Chapter 26: The Top Scholar's Apple

Qinjiazhuang is a large, conveniently located village where people from ten miles around come to trade for daily necessities.

When Bian Xiaoqi, Qin Ke, and Qin Yan reached the market, it was already eight in the morning, and the sun was high. A continuous stream of people flowed through the market; the cries of small vendors rose one after another, accompanied by the sounds of carts and livestock, creating a bustling, vibrant scene of rural trade.

The three had no time to admire the commotion. They found a corner in the fruit trading area and set up a sign that read "Valedictorian Apples." The two fashionably dressed young women, youthful and beautiful, stood side by side in front of their apple stall, instantly catching the eyes of passersby. People stopped to gaze, whispering to one another, wondering what kind of apples could rightfully be called "Valedictorian Apples." With a bright, engaging smile, Bian Xiaoqi addressed the approaching customers: "Uncles, aunties, brothers, and sisters, welcome to taste the 'Valedictorian Apples' from Qinjiazhuang!"

"Why are your apples called 'Valedictorian Apples'?" someone asked, full of curiosity.

"My sister-in-law's college entrance exam score was the highest in our Linshan No. 1 High School this year, and she has been admitted to T University. She is the only high school student in Linshan this year to get into T University. Naturally, apples grown by a valedictorian's family are 'Valedictorian Apples'," Bian Xiaoqi replied proudly.

There were also people from Qinjiazhuang in the crowd who immediately chimed in: "That's right! That pretty girl in the beige dress is Qin Yan, the daughter of the Qin family here in Qinjiazhuang. She got into T University this year. The young man is her brother, Qin Ke, who graduated from the prestigious Bin University. Having two top-tier students in one family is the pride of our Qinjiazhuang!"

"Your apples are too expensive," someone remarked.

"These apples are large, sweet, and top-quality. They were all personally and carefully selected and picked by my valedictorian sister early this morning. Tell me, whose family could offer apples picked by a valedictorian? If you eat apples selected by a valedictorian, it will surely bring good luck to the students in your own home. Wouldn't it be an encouragement for your child to eat apples from the valedictorian's home? Isn't that worth the extra fifty cents? Plus, if you buy more, you can even get a beautiful message of encouragement from my valedictorian sister. It’s a win-win."

"Young lady, who are you? You don't look like you're from Linshan," someone asked, curious about the elegant and smiling Bian Xiaoqi.

"I am from Xizhou, a graduate of Xizhou University, and the sister-in-law of the valedictorian," Bian Xiaoqi said happily.

"The Qin family's daughter-in-law is also a graduate of a top university? That’s amazing!" people exclaimed with even more admiration.

Rural folk are simple and honest; they all have children in school and harbor hopes for their success. They were moved by Bian Xiaoqi's elegance, intellect, and beauty. Her polite, melodious voice made them feel at ease, and her words struck a chord with them. Seeing three top university graduates working under the blazing sun to help their parents moved them even further. One after another, they took out their money to buy the apples, feeling that by doing so, they were bringing good luck home, no longer haggling over a few extra cents.

Qin Yan was in charge of bagging the apples for customers; Qin Ke handled the weighing, calculating, and money collection; Bian Xiaoqi managed customer engagement, giving away calligraphy scrolls and notes.

Every customer who bought more than ten jin of apples received a note written by Bian Xiaoqi. Some recognized the style as Zhao Mengfu’s calligraphy and praised it profusely, cherishing it like a treasure. Some customers didn't have enough money for ten jin but still wanted a piece of calligraphy, so Bian Xiaoqi gladly gave them one. Consequently, even more people came to buy their apples. Before long, the notes were gone, so she had Qin Ke run home to fetch brush, ink, paper, and an inkstone. She laid the "Valedictorian Apples" board across a pushcart and began to write on the spot, ensuring everyone who requested one received something. Her attitude was amiable and she smiled constantly, answering every question. The buyers vied for a chance to exchange a few words with her.

The news that buying "Valedictorian Apples" came with "Zhao-style" calligraphy spread like wildfire throughout the market. People flocked over to see the valedictorian's grace and the talented young woman's calligraphy.

Soon, an unprecedented scene appeared in the Qinjiazhuang market: people consciously formed two lines—one to buy apples, and one to wait for Bian Xiaoqi’s calligraphy.

Their two large baskets of apples were sold out, while the neighboring fruit stalls remained untouched, leaving the owners sighing in frustration. Customers waiting in line teased the neighboring vendors: "Who told you your family didn't produce a valedictorian?"

With over two hundred jin of apples sold, some people still didn't want to leave. Bian Xiaoqi seized the opportunity: "There are still many apples in our orchard. If you want them, you can go and pick them yourself. If you have children in school, bring them along; you can receive learning advice from my valedictorian sister in person. Would you like that?"

"Can we still get your calligraphy?" someone asked.

"Of course. If you buy over twenty jin of apples, I will write a seven-character quatrain of Tang poetry for you."

Hearing that they could get personal guidance from Qin Yan, the crowd responded with overwhelming enthusiasm.

Qin Yan smiled at Qin Ke, "Brother, Xiaoqi is truly amazing."

Qin Ke laughed, "Indeed. Her brilliant mind is truly beyond the ordinary."

A group followed them to the Qin household, many bringing their children. Seeing the influx of people, the parents were confused until Qin Ke quickly explained. Qin Ke, along with his parents, led the adults to the orchard to pick apples. Bian Xiaoqi stayed behind to write calligraphy, while Qin Yan explained study methods and techniques to the children.

After two more hours of hard work, they finally sent off all the customers. They left happily, carrying their apples and calligraphy scrolls.

***

Seeing that it was not yet noon, Bian Xiaoqi said she wanted to go back to the market to see the sights. The three of them returned to the market.

As they left, the mother remarked to the father, "Xiaoqi is from a big city and a scholarly family; she really is different. Her mind is sharp, her ideas are many, and she knows how to put them to use. She helped us so much today."

Walking through the market, Bian Xiaoqi saw plastic gloves for sale and went over to buy some. The vendor, a man in his thirties, saw the beautiful sisters-in-law and smiled: "You two are the sisters-in-law who sold the 'Valedictorian Apples', right?"

Qin Yan smiled, "Big brother, how did you know?"

The vendor laughed, "It’s been the talk of the whole market all morning."

Bian Xiaoqi asked, "How much for a pair of these gloves?"

"Three yuan."

"I'll take ten pairs for twenty yuan. Is that okay?"

"Sure, but I don't want money. I want you to write a few characters for me."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled, "You want the characters 'Valedictorian Gloves', right?"

The vendor was stunned by her quick wit, "How did you know?"

Bian Xiaoqi laughed, "Since a valedictorian bought your gloves, you naturally want to sell 'Valedictorian Gloves' from now on."

The vendor replied with sincere admiration, "Young lady, your cleverness really startled me. I'm impressed."

Bian Xiaoqi accepted the brush, ink, and board from the vendor and wrote the characters. The vendor gave her twelve pairs of gloves for free, which she accepted with a smile.

A hawker selling candied haws joined the fun, saying, "Valedictorian, let me give you a few skewers for free."

Bian Xiaoqi joked, "I won't write 'Valedictorian Candied Haws' for you."

The vendor laughed, "I don't need your writing. From now on, I'll tell everyone that the valedictorian and her family have eaten my candied haws." He pulled out three large skewers and gave one to each of them.

Qin Yan whispered to Bian Xiaoqi, "My talented sister, we don't need to spend a cent on food and drink today."

Bian Xiaoqi, eating her candied haw, laughed, "Although it's not much money, the principle that 'knowledge is wealth' has been verified once again here in Qinjiazhuang today."

She then said to Qin Yan, "Sister, there is still half a month before school starts. You could run a short-term training class to tutor high school students who need help and charge a fee. Depending on the number of students, you can use one-on-one or group sessions. It will exercise your skills, help the family, and you can even sell the remaining apples on the side. It's a multi-purpose plan."

Qin Ke encouraged her, "Qin Yan, Xiaoqi is right. You should consider it."

"Brother, Xiaoqi, today's apple sales have really touched me. I agree with you—when you have resources, you should use them instead of letting them go to waste."

Seeing Qin Yan agree, Bian Xiaoqi immediately turned to the glove and candied haw vendors: "Big brothers, could you please broadcast the news for my sister? Tell them she is willing to tutor high school and middle school students who need help. Anyone interested can come to our home at the west end of Qinjiazhuang." The two vendors readily agreed.

As they continued to wander the market, vendors greeted them eagerly. They took the opportunity to ask the vendors to help advertise Qin Yan's tutoring class for free.

By noon, the three returned home. Qin Ke’s hands were full of fruits, snacks, and vegetables, all gifted by the hospitable vendors.

***

Back home, Bian Xiaoqi gave the twelve pairs of gloves to Qin's mother: "Aunt, use these when washing clothes to protect your hands from detergent and the winter cold." The mother was moved, holding her hand, "Xiaoqi, thank you for being so thoughtful." Seeing the groceries Qin Ke brought, she added, "We have everything in our garden." Qin Yan smiled, "Mom, we didn't spend a penny; these were all gifts." Qin Ke explained the situation, and the mother said happily, "Such a wonderful thing! This has never happened before."

For lunch, the mother prepared iron-pot stewed fish and tofu, with corn cakes. Eating the fragrant corn cakes, Bian Xiaoqi said she had never tasted anything like this in Xizhou. The mother said it was a reward for their help in selling the apples, which saved labor costs and fetched a good price.

The father noted that they had sold nearly a thousand jin of apples and earned five hundred yuan more than expected; counting the labor savings, it was nearly a thousand yuan. He was in high spirits and had a drink with Qin Ke.

Qin Yan smiled, "Mom, Dad, it's all thanks to Xiaoqi. Without her ideas, we couldn't have sold so many apples at such a high price."

"Xiaoqi only showed a small part of her skills today; she has many more talents and abilities," Qin Ke added.

"Aunt was right that reading is useful. By going out and broadening our horizons, we can do more useful things in the future," Bian Xiaoqi said, feeling very happy.

***

In the afternoon, several parents from the village and neighboring villages came by with their children. Qin Yan received them warmly, carefully inquiring about each child's studies and needs. She provided detailed and patient answers for every situation. With Bian Xiaoqi's help, they scheduled tutoring sessions: no more than five middle school students in the morning, and no more than five high school students in the afternoon, for fourteen days. The fee was forty yuan per morning for middle schoolers (including lunch) and sixty yuan per afternoon for high schoolers (including dinner).

The children, knowing Qin Yan was headed to T University, idolized her, and the parents were impressed by her open and polite demeanor. They felt their children would surely improve under such a good role model. The fees were considered fair, and the arrangements were finalized.

Qin Yan was overjoyed, telling Bian Xiaoqi she should have done this sooner, regretting the wasted month.

***

After dinner, the three went to watch an open-air movie. Qin Ke offered to move a chair for Bian Xiaoqi, but she said no, wanting to experience the atmosphere.

As the movie started, they realized it was an old film they had all seen before. The screen was dim and the image unclear, far inferior to a cinema. Qin Ke remarked that when he was a child, he didn't feel that way; he used to watch with rapt attention, fearing he would miss a single detail. Bian Xiaoqi said that because he had now experienced the effects of a cinema, he had a basis for comparison. Qin Yan said she felt the same about the movie regardless. Qin Ke laughed, saying that once she went to a real cinema, she would see the difference.

Qin Ke led them to the back of the screen, where the image was even less clear. He explained that as a child, when the front was full, he would watch from the back. Bian Xiaoqi asked if it felt strange seeing the actors' movements reversed. Qin Ke said that to see the movie, he didn't care about orientation. Even so, he would follow the projection team to neighboring villages, watching the same movie three or four times without getting bored. In the culturally barren life of the countryside, open-air movies were their greatest visual luxury.

They didn't stay long, returning home under the moonlight while chatting.

The next day, more parents came to consult, and the schedule was filled.

Following Qin Ke's vacation plan, he and Bian Xiaoqi were to return to Haiyuan the next day. According to local custom, the mother decided to make dumplings for them that evening.

Qin Ke minced the meat and chopped the chives, while Qin Yan kneaded the dough. Under Qin Yan's guidance, Bian Xiaoqi quickly learned to use the small rolling pin to make thin-edged, thick-centered dumpling wrappers. She learned to fold them elegantly, too.

Bian Xiaoqi laughed, "I won't be afraid of cooking anymore, and I can cook for my parents. This trip to Linshan has taught me so much; my parents will definitely be impressed." Qin Yan smiled, "Sister, you can do anything you set your mind to." Qin Ke chuckled, "Then I'll have a treat to look forward to." Bian Xiaoqi retorted, "No, I'd rather you cook for me." The three laughed heartily.

After dinner, they packed their bags. Bian Xiaoqi left her largest suitcase for Qin Yan to use at school. The mother sewed several beautiful small cotton bags, filling them with millet, peanuts, and dried shepherd's purse. "Xiaoqi, we don't have much, but this millet and these peanuts are from our own land, and I picked the shepherd's purse in the spring. Give them to your parents. It's all cleaned and ready; just soak it, chop it, and mix it with meat to make dumplings." Bian Xiaoqi thanked her warmly.

The father gave her a stone garlic mortar and two small dogwood rolling pins, which she happily accepted.

The mother held Bian Xiaoqi’s hand, "Xiaoqi, I really hate to see you go. We haven't had enough time together. You must come back often."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled, "Aunt, I hate to leave too. I will come back often."

The mother told Qin Ke, "You must take good care of Xiaoqi." Qin Ke nodded with a smile.

Qin Yan shed tears, "Sister, I don't want you to leave either." Bian Xiaoqi took her hand, "Sister, in less than a month, we will meet in Beijing. We'll be together for four years."

It was a restless night; Bian Xiaoqi and Qin Yan talked until late, and Qin Ke and his parents stayed awake until the early hours.

After breakfast, they said their goodbyes. The parents walked them to the edge of the village, the mother already teary-eyed. Qin Yan pushed the cart with their luggage to the bus stop. Only when the bus arrived did she finally let go of Bian Xiaoqi's arm.

As the bus pulled away, Bian Xiaoqi could still see Qin Yan waving. Looking at the receding village of Qinjiazhuang, Qin Ke recited: "Short vacation ends as work returns, a lingering heart in empty yearning. Dust clouds shroud the autumn path, hometown fades in fields of vastness."

Bian Xiaoqi leaned on his shoulder and softly replied: "Sleep through three watches, wake through five. Parting with kin for the journey long, the morning sun rises on the horizon. Past short pavilion, through long pavilion. Where waters widen and mountains rise, we shall meet again, braving the frost and wind alone."

Qin Ke held her close, "Xiaoqi, we will surely overcome everything."