How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Another beautiful dream gone. I had been counting the days before the new term began. Now I saw the Shi-yi badge flash before my eyes and disappear. So did the new lunch box. They were gone in an instant, like soap bubbles. (5.33)
Just after getting her hopes up, they are dashed again. Ji-li is bummed about not getting to go to school where she'd always hoped. Plus, if this dream can be taken away, others can be, too. That's the part that really worries her.
Quote #5
That was my secret dream. And here was someone who had done it! I could not help feeling jealous. (7.22)
Meeting Mao, she means. Apparently, everybody wants to get some face time with Mao—he's the man behind the curtain, after all—and Ji-li is no different. She wants to meet Mao because she thinks of him as a god. She worships his ideals and thinks he's brilliant.
Quote #6
Wiping my eyes, I slowly walked home. With every step I hoped that Chairman Mao would forgive my black class status and let me be a Red Guard too. (7.27)
It's not just that Ji-li wants to shake Mao's hand. In fact, she worried he will judge her too harshly, even though he's the one putting her family (indirectly) through such hard times.