Wang Ling’er would sometimes take some time to bring them some test papers and explain the questions to them, treating the two of them like younger brothers.
As the days grew shorter, Wang Ling’er would open the small door in the middle of the living room as soon as she got home, slip into the dark living room, and then grope her way into the small room.
A single incandescent light was on in the room, and the two boys sat facing each other around a small table, reading, their brows furrowed.
On the other small stool, Shutong chewed a piece of bubble gum, staring at a newspaper in her hand that had been cut into a mess.
Wang Ling’er had a habit of cutting out her published works and putting them in a booklet; those newspapers were the ones she had cut out and left over.
Shutong, who could read, studied the newspapers every day, seemingly able to understand them thoroughly.
“I borrowed some test papers from the junior high school for you. You can take a look, and I’ll grade them for you later.”
Wang Ling’er took out the test papers and placed them on the table.
Shutong noticed her and moved closer.
The test paper was handwritten on blank paper. It was obvious that Wang Ling’er had borrowed the paper to copy it; it was someone else’s exam paper.
“Thank you.” Wen Shuying said in a low voice, feeling the heavy concern from the Wang family, but unsure how to express his feelings.
Not to mention Wang Bu, ever since he met the Wen siblings, he knew what it meant to stick to his bottom line and what trust was. Now, the appearance of the Wang family was like a dreamlike stage in his life. Every day, he dreamt that all of this was just a fantasy, born out of his despair.
Wang Ling’er didn’t disturb them. She sat down to the side with Shutong in her arms and jokingly asked, “Tongtong, you’ve been reading the newspaper for so long. What have you learned?”
Shutong shook her head.
This time, Wang Bu and Wen Shuying both looked at Shutong with teasing eyes.
Just now, the little girl kept reciting her poem, swaying her head and repeating it over and over again, without getting tired of it.
She was incredibly smug.
She no longer wrote poetry; she wrote children’s literature instead. She had all sorts of strange ideas in her head, and now children’s literature magazines were actively soliciting articles from her.
Wen Shuying always wrote down the article according to her ideas and sent it out, still signing it as ‘Tongtong’.
The Wang family had a computer, so Wen Shuying borrowed it to send the email to the other party’s email address, saving him the cost of postage stamps.
“Hey, Tongtong, there’s a poet with the same pen name as you, also called Tongtong, but she hasn’t been submitting any poems lately. Her writing style is childlike and cute, yet thought-provoking. She must be a master. Look at these holes, I’ve cut out and collected her poems.”
Shutong looked up at her: “Good?”
Wang Ling’er: “Yes, very good! Shall I read you some of her previous works?”
Shutong shook her head: “I don’t love poetry anymore. I love novels.”
Poetry doesn’t make money.
Wang Ling’er changed her mind: “Then I’ll read you a novel. What would you like to read?”
Shutong: “Anything.”
So Wang Ling’er took Shutong and left the small room.
A little while later, Shutong returned with a stack of books and sat quietly in the corner.
Wang Bu, who was working on his test, looked up and saw her already asleep against the wall, clutching a book.
Wen Shuying got up, went over, took the book from her hands, and carefully carried her to the small room.
The small room contained a small bed and a bunk bed, both made by Uncle Wang using materials from the car repair shop.
“I never imagined I’d have a life like this.” Wang Bu said in a low voice, his eyes somewhat dazed.
It was rare for Wen Shuying to hear such words from him, so he turned around and said, “My sister said things will get better in the future.”
Wang Bu lowered his head, a smile playing on his lips.
She was the most optimistic and innocent little fool, but for some reason, her small presence could make people feel safe.
Seeing her made him realize that there were still many ways out in life.
He had many choices; he could take his time.
***
With New Year’s Day approaching, Wang Ling’er became busy preparing for the gala, rehearsing programs late into the night every day.
Even on weekends, Wang Ling’er had to go back to school.
Since Shutong had nothing to do anyway, she got up early in the morning, got dressed, and ran to find Wang Ling’er like a little penguin, going out with her.
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Loveguy On CFRFGC Chapter 12