Meng Yan's Transformation

Chapter 561 Returning Home at Night to Deliver a Letter of Introduction

When the homeroom teacher saw Zhan Mengyan's helpless expression, he realized he had said too much and his tone had been too harsh. His tone softened, and his eyes showed encouragement.

Zhan Mengyan swallowed hard, wanting to speak, but felt unable to open her mouth, as if something was stuck in her throat.

"Zhan Mengyan, your teacher believes in you, but your classmates and subject teachers have told me about your situation. I must tell you, if we have made mistakes, we should correct them; if we haven't, we should strive to improve, okay? Don't feel burdened. Don't become discouraged or doubt yourself just because your teacher and classmates have misunderstood you. Tell me quickly, what did you ask for leave to do?"

When the homeroom teacher spoke, she gently patted Zhan Mengyan's shoulder, her tone full of encouragement and concern.

“I…I went to see Principal Li, and he gave me special permission to order meals at the school but not vegetables. I got a letter of introduction to transfer my grain ration certificate. I want to send it home and ask my dad to help me transfer the certificate to our school so that I can also get meals at the school cafeteria.”

As Zhan Mengyan spoke, her face lit up with joy, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, unable to hide her excitement.

"Oh dear, why didn't you say so sooner! This is great news! I heard you were staying with relatives, which is far from school, and you were cooking for yourself, sometimes going hungry. Now that your food ration has been changed, you'll be able to eat a hot meal every day. I've approved your leave! It's just that walking at night isn't safe, are you sure you can manage?"

The homeroom teacher also showed a look of satisfaction when she spoke.

“I can do it! I’m not afraid of walking at night. I’ll need to borrow a bicycle; I can get home in forty minutes.”

When Zhan Mengyan spoke, she held her head high like a brave soldier about to rush to the battlefield.

"Okay, then I'll lend you my bicycle. I'm on duty today and staying at school. It's the teacher's fault for neglecting to help you apply for a change in your food ration. Zhan Mengyan, you're quite bold, daring to go to Principal Li to solve the problem yourself! Tomorrow I'll talk to the dormitory teacher, Teacher Zhu, to see if she can help you with your boarding problem. The teacher will cover your boarding fee. That way you can save a lot of time."

The homeroom teacher's eyes revealed concern and expectation when she spoke.

"Thank you, Teacher Yan! Principal Li said that there is a shortage of dormitory beds at the school right now, and Teacher Zhu, who manages the dormitory, will notify me when a bed becomes available. In addition, Principal Li has applied for a waiver of my accommodation fees."

As Zhan Mengyan spoke, she gratefully bowed to her homeroom teacher in apology.

The homeroom teacher escorted Zhan Mengyan to the school gate and watched her ride her bicycle into the night. She couldn't help but sigh, "This child, it's really not easy for her to get an education!"

The dim yellow light of the streetlights shone on the asphalt road, and car headlights streaked across the distance like shooting stars. Occasionally, the rustling sound of the wind rustling through the treetops passed by Zhan Mengyan's ears, and she couldn't help but shiver, a strange unease rising in her heart.

"We haven't even left the county yet, what am I afraid of? I'm not afraid, not afraid at all! I'm the bravest, tonight is the moment to test my courage!"

Zhan Mengyan muttered to herself, "Maybe I should ask Zhang Xincheng to come home with me... I can't bother him every time something happens. He's already helped you a lot. You have to be independent and strong! Independent and strong!"

As she passed a small convenience store, Zhan Mengyan's slightly tired reflection was seen in the glass window. Neon signs cast flowing light spots on the windows of cars parked by the roadside. She looked ahead; the road leading home was dark, devoid of streetlights.

Zhan Mengyan rushed into the darkness, overlapping her heartbeat with the rhythm of the wheels crushing the gravel, and using her breathing rate to regulate her riding speed.