Free Web NovelChapter 425: Chapter 425: Jim Thorne’s Grand Ambition
With that, the man quickened his pace and followed his companion downstairs. Tang Xiaonan’s heart felt heavy. She understood all too well that sympathy was useless to these working-class laborers. They didn’t need pity; they needed work—the more, the better—so they could earn more money to support their families.
But seeing such a scene, Tang Xiaonan couldn’t help but feel upset. In her past life, when she had just started working, she was broke. She rented a place in an urban village, used a gas canister for cooking, and had to call for a delivery whenever it ran out. She lived on the fifth floor, and one time, the delivery man was an old gentleman with a full head of white hair. He was already seventy, huffing and puffing as he hauled the gas canister up the stairs.
Tang Xiaonan’s heart was in knots, terrified the old man would accidentally slip and fall. She also felt deep sympathy for him, having to do back-breaking labor for meager pay at an age when he should have been enjoying his golden years. But aside from giving him an extra twenty yuan for his trouble, there was nothing else she could do.
After that, she never called that old man for a gas delivery again. She was afraid something bad would happen. For one, her conscience wouldn’t be able to bear it; for another, she couldn’t afford to compensate him if he got hurt.
This was why Tang Xiaonan often despised herself. On one hand, she sympathized with the weak, but on the other, she was as timid as a mouse, always running from trouble. Ultimately, it was because she was too weak herself, lacking the means to help those at the bottom. In this life, she had been born at a good time. She was determined to make a lot of money, not just to live well herself, but also to help others.
"This is how they make a living," Adrian Hawthorne said from the side. ’This chubby girl is too soft-hearted,’ he thought. ’The world is full of pitiful people, as common as blades of grass. There are countless others in far more wretched situations than these two laborers.’
’Take me, for instance, or Grandpa Tate. Back then, we never knew where our next meal would come from. Hunger and cold were one thing, but we also had to endure insults and beatings. Who pitied us back then?’
’Life is hard for everyone. I have no pity to spare for others, nor do I need anyone’s pity.’
Tang Xiaonan nodded. She knew what Adrian Hawthorne meant, and she knew he was right. She was just feeling a bit emotional.
"Third Brother, if you don’t study hard, you’ll end up like those uncles, hauling sacks," Tang Xiaonan said in a very serious tone.
’In the book, Jim Thorne didn’t end up hauling sacks, but my eldest brother, Howard Thorne, did. With no diploma and no skills, he could only find work riding a tricycle at the department store market. He didn’t even earn enough to pay for his drinking habit and lived a miserable, destitute life.’
Jim Thorne froze for a second, then immediately lifted his head, puffed out his chest, and declared, "I’m going to get into Aethelgard University! Just you wait, Xiaonan!"
’I absolutely have to get into Aethelgard University,’ he thought. ’I refuse to lose to that Hawthorne guy. We both have a head on our shoulders, so why shouldn’t I be able to get in? Hmph!’
"Mhm, when you get into Aethelgard University, Third Brother, Maeve Golding and Miles Golding will be so jealous of me!" Tang Xiaonan fanned the flames. ’His motivation can’t be allowed to fizzle out. Even if Jim doesn’t get into Aethelgard University, it’s fine. Just getting into any regular university would be great. A university diploma from this era is practically plated in gold.’
Jim Thorne’s eyes sparkled, and he boasted, "Of course!"
’When I get back, I’m going to study like my life depends on it and burn the midnight oil,’ he resolved. ’I’ll aim to pass every single subject on the final exams and win that big pork knuckle from Sixth Grandpa.’
Goldie Thorne and Adrian Hawthorne carried the radio and luggage, along with some local specialty products. Jim Thorne carried Tang Xiaonan on his back, and they all went downstairs together. The two men had already finished loading the goods, tying them down securely with hemp ropes, and were waiting for them.
"Sirs, could I trouble you to help us get these to our vehicle? I’ll pay you extra for it," Goldie Thorne said politely.
"No need for payment. We’re doing this for Brother Will," the two men said, waving their hands dismissively.
