Chapter 271

"Let the police handle this. They're locals—everyone here has children. They despise kidnappers the most."

Let's hope so.

The matter was finally settled.

Little Tuwa was thoroughly frightened and didn't dare leave the house for days. Even when he did, he clung to his father's sleeve, no longer running off recklessly.

The chubby boy, however, proved resilient and didn't fall ill from the scare.

Grandma Zhang, on the other hand, developed a high fever the day after returning. The village doctor prescribed medicine, and though the fever subsided, the elderly woman remained bedridden for several days before recovering.

"Emily, I really think I can pass this time!" Olivia declared with confidence.

In her eyes, Emily seemed omniscient.

She couldn't understand how someone as capable as Emily had failed the exams twice.

"This year's exams will likely be tougher than those in '77 and '78, but based on your practice tests, getting into college shouldn't be a problem."

Olivia and Sophia exchanged glances.

They had decided to take the exams again.

"Let's do our best!"

Before the exams, all candidates had to collect their admission tickets at the town's high school.

This year's exams were scheduled for July 7th to 9th.

In early July, Michael took time off from work. Olivia and Sophia often came over to study together.

Mary took her two grandsons to stay with her, ensuring the young couple could focus on their preparations.

David and Tommy were remarkably well-behaved, never causing a fuss, knowing their parents were studying for the exams. They played with the village children but never neglected their writing practice. Mary couldn't read, but John Sr. checked the boys' homework.

One noon, Daniel rushed over after finishing his shift.

"Michael, are you sick?"

Michael looked baffled.

"I'm fine."

Daniel scrutinized him, even more confused. "Then why aren't you working today?"

His brother never missed work unless absolutely necessary. Not seeing him all morning had been worrying.

"I'm taking the college entrance exams."

What?

The exams?

Daniel's jaw nearly hit the floor.

He never expected his brother would accompany his wife to take the exams!

Michael raised an eyebrow at his stunned expression. "What, can't I?"

The sudden sharp tone made Daniel jump.

"Of course you can!"

Absolutely.

After all, Michael had graduated high school.

Seeing his younger brother calm down, Michael softened his tone. "Don't mention this to anyone."

He wasn't entirely confident he'd pass.

"Not a word, I promise!"

His brother probably just wanted to try. Passing would be great, but failing wouldn't be a big deal.

"Aren't you going home for lunch?"

Lunch?

Daniel eyed the leftovers on the table: scrambled eggs with cucumber, dry-fried green beans, and tomato egg soup.

"Michael, mind if I eat here? I'll clean up afterward!"

"Fine, if you don't mind."

Mind?

Daniel quickly served himself and sat down.

"Go study. I'll handle the dishes."

"Mm."

Michael turned and went back to his room, burying himself in his books again.