Looking back on the past year, Song Jun felt that the changes in him and Song Jiao were quite incredible. Before being disciplined by his sister, he and Song Jiao always only thought about themselves and their immediate interests, rarely considering what to do in the future.

After being disciplined by his older sister, although doing housework was hard at first and he would be asked to do it again if he didn't do it well, he and Song Jiao both found their goals in life. He had a feeling that if they continued to persevere, their future would be bright and much more promising than that of his so-called second aunt's husband.

"Xiaxia, don't take your second aunt and uncle's words to heart." Song Tianhui sighed. "That's just the kind of people they are. Just ignore them in the future."

"Uncle, I know all that. Not everyone wants us to be happy. How I end up is up to me, so I won't take irrelevant people and things to heart," Song Xia said. Her tone was somewhat cold, but everyone present understood the truth.

Chen Na was still a little uncomfortable, after all, she had previously refused to help several children because of her own financial difficulties. Now, just as Song Tianfang said, Xiaxia had become the top scorer in the college entrance examination, so she was trying to benefit from it.

However, for her son's sake, she had to swallow her pride: "Xiaxia, I have a favor to ask. Could you lend your high school textbooks and review materials to Song Hao? Song Hao will be a freshman next semester, and I'll make sure he takes good care of them. We'll return them to Xiaojun and Xiaojiao when they need them."

She felt a little uneasy because she knew how valuable these review materials were. To put it bluntly, if Song Xia wanted to sell them, there would be plenty of rich people willing to pay a high price. In that sense, she was definitely getting a good deal, something that dumplings and steamed buns couldn't compare to at all.

Song Xia readily agreed, since the things were useless at home. Although her aunt might not think those dumplings and steamed buns were worth anything, they saved her a lot of time on many mornings.

"Thank you, Xiaxia, thank you, Auntie." Chen Na's expression was complicated. She had been narrow-minded before, but now it seemed that Song Xia and the other two no longer needed her help.

Xiao Jiao went to film a movie. Although it was a low-budget production, it should still generate some income. Xia Xia also got a summer job at a well-known restaurant nearby, so her salary must be quite high. Xiao Jun even learned to cook. Before we knew it, these three children had grown up and become independent and assertive.

"Auntie, it's nothing. But when it comes to learning, you still need to have your own methods. My notes may not be suitable for Xiaohao. They can only be used as a reference at most."

"Song Hao, don't you know? I don't expect him to fully understand your notes, I just hope he can memorize them and not make mistakes on simple questions, so he can easily get into a university." Chen Na sighed as she spoke, wondering if her older brother was blessed or not. If he was blessed, he was gone in an accident and couldn't even watch his children grow up. If he wasn't blessed, Xia Xia and the other two children were all outstanding, so how come her son was so mediocre?

"Auntie, I think Xiao Hao is quite good. Although his grades aren't outstanding, he listens to you and Uncle very well and is willing to work hard. He will definitely do well in the future. Your good fortune is yet to come."

Song Xia wasn't lying. In his previous life, Song Hao didn't make a fortune. Like most people in this world, he was an ordinary person. But he was hardworking and diligent. After working for a few years, he married a wife, had children, and then took over a small shop. The family revolved around the small business and their children. Although it was hard work, it was also joyful. Moreover, they had houses and cars like others. The family struggled together and didn't suffer any major disasters, which was another kind of happiness.

Chen Na smiled more as she listened: "This child is only good in that he is obedient. At least he doesn't act like those hooligans outside. He usually helps out with small tasks at home. I don't expect him to be rich and powerful in the future. I just hope he has an education so that he will have more choices in the future."

Song Xia nodded. Indeed, in his previous life, Song Hao's breakfast shop wasn't particularly delicious, but the prices were fair, and he was kind and polite, which attracted many repeat customers.

Beside him, Song Tianhui seemed to have made a big decision: "Xiaxia, you are now the top scorer in the college entrance examination. Universities in Beijing should have contacted you by now, right? With such a high score, it would be a real pity not to study in Beijing. If you are worried about Xiaojun and Xiaojiao, your uncle and aunt will take good care of them for you in the next few years."

Song Jun looked at Song Xia and, unusually, joined in the persuasion: "Sister, Xiao Jiao and I are now able to take care of ourselves."

“No.” Song Xia shook her head. “Many times, the school requires the guardian to step in, and you will only be in junior high school next semester. Someone from your family must be there. Uncle, your family already has a lot of things to do. You can’t let us get distracted.”

Chen Na had just finished packing her things when she advised, "You're not going to stay away during summer and winter vacations. We just cook for Xiao Jun and Xiao Jiao on weekdays. If you're worried about them staying at home, we can't accommodate them all, but your uncle and I can come and stay with you."

“My uncle often works the night shift. If you come here, what will happen to Xiao Hao? What will happen to your own parents who need care? You don’t need to persuade me anymore. I’m studying at University A. The medical school at University A is very good. It’s one of the top programs in the country, and it has always been my goal.”

"Studying medicine? Studying medicine is a good thing. With your learning ability, you definitely won't have to worry about finding a job in the future." Song Tianhui felt a sense of helplessness. His child had grown up, and he felt like he couldn't help her at all. He had felt very guilty towards his older brother in the past. Now that Xiaxia was so outstanding, he was sure that his older brother would be pleased in heaven.

“Since you already have a plan in mind, your uncle won’t say anything more. Your uncle isn’t very educated and can’t give you any advice. It’s definitely best to listen to yourself.” Song Tianhui said, getting up to leave. “This is a small token of our appreciation from your aunt and me. Take it. You’ll definitely need more money when you go to university.”

“Uncle, I can’t take it.” Song Xia looked at him firmly. “Uncle, I don’t lack money. I have people sponsoring my daily clothes and necessities. Moreover, the school gave me a scholarship this time. When I got off work today, my manager even said he would give me a raise. Your family needs this money more than I do. Last time I saw Xiao Hao’s shoes, they were old.”

Chen Na lowered her head. She always felt guilty towards her son, but looking at Xia Xia, she felt powerless. She used to worry that Xia Xia and the others would become a burden to her family, but now it seemed that she was the useless one.

She used to refuse her husband money, but this time she took the initiative to ask him for it at home. Even though their family's circumstances haven't changed, perhaps she and Song Tianfang are just as despicable people, thinking of using this money to get closer to each other.

It's better if Xiaxia doesn't want her. In the future, these three children will be free from this trouble and can pursue their own studies and careers more purely.