Chapter 88: Resumption of the College Entrance Examination

A few days later, Han Aimin came back from school. When the children saw that their uncle was finally home, they happily climbed onto his legs and scrambled up to him.

Han Aimin picked them up, bouncing them left and right, making the two children giggle with delight.

After playing with them for a while, Han Aimin set them down, opened his schoolbag, and pulled out a few high school textbooks. Turning to Su Yue, he said, “Sister-in-law, I don’t understand many of these questions. My classmates don’t know them either, so I brought them back to ask you.”

Su Yue went over and glanced through the books. They were filled with physics and chemistry problems. She couldn’t help but ask, “How are you doing in your other subjects?”

Han Aimin replied, “I have no problem with Chinese, politics, and mathematics. It’s just physics and chemistry that give me trouble. There are so many parts I don’t understand. The classmates around me don’t study at all, so I can’t ask them.”

Su Yue patted his shoulder and encouraged him, “It’s okay. It’s normal to feel this way. You didn’t have much exposure to physics and chemistry before, so of course they feel difficult. But you can’t give up and you need to work through them slowly. If you don’t understand, ask your teacher. If you still don’t understand, bring the questions back to me. The key is: don’t leave things unsolved, and never give up on studying. Understand?”

Ever since Han Aimin came here for high school, Su Yue had been reminding him over and over to study hard and not follow the bad example of classmates who took their studies lightly.

Han Aimin nodded earnestly. “Sister-in-law, don’t worry. I know. My classmates don’t study, and even the teachers don’t take class seriously sometimes. But I won’t be like them. I read carefully, I write the exercises myself, and I don’t slack off.”

He was already old enough that, if he lived in someone else’s household, he would have been expected to earn money independently to reduce the family’s burden. Yet his eldest brother and sister-in-law had given him such good conditions to study, even buying a house opposite the school for his convenience. If he didn’t study hard, it would be wasting their efforts. Though he didn’t fully understand what benefits studying might bring, and even though classmates often laughed at him behind his back, he still worked diligently, not daring to slack off at all.

Su Yue felt relieved hearing his determination. It meant that all her nagging hadn’t been in vain. She hadn’t wanted to seem so annoying, but the college entrance examination was about to be resumed, and the competition was fierce. In the first resumed year, there had been over 700,000 candidates, yet only around 500 had been admitted. The acceptance rate hadn’t even reached 5%. It was brutally difficult. Without real ability and knowledge, there was no chance of passing.

Han Aimin happened to be a recent high school graduate, still within the eligible age range. That was why Su Yue kept urging him to study hard and when the news of the exam resumption spread, he would understand the importance of her words.

Later, Su Yue carefully explained the problems Han Aimin didn’t understand. Though many years had passed since she herself had taken the college entrance examination, she had once been a top student and still remembered much of the knowledge. Even if she had forgotten some details, she could quickly recall them by skimming the textbooks. Compared to Han Aimin’s level, her comprehension was much stronger, so teaching him was no problem.

Just then, Xiaobao came running in from outside, hurrying straight to Su Yue.

He said anxiously, “Mom, Maomao is getting beaten by his mother. Come quickly!”

“Ah?” Su Yue was stunned. Listening carefully, she could indeed hear faint crying from the next house. Remembering how thin and weak Maomao was, she grew worried and immediately went next door.

But the door was closed, and inside she could hear Mao Xue scolding while Maomao whimpered pitifully. It sounded like Mao Xue was lecturing the child.

Su Yue hesitated briefly, and then knocked on the door.

When Mao Xue opened it and saw her, her expression stiffened for a moment. “Sister-in-law, why are you here?” she asked awkwardly.

Looking past her, Su Yue spotted Maomao huddled in the corner, crying. Her heart clenched as she asked, “Why did you hit him? I heard him crying and got worried, so I came to check.”

Mao Xue couldn’t block the doorway, so she stepped aside to let Su Yue in, explaining, “This child is too noisy. The book I was reading got soaked by water. I lost my temper and slapped him a few times. It was my impatience.”

Su Yue glanced at the table and saw a collection of poems, its pages still damp, with an overturned cup beside it. Clearly, Maomao had accidentally spilled water while drinking and wet the book. Then she looked again at the boy; his little face was red and swollen, with a distinct slap mark on his cheek.

Su Yue frowned, displeased with Mao Xue’s behavior. Children often struggled to hold cups properly. A wet book could simply be dried so why beat him so harshly? Moreover, Maomao was usually such a quiet, obedient child, far more well-behaved than most. How could she bear to strike him like that?

She walked over and picked Maomao up. Though he shrank slightly at first, he didn’t resist. Instead, he clung tightly to her clothes, curling into her arms like a thin, frightened kitten. The sight was heartbreaking.

Su Yue gently patted his back to comfort him, then turned to Mao Xue and said, “It’s normal for children to be naughty sometimes. Maomao is already very well-behaved. My two boys at home have broken countless things, yet we just scold them lightly. You should talk to him instead that way he’ll understand.”

Mao Xue’s expression turned awkward, and she nodded. “You’re right. It was my fault, I was too impatient.”

Su Yue let the matter rest and added, “By the way, my brother-in-law came back from school today, and I cooked a lot of food. I’ll take Maomao to my house to eat and let him play with Dabao and Xiaobao, alright?”

Mao Xue brushed her hair back, looking embarrassed. “Sister Yue, I feel bad that we eat your food too often.”

“What’s there to be embarrassed about? He’s just a child, how much can he eat? I’ll take him with me and bring him back after the meal.”

Mao Xue could only nod in agreement.

Su Yue carried Maomao home.

When Old Lady Han saw the slap mark on his little face, her heart ached. “Why did she hit him so hard? He’s such a small child! Even if you must spank, you don’t slap the face, you can spank the bottom instead. Why strike him like this?”

Dabao and Xiaobao were also distressed seeing Maomao’s injury. Xiaobao went up and blew gently on the mark, murmuring, “Doesn’t hurt, doesn’t hurt, it won’t hurt if I blow.”

Meanwhile, Dabao dashed into the room ahead of Su Yue and fetched the medicine box. Handing it over, he said seriously, “Mom, put medicine.”

Su Yue found ointment inside and carefully applied it to Maomao’s cheek. The little boy bit his lip, refusing to cry out despite the sting, which made the adults feel even sorrier for him.

Old Lady Han asked angrily, “Why did his mother hit him like that? What mistake could he have made?”

Su Yue explained the situation.

Old Lady Han grew furious after hearing it. “Just because the child accidentally wet a book, she beat him like this? If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was a stepmother, not his real mother. How could she be so cruel?”

Su Yue also felt that Mao Xue had gone too far. A child was part of a mother’s own flesh and blood; discipline was necessary, but a little accident like spilling a cup of water was no reason for such harsh punishment.

Old Lady Han frowned and muttered to Su Yue, “I always feel that the kid next door isn’t living right.”

“Huh?” Su Yue was confused. “Mother, why do you say like that?”

Old Lady Han quietly pointed toward the next door. “Tell me, which daughter-in-law reads books all day long without doing any work? Maomao’s father goes to work, so she’s at home caring for the child, yet all she does is bury herself in books. Maomao is often alone, crouching and playing by the door. I’ve never once seen her take him out for a walk. Not only that, she doesn’t tend to her vegetable stall either. It’s been so many days already. What family doesn’t need vegetables to eat? Is that really how a daughter-in-law should live?”

After hearing this, Su Yue also felt something was off. Mao Xue often seemed lost in her books, reading poetry and essays as if she were yearning for something beyond her life here, while her child was neglected and her household left in disarray. It did feel backwards.

Logically speaking, young daughters-in-law in this era shouldn’t behave like this. Mao Xue gave her the feeling of being out of place; someone incompatible with her current life, immersed in her own little world.

Not long after, the news of the resumption of the college entrance examination spread, and Su Yue finally understood why Mao Xue was like that.

In September 1977, the Ministry of Education in China held a national college admissions conference in Beijing and decided to resume the college entrance examination, which had been suspended for ten years. Talents would once again be selected through unified exams and merit-based admissions.

On October 21 of the same year, the major media announced the news, revealing that the examination would be held nationwide just one month later.

This news spread like wildfire, and the entire country erupted in cheers. Millions of students wept with joy. It was like sweet rain falling onto parched desert ground. For so many who had lived without hope, this was salvation.

Soon, those preparing for the exam rushed to buy books and study materials, pushing through all difficulties to review. Though time was short, none wanted to miss even the slightest chance.

When Han Aimin heard the news, he ran home happily and exclaimed to Su Yue, “Sister-in-law, the country is resuming the college entrance examination! I can take it too!”

Su Yue smiled and nodded. “I know. Take this time to review carefully and try to get into a good university.”

Han Aimin nodded solemnly. “Sister-in-law, it’s all thanks to you for urging me to study hard these past years. I’ve already finished all the high school material, and now I can just focus on reviewing. I feel very confident now and it’s thanks to you! You kept telling me that studying would be useful. I didn’t understand before, but now I finally do.”

Su Yue patted his shoulder. “That’s good. But you can’t relax. There will definitely be many people taking the exam so you’ll face a lot of competition. You must work even harder.”

Han Aimin nodded firmly. He didn’t even have time to play with his two little nephews. He rushed into the room and immediately started studying.

Su Yue told Dabao and Xiaobao to behave and not disturb their uncle. The two little boys also seemed to understand the importance of their uncle’s studying, so they nodded obediently and really didn’t bother him.

But that night, a loud quarrel broke out next door. The voices rose higher and higher, mingled with the sound of things breaking. Su Yue worried that Maomao would be terrified by his parents fighting, so she decided to check on him.

When she reached their house, she saw the door wide open. Inside, the room was in chaos, broken objects scattered everywhere. Mao Xue and her husband, Ge Jun, were standing in the living room, locked in a fierce argument.

“You’re already married to me, and we have Maomao,” Ge Jun shouted, his face twisted with anger. “How can you bear to abandon your husband and son just to go to university? What about us?”

Mao Xue’s expression was cold. “You were the one who forced me to marry you in the first place. We were never from the same world; you don’t understand me at all. Now that the college entrance examination is resuming, this is my only chance to turn my life around. I won’t give it up for anyone.”

Ge Jun roared, his eyes red. “So you’ve never had me in your heart! I know you look down on me, but what about your son? He’s your own flesh and blood. Can you really abandon him? What will happen to him if you leave?”

Mao Xue didn’t even glance at the trembling Maomao huddled in the corner. Her face remained icy as she said, “I never wanted him. You forced me to get pregnant, you begged me to keep him, and so I did. But he only drags me down! And now you want to use him to tie me here? I’m telling you, no way! None of you can stop me from taking the exam. If you try, I’ll divorce you right now!”

“You!” Ge Jun’s body shook with rage, his eyes bloodshot, but in the end he backed down. “I can’t stop you from taking the exam but can’t you review at home? Why must you leave?”

Mao Xue remained unmoved. “Who can study at home? With a child and housework, how can I concentrate? You just don’t want me to go that’s why you’re trying to hold me back.”

Ge Jun was trembling with fury, his hands shaking so badly he couldn’t speak.

Su Yue, listening from the doorway, understood everything. Mao Xue had married Ge Jun unwillingly. She had never wanted Maomao, and now all she thought about was escaping this life and returning to the city. No wonder she didn’t care for her child.

It seemed the resumption of the college entrance examination had stirred many such cases. Educated youths abandoned husbands, wives, and even children in order to seize the chance to return to the city. Su Yue had heard about it, but she hadn’t expected to witness a real case right next door. Though Mao Xue hadn’t left yet, judging by her attitude, it was only a matter of time.

Su Yue felt deeply disappointed, but if she intervened, it would only embarrass Ge Jun. So she returned home silently, deciding she would check on Maomao the next morning.

With this matter weighing on her mind, Su Yue got up early the next morning to check on Maomao. At that time, Ge Jun was not at home. The little boy was huddled at the doorway in a daze as usual. When Su Yue walked inside, she saw Mao Xue busy packing her luggage.

Su Yue hadn’t intended to interfere in other people’s business, but she couldn’t help asking, “Are you leaving?”

Mao Xue paused, then said firmly, “I must take the college entrance examination. This is my only chance.”

Su Yue didn’t know what to say. Everyone had their own choices. She wasn’t the one living that life, so she had no right to comment, yet her heart ached for Maomao.

Seeing her silence, Mao Xue turned to her and said, “Sister-in-law, I heard your family is also from the city. You married your husband as an educated youth sent down to the countryside. Aren’t you going to take the college entrance examination? It’s such a good chance to return to the city.”

Su Yue shook her head. “I have no plans to take it.” She spoke the truth. The idea of sitting for the exam had never crossed her mind. Aside from the fact that her children couldn’t live without her, she didn’t feel the need. She had already mapped out her future and didn’t need a degree to raise her status. For others, this exam was an opportunity. For her, it meant nothing.

Mao Xue looked surprised. Her eyes widened, and after a few seconds, her expression shifted into faint contempt. “Sister-in-law, family isn’t everything. You can’t just give yourself up for your children, your husband, and your in-laws. We educated women should pursue progress, not end up like rural women for just cooking, cleaning, and raising kids. What’s the point of such a life?”

Su Yue felt amused. Mao Xue clearly saw her as a typical, narrow-minded housewife. There was no point in explaining as Mao Xue would never understand.

She glanced at Maomao, confirming the child was fine, then after exchanging a few more words, she took him back to her house for breakfast. Mao Xue had no intention of cooking for him. Left in her care, the boy might have gone hungry.

Mao Xue didn’t even glance at her son. She merely waved her hand dismissively as if he were a burden.

—-

Still thinking about Mao Xue’s luggage, Su Yue felt uneasy the next day and went to check again. This time, Mao Xue wasn’t there. Only Ge Jun and Maomao were at home.

Ge Jun’s eyes were bloodshot, as though he hadn’t slept all night. Maomao clung to his father’s leg, his small body curled up pitifully.

Su Yue knocked hesitantly. When Ge Jun saw her at the door, he forced a smile, stood, and greeted, “Sister-in-law, you’re here.”

Su Yue didn’t mention yesterday’s events. Instead, she said, “Dabao and Xiaobao want to play with Maomao. Can I take him over for a while? He can have breakfast with us too.”

Of course, Ge Jun understood her kindness. He felt deeply grateful, knowing that she must have guessed what had happened. Wiping his face, he said tiredly and apologetically, “Sister-in-law, Maomao’s mother has left. Could you please help me look after him for now? I’ll pick him up when I return from work.”

Su Yue hadn’t expected Mao Xue to leave so quickly. Though surprised, she didn’t press him with questions. Instead, she nodded gently. “Don’t worry. Maomao is a very well-behaved child. I like him. Just focus on your work with peace of mind.”

Ge Jun raised his head, eyes full of gratitude. “Thank you, sister-in-law.”

Su Yue waved it off, then bent down, picked Maomao up, and kissed his little cheek. “How about coming with Auntie to play with Dabao and Xiaobao?”

Maomao hesitated for a moment, and then nodded softly.

“Then say goodbye to Daddy,” Su Yue coaxed.

Under her guidance, Maomao waved at Ge Jun. Seeing his son wave, Ge Jun’s lips finally curved into a relieved smile.

Su Yue carried Maomao home. When Old Lady Han learned that Mao Xue had left, she sighed at the woman’s cruelty and treated Maomao with even more care. Fortunately, the child was already familiar with the Han family. He wasn’t afraid of them, and staying there felt warmer than in his own home.

Dabao and Xiaobao treated Maomao like their little brother. They brought him along in everything they did, never leaving him out. Over time, influenced by their cheerfulness, Maomao gradually opened up. He began speaking a few words to Su Yue, Han Aiguo, and Old Lady Han, no longer as timid and withdrawn as before.

Whether he had forgotten his mother, or was simply too afraid to mention her, no one knew. He never brought her up, nor did he cry for her like other children would. Seeing this, Su Yue and the others never mentioned Mao Xue in front of him either.

Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, December arrived, and with it, the day of the college entrance examination.

Su Yue and Old Lady Han took Dabao, Xiaobao, and Maomao along to send Han Aimin to the exam center.

Before stepping into the examination room, each of the three children kissed Han Aimin and blessed him with good luck. Carrying the love and hopes of his family, Han Aimin finally strode into the examination hall.