Shen Tingzhou was somewhat surprised and raised an eyebrow, asking, "Why do you want to choose science? Your humanities grades are also good; you could study economics or law in the future, which would be great."

“I know,” Shen Nian’an nodded, “but I think science is more practical. Our food workshop is growing bigger and bigger, and production equipment and technology research and development all require professional knowledge. I want to study physics and chemistry well so that I can help you and Mom improve production processes, develop new products, and let 'Natural Taste' go further.” He paused, a shy smile appearing on his face, “Besides, I’m particularly interested in mathematics and want to study it in depth. Maybe I can even use mathematical knowledge to optimize the supply chain and reduce costs in the future.”

Looking at the light shining in his son's eyes, Shen Tingzhou was filled with mixed emotions. This child, at such a young age, had already tightly linked his future with the family's career. This sense of responsibility and foresight made him both heartbroken and proud. He reached out and patted Shen Nian'an on the back: "Okay, Dad supports you. Whatever direction you choose, as long as it's something you like and are willing to work hard for, Mom and Dad will always be behind you."

Lin Wanqiu came out carrying a plate of sliced ​​watermelon and overheard the father and son's conversation. A gratified smile appeared on her face: "Nian'an has his own ideas, which is a good thing. Whether it's science or not, the future technological innovation of our food workshop will all depend on you." She placed the watermelon on the stone table and handed a piece to Shen Nian'an, "Try it quickly, it was just chilled from the well, it'll cool you down."

Shen Nian'an took the watermelon, took a big bite, and the sweet juice spread in his mouth, dispelling the summer heat. Looking at the expectation in his parents' eyes, he secretly made up his mind to study hard and live up to their trust and sacrifices.

The days that followed, waiting for the acceptance letter, felt both long and short. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou remained busy running the food shop, while Shen Nian'an volunteered to help out, learning equipment operation from the technicians and cost accounting from the accountant, finding each day fulfilling and meaningful. Shen Nianxi, on the other hand, clung to her brother every day, asking him to teach her to count or dragging him to watch her dance; the siblings' bond deepened.

That morning, the postman rode his green bicycle, its bell jingling all the way to the Hongqi Production Brigade, and stopped in front of the "Natural Taste" food workshop. "Is Chen Nian'an home? I have your college acceptance letter!" The postman's loud voice instantly attracted the attention of the surrounding workers.

Shen Nian'an, who was learning equipment maintenance in the workshop, heard the sound and her heart tightened. She quickly ran out. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou also rushed over upon hearing the noise, their faces full of anticipation.

With trembling hands, Shen Nian'an accepted the envelope from the postman. The envelope was printed with the words "Provincial Capital Key High School," and the bright red seal was particularly eye-catching. He took a deep breath and carefully opened the envelope, where an admission notice with gold lettering came into view.

"I got in! Mom, Dad, I got into the top high school in the provincial capital!" Shen Nian'an held up the admission notice, her voice choked with emotion.

The surrounding workers gathered around, their faces beaming with joy: "Congratulations, Nian'an! You truly are the most promising child in our village!"

"A key high school in the provincial capital, that's a place that so many people would kill to get into, Nian'an is amazing!"

"Wanqiu, Tingzhou, you are so lucky to have raised such an outstanding son!"

Looking at the acceptance letter in her son's hand, Lin Wanqiu's eyes instantly welled up with tears. All the hardships and sacrifices of the past years transformed into a profound sense of accomplishment. She recalled Nian'an's frail, timid appearance when she was first reborn; she remembered the days she struggled with him through difficult times; she remembered the countless nights they spent reading and writing under the kerosene lamp. Now, her son had finally lived up to expectations, gaining admission to his ideal high school and taking a solid step towards his goal.

Shen Tingzhou gripped Lin Wanqiu's hand tightly, his eyes filled with excitement and pride. He looked at Shen Nian'an, his voice strong and clear: "Good lad, you didn't let us down! When you get to the provincial capital, keep up the good work and study hard. Your parents believe you can make a name for yourself."

Chen Nianxi tugged at Chen Nian'an's clothes, tilted her little head up, and said with a look of admiration, "Brother is so amazing! Xixi wants to learn from brother and get into a good school in the future!"

Lin Wanqiu wiped away her tears, smiled, and patted her daughter's head: "Our Xixi is also very talented, she dances so well." She looked at Shen Nian'an, "Nian'an, before school starts, Mom will take you to the provincial capital to buy some new clothes and school supplies, and then take you around the campus to get familiar with the environment."

"Thank you, Mom." Shen Nian'an nodded and carefully put away the admission notice. He knew that this admission notice was not only his personal honor, but also the crystallization of his parents' hard work. He secretly resolved that once he entered the key high school in the provincial capital, he would work even harder, master his major, repay his parents in the future, and contribute his own strength to the development of "Natural Flavor".

News of the acceptance letter quickly spread throughout the Hongqi Production Brigade. Villagers flocked to congratulate them, bringing eggs, brown sugar, and other local specialties, their faces beaming with pride. After all, Shen Nian'an was the first child from the village to be admitted to a key high school in the provincial capital; this was not only an honor for the Shen family but also a source of pride for the entire village.

To celebrate Shen Nian'an's admission to a prestigious high school, Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou hosted a banquet at the food workshop, inviting relatives from the village and the workshop's workers. At the banquet, everyone toasted and chatted about their bright future. Shen Nian'an, dressed in a newly made Zhongshan suit, looked even more dashing and spirited. He went from table to table toasting the elders and workers, his words humble and polite, winning unanimous praise.

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