Chen Lan’s heart leaped at the thought of the children being sent to the countryside by Sister Liao. What would happen if they really were sent away? This could have turned into a big problem!
So, she quickly explained, "Sister, there's no need to go to such lengths. We are originally from the countryside. It's just that my husband's job was transferred to Harbin, so I brought the children here to visit relatives. The main reason I want the children to study in Harbin is the good quality of education here. I want them to learn some real skills for a few years, and also, I want them to experience life in a big city."
Sister Liao remained unconvinced and continued to persuade her, "Sister, why put yourself through this? It's not only an added burden for you but also for Harbin's urban development. If the children can't find jobs after graduating from high school, they'll still have to go to the countryside. Listen to me, don't be reluctant. Let the children go to the countryside early to gain experience, and it will also ease the family's burden sooner."
Chen Lan was speechless. Sister Liao's professional habit was truly frightening! She had even imposed such a heavy accusation on her, claiming she was burdening Harbin's urban development. What was she even talking about? Seeing Sister Liao's determined attitude, it was clear she wouldn't give up until her goal was achieved. She was clearly preparing to continue her efforts to persuade Chen Lan to send her children to the countryside.
At this point, Sister Zhao could no longer stand by. She finally spoke up, saying, "Hongmei, stop trying to convince her. They came to Harbin because there are no high schools in the countryside. They just want to get a high school diploma from a Harbin high school and then go back. They are already farmers at home; where else would you have them go to the countryside?"
Sister Liao, belatedly realizing she had gone too far, but it was a professional habit, and she couldn't control herself for a moment, had spoken a string of persuasive words.
However, Sister Liao was an experienced veteran. She gave an embarrassed smile and immediately changed her tune, saying, "Sister, your idea is very good too. With a high school diploma, the children can work as primary school teachers in their village schools. Being a teacher is much easier than doing manual labor."
With that, she stopped trying to persuade Chen Lan. She quickly took out her pen and wrote nine more residency permits for Chen Lan, stamping them with the official red seal of the sub-district office.
Chen Lan smiled, thinking that Sister Liao's professionalism was truly top-notch. She was constantly mindful of her responsibilities and mission, truly dedicating herself to her work to the utmost, something that was difficult for many community workers in later generations.
Chen Lan took the ten newly issued residency permits, thanked Sister Liao profusely, and then left the sub-district office with Sister Zhao.
As they walked, Sister Zhao explained to Chen Lan, "Little Chen, please don't take offense! Hongmei meant no harm. She said that because she didn't understand your family's actual situation. She was just worried that it was too much of a burden for you and your husband to raise ten children, so, out of her professional habit, she suggested you send the children to the countryside."
Chen Lan replied with a smile, "Sister Zhao, don't worry, I'm not angry with Sister Liao. I know she said that with good intentions. I should thank her for giving me the permits! With these permits, the children can study in Harbin!"
Hearing Chen Lan say this, Sister Zhao felt relieved and said, "It's good that you understand, Little Chen. Let's go! Sister will see this through for you today. I'll take you to the Harbin Normal University Affiliated High School, which is nearby, and see if the school has started classes yet."
Chen Lan thanked Sister Zhao profusely for offering to take her to the school. Sister Zhao simply waved her hand with a smile.
Chen Lan then asked, "Sister Zhao, school should be on summer vacation now. Who should we ask at the school?"
Sister Zhao replied, "We'll just ask the old man at the gate. We'll ask him if the high school has started classes. If classes are running normally, we'll ask him when the school officially opens, and then we can register early when school starts."
Chen Lan thought this made sense. Having concrete information would save her from worrying about it.
So, the two walked towards Xuefu Road, which was at the intersection of Kangning Road and Yanxing Road. This road was a gravel road, not very wide, and in poor condition, with potholes everywhere. There were electric poles on both sides of the road, and two drainage ditches.
After walking for about thirty minutes, they arrived at the main gate of Harbin Normal University Affiliated High School, located on Xuefu Road in Nangang District.
The school's iron gate was indeed tightly shut. Chen Lan and Sister Zhao asked the gatekeeper, Old Wang, and learned that classes had resumed long ago. Summer vacation had only just started on July 15th, and school was set to resume on August 19th.
However, Old Wang said, "If they are transfer students, they need to register three days in advance and take an assessment exam."
Chen Lan and Sister Zhao thanked Old Wang and left. As they walked back, Sister Zhao asked, "Little Chen, should we still go to Railway No. 1 High School on Haicheng Street?"
Chen Lan thought for a moment and then shook her head, "Sister Zhao, since school is on vacation, I think we'll skip it today. When school is about to reopen, I'll bring the children to both schools to have a look, and let them choose which school they want to attend."
Sister Zhao nodded, "Both schools are very good, among the best in Harbin. However, Harbin Normal University Affiliated High School is closer to your home than Railway No. 1 High School."
As they walked and chatted, they passed a state-run restaurant next to Harbin Normal University Affiliated High School – Hongxing Dumpling King.
Chen Lan then grabbed Sister Zhao's hand and said, "Sister Zhao, I've been walking all morning and I'm getting hungry. Let's go into Dumpling King for a bowl of dumplings!"
Without further ado, she pulled Sister Zhao inside. Sister Zhao knew Chen Lan's straightforward nature and didn't argue.
It was not yet mealtime, so there weren't many people queuing to buy tickets. Chen Lan asked Sister Zhao to hold her spot while she went to the counter to buy tickets.
Chen Lan took out her money and meat coupons, ordered some braised beef and Guo Bao Rou, and then ordered a portion of sauerkraut dumplings and a portion of chives and egg dumplings.