Chapter 45: The Relationship Progressed, But Not Completely

Chapter 45: Chapter 45: The Relationship Progressed, But Not Completely

Chen Jingle read the brief text of barely a thousand words very slowly and earnestly.

This was, after all, what Friedrich Engels had called "the first document containing the brilliant germ of the new world outlook."

"Theses on Feuerbach" consisted of eleven theses, with its core content divided into three main aspects. First, it criticized the flaws of Feuerbach’s old materialism for ignoring human subjective initiative, as well as the idealism that one-sidedly exaggerated it. This clarified the difference between Karl Marx’s practice-based new materialist philosophy and the old philosophies, which included both the old materialism and idealism.

Second, it critiqued the idealist historical view of the old materialism and discussed several fundamental issues of historical materialism. Third, it elaborated on the differences between the new and old philosophies from the perspectives of class foundations, philosophical functions, and historical missions.

This text essentially exposed the class limitations of the old materialist philosophies and resolved fundamental issues of the historical worldview. At the same time, it established the concept of practice for the first time, clarifying the class foundation and historical mission of Marxist philosophy. Because of this, it was widely regarded as the origin of historical materialism.

To Chen Jingle, the text wasn’t overly obscure, but it certainly wasn’t an easy read either. At the very least, certain sections were quite difficult to grasp. Furthermore, reading this document required understanding not just its content, but also its historical context, its impact on later generations, and more.

"I need to read this over and over to truly comprehend it," he muttered.

Words were different from numbers. Words carried the author’s life experiences and insights. Even if one felt they had fully studied and understood them, a new stage of life would bring an entirely new level of realization. It was much like the philosophical idiom about the three stages of perceiving mountains and rivers.

Chen Jingle never considered himself a genius; he wouldn’t even call himself exceptional. Whenever he found himself deeply interested in something and realized he could do it slightly better than the average person, he would choose to persevere. It was one of the few things that made him feel superior to the norm and gave him a sense of accomplishment, even if that superiority was marginal. This was true for his writing, his study of history, and his study of ideology and politics.

He firmly believed that hard work would pay off. As long as he didn’t choose the wrong direction, even the faintest reward was still a reward. In the past, it would take a very long time for his efforts to yield any feedback. But now, the emergence of the system had made that feedback instantaneous. This change was a massive motivator for his studies. He loved learning so much right now!

After finishing "Theses on Feuerbach," Chen Jingle went on to read the "Critique of the Gotha Program." Tonight, he was completely engrossed in the classic works of Marxist philosophy.

Philosophy deepened a person’s thoughts, making it easier for them to see past the surface and grasp the true essence of things compared to the average person. Whenever he encountered something he didn’t understand, he would occasionally consult Zhong Qing and listen to her thoughts. Even though Zhong Qing was just an undergraduate student and her ideas weren’t necessarily correct, everyone gained knowledge at their own pace, and everyone had their own area of expertise. As the saying went, stones from other hills could serve to polish jade. Her input could always offer him some level of inspiration.

Zhong Qing, on the other hand, was feeling somewhat conflicted.

"This isn’t the outcome I wanted!" she wailed inwardly.

She wondered why her blind date had suddenly turned into a study partner.

"Instead of talking about romance and sweet nothings with me, you’re discussing the concept of practice, philosophical missions, and societal development?" she thought. "Seriously, buddy, are you okay?"

It was just... She didn’t even know where to begin complaining. There was simply too much to unpack. Zhong Qing sighed silently. However, it wasn’t as if she felt repulsed by it. In fact, she felt that interacting this way was much more relaxing than the initial filter brought on by his good looks. After all, this was a field she was relatively good at, so they had far more topics to discuss. This was evident from the sheer length of their text messages.

Zhong Qing was just a little confused. She wondered if this actually counted as advancing their relationship. She really didn’t know! It was her first time going on a blind date, and certainly her first time encountering a situation like this. She didn’t even have a frame of reference. She hadn’t dared to mention this development to her roommates. If things went south, it would easily become a joke they’d remember for the rest of their lives, and that would just be too embarrassing.

For Chen Jingle, the two of them had gone from being slightly distant and awkward blind dates to friends who could happily discuss academic topics. How could this not be considered a step forward in their relationship? At the very least, he was highly satisfied with his gains tonight. Of course, he didn’t forget to express his gratitude for Zhong Qing’s selfless help at the end of their conversation. These days, there weren’t many people willing to share their knowledge so openly and thoroughly.

[After-school reading time is over. That will be all for today’s hard work. The smart little Chen Jingle has done a great job. Now, it’s time for bed. Only with adequate sleep can you ensure the proper growth and development of your body.]

The system’s reminder rang out right on time.

"Hmm? Is it already time?" Chen Jingle checked the clock. Time really had flown by. He stretched his arms and finally felt a trace of drowsiness, letting out a yawn. "Alright, time to get ready for bed."

He first drank a glass of warm water to soothe his throat, then went to the bathroom to relieve himself. When he came back, he turned off the light, threw himself onto the bed, and pulled up his cozy blanket, shutting out the rest of the world.

"What song should I listen to tonight to fall asleep? Let me think..."

A flash of inspiration hit Chen Jingle. He asked, "Can you play the Cantonese nursery rhyme version of ’Moonlight’? The one that goes ’Moonlight shines on the courtyard,’ and I want the little shrimp boy version." He even hummed a few lines as a demonstration.

The system fell silent for a few seconds before its voice rang out, as gentle as always.

[Of course.]

"Glad you know it," Chen Jingle said, delighted.

[Moonlight~ shines on the courtyard]

[Little shrimp boy, go to bed like a good boy]

[Tomorrow morning, Mama~ has to rush to plant rice seedlings]

[Grandpa will watch the cows~ up on the mountain ridge]

Yes, this was exactly the right feeling! It felt just like returning to his mother’s embrace during his early childhood. Utterly satisfied, Chen Jingle closed his eyes and wrapped himself up tight in his thin blanket, looking exactly like a rice dumpling. Hearing the system’s voice in his local dialect made it feel even gentler and more intimate than before.

By the time the song finished, Chen Jingle’s breathing had steadied, and he was already fast asleep. His sleeping posture, however, wasn’t very graceful—he was curled up into a tight ball. In his mother’s words, he looked "just like a little shrimp."

[Goodnight.]

The system then fell completely silent, as if it had entered hibernation as well.

Monday morning.

It was that time again when the corporate wage slaves tramped off to work with the same heavy hearts as if they were visiting a graveyard.

After going to bed early and waking up early for two consecutive days, Chen Qiyun currently felt invincible! She was so full of energy that she felt she could send Chen Jingle flying with a single punch, pasting him so hard against the wall that he’d need to be scraped off! Of course, she wasn’t foolish enough to actually test this on Chen Jingle, otherwise, she would be the one needing to be scraped off the wall.

She ate a quick breakfast and grabbed a carton of milk on her way out. By the time she reached the village entrance, she had just finished it. Her two friends who usually went to and from school with her, Chen Ziyin and Chen Kexin, had also just arrived at the village entrance. Chen Qiyun tossed her empty milk carton into a nearby recycling bin and walked over to them.

"Sister Yun, have you started drinking milk? Here, you can have mine too," Chen Kexin, who had slight buck teeth, offered when she saw this.

Chen Qiyun waved her hand dismissively. "No need. One carton a day is enough."

Chen Kexin smiled. "Actually, I don’t really like drinking milk either, but my mom forces me to. She says I have to drink two cartons every day."

"You drink two cartons a day?" Chen Qiyun asked in surprise.

Glancing at Chen Kexin—who was three months younger than her but at least half a head taller—Chen Qiyun couldn’t help but mutter internally.