"My cousin didn't mean any harm either. He's an educated youth sent down to a nearby village, and making a trip here really isn't easy. He finishes work early on Saturday and takes a long-distance bus for over two hours to get into town. After getting his questions answered, he has to take the bus back to his production brigade on Sunday night. He values this opportunity too much, which is why he spoke without thinking."
Li Yiming's older cousin, the so-called "friend from outside school," was named Song Xiangyang.
Seeing Li Yiming explain on his behalf, Song Xiangyang pressed his lips together and bowed his head, saying in a muffled voice, "I'm sorry, Mr. Zhuang. I know that wasn't right, but the college entrance exam really matters. It matters to me."
That last phrase sounded both like he was talking to himself and like he was offering an explanation.
Zhuang Chaoying had already been moved while listening to Li Yiming's explanation.
Once Song Xiangyang apologized, his heart softened.
Zhou Cheng, however, felt little. After all, he knew the plot and had long understood their circumstances.
Song Xiangyang certainly hadn't had an easy time seeking help with his studies for the college entrance exam, but the problem was that far too many people had it hard in those days.
When it came to striving for a better future, Song Xiangyang's little share of hardship didn't even rank.
Granted, judging by the later plot, both Song Xiangyang and Li Yiming were actually fairly decent people.
They might not repay a drop of kindness with a gushing spring, but at least when trouble arose, those two genuinely helped.
Still, Zhou Cheng found it deeply irritating that Song Xiangyang had opened his mouth with moral blackmail.
As an educated youth sent down to