After showing off to a bunch of military wives who came to ask for advice, Ning Xue felt a little exhausted.

Because the person she wanted to show off to the most didn't come.

After enduring all these years, Ning Xue was still holding on with a strong will in her heart.

According to her imagination, when the college entrance examination results came out and Su Guangzong and Su Yaozu were admitted to good universities, Ning Tang should be very jealous, Da Wa and the others should feel sorry for themselves, and Shen Lie even blamed Ning Tang, saying that Ning Tang did not know how to teach children.

——Not as good as her.

Ning Xue couldn't understand it.

Since Ning Tang didn't come to see her, she would go to find Ning Tang herself.

On Sunday morning, Ning Tang came back from buying groceries and ran into Ning Xue who was blocking her.

In the past two years, Ning Tang rarely saw her because Ning Xue hardly left the house for the twins' studies. Today, when he took a closer look at Ning Xue, he found that she had really aged a lot, just as Wu Xiuqin said, with gray hair on her temples.

Ning Xue was wearing a grey turtleneck and black pants today. She looked grey and not bright at all.

In order to save money to buy exercise books and reference books for the twins, she was reluctant to use skin care products and buy them nice clothes. She changed the twins' clothes again and again, but she wore the same old clothes for seven or eight years.

She couldn't understand Ning Tang, and Ning Tang couldn't understand her.

How could you get yourself into this state?

While Ning Tang was looking at Ning Xue, Ning Xue was also looking at her.

She looked at Ningtang's hair, clothes, shoes...everything on her body.

People say whether a person eats well and takes good care of himself can be seen at a glance by looking at his hair. Ning Tang's hair is black and shiny, like smooth satin, while Ning Xue's hair is dry, yellow and split, as if it has not been taken care of for a long time.

She was wearing old clothes from seven or eight years ago, while Ningtang was wearing the most popular small plaid and large prints.

Her eyes swept over Ning Tang's hands. They were as white as scallions and well-maintained. However, her own hands had become yellow and rough from years of doing housework.

Ning Xue subconsciously retracted her hands.

Ning Tang asked, "What's the matter?"

Looking at Ning Tang who looked so bright and beautiful, Ning Xue felt unsure, but she still stiffened her neck like a proud swan, "The college entrance examination results are out. Guangzong and Yaozu were admitted to Fudan University and Shanghai Jiaotong University."

She does have reason to be proud because she has trained two college students, two!

Nowadays, jobs are guaranteed upon graduation, so the future of the twins is bright.

Ning Tang nodded, "So?"

How the twins did in the exams, what university they went to, it’s none of her business, they are not her sons.

Ning Xue's eyelids twitched. What she hated most was Ning Tang's nonchalant look. It made her feel like she had punched a cotton ball. "Why? I've asked around. Your eldest and second daughter only took the entrance exams for the Accounting and Music Colleges."

This is also the reason why she enrolled the twins in a university in Shanghai, because the eldest and second daughter went to Shanghai.

She raised her head and looked at Ning Tang out of the corner of her eye, "You are not as good as me."

"I have never thought about competing with you." Ning Tang said, "Su Guangzong and Su Yaozu did well in the exam, and there will always be someone who did better than them. If everyone wants to compete, how can they ever finish the competition?"

Be content with what you have.

Su Guangzong and Su Yaozu did well in the exams and were admitted to prestigious schools. To be honest, Ning Tang was not surprised at all because this was the result of their hard work.

When other children are playing, they are studying. When other children are sleeping, they are also studying.

This is achieved at the expense of almost all entertainment and leisure time.

It's only right to have such results in the college entrance examination.

In comparison, the older child is more playful and has a lively personality. Although he does study, he does not have enough time to study - not even half of the time the twins spend on studying, or even one-third.

It would be ridiculous if the eldest child could surpass the twins' years of hard work with just one or two years of high school effort, and could unleash his domineering spirit to get into Tsinghua University or Peking University and step on the twins under his feet.

Ning Xue shook her head, "There's no end to the comparison." Then she said confidently, "But I am better than you, Guangzong and Yaozu are more promising than Da Wa and Er Niu, and you are just being stubborn now. Just wait and see, I have made it through now, and our family's life will only get better and better. I enrolled Guangzong in clinical medicine, and Yaozu in computer science. When they graduate, one will be a great doctor and a national player, and the other will be a scientist."

"What about the eldest child? Why did he study accounting? He will be an accountant when he graduates. What future can he have? And your second daughter, she sang two songs and got a few compliments from people. She thought she was so great that she applied to a music college. It's so funny. Will she become a music teacher and teach children to sing in the future?"

Ning Tang thought about it carefully and nodded, "That's good too."

The eldest child is good at math and can do calculations quickly and well.

It is enough to be a good accountant who is serious, responsible and capable.

Erniu likes to sing. The leaders are the audience, and the children are also the audience. Besides, teaching the children to sing is also singing. It is to cultivate the flowers of the motherland. How great is that. Erniu must be happy.

Ning Xue carefully scanned Ning Tang's face and found that she seemed to be serious. She said in disbelief, "Are you crazy? Isn't the purpose of raising children to make them successful? What can those two kids in your family achieve?"

She skipped Sanwa because Sanwa's "great achievements" made her angry enough.

Ning Tang smiled: "Yeah, you're right."

Ning Xue curled her lips, feeling that continuing to talk to Ning Tang would be a waste of her time.

She suddenly thought about it and understood.

Ning Tang is not jealous of her now, it must be because, after all, they have just started college, and Su Guangzong and Su Yaozu's life has just begun. When they both graduate and achieve success in their work, that is when Ning Tang will be truly jealous of them.

In other words, she showed off too early.

Ning Xue agreed deeply with her own thoughts.

He glanced at Ning Tang with a pitiful and sympathetic look, shook his head and sighed, "Your hard days are still ahead."

After saying that, he turned around and left without giving Ning Tang a chance to speak.

Ning Tang thought, my hard times are not over yet, but you are having a hard time too.

The matter of Ning Xue was just a small episode, and Ning Tang immediately put it behind her. The first big thing in front of her now was that Da Wa and Er Niu were going to college.

The schools that my two children have enrolled in are both in Shanghai, so they can travel together, so there is no need to worry about that.

Moreover, Shanghai City is not very far away from Hailang Island, at least much closer than Shangang Village.

Besides, Sanwa and Ningjun were both in Shanghai, so it wasn't like Dawa and Erniu were unfamiliar with the place when they went there.

Shen Lie discussed with Ning Tang, "How much living expenses should we give to Da Wa and Er Niu?"

When Sanwa went to Shanghai, Ningtang gave him two hundred yuan.

The situation of the eldest child is different from that of the second and third children. The third child is going to a training base, where food, accommodation and transportation are all covered.

The eldest and second daughter went to school. Although the school would give them 33 kilograms of food coupons every month and a subsidy of ten to sixteen yuan depending on their family circumstances, their tuition was not completely free. They had to pay part of the tuition and miscellaneous fees, as well as daily expenses such as eating, shopping, and buying books.

As for bedding and enamelware pots, the postage was more expensive than the materials themselves, so I asked my two children to buy new ones locally, which cost another fortune.

It is said that there are four major items, three turns and one ring in a wedding. In fact, there are also three major items in school.

In the early years, the three major items were washbasin, bedding and enamelware pot. In recent years, the three major items are pen, radio and watch.

We must not let our children down, so we must prepare all these things.

Especially since Erniu is majoring in vocal music, she should get a radio and listen to more popular songs from Hong Kong and Taiwan and revolutionary songs from China. This will only benefit her and not harm her.

We do have a radio at home, but it's an old model and very bulky, so I thought I should buy a new one for my child.

Shen Lie did some calculations and thought that 300 yuan should be enough for all these miscellaneous expenses. He couldn't help but sigh, "Raising a child is really expensive."

Yes, I have spent a lot of money over the years.

Worried that the children might not have enough money, Shen Lie said, "Forget it, I'll just ask them how much money they want to take with them."

Ning Tang asked, "What do you want to ask?"

Shen Lie: "What are you asking? I just want to ask, is three hundred yuan enough? Do you want to bring more?"

Ning Tang shook her head and said, "Da Wa and Er Niu are sensible. If you ask them like this, they will definitely not be willing to ask for more. Even if it's not enough, they will lie to us and say that the money is enough, and then secretly save money."

How to save money? Of course, you have to cut back on food, clothing, housing and transportation.

Normally, if you want to eat two meats and one vegetable for a meal, but you have no money and don’t want to ask your family for money, you will just eat one meat and one vegetable, which will not be enough for nutrition.

I went shopping and wanted to buy a piece of clothing and a handkerchief, but when I thought about my limited money, I had to suppress the idea.

Looking at my classmates wearing beautiful skirts and Mao suits, and then looking down at my own bleached shoes, I can't describe the sadness.

Shen Lie thought about it and felt that this was very possible, especially since the three children had a good sense of money. They had never spent money lavishly and were usually very frugal. Now that they were in Shanghai, they didn't have enough money to spend and might be frugal in various ways. "So what do you think we should do?"

Ning Tang said, "What can I do? You just give it to him directly. If it's not enough, he will tell you. If you don't give him enough, he will keep asking if the money is enough to spend or something like that. How can he be so embarrassed to ask his family for more money?"

In other words, it means that it is better to spend a huge sum of money than to ask about the warmth of the family.

If you really want to give, just give it directly. If you ask over and over again but don't take direct action, it means you don't really want to give.

Of course, Shen Lie is not that kind of person, he is just careless and didn't think of it at the moment.

After Ning Tang reminded him, he immediately took out six hundred yuan from the cabinet, and then added another hundred yuan. Three hundred and fifty yuan each, enough for them to buy the three major school items and spend until the Spring Festival winter vacation.

After giving the money, Shen Lie reminded Da Wa, "When you two are on the train, you must pay more attention to the money and things on your body. Also, you must take good care of Er Niu. She is a girl, and it is much more dangerous for her to go out than for a boy like you."

Da Wa said, "Don't worry, Dad, we still have Da Hu. The two of us, both big and small, can't protect a girl."

Da Hu was also admitted to Shanghai Normal University, and the two good brothers reunited and studied together in Shanghai.

Erniu also said, "I will protect myself, too." It's not like what her parents said before, that she was drugged by a bad guy!

The eldest child rubbed his hands and said, "Mom, why don't you come with us to Shanghai and visit the third child?"

The two little ones just wanted Ningtang to go to Shanghai with them, and then call the three kids along, so that the four of them could go shopping and eat together. It would take at least ten days to half a month.

Why not call Shen Lie? Because he has no vacation.

Ningtang has never seen Shanghai in this era. It must be very prosperous, with high-rise buildings and neon lights everywhere. Compared with the Hailang Island with its coconut breeze and sea charm, it must have a different style.

Just as she was about to agree, Shen Lie pulled her sleeve and coughed, "Your mother is busy, she won't go with you."

The eldest child didn't believe it and pouted, "I don't believe it. What can happen to mom? She doesn't have to work. I'm leaving with Erniu, and she doesn't have to cook anymore."

Shen Lie frowned, "I said there is something wrong, so there is something wrong."

Erniu covered her mouth and laughed secretly, laughing at Da Wa for being a fool, and not being able to see? What kind of "two-person world" were they waiting for?

I guess they just hope they get out of here as soon as possible.

Ning Tang said, "I've made five bottles of pickled vegetables for each of you, as well as crab sauce and shrimp sauce. You can take them to school to eat with your meals, or share them with your classmates."

This month, crabs and shrimps are fat and have roe in their belly, which is perfect for making crab sauce and shrimp sauce.

Are you afraid that your children may not be used to the food in Shanghai when they arrive there? Just add some sauce to the rice and mix it with the rice so that they can eat it.

Da Wa said in a straightforward manner, "Not only do I want it pickled raw, but I also want dried mango and seaweed." Fearing that Ning Tang would not agree, he added, "I want to share it with my classmates."

Ning Tang nodded and agreed, "Okay."

The eldest child added, "Please send more. I'm afraid there won't be enough to share."

There are at least four to six people in a dormitory, all of them young and old. The dried mango and seaweed taste good, so I guess they were all shared out in no time.

Shen Lie was amused: "You are asking for too much."

The eldest child puffed up his cheeks and said, "I... this is called preparing for a rainy day." He pursed his lips and said, "I don't know if the food in the school cafeteria is delicious or not, and if it suits my taste."

Ning Tang said, "When you go to college, your roommates and classmates come from all corners of the world. Not only will you bring local specialties, they will also bring local specialties. If they don't suit your taste, you can ask them to change it. I think some classmates will bring spicy sauce, bean paste, or dried bamboo shoots and candied carrots to eat with rice."

Da Wa's eyes lit up. He had never thought that going to university would have such benefits. It really satisfied the heart of a foodie like him.

Erniu asked, "Mom, are the raw pickled ones also sent over?"

"Yes." Ning Tang said, "Send it to the post office. When you get to school, settle down first, and then pick up the package from the post office on a weekend."

Shen Lie said, "When you get to Shanghai, go to the base to find Sanwa, take a photo with him, and send the photo back to me and your mother."

Ning Tang thought so too. In the past two years, Sanwa had not been home, including during the Chinese New Year. He just participated in various competitions. Although he was not seen, his medals and trophies were sent back to him every once in a while.

When I first went to Shanghai, the medals and trophies that Sanwa sent back were mostly silver and copper. In the past two years, they have all been gold, with only an occasional piece of silver.

Next to the bookshelf, Sanwa's exclusive display cabinet is already half full.

The child just joined a swimming team, how can he keep up? It’s the same as paying taxes to the country, he never comes back every year, and I don’t know how Sanwa is doing now? Has he gained weight or lost weight.

Shen Lie asked, "Should I give you the camera?"

Erniu waved her hands, "No, it's too heavy to carry, we can just go to the photo studio to take the photo."

It takes three days and three nights to get to Shanghai by train, so you must travel light.

Ningtang even let them buy the straw mats and bedding they needed on the spot.

On August 21st, Da Wa, Er Niu and Da Hu set out for Shanghai.

Ning Tang and Shen Lie went to the port to see them off, and happened to meet Su Junyan and Ning Xue who were also there to see them off.

Su Guangzong and Su Yaozu were carrying large and small bags, probably bringing all the pots, bowls, and utensils from their homes.

Ning Xue stopped every three steps, feeling very reluctant to leave.

When the twins left, it was as if they had taken her heart with them. She asked, "How about I go and read with you?"

Su Junyan's eyes flashed with joy, "Okay."

Go quickly, and he will be freed if he goes away.

Su Guangzong looked pale and had no desire to live. "Mom, we are all college students now," he muttered. "We are not children anymore. How can we need someone to accompany us to college?"

You will be laughed at by your classmates.

Su Yaozu had a huge sum of money in his bag, all of which he had saved over the years. He was planning to go to Shanghai for some fun. When he heard that Ning Xue was going to go with him, he rolled his eyes and said, "No need. Mom, you can come visit us when you miss us. Besides, if you come to study with me, then Dad will be alone at home. Who will take care of him and cook for him?"

He has many more twists and turns than Su Guangzong, and he can better grasp Ning Xue's life. As soon as he said that Su Junyan needed her, as expected, Ning Xue no longer mentioned going to accompany him to study.

Ning Xue thought about it and gave up the idea. "Then, then I will take the train to see you guys in a while."

Su Yaozu smiled and nodded yes, thinking that when the time comes, he would just make an excuse that he was too busy studying and couldn't come out to see her, and would just send her back.

Poor Ning Xue, she still dreams of visiting her twins’ university.

She added, "When you get there, remember to write back or call to let us know you're safe."

Su Guangzong pursed his lips and said nothing.

Su Yaozu smiled sweetly, "I definitely will."

No one knows a son better than his father. Su Junyan, who was listening at the side, knew that the two of them were trying to fool Ning Xue.

It is said that words and deeds speak louder than words. Ning Xue has been on Hailang Island for so many years, but she has written to Ning Weidang and Zhou Yin only a few times. Seeing this, how could the twins write to them? It is very likely that they will disappear without a trace like Ning Xue.

The boat was about to leave, Ning Tang and Shen Lie watched Da Wa and Er Niu get on board.

The eldest boy was carrying the luggage, and the second girl waved at the two of them, pursing her lips and tears were about to well up in her eyes.

Ning Tang hurriedly said, "Don't cry, you go in September, and then you have the National Day holiday in October, and then you go to school for more than three months, and then you go home again."

Erniu sniffed and said, "Then I will go home with my brother during the National Day holiday." She added, "And bring Sanwa with me."

Ning Tang said, "Don't." Blinking, "Come back during the Spring Festival. Your dad and I would like to spend a few more days alone together."

This is of course just to tease Erniu. Could it be that she really needs a few days of alone time together?

Knowing that the two little ones were going to study in other places, Ning Tang was depressed for a long time. Even Shen Lie sighed a few times when no one was around.

Ning Tang said, "Honestly, don't come back during the National Day holiday. During the holiday, go find Da Wa and San Wa, bring along Da Hu, and your little sister Fang Fang who also got into Shanghai, and go stroll around Shanghai and enjoy the scenery of a big city."

Fearing that Erniu and Da Wa were still upset, she simply assigned them a task, "Our skin care products are about to run out. Go to the mall and see if there are any skin care products suitable for us. Send some back to us."

Then he said to Erniu, "Do you remember when you were little, your dad asked someone to bring you a bottle of Shanghai Beauty perfume? You said it smelled good then. Let's go to the counter this time to see if the perfume still smells as good as before and whether the packaging has changed."

After Ning Tang said this, Erniu had an impression, "Okay, then we won't be back during the National Day holiday."

The eldest child said, "I'll come back during the Spring Festival."

The captain urged, the eldest boy nodded, and the second girl waved her hand, "Let's go."

Ning Tang waved to the two people and said, "Go ahead."

Under the blue sky and clear sea, the surface of the water sparkled and the ship soon turned into a small black dot.

The next day at noon, Ningtang got up and planned to make a pot of coconut rice.

Empty the water from the coconut, leaving the shell, stuff the washed glutinous rice into it, add a little sugar, and cook the coconut rice, which is fragrant, sweet, soft and sticky, with a hint of coconut fragrance.

After the coconut rice is cooked, use a knife to cut the top of the coconut into several pieces, just like dividing the eight-treasure rice. The bottom layer is the cooked brown coconut shell, the next layer is the white coconut meat, and the top layer is the glutinous rice with a light yellow color. They are neatly arranged on a white porcelain plate, which looks good and tastes good.

After cooking, Ning Tang habitually called the eldest child to serve the meal. As soon as she said that, she suddenly realized that the two children had already gone to college.

Shen Lie was the same, sitting in front of the tea table reading a newspaper. The newspaper shook and he glanced at the enamel mug. It was empty, with only tea stems left. He wanted to call Erniu to add some hot water for him.

He glanced at the empty living room, then at the place where Da Wa and Er Niu often sat. The words got stuck in his throat, and after a few pauses, they turned into a small sigh.

As soon as he sighed, he laughed again.

It's a good thing that the two children go to college. Why are you sighing? You shouldn't sigh.

Don't turn a good thing into a bad thing.

On the other side, Da Wa, Er Niu, Da Hu and Fang Fang, after taking a train for three days and three nights, finally arrived in Shanghai.