Chapter Thirty-Five: The Unified Examination

Life at home is comfortable for a thousand days; stepping out for just one day is hard. With a phone, she could reach her child at any moment, easing their worries as well.

“We've had this idea for a long time. Last time, big sister, you stopped us—this time, you can't!” The last time they found out Tongtong was secretly tutoring Jinxin, the couple already had this thought, but hadn't managed to put it into action. Now, taking this opportunity, they could finally express it.

“You're spending money again!” Jin Yu felt a bit embarrassed. She had always been self-reliant, and both she and her husband had regular but modest jobs, so she felt awkward always accepting help from her family.

“What do you mean, spending money? Tongtong is my daughter too!” Xu Meifeng waved her hand. In their family, there were only daughters—no such thing as nieces. Having another clever and beautiful girl without pain, what a marvelous thing!

“Go on now, if you want to take pride in your simple life, that's your business. But don't drag my granddaughter into hardships!” Jin Yongqing glared at them. He supported his daughter and son-in-law's integrity, their refusal to be corrupt, but he didn't want his granddaughter to suffer along with them.

Jin Yu and her husband exchanged a glance, unsure what to say. Both had formal employment and weren't miserly with their living; by most standards, their life was adequate. At the very least, they always provided the best they could for their daughter, never lowering her standard of living.

But compared to her more comfortably-off family of origin, there was simply no comparison—especially since her family was particularly generous toward their daughter.

“Thank you, Auntie! I spent my bonus today. When I get time to rest, I'll buy you silk scarves and lipstick—so beautiful you'll make Uncle unable to look away! Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad, Little Uncle, you all get something; just tell me what you want. The school awarded me five thousand this time, and next month's trip to Hainan for the competition is sponsored by the school. We can use the bonus as we like, no need to feel bad about it!”

Wu Tong raised five fingers, sweetly taking care of her whole family. “Within books, houses of gold can be found”—she was slowly proving this true. This was only her first sum; it wouldn't stop here!

“Good girl, your thoughtfulness makes us all very happy. Keep the bonus for yourself!” Grandma pulled Wu Tong half into her arms, caressing her hand with affection. She had raised this good child herself, and now Wu Tong was showing such filial piety—her heart bloomed with joy, sweeter than honey.

Jin Xin glanced at his family, all beaming with happiness, and grew anxious, nearly hopping with impatience. He looked at Wu Tong, a bit aggrieved, as if to say, what about him? He had been working so hard recently.

“Sis, Tongtong, what about me, what about me?”

“Haha… How could I forget my dear brother? Don't worry!” Wu Tong laughed as she brought good news: “This time, my brother did great on the monthly exam—math held steady at 140, science composite reached 240, and he’s put in effort on both English and Chinese, both showing progress. He’s leapt into the top fifty in his grade—we should celebrate his achievements too!”

She had already walked her brother through math, physics, and chemistry; before heading off to the national competition, she would finish tutoring him in biology to fortify his foundation. For Chinese and English, consistent practice was key—writing, reading, and memorizing, all of which her brother focused on during morning study.

“All good children—tonight, we'll celebrate your brother's progress!” Jin Yongqing was not one to play favorites. The effort his eldest grandson had put in was clear to all.

“At last, Tongtong’s tutoring hasn’t gone to waste!” Xu Meifeng felt she was truly blessed with her daughters. Besides spending a little money on the children and handling logistics, she hardly worried about anything else! Compared to parents who agonized endlessly over their children, she was in stark contrast.

Jin Xin’s grades had already been sent to them by the teacher. Now, the school was eager for Tongtong and Jin Xin’s compiled notes—practically desperate for them. Tongtong never refused; instead, after each subject she tutored, she had Jin Xin organize his notes and submit them to the school, reinforcing his understanding.

Being able to contribute something beneficial to the school and classmates was something both children were willing to do.

In truth, for Jin Xin to have such results, aside from his own intelligence, most of the credit belonged to Tongtong’s tutoring.

“Keep it up, don’t get arrogant, Jin Xin!” Xu Meifeng encouraged her son. If he could maintain this for the year, he’d be set for the military academy entrance exam. Once admitted, the military instructors would naturally shape him further.

The Jin family was optimistic about Jin Xin’s prospects. In peacetime, entering the military academy meant no battlefield danger; they weren’t overly worried.

...

Wu Tong’s name appeared in county and even provincial and city newspapers, making her renowned throughout Xincheng. People marveled—how was such a child raised, how could she be so outstanding?

Schools and administrative offices were always the first to hear such news. Wu Jingzhong and Jin Yu found themselves in high demand at work, becoming the center of attention.

Who doesn’t have children? Who isn’t anxious about their kids? Colleagues clamored for their parenting secrets. Their child’s achievements were so remarkable, and the couple so modest—if it were their own child, they would be over the moon.

The Jin family could barely contain their joy. For days, Jin Yongqing sat at the end of the lane under the big tree, proudly clutching his thermos, his back straight as he listened to others praise his granddaughter and watched their envious glances. Oh, how sweet it was!

Wu Tong’s rising fame spread throughout Xincheng, but in reality, even within the school, unless one made a deliberate trip to Class One of the senior grade, few had the chance to see her in person.

Senior year was packed with classes and assignments—students were always either working through problems or on their way to do so. Wu Tong spent nearly all her time in the classroom, with no interest in wandering about, so there was little opportunity for curious onlookers to seek her out. Her classmates were all top students themselves, with barely enough time for their own studies, let alone for gossip.

After the initial excitement, interactions with Wu Tong were limited to those who occasionally sought her help with questions. It caused her no trouble at all. This was precisely the state she desired.

She had no wish to be an object of curiosity. Everyone focusing on their studies—nothing could be better.

Within a week, life returned to its previous calm. Wu Tong resumed her routine, steadily pursuing her studies.

On November 21, the joint examination among five provinces commenced. This exam was conducted with the strictness of the college entrance exam.

By now, Wu Tong was a seasoned test-taker. Even this prestigious joint exam did not faze her. Having gradually mastered the patterns and nuances of reading comprehension and composition, Chinese was no longer her stumbling block. She was inching ever closer to a perfect score.

When the results were announced, her total was 746—steady and dazzling as ever. Once again, Wu Tong shone like the midday sun, reigning supreme at the top of five provinces. Her name, Wu Tong, echoed throughout the high schools of all five provinces.