Back to the 70s: My Childhood Sweetheart Spoils Me Rotten

Chapter 642 - 644: Reflections After Reading

Gong Jiaming found Zhao Guangran to be very problematic, truly strange.

Just before, he was all smiles, saying he could soon seek revenge, laughing joyfully, and clearly his mood was great.

But then, unbelievably, he ran out cheerfully and returned with a long face, clearly having been thwarted.

However, even if he was thwarted, it was no problem. Gong Jiaming knew this guy, often boastful, but sometimes capable of charming many people.

Even Zhan Banxia and the others would occasionally murmur about how this brother was at times, but of course, it was always based on some dumb thing Zhao Guangran had done.

Now, this type of guy not only seemed unhappy but was also reading a book, and a rather thick one at that. What was going on?

Although Zhao Guangran’s grades were decent, Gong Jiaming never thought such a so-called good student would spend much time on studying.

Gong Jiaming also learned from Zhao Guangran to study hard when it’s time to study and play hard when it’s time to play, but now was not the time for studying, yet he was reading, which was really strange.

Gong Jiaming coughed a few times beside him, trying to catch Zhao Guangran’s attention, but the latter completely ignored him.

What’s going on? Wasn’t this supposed to be the time for them to chat? Gong Jiaming was truly at a loss.

Feeling helpless, Gong Jiaming could only nudge Zhao Guangran, who was seriously reading, "What’s up with you?"

"Why did you suddenly start reading?"

Zhao Guangran felt troubled but had to grit his teeth and push on, not only because of what his big brother said but also because he didn’t want to fall too far behind Gong Ruini.

"Do you know who Master Hongyi is?"

Ah, Master Hongyi, who is that? Gong Jiaming was completely confused. Was Zhao Guangran reading a book about Master Hongyi?

He peeked at the title of the book Zhao Guangran was reading, only to be more puzzled. It was a history book, specifically about the Spring and Autumn period. "Were there monks in the Spring and Autumn era?"

No way, was Buddhism established that early? Gong Jiaming was bewildered.

He asked if Master Hongyi had any connection to the Spring and Autumn period. "Master Hongyi is a monk, but he wasn’t born that early." Okay, Zhao Guangran didn’t really know much about this person either, but he knew more than Gong Jiaming.

Oh, not from the Spring and Autumn period, huh? Gong Jiaming uttered an "oh" but felt even more puzzled. Since it had nothing to do with the book Zhao Guangran was reading, what was the point?

"Do you know what Fasting is?" he continued with another question.

What is Fasting? Previously, Gong Jiaming thought he could chat with Zhao Guangran about various topics like food and games.

But now, Gong Jiaming suddenly realized how distant he really was from Zhao Guangran. He had no way to understand what this guy was talking about.

"See, you don’t know. That’s why you need to read seriously." Zhao Guangran looked at Gong Jiaming with an expression that said he was truly clueless.

Please, are these things for exams? Gong Jiaming really didn’t understand the situation, "Well, Guangran, what got into you?"

"I wasn’t shocked by anything; I just realized I have so much time, I should read more. Otherwise, my parents will be upset and disappointed; after all, they paid for my tuition."

"Besides, we have so many books at home; if I don’t read them, wouldn’t it be a waste?"

Indeed, there are so many books at home, even though they were bought quite cheaply, but at that time, our family’s income was limited, and yet the parents never hesitated to buy them.

Just like Gong Ruini said, since the books were bought, it means they are fated with us. Hence, we shouldn’t not read them; leaving books unread would be wasteful.

Zhao Guangran really wanted to emulate Gong Ruini in talking eloquently, leaving people speechless, just like now, leaving Gong Jiaming dumbfounded. But Gong Ruini knows what Fasting is, who Master Hongyi is.

Zhao Guangran asked about these two terms when he heard them from Gong Jiaming, feeling insecure, for if he encountered someone who knew, he’d be refuted and humiliated.

To avoid future refutations, Zhao Guangran resolved to read diligently, unlike the clueless Gong Jiaming at this moment.

Maybe back then, when he was in Gong Ruini’s room, he was probably like this; alas, as embarrassing as can be.

Ah, really? Gong Jiaming was dumbfounded. If such words were said to outsiders, they might impress some, but claiming that Zhao Guangran needed Uncle Zhao’s money to go to school? That he would never believe.

"Don’t you earn money?" Gong Jiaming was puzzled. Was there any need to claim this?

"I do earn money, but don’t I also depend on my parents?" Clearly, someone seen as knowing quite a lot, why becoming this foolish now?

Zhao Guangran indicated that this level of foolishness was appropriate; otherwise, everyone would be as smart as Gong Ruini, making life unbearable, "You think they’ll believe if we say we earn money?"

Believe? How could they? "They won’t believe. My cousin, also Ni Zi’s cousin, did you know?"

Upon mentioning Gong Xiaoyu, Gong Jiaming got excited. Previously, grandma and grandpa praised how impressive his cousin was, but now, Gong Jiaming really didn’t see anything impressive in this cousin.

If he were truly impressive, shouldn’t he be out earning a living? Instead, he’s entirely dependent on adults for support.

If not for something unspeakable, Gong Jiaming really wanted to criticize Gong Xiaoyu; such a grown person was utterly useless.

Looking at the excited Gong Jiaming wanting to elaborate on who Gong Xiaoyu is, Zhao Guangran felt frustrated. Though never having met Gong Xiaoyu, he knew a bit about him.

"Stop, let’s not talk about that wastrel."

Really? Zhao Guangran even knows Gong Xiaoyu? Gong Jiaming had heard from his own dad that their second uncle’s family had a good relationship with Uncle Zhao’s family, never expecting them to bring up something so embarrassing.

"That kind of wastrel isn’t someone we should be discussing." Zhao Guangran thought maybe in his brother’s eyes he was quite foolish, but even so, he was far better than Gong Jiaming, who was even more foolish.

"Gong Jiaming, we should strive to catch up with those who excel academically and who will inspire us to improve, not mentioning men who lack prospects." Yes, even when Gong Ruini had no visible goals ahead, she kept progressing relentlessly.

No reason why, when having goals, he wouldn’t put in effort, "Let’s work together, now, back to reading."

Since Gong Jiaming followed him around, Zhao Guangran certainly wouldn’t abandon this kid, "Read a book every week, then write me a reflection."

"Don’t write nonsense." Zhao Guangran said he’d find certain books to read.

Really? Gong Jiaming was shocked, he hadn’t expected such tasks waiting for him. He’s just a primary school student, though his homework isn’t heavy, the assignments from Guang Ni Zi were already plenty, how could more tasks crop up? What to do, it really worried him.