Summer days are early, and the sky is bright by dawn.
The early birds sing freely.
Xue Ping and Xu Jin'an got up very early, cooking porridge and steaming buns, as if they were preparing a grand feast.
Xu Yan got up shortly after, took a book and sat on the edge of the bed. Xu Jin'an was afraid that she would become more and more nervous as she read, so he called to her, "Xiao Yan, go and wake Nuonuo up."
Xu Yan was lost in thought when he heard this and closed the book: "Okay."
She walked to Xu Nuo's door and was about to knock when the door opened by itself.
Xu Nuo stood behind the door, looking a little sleepy. She looked at Xu Yan and bit her lip in a conflicted way.
Xu Yan said, "Nuonuo, you're awake."
"Mmm." Xu Nuo's voice was weak, and she looked listless.
Normally, Xu Yan would ask her in a gentle voice if she slept well, but now she had something on her mind and just followed behind Xu Nuo.
Xu Nuo stopped and turned to look at Xu Yan, saying, "Sis, you need to read the questions carefully and do well on the exam."
Xu Yan paused for a moment, then nodded: "Okay."
Xu Nuo didn't say anything more. After washing up in the bathroom, Xue Ping pulled her to the dining table for breakfast.
Seeing that the two sisters were only focused on drinking their porridge and not saying a word, Xu Jinan thought it was strange, since the two sisters were always chatting and laughing when they ate together.
He comforted himself: Maybe it's because the college entrance exam is coming up and he's too nervous.
...
For many candidates, the college entrance examination in 1978 was a golden opportunity, so everyone was determined to shine on this stage and change their life path.
Xu Nuo has a good foundation and can complete every subject's test paper quickly and accurately. What's most remarkable is her neat and beautiful handwriting.
The proctor was from outside the school. He was already surprised by her appearance and demeanor. Seeing that she was not as nervous as the other students, he walked over with interest and took a look at her paper.
Upon closer inspection, I was greatly surprised.
While Xu Nuo's side enjoyed a sunny and breezy day, Xu Yan's side was shrouded in mist.
She tried her best to control herself, but she still couldn't concentrate on the questions.
The thought of Luo Chen being in the police station made my hand holding the pen tremble uncontrollably.
She gritted her teeth and barely managed to finish the test, but because she was too nervous, she didn't even notice that the signature column was blank.
As soon as the five exams were over, not only Xu Nuo breathed a sigh of relief, but even Xu Jin'an and Xue Ping were able to eat. However, after a brief moment of relief, they began the agony of waiting for the results again.
Xu Nuo was the least burdened by the situation. She took a bite of the big apple and saw Xu Yan staring blankly at the front of her head, so she reached out and tugged at her.
She applied light pressure, but Xu Yan, like a frightened bird, trembled and almost jumped up.
Xu Nuo withdrew her hand and asked seriously, "Sister, what's wrong?"
Xu Yan had been in this absent-minded state ever since before the exam.
Xu Yan realized she had lost her composure and, fearing Xu Nuo might notice something, quickly composed herself, smiled, and said, "It's nothing."
"Is it because of Luo Chen? You just went to his house, how is he?"
Xu Nuo's eyes were bright and clear, like a spring of water, as she stared intently at Xu Yan.
Xu Yan nervously pinched her palm, using the pain to suppress the fear and unease surging in her heart. She lowered her head, her expression somewhat pale, and her voice carried a hint of panic: "Yes, Luo Chen is very ill, so, so I am very worried."
Xu Nuo leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "Did you give him the herbal water to drink?"
Xu Yan didn't dare to look up into her eyes, and nodded with her eyes lowered: "I gave it to you."
"Is he not better yet?"
Xu Yan shook his head.
Xu Nuo found it strange. Li Xian had such a high fever before, but he recovered completely after drinking her herbal water. This time, she gave him so much herbal water, yet Luo Chen still hadn't recovered.
Could it be...?
She raised her hand and looked at it, then slumped her shoulders like a deflated little animal.
It seems that herbal water isn't as magical as it seems; it can't cure all diseases.
She asked Xu Yan, "Should we go see him?"
Xu Yan quickly shook her head: "No, don't go."
Realizing she had overreacted, Xu Yan quickly said, "What I mean is, Luo Chen has his family taking care of him, so let's not go and cause him any trouble."
Xu Nuo took a bite of the apple, her brows furrowing slightly.
In the original book, Xu Yan and Luo Chen were in love, but Luo Chen's parents had a bad impression of Xu Yan, thinking that she was a jinx to their mother, so they tried their best to stop the two of them.
Could it be...?
Seeing Xu Yan staring blankly with a worried look on her face, Xu Nuo asked, "Sister, are you having a bad time with Luo Chen's parents?"
Xu Yan didn't react at first, and turned her head blankly: "What?"
Xu Nuo's voice was soft: "Is it because you don't get along well with Luo Chen's family that you're so unhappy?"
Xu Yan was amused by her: "No, what do his parents have to do with me? Why would I be unhappy about it?"
Xu Nuo pouted and glanced at her: "You're dating Luo Chen, so of course it has to do with his parents."
Xu Yan was so frightened that she tried to cover her mouth: "Nuonuo, don't talk nonsense, Luo Chen and I...we..."
Her face flushed red, and she couldn't say yes or no for a long time.
Xu Nuo patted Xu Yan's shoulder with an "I understand" expression: "Don't worry too much about it. You'll definitely be with Luo Chen in the future, not with his parents."
Speaking of Luo Chen, Xu Yan's heart felt like it was being squeezed, and her eyes stung with tears.
Luo Chen has been arrested for several days, but the police have not found any evidence of his crimes in Luxian Village or at his home.
However, with Liu Zhishan's testimony, Luo Chen's suspicion cannot be completely cleared for the time being.
Xu Yan herself was involved. Although she did not participate in the reselling, she frequently went to the black market and was close to Luo Chen. Now she was in dire straits and dared not go to the police station rashly. She could only wait and see.
There's nothing we can do.
There is someone close to you, but you can't tell her anything about this.
However, Xu Nuo's reminder gave Xu Yan a suitable excuse. She lowered her head and said dejectedly, "Luo Chen's parents don't like me, and he's sick again... I... it's my fault."
It was indeed because of this.
Xu Nuo felt that Luo Chen was really unlucky. Of all times to get sick, he had to get sick during the college entrance examination, which meant he couldn't take the exam he had prepared for for so long.
Judging from Xu Yan's appearance, she probably suffered a lot of ridicule from Luo Chen's parents when she went to the Luo family. She leaned over, gently hugged Xu Yan, and patted her back reassuringly.
"It's not your fault, it's just that her parents haven't realized how good you are yet."
Xu Yan wiped her eyes and choked up, "Yes, I understand, Nuonuo."
…
Xu Yan returned to Luxian Village the day after the exam.
For the next two days, Li Xian did not come to see Xu Nuo.
Xu Nuo thought he was probably too busy, having to take care of both his own production area and the production team's affairs.
Ever since Chang Youxin announced the matter of Li Xian's parents, some people have applied to Chang Youxin to go up the mountain with Li Xian to do wood-gathering work.
This person meant well, but it was a problem for Li Xian, as it was like having a surveillance camera monitoring whether he was going to work as usual every day.
However, these are special times, so he and Duan San have stopped all their private work and are working diligently in Luxian Village.
Let's wait and see.
That day, after Xu Jinan and his family finished their meal, there was an unexpected knock on the door.
Xu Nuo, in a coquettish voice, ordered Xu Jin'an, "Dad, go drive it."
Okay.
Xu Jinan put down his bowl and went to open the door. When he saw the person outside, he was almost speechless with surprise.
"Director Chen, what brings you here?"
Xu Nuo and Xue Ping exchanged a surprised glance and looked towards the door.
Standing outside the door were Chen Qingxia and Su Minxiong.
Chen Qingxia smiled and said, "We just happened to be in this area, and we remembered that Xiao Nuo just finished her exams, so we came to see her."
Are you calling Xiao Nuo now?
Xu Jinan was so excited that he quickly let the two of them in.
Xu Nuo was surprised that Chen Qingxia and Su Minxiong would come to her house, so she went over to greet them.
"Uncle Su, Aunt Chen."
Su Minxiong's serious face softened with a smile: "Xiao Nuo, how did you do on the exam? You must have done very well."
Xu Nuo smiled and said, "It should be alright, thank you Uncle Su."
Xu Jinan was meeting Su Minxiong for the first time, and he smiled somewhat awkwardly, saying, "Su... Su..."
Su Minxiong waved his hand: "Comrade Lao Jin, right? I'm a few years older than you, just call me Brother Su."
Xue Ping, who was carrying tea, paused, her eyes filled with surprise.
The Chen family is so amiable.
Xu Jinan dared not, his face turning red: "No, no, you're my leader, I..."
"Don't be so formal. Xiao Nuo is a sensible and well-behaved child who has helped us a lot. You're being too polite. Just call me Brother Su."
Since Su Minxiong had said so, Xu Jinan dared not refuse. Just then, Xue Ping brought out the tea, and Xu Jinan said, "Have some tea, have some tea."
Su Minxiong picked up his teacup with great interest, took a sip, and showed an expression of enjoyment.
He praised, "Good stuff, Comrade Jin, this tea is excellent."
He glanced at Xu Nuo as he spoke.
Xu Jinan was very confident in the tea and nodded: "Yes, this tea was brought by Nuonuo. I can't say whether it's expensive or not, but every time I drink it, all my fatigue and exhaustion disappear."
Su Minxiong was very interested in the tea and nodded: "My father-in-law also drank this tea. His legs used to hurt every day, but now he can walk again."
"Really?" Xu Jinan exclaimed in delight, "That's wonderful! This tea is truly extraordinary. My hair was originally all white, but after drinking it for less than half a month, it turned black."
Chen Qingxia then noticed Xu Jinan's hair and said thoughtfully, "Yes, Jinan, I remember you used to have gray hair."
She and Xu Jinan were not in the same department, and she was his direct superior. She had never paid any attention to Xu Jinan before, but now that she looked at him carefully, she found that Xu Jinan looked very young.
Just as I was about to ask, Xue Ping said, "Director Chen, you don't know, Jin An's hair used to be almost completely white, but now you can't find a single white hair. Not only that, he also looks much younger."
Brigitte Chen's eyes lit up with surprise; she could actually look younger.
She now understood why Su Minxiong and the old man cared so much about Xu Nuo.
If it could really make her younger, she wouldn't object to Xu Nuo and Su Zhao's relationship.
So what if you come from a humble background?
Thinking this, Chen Qingxia turned her head to look at Xu Nuo. Although she was smiling, she unconsciously raised her chin and said, "Xiao Nuo, the moisturizing oil you gave Auntie is very good. I wonder if you have any more? I'd like to buy a few more bottles."
The Su family bought so many herbal teas from Xu Nuo, making them a big customer, so Xu Nuo gave Chen Qingxia two bottles of moisturizing oil as a gift.
At first, Chen Qingxia didn't like the product and left it in a corner. It was only after the person she sent to Luxian Village to inquire about herbal teas mentioned the moisturizing oil on Xu Nuo's hands that Chen Qingxia found it and used it once.
After using it, I threw away the previous ones.
Before Xu Nuo could answer, Xue Ping nodded eagerly and smiled at Chen Qingxia, "Yes, yes, Director Chen, however much you need, Nuonuo will make sure to get it all for you."
Xu Nuo happened to have some finished dishes in her room, which were originally intended for Lin Xiaofeng, but this time she gave them all to Chen Qingxia.
However, there's too much water in the glutinous rice flowers and herbs, so we can make it again.
Su Minxiong and Chen Qingxia sat for a while and then left. Before leaving, Su Minxiong said, "Xiao Nuo, Xiao Zhao will be back on vacation in a few days. You have to come over for dinner then."
This delighted Xu Jin'an and Xue Ping. After everyone left, they kept asking Xu Nuo questions.
Xu Nuo had no idea why Su Minxiong and Chen Qingxia were so enthusiastic. She shrugged and said, "I don't know anything. Su Zhao and I are just ordinary friends."
Xue Ping said, "Anyway, Mom thinks Su Zhao is a great kid. He's good at studying, handsome, and from a good family. You can't find someone like him even with a lantern."
Xu Jinan chuckled, "How can you talk like that? Su Zhao is good, but our Nuonuo is someone they couldn't find even with a lantern."
Xu Nuo was amused by Xu Jin'an and said to them in a sweet voice, "Don't play matchmaker, my true love is someone else."
Xu Jinan and Xue Ping exchanged a glance, then leaned closer to Xu Nuo: "Who is it?"
Xu Nuo puffed out her cheeks and said playfully, "It hasn't appeared yet. I'll bring it to you when it does."
She turned and went back to her room, pondering what excuse she could come up with to avoid going to the Su family's house for dinner when Su Zhao returned in a few days.
…
The college entrance examination in this era is different from that in the 21st century. Xu Nuo applied for her major before taking the college entrance examination. She and Xu Yan both applied to the Chinese Department of Shanghai University.
The most popular major at Shanghai University is mathematics, while the admission scores for the Chinese Literature Department are much lower. Therefore, as long as Xu Yan performs normally, getting into the Chinese Literature Department should not be a big problem.
Xu Nuo's high school teacher suggested that she apply to the Chinese Department of Peking University, but Xu Nuo did not like the northern climate, and since she was born in Shanghai before she transmigrated into the book, she applied to Shanghai University instead.
Time flies. One day, Xu Jin'an came home excitedly, and the first thing he said was, "Our Nuonuo scored 479, the highest in the whole county!"
Xue Ping was cooking when she was so happy that she dropped the spatula and ran out, saying, "Really? Who told you that?"
Xu Jinan was so excited he couldn't speak. After a long pause, he said, "It was Director Chen who asked around. Nuonuo scored 479 points. They said it's currently in the review stage, and the results will be released after the review is completed."
In this era without the internet, everything relied on manual labor, so some people were able to find out the results in advance.
Su Minxiong had given instructions, intending to use the results to curry favor with the Xu family, but he was surprised by the results.
There were a total of five graded exams, with a total score of 500. Xu Nuo scored 479.
It is said that Xu Nuo scored a high score of 98 in English, which is considered a bonus subject.
This afternoon, Chen Qingxia personally went to Xu Jinan's department to tell him the good news, which really made him the center of attention in the department.
Xu Nuo asked Xu Jin'an, "Where's my sister's?"
Xu Jinan said, "Director Chen only mentioned you, not your sister, but it's okay, the results will be released after the review is over."
That night, Xu Nuo had another dream.
In the original book, both Xu Yan and Luo Chen were admitted to Shanghai University, but neither of them did so this year.
A few days later, the review was completed, and the college entrance examination results were released.
Xu Yan scored 329 points.
He failed the exam.
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