"Yes, I will," Liu Ran said, very determined.

The teacher nodded. As a teacher, he should naturally trust his students, regardless of how they would turn out.

It would be too quick to jump to conclusions so soon!

"Ye Mo, due to unforeseen circumstances, you missed your exams many years ago. Have you ever considered taking them again?" The teacher turned to Ye Mo with an unexpected question.

Even though Ye Mo had a reputation of having a nasty temper during the three years he was at school, the teacher saw that he had some potential.

Ye Mo bowed to him the way scholars did, "I've never, sir. I wasn't committed, so it would be a waste of time. Furthermore, I have a good life now."

That had been his goal when he started school, but after the regretful event, he didn't have the motivation nor the means.

Their living conditions had improved immensely since Liu Duo arrived, but he still didn't have the motivation to do so.

The teacher's words caught Liu Duo by surprise. Could it be that he was encouraging Ye Mo to tackle the government exams again?

She was even more surprised by Ye Mo. He was practically a cultured gentleman in front of the teacher!

The teacher didn't say anything after hearing his explanation. He merely nodded and brought Liu Ran inside, while the two adults observed by the window.

With a band tape in hand, the teacher tapped on one of the tables, demanding silence from the other students, "Let me introduce you to a new student. This is Liu Ran. He will be joining you all from today onwards. Now, I do not bear intolerance, and I suggest you all help him whenever possible. Understand?"

"Yes, teacher," Yuan Fang and the other students said together, nodding.

Liu Ran sat in the seat indicated by the teacher. He turned back to find his sister and smiled, ensuring them he was perfectly fine and would work hard.

The teacher also signaled them to leave.

Usually, family members weren't allowed to stay for too long. The students would get distracted.

And so Liu Duo took a last look at Liu Ran before they left.

"Mo, how's the food here?" she suddenly asked. How could she have forgotten such an important question just now?

He knew what she was thinking, and said, "Relax, my dear wife. The food here may not be as good as ours, but he'll get three meals a day."

It was a lot better than what average families could afford! Although there wouldn't be enough meat to go around, at least it was better than nothing.

Liu Duo relaxed. She was afraid Liu Ran wouldn't get a decent meal. He wouldn't grow well without proper nutrients.

They arrived at the forked road where they had parted with Li Wazi. Ye Liu and Ye Mo went looking for him, while the remaining three went home.

Ye Yang picked up his farming tools once he arrived home and left right away, without a moment to lose.

Ye Ling went to help Aunt Li with the work, while Liu Duo observed them by the table. The number of people selling bamboo shoots had dwindled lately. Even Ye Liu couldn't bring much back.

Liu Duo needed another money-making idea to sustain their lives while they waited for the next season.

Even though Ye Liu had saved up some dried bamboo shoots, it wouldn't take long for them to run out.

Shat could they do?

She began to rock in her chair, no longer looking at them.

On the other side of town, Ye Liu and the others delivered their stock of bamboo shoots to the restaurant. The shopkeeper asked them to stay.

"Boss Ye, Boss Li, the stocks you sent us are fewer than they used to be, and I understand why. I want to ask, do you have any other rare foods?

The lifespan of the bamboo shoots had ended. If they had any other unique cuisine, his restaurant business would remain popular.