no one would dare to gossip to his face.
As for Luo Yuzhen, that crazy woman, who normal person argues with a lunatic?
If she dared to cause trouble, Chen Yang wouldn't mind giving her a hard time. Did she really think no one could handle her?
"Brother-in-law, you're amazing."
As soon as Shen Rong heard Chen Yang make up his mind, she immediately jumped up with joy.
Young girls are like this, their emotions displayed on their faces.
"You are the pillar of the family now. As long as you've thought it through, I'm getting old."
Shen Futang sighed, not saying much in the end.
His son-in-law was a capable person with his own ideas, so as a father-in-law, he had nothing more to say.
He was getting older by the day. Who knew when he might close his eyes to sleep one night and never open them again. This family, old and young, would have to rely on Chen Yang.
It was impossible for him to continue dictating to his son-in-law as he pleased, like before.
"Dad, you're right and you're thinking of me. But Pandi is in such a state, it's too pitiful."
"If it were someone else, I wouldn't bother to be so benevolent, but after all, I was the one who helped her from the beginning with her matters."
"Since I've started helping, I'll see it through. I'll help this girl study and get into college. With her here, Erni will have a companion, and they can supervise each other's studies during the holidays."
"Perhaps they can even get into college together and then go study together, having a companion when they're away."
Chen Yang naturally wouldn't disregard his father-in-law's good intentions. However, regarding Shen Pandi's situation, since he had already lent a hand, there was no reason to abandon her halfway.
He wouldn't do something so unfinished.
Besides, he had never taken Luo Yuzhen seriously. To be hesitant and timid because of such a small matter was not Chen Yang's style.
"Alright, what you're saying makes sense. I agree."
Hearing Chen Yang's words, the father-in-law knew that his son-in-law was considering his feelings. The elderly mostly wanted their juniors to show a little deference and respect, rather than necessarily managing every single thing.
He understood perfectly well that he was old and couldn't interfere in everything.
Young people have their own ideas, and they should be allowed to make their own decisions.