Chapter 442: Time to Split the Money!

Qi Qiao'er smiled. "Your grandfather has been busy with matters at the Cultural Center lately, so he went there."

Zhu Yanli was curious. "Our town's Cultural Center is just so-so. What could possibly be happening there?"

Because the town was small, few people paid much attention to the Cultural Center. It mainly handled study materials and organized events, such as cultural performances during festivals. At other times, there was little to do. Xie Zhong had taken over the position of director primarily because the job was relaxed.

Qi Qiao'er shook her head slightly. "I'm not sure. You know I don't interfere in your grandfather's affairs, and I don't understand those things anyway." She then asked, "How are you all doing at school?"

Zhu Yanli spoke first. "It's going well. Our homeroom teacher is quite nice. I heard she's from Shanghai, so her classes are very interesting." From Zhu Yanli's expression, it was clear she was happy with her high school life.

"Sister, you're already self-studying the Grade 12 textbooks. Do you still attend Grade 10 classes?" Zhu Yanyi asked curiously.

Zhu Yanli nodded. "Yes, I do. Although I self-study, there's a difference between self-study and systematic learning. Over the years, Grandpa and you have taught me a lot, but there are still things that require a teacher's guidance. So, listening to the classes is beneficial."

Zhu Yanli's academic performance had been significantly improved by Zhu Yanyi's efforts. Zhu Yanyi had invested as much care in Zhu Yanli as she had in Zhu Zhibin. However, Zhu Yanli did not have the same natural foundation as Zhu Zhibin. Despite his hard work, he was only slightly smarter than average, without any particularly stunning academic achievements. But this was enough for Zhu Yanli.

Zhu Yanyi nodded. She knew Zhu Yanli had done her best, and the current situation was good enough. At least, there would be no problem with her升学 (advancing to the next level). So, she answered Qi Qiao'er, "I'm doing well too. This week, I participated in a Grade 7 knowledge competition and won a fountain pen. I brought it for you, Auntie. I noticed the tip of your pen was broken and the ink flow was poor last time. I had planned to give you a gift, and this came at the right time. So, I'm borrowing flowers to offer to the Buddha." Zhu Yanyi took out the fountain pen and handed it to Qi Qiao'er.

Qi Qiao'er knew Zhu Yanyi didn't lack for such a pen, so she smiled and accepted it. "Alright. I'll give it to your aunt when she returns."

After Zhu Yanyi gave the pen to Qi Qiao'er, who put it away, Qi Qiao'er said, "Stay for dinner tonight before going back."

"Okay." Zhu Yanyi nodded. "I've been craving Grandma's cooking. The chefs at our school aren't as good as Grandma."

Qi Qiao'er laughed. "Grandma only knows how to cook home-style dishes. How can she compare to the chefs in your school cafeteria?"

"I'm telling the truth," Zhu Yanyi argued earnestly. "The school food really isn't as tasty as Grandma's. Maybe their dishes are more suited to general tastes—neither too salty nor too bland. They don't disgust me, but they don't make me particularly happy either. Anyway, I just like Grandma's cooking." Her tone had a hint of childish stubbornness.

Qi Qiao'er felt sweet inside. "Alright, I know you have a sweet mouth. Tonight, Grandma will make your favorite stir-fried pine flower eggs."

"Are there still pine flower eggs? Didn't we finish them last time?" Zhu Yanyi remembered that they seemed to be out last time she visited.