After seeing Jiang Qiao off, Ma Liu strolled around the house for a while. It was quite clean, and everything was arranged neatly. It's so nice to have a girl in the house.

The old man was especially pleased that the child had thoughtfully boiled hot water for him. He couldn't go to the public bathhouse like this, and if people saw him, they would probably stare at him like he was a monkey. This granddaughter was so kind; his efforts to care for her were worthwhile.

Jiang Qiao was a little distracted in class today. There's an old man at home too. Actually, whether she attends class or not doesn't matter to her; she's just fooling outsiders.

The teacher noticed that Jiang Qiao was daydreaming, but when asked questions, she could answer them all. Even if the teacher wanted to find fault, she couldn't. It seemed that she really couldn't manage this student anymore; she guessed that the student could answer any question she asked.

During the break between classes, Jiang Qiao went to see her homeroom teacher. "What? You're asking for leave again? No, Jiang Qiao, you haven't even finished your studies this semester yet. Look how many times you've already asked for leave?"

The teacher wasn't trying to make things difficult for Jiang Qiao; she just found it strange. Why would a young girl like her keep asking for leave every day? She was just curious.

Jiang Qiao sighed, looking helpless. "Teacher, I don't want to either. I'm an only child. My grandfather is over seventy. You know, I'm the only one who has to take care of everything at home and outside. I have no choice. How about this, do you have any final exam papers here? I'll just take the final exam. I don't know when I'll be able to come back."

Bai Guiru almost smiled wryly upon hearing this. "Jiang Qiao, have you thought this through? You still have many classes to study. Are you sure you can take the exam?"

Jiang Qiao nodded, and Bai Guiru sighed, "Even if you don't ask for leave, you'll probably have to take the next two days off anyway. I heard that Teacher Du is in trouble, and all of us have to be investigated. But since you want to take the exam early, that's fine too. I'll talk to the principal later and you can skip class. Come to my office in a bit."

Jiang Qiao nodded, skipped the exercises, and went straight back to the classroom to pack her books. By the time the rest of the class returned, Jiang Qiao was already out, but Bai Guiru had taken her to the principal's office.

When Zheng Aiguo saw Jiang Qiao come in, he was both happy and worried. This girl hadn't disappointed him; her grades had consistently been among the top in the class. The problem was that she was always taking leave, and he was worried that he was wasting a promising talent.

"Xiao Jiang Qiao, tell me, have you finished reading all your textbooks?"

He wouldn't believe the kid wasn't prepared if he dared to propose taking the exam earlier than expected.

Jiang Qiao grinned and said, "I read books whenever I have free time. I'm already studying the first-year high school curriculum."

Not to mention the principal, even Bai Guiru was taken aback. This student had skipped a grade and was already self-studying high school courses before anything had even happened. How were these kids educated? Their children were definitely not as good as this one.

Jiang Qiao, the student whom the teachers admired, stood confidently in front of the two teachers.

"That's why I wanted to take the exam earlier. There are just too many things to do at home, with elderly people and young children. I can't let the elderly take care of everything for me."

Both of them knew about Jiang Qiao's situation, so they nodded and said, "Okay, we'll get the test paper right away."

This time, Zheng Aiguo brought out last year's middle school entrance exam paper. He wanted to test Jiang Qiao's level. If she really had been studying on her own as the child said, then he would approve the fake exam. If not, he would reconsider.

Jiang Qiao skipped the remaining two classes and did her homework in the principal's office with her homeroom teacher by her side. After finishing a test, Jiang Qiao didn't even check it before the two teachers graded it.

You wouldn't believe it until you see the results! What a great student! If these grades were in the high school entrance exam, they would definitely be among the best.

Think about it, Jiang Qiao did so many tests in two classes. She didn't have time to think at all. She didn't want to waste everyone's time, so she did the questions purely on instinct.

Even so, Zheng Aiguo and Bai Guiru were both surprised. Last year, the best student in their school was one point behind Jiang Qiao.

"Oh dear, it's so frustrating to compare yourself to others. If our children were like Jiang Qiao, wouldn't we be able to save ourselves a lot of trouble?"

This was Bai Guiru's thought, and Zheng Aiguo nodded in agreement. "Alright, since Jiang Qiao's knowledge is fine, then grant her leave. She can come back to class when school starts. Jiang Qiao, you'd better study hard during this time, as there are still some details you're lacking."

Jiang Qiao nodded, and Zheng Aiguo turned to Bai Guiru to discuss, "Don't tell anyone about Jiang Qiao's situation. We need to protect the students. Her family situation is what it is, there's nothing we can do. Fortunately, she is strong-willed and knows how to study, which is already very good. Little Jiang Qiao, I hope you can give me a surprise during next year's high school entrance exam."

Jiang Qiao nodded with a smile, "I will do my best."

After school, Jiang Qiao also started her winter vacation. However, she didn't tell Chunming and Zhao Jianjun the truth. She just said that she had asked for leave and that they would go to school together when school started.

Chunming said with a bitter face, "When can I have a holiday? My head is spinning from studying every day."

Zhao Jianjun looked on with envy and said, "Jiang Qiao, you're really having an easy time with your studies. You're taking leave every few days. Are you not planning to take the high school entrance exam? Things are getting a little risky with you like this."

Jiang Qiao sighed, "I can't compare to you guys. I still have to take care of my grandfather. He even went to the countryside to treat people's illnesses for me. He's so old, and I can't bear to leave him. Whether I pass the exam or not, we'll talk about it later. Anyway, having a junior high school diploma is pretty good. At least I shouldn't have any problem finding a job in the future, right?"

Chunming nodded. "Of course, the highest level of education in our compound is high school, and there are plenty of junior high school graduates. We have many people to keep us company, so don't worry."

Zhao Jianjun said sarcastically, "Chunming, you should worry about yourself. If you don't get into high school, you'll have to work. The problem is, jobs aren't easy to find these days. Staying at home all day and doing nothing is so unpleasant."

Jiang Qiao rolled her eyes at Zhao Jianjun. "That's all for six months from now. We'll talk about it then. Why worry about it so early? Maybe Chunming will perform well on the day and pass the exam right away."

Chunming felt that Jiang Qiao was quite protective of him, and nodded with a simple smile, "That's right, there's always a way out. Maybe things will take a turn for the better?"

Jiang Qiao was too lazy to waste words with them and quickly urged Chunming to take them back by bike.

Zhao Jianjun was still a little disappointed. Since Jiang Qiao was no longer attending classes, they would have no cars to hitch a ride with, and he would have to walk again.

Ma Liu slept soundly and didn't wake up until Jiang Qiao returned. He was especially surprised to hear that Jiang Qiao was going to take a long vacation.

"What? You agreed? Haha, that's great, Qiao'er, you've met an enlightened principal and teacher."

"That's right. If it weren't for the enlightened approach, I probably wouldn't be able to stay here. Grandpa Liu, do you want to go and see my Grandpa Qiao?"

"Go, how can I not go? I still need to see your dear grandfather."