Rebirth in the 80s: The Scholar Wife is Cute
Chapter 103: Want Money

Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Want Money

Zhou Siyu’s eyes lit up, and the corners of her mouth curled slightly, as she said in a seemingly offhand manner, "Our teacher also said that if you’re not doing well in studies, it might be better to drop out early and learn a trade."

In that era, becoming an apprentice was even harder than working as a long-term laborer for a landlord’s family. You had to help cook, take care of children, and do household chores, and only if you encountered a good master, would you learn something.

But good masters were rare, like phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Many spent three to five years helping out in someone’s house and still came out knowing nothing.

If Shen Mianmian went down that path, then her life would essentially be over.

Had they already decided she would not do well in the exams?

They kept saying, as long as she did well, they would let her continue her education, but even before the exams, they had already concluded she would fail and started to arrange for her to drop out.

Although it was Zhou Lanfang’s instigation, if Shen Jianhua truly cherished his daughter, no matter what the reason, he would probably move heaven and earth to provide for her education.

In the end, between her and Zhou Siyu, he still favored Zhou Siyu.

Thinking back to how sincerely she had treated Shen Jianhua in her previous life, only to realize that until his last breath, he never uttered a single word of truth to her, her heart ached deeply.

She closed her eyes slightly, concealing the trace of sorrow in her gaze.

"Isn’t there still the final exam to come? Let’s talk about it after the exam results are out!"

Seeing Shen Mianmian calm, Shen Jianhua thought she had accepted the apprenticeship, and his mood brightened a bit. At least she was willing to take advice, which was always good.

"Then you and Siyu should wash up and get to bed early! You need to be up early for the exam tomorrow."

"Alright, uncle," Zhou Siyu said obediently, "You’ve been working hard too, so you should also get some rest early."

Her words comforted Shen Jianhua, who smiled and nodded. Noticing that Shen Mianmian remained seated and motionless, he asked, "What’s wrong? Is there something else on your mind?"

Shen Mianmian pursed her lips, "Dad, I’ve been feeling very itchy recently. After the exams, I’d like to go to the bathhouse for a bath."

In those days, technology was not so advanced, air pollution wasn’t as severe, and global warming hadn’t yet become a problem. Winter was especially cold, with temperatures around negative seven or eight degrees Celsius being the norm.

Rural areas were poorer and lacked bathrooms. Bathing meant using a basin inside the house, while men typically went to the river. In the summer and autumn, it wasn’t a problem, but in winter, the only option was to go to the town’s bathhouse.

Families that were poor seldom afforded that luxury. Although the cost wasn’t high, a whole family going once could add up, so most people might only manage to go once a month.

Some even only bathed once a year during the New Year festivities.

It wasn’t that they lacked hygiene, but that their homes truly didn’t afford the facilities.

In her previous life, when conditions were slightly better, she loved being clean. Now she felt uncomfortable going so long without bathing, but with little money on her, she didn’t dare go to the bathhouse.

Instead, she used a towel to wipe her body, but lately, she always felt itchy, likely due to not bathing for a long time.

Hearing that it would cost money, Zhou Lanfang’s eyes widened, "It’s not even the New Year, why take a bath? If you’re itchy, just wipe yourself down with a towel, isn’t that enough?"

She hadn’t even mentioned wanting to go to the bathhouse to bathe. That wretched girl, dreaming of such luxuries; she must have developed a taste for it since receiving three yuan last time and was now asking for money at every turn.

Shen Mianmian ignored Zhou Lanfang and just pressed her lips together quietly, looking at Shen Jianhua. She knew too well that Shen Jianhua was a man who could be coaxed but not forced.

Shen Jianhua had lived through famine years and, as a man, didn’t care much for cleanliness, viewing bathing as a waste of money.

However, he also understood that it was good for a young girl to be clean. Moreover, having just discussed the matter of Shen Mianmian becoming an apprentice, it wouldn’t look good to deny her a bath.

After all, it was only five cents.

"Alright, after your exams, let your mom take you there."