Time whooshed by; although uneventful, their busyness with work prevented the three from noticing that the wheat in the fields had already been harvested, and the villagers had begun to gather soybeans.
Manbao and the others could only glance at the busy crowds in the fields before and after school each day, then head off to study and do homework.
Mr. Zhuang now closely monitored their schoolwork, granting them only one day off each month. Had the three not taken turns pleading with him about the importance of balancing work and rest, they probably would not have even had that single day of respite.
Taking a break was difficult, and taking time off was now a hundred times more difficult than before.
In the past, they could take personal leave; but now, unless they were seriously ill, they had to attend school despite being sick.
At most, Mr. Zhuang would move your desk from the middle of the room to the very edge, claiming it was to prevent infecting other classmates.
