"What do you mean?"
"Mom, you may not understand the workings of this society. Though the times now are unlike the times then, there are some similarities after all. Mom, think about it, do you still remember how you got your job?"
"With Grandpa Lee's help." Because of Elder Lee, Ding Jiayi was willing to marry Qiao Dongliang who was without any relatives.
She knew that Qiao Dongliang was close to Elder Lee. If he continued to maintain the relationship, with Elder Lee's help, they would be able to lead a good life.
"That's right. I heard that it's useless to be good in one's studies, one needs to have connections. I have thought it through, if I really get into a college, it would cost a bomb. Mom, I can't bear to see you working your guts out. Don't be too hard on yourself. With the money that you earned, spend and use it on stuff that you need."