Chapter Twenty-Two: Enrollment

Seeing Long Yuyun hesitate, it wasn’t out of reluctance to spend money. Rather, his worry echoed what Long Bisheng had once feared: what if the monthly expenses grew too burdensome and the family’s living situation suffered as a result? As a robust, able-bodied man, he could endure hardship, but his wife’s job was demanding, her health not the best, and the nutrition at the army mess left much to be desired. What if her health failed? As for himself, Long Yuyun didn’t give it much thought.

At that moment, Long Yuyun felt his son tug gently at his sleeve, the silent plea clear. The costs truly loomed large; their monthly income, all told, barely exceeded two thousand, and at least half would now go to their son. Add in other expenses, and their income would just suffice. Should anything go wrong at home, they’d have no financial buffer to deal with unexpected crises. Yet, what household could avoid the occasional emergency?

The portly principal read the hesitation in this tall, dignified man. He wasn’t disappointed; he’d witnessed this scene countless times—parents flinching at the price tag. But so what? In the end, these anxious mothers and fathers, yearning for a brighter future for their children, always found a way to pay. He understood the hearts of parents all too well.

Today’s imposing, well-dressed gentleman was, after all, just a paper tiger—unable to muster several thousand for a semester. No matter; as long as he wanted his son to play football, he would find a way, even if it meant pawning household goods. It simply required a bit more persuasion…

“You’re welcome to look at our training grounds and dormitories. Once you see them, you’ll know the fees are well worth it,” the principal said with a genial smile. “Xiao Liu, please show this gentleman around—especially the training base and student dormitories.”

His stylish assistant responded with a sweetly demure “Yes, sir,” then sashayed her way out, leading the father and son on their tour.

The tour left Long Yuyun quite satisfied. The school, unremarkable at first glance, boasted an excellent patch of turf, a training room filled with a wide array of equipment, and, most pleasingly, student dormitories with just four beds to a room. With only fifteen dorms, that meant about fifty students—a figure that matched the school’s standards.

Though no coaches were present, the assistant explained it was still the holiday period; they would return in the coming days.

With each scene he witnessed, Long Yuyun’s resolve hardened: this was the place. The cost was high, yes, but it would only be for a few years. If his son was noticed by a professional team and recruited to their youth squad, the family’s burden would ease. Supporting his son for just a few years—he believed he could manage that.

Once his mind was made up, Long Yuyun wasted no time. He paid the semester’s tuition and five months’ worth of room and board—an outlay that emptied most of his wallet, a total of 6,500 yuan.

He left his son 1,500 yuan as well. Though, in theory, Long Bisheng could get through the semester without a cent more, Long Yuyun knew that having some money on hand was always wise when living alone. Besides, the school might find some excuse to charge extra fees, and with this money, his son wouldn’t have to worry about such trivialities and could focus on football.

He also knew his son’s character well. Long Bisheng was never a spendthrift. The family had never let him go without food or necessities, but they had never allowed him to handle money freely. This was Long Yuyun’s way—he didn’t want his son to develop careless spending habits. Clearly, Long Bisheng had lived up to these expectations.

Long Yuyun took his son to the local Industrial and Commercial Bank to get a card—more convenient and less likely to be lost. Even if it was, no one could use it without the password. He bought his son bedding and a few items of clothing—since the start of school was only days away, he didn’t intend for his son to return home until the semester ended. As for winter clothes, he would bring them in a couple of months during his next leave.

Long Bisheng had no objections. Though he’d never lived alone before, growing up in the military compound had made him self-sufficient. Since he could remember, he’d made his own bed and washed his own clothes. Long Yuyun had once hoped his son would become an outstanding soldier, and the discipline drilled into him now proved invaluable, giving Long Yuyun peace of mind about his son's ability to care for himself.

Having paid the fees, Long Bisheng could now move into the dormitory. With a day left of his own leave, Long Yuyun decided to stay as well—to see firsthand if the accommodations lived up to the staff’s claims, and to save a night’s lodging elsewhere. He knew every penny would now be spent with care; any saving was welcome.

After spending a night, Long Yuyun was quite pleased with the dormitory. Four to a room was a bit cramped, but university dorms were often far worse. The only thing he hadn’t checked was the quality of the cafeteria food—the school year hadn’t started, and the cafeteria remained closed.

If not for his leave coming to an end and pressing matters in the army, Long Yuyun would have stayed until the semester began to observe more. But duty was demanding, and the journey had already taken time. After a single night, he had to leave.

Long Bisheng walked his father along the uneven gravel road outside the school, escorting him all the way to the main road before stopping.

Waving again and again to his father, who looked back with every few steps, Long Bisheng understood: from today forward, he would have to learn to live on his own.

For Long Bisheng, this was the beginning of a new chapter. From this day, he would bid farewell to the warmth of home and strive for his own future and ambitions.

PS: The response for minor character sign-ups has been enthusiastic—let’s keep it going…

But a reminder: some minor characters might only appear once or twice, so I hope everyone won’t mind…

Finally, wishing all brothers and sisters a happy Valentine’s Day—may those in love stay sweet, and may those seeking someone find their match tonight. As for me, I’ll be spending Valentine’s Day with my wife.

Damn it, flowers that usually cost fifty-one are a hundred today, and not a single discount…