Chapter 276: Chapter 276: The Dusty Backpack Chapter 276: Chapter 276: The Dusty Backpack “Second grade? That’s fine,” Zhang Guihua said, though somewhat disappointed, but saving a year’s tuition was still satisfying.

Jiang Dashan nodded as well, encouragingly said, “Zhaodi, don’t be disheartened, time is indeed a bit tight. When you get to school, study hard, and during exams, strive to do as well as your Third Sister and get a scholarship.”

“Mhm, I know, Grandpa, Grandma, I will definitely come first,” Zhaodi assured, clenching her fist with a face full of solemn vows.

She didn’t believe she was any less intelligent than Jiang Mianmian; given two months, she was certain she could finish the third-grade textbook!

Coming out of the main house, Zhaodi returned to her room and saw her mother sitting on the kang, preparing her clothes and backpack for school the next day.

When Zhao Xiaojuan saw her daughter come back, she smiled and waved, “Zhaodi’s back. Come, check if there’s anything else you need to bring to school tomorrow, don’t leave anything behind.”

Zhaodi glanced over and said, “No, got everything.”

“Wear this dress to school tomorrow; I cleaned it for you. Pay attention in class and don’t get into conflicts with classmates. If someone bullies you, go to the teacher, and listen to what the teacher says,” Zhao Xiaojuan advised with concern.

“I know, Mom, don’t worry,” Zhaodi obediently nodded, then glanced again at the backpack her mom had altered from old clothes.

Dull and not at all pretty.

She pursed her lips lightly, feeling a bit disdainful of the backpack.

But she knew that her mom had stayed up for two nights just to make it, and even if she didn’t like it, she didn’t say anything, afraid her mom would be hurt.

Er Ya was staring at the backpack, her eyes full of envy and longing.

But she understood their family’s situation didn’t allow it and sensibly didn’t voice her desire to go to school.

The next morning, Zhaodi put on the old clothes given to her by Jiang Mianmian and made herself as clean as possible.

It was her first day of school, and she wanted to make a good impression on the teacher.

Seeing Jiang Mianmian come out, she happily went over and took her hand: “Third Sister, let’s go to school together.”

“Ah? Oh, alright,” Jiang Mianmian replied.

There was a moment of stiffness in her body. Ever since she knew Zhaodi was reborn, she couldn’t interact with her as intimately as before.

The next second, Zhaodi took the initiative to let go of her hand.

The difference between their two hands was just too vast!

Because of prolonged malnutrition, Zhaodi’s hands were not only dry, thin, dark, but also covered in ugly chilblains and cracks.

Jiang Mianmian’s hands, on the other hand, were white and tender, feeling soft and plump to the touch.

Her face was also soft and plump, while Zhaodi’s face was sallow and emaciated. Naturally not pretty or cute, standing next to Jiang Mianmian only made her look even more rustic and ugly.

Realizing this, Zhaodi quickly let go of Jiang Mianmian’s hand and deliberately put distance between them.

Biting her lower lip to suppress her jealousy, she comforted herself that once she stopped doing manual work, she would definitely become fair and beautiful too.

This made Jiang Mianmian breathe a sigh of relief inwardly, “Let’s go.”

With that, she walked over to Jiang Changhai’s side, creating an even greater distance between them.

Zhaodi said, “Uncle, Third Sister, just wait a bit for my dad; he’s coming out soon.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Jiang Changhe hurried out from the house, “I’m here, I’m here.”

Drops of water were still dripping from his hair, washed specially for sending Zhaodi off to school.

He ran his fingers through his hair and said to Jiang Changhai, “Big brother, I’m taking Zhaodi to enroll. Let’s go together.”

“Sure.”