In the Years When I Was a Father

Chapter 23: The Partial Dad (3)

A month passed, and Qi Sheng finally had the cast removed from his leg. He could walk normally again. In just a few days, his younger son would be starting university, so Qi Sheng busied himself preparing everything he would need to take with him.

“Dad, aren’t you being a bit too biased now? It’s just college! And yet it’s new quilts, new clothes, food—why don’t you just move the whole house over for him!” Qi Xiangdong grumbled as he looked at the pile of new items, clearly displeased.

Qi Sheng was spending money quite happily. The original version of him wasn’t someone who wasted money, and over the years, he had saved up quite a bit. Now he could finally use it to kit out his youngest son properly.

“If you had also gotten into university, I’d give you the same treatment.” One sentence shut Qi Xiangdong right up.

He had no comeback, and could only huff and stomp out angrily. Qi Xiangnan, on the other hand, started to look a little uncomfortable.

“Dad, this is too much. It’s already cost quite a bit for me to go to college. This new quilt—why don’t you use it at home instead? I’ll just take the one from my room.”

Qi Sheng was packaging some braised beef and turned to him. “This is nothing. I’ve saved up some money over the years. Don’t worry, money’s not an issue. Besides, you’re lucky—just caught the tail end of the government-funded college era. The school only charges a symbolic amount, and we won’t need to spend much.”

Because of the hot weather, Qi Sheng only made some preserved foods for now. Once the weather cooled down, he planned to make more for his younger son.

Once the older son had left the room, Qi Sheng took out 200 yuan and a brand-new bankbook. “I opened this account for you two days ago. There’s 500 yuan in it. Once you’ve used up your cash, you can withdraw more from the bank.”

“Dad, this 200 is already enough. Why are you giving me so much? I heard the school even gives out food coupons. Meals won’t cost much at all!” Qi Xiangnan had grown used to his father’s affection in recent days, but still didn’t take the bankbook. Even though tuition was practically free, living expenses could still run up to one or two thousand a year. That was already a heavy burden for families like theirs. Over the past few days, Qi Xiangnan had been asking around a lot, trying to figure out how to save money once he got to university.

“You think I didn’t look into it too? Those food coupons only cover the basics—just staples. What, you planning to live off plain rice and steamed buns? You’re practically a grown man now. You can’t eat just greens every day. If you want to eat meat at school, go buy some. Don’t go out of your way to save.”

Qi Xiangnan still wanted to argue, but one sharp glare from his father was enough to make him silently accept it.

“I’ve checked—300 a month isn’t too much. Spend according to that budget. I’ll send you money on time every month. If it’s not enough, call me and I’ll add more.” There was a public telephone at the commune supply and marketing cooperative—much more convenient than sending letters.

Listening to his father ramble on with all his instructions, Qi Xiangnan’s eyes began to turn red. Qi Sheng noticed his youngest son had gone quiet and turned around to see his eyes welling up with tears. He chuckled and asked, “What’s this? Crying already? You can’t bear to leave your old man?”

Qi Xiangnan sniffled. “That’s exactly it—I can’t bear to!”

All these years, his father had never cared for him the way he did now. Even back when his mother was still alive, his father had clearly favored Qi Xiangdong. Now that his dad finally showed him some affection, they’d have to wait another six months before they could see each other again.

Qi Sheng smiled at his son’s rare moment of tenderness and quickly reassured him, “Silly boy, then I’ll come visit you often, alright?”

Qi Xiangnan sniffled again but didn’t take the words to heart. It would take two to three days just to travel back and forth between home and his school—not to mention the expense of the journey. Just having his father come with him to drop him off this time was already more than enough.

Right now, he began to regret choosing a school so far away. Back then, he had simply thought the medical university in Jing City was a good choice. But now, he wished he had picked a school closer to home—how much easier that would have been.

Qi Sheng had no idea what his son was thinking. In this world, he was determined to build a proper future. Not for anything else—but at the very least, to ensure his youngest son would never want for anything. After dropping him off at school, he planned to stay in Jing City for a while and explore opportunities.

On the day of departure, the three of them—father and sons—carried large bags and bundles. First, they hired a family from the village who owned a tricycle to take them to the county. From there, they transferred to another vehicle and finally arrived at the city’s train station. Once they were finally on the train and had settled their luggage, all three let out a long sigh of relief.

Qi Xiangdong grumbled, “See, Dad? I told you to pack lighter. This whole trip’s been exhausting!”

Qi Sheng was a little worn out from the journey too, but still comforted him. “Well, now we’re on the train, it’s fine. It’s only the trip there that’s a hassle.”

“Dad, you must be thirsty. I’ll go get some water.” Qi Xiangnan, seeing how tired his father looked, felt a pang of sympathy. He picked up the thermos and headed toward the water tank.

Qi Sheng glanced at his eldest son sprawled across the seat, then looked at his thoughtful and diligent younger son. He gave Qi Xiangdong’s leg a nudge and said, “You should learn a thing or two from your brother. I’ve spoiled you all these years—made you lazy and thoughtless.”

Qi Xiangdong curled his lips. Over the past month, he’d already been lectured by his dad countless times. So what if he got into college? It was like he’d suddenly become some precious treasure!

Seeing that he still didn’t take it seriously, Qi Sheng continued to scold him, “Be nicer to your brother from now on. No more bullying him!”

Qi Xiangdong was so sick of hearing it his ears practically had calluses. “Got it! I haven’t even picked on that ancestor of yours this whole month. Dad, how many times are you going to say it?!”

Qi Sheng didn’t push it any further. Instead, he pulled out the food he’d packed and also took out some fragrant melons they’d grown at home.

They had been in a rush while traveling, and with all the luggage, it was a hassle to stop and eat outside. Considering this, Qi Sheng had planned from the start that they’d just eat on the train. So, he’d prepared plenty of food for the trip.

Braised beef, flatbread, pickled vegetables, cooked cured meat, and homegrown melons—father and sons had a satisfying feast. Once they were full and content, they all let out a breath of relief, finally feeling alive again.

Knowing how tough train conditions were these days, Qi Sheng had asked someone to help him buy tickets a month in advance. That’s the only reason they managed to get three seats. Looking at the packed aisle, Qi Sheng couldn’t help but sigh. He really needed to start making money soon—being able to afford a sleeper car would be way more comfortable than this.

Thankfully, the entire trip was only about a dozen hours. By the following noon, they finally arrived. As soon as he got off the train, Qi Sheng hurried to find a restroom. Only after relieving himself did he breathe a sigh of relief—traveling long distances in this era was definitely no picnic.

The three of them made their way to the school gate after several transfers. After grabbing a simple bite to eat nearby, they carried their bags and bundles into the campus.

This medical university’s affiliated hospital was well-known even in the capital. The campus was massive. Besides Qi Sheng, both sons were wide-eyed with amazement. It was the first time either of them had traveled so far or seen such a beautiful campus.

From the moment he stepped inside, Qi Xiangnan was visibly excited. Watching the students come and go, he began to daydream about his future at the school.

Qi Sheng noticed the expressions on his sons’ faces and chuckled, saying, “Let’s get you registered first. Once your luggage is settled, we’ll have plenty of time to look around.”

Qi Xiangnan nodded eagerly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

As for Qi Xiangdong, watching his younger brother brimming with confidence and excitement made him feel bitter. That kid would now be living in the city—if only it were him instead. As soon as that thought crossed his mind, the earlier joy of seeing new things faded. He even wanted to drop the bundle in his hands right then and there. But he didn’t dare—after all, even his old man wasn’t on his side anymore.

The three of them followed a student’s directions toward the registration area. Once they saw the line at the window, Qi Sheng had his eldest son sit on a bench to watch over the luggage, then took his younger son to queue up.

The line didn’t take long, and the process was quick. Qi Sheng neatly folded the receipts for tuition and accommodation and tucked them into his chest pocket. Then he led his younger son to another window to collect the bedsheets, quilt covers, enamel mug, and washbasin.

“Dad, take that new quilt cover set you packed for me back home when you go. I’ll just use the ones the school gives out.”

Qi Sheng felt the quality of the issued bedding and shook his head. “It’s fine. Keep it. If the school doesn’t require everyone to use the same stuff, our own set will be more comfortable.”

Qi Xiangnan still wanted to say more, but they had already returned to where Qi Xiangdong was waiting.

Noticing that his older son seemed a bit down, Qi Sheng said, “Come on, let’s get your things unpacked first. After that, I’ll treat you both to a proper meal at a restaurant.”

“Really?!”

Qi Xiangdong’s eyes lit up. His dad being generous was rare, so he immediately perked up and obediently picked up the bundles. Each of the three carried a heap of luggage, following the directional signs the school had hung up, and headed toward the dorm building.