After dinner, Zhong Yuxiu and Gu Mingyue took Chenchen to the communications room and dialed their home phone.
As soon as Lu Qinming's voice came from the other end of the phone, Zhong Yuxiu had barely said a few words when Chenchen leaned over to the receiver and started humming softly.
This made Lu Qinming laugh on the other end of the line: "Chenchen has learned something new again, hasn't she? Grandma said she can call me 'Mom' now?"
Gu Mingyue smiled and responded with a few words, then chatted about the recent situation at home.
Lu Qinming suddenly changed the subject, lowering his voice: "Mingyue, I have something to tell you. Recently, some people at home have been saying that the college entrance examination may be reinstated."
He paused, then said, "You used to be a good student. If you want to continue studying, I can have someone keep an eye out for your textbooks and notes and send them to you."
Gu Mingyue paused, her hand holding the receiver trembling, her heart skipping a beat.
She recalled how she used to sit under the lamp with her textbooks when she was in school, and also the regret that she couldn't continue her studies because of family matters.
But now, with Chenchen to take care of and design work to do, she was momentarily lost in thought.
"I..." Gu Mingyue hadn't finished speaking when Chenchen in her arms suddenly reached out and grabbed the receiver cord, calling out "mama."
She lowered her head to comfort the child before saying to the person on the other end of the phone, "Dad, I need to think about it. There are so many things going on at home right now, I'm afraid I won't have the energy to spare."
Lu Qinming quickly said, "No rush, take your time to think it over. If you figure it out, just let me know and I'll have someone keep the information for you. In any case, it's always good to read more books."
After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyue was in a daze for a moment.
On the way back, Zhong Yuxiu noticed that her daughter-in-law's expression was off, as if she had been shocked by something, and asked her what they had talked about on the phone.
Gu Mingyue glanced around and saw that there were still quite a few people moving around. Fearing that someone might be overheard, she simply said she would talk about it when she got home.
After arriving home, Gu Mingyue put Chenchen on the bed and then repeated her father-in-law's words.
Chung Yu-hsiu: "This is a good thing."
If it weren't for the changing times, these young people wouldn't have lost their opportunity to attend university.
"I wholeheartedly support you going."
Seeing her mother-in-law's encouraging gaze, Gu Mingyue's little thought sprouted like a bud in spring.
As night deepened, Chenchen slept soundly in her crib. Gu Mingyue sat at the table organizing her drawings. Lu Lin, having finished washing clothes, came over and sat down beside her.
“What did Dad say to you on the phone today? You seemed distracted the whole time last night.”
Gu Mingyue put down her pen and recounted what Lu Qinming had said about the possible resumption of the college entrance examination and the need to send materials, her tone tinged with hesitation.
“I did think about going to university before, but now I have to take care of Chenchen and do design work, so I’m afraid I really won’t have time to study. But Mom is right, I have to give it a try since I finally have the chance.”
Lu Lin picked up a drawing and gently ran his fingertips over the pattern: "If you want to take the exam, we can work together to figure it out. Mom will be more tired taking care of the child during the day, and I'll watch over Chenchen at night after she falls asleep. I can also help you with your studies. We can figure out the parts we don't understand together."
"You still have training, how can you have time to help me study?" Gu Mingyue looked up at him, her eyes full of heartache.
Lu Lin smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair: "No matter how busy you are with training, you can always find time. You were so good at studying back then, it would be such a pity if you gave up just because no one was there to help you. Besides, when Chenchen grows up, she will be proud to know that her mother is a college graduate."
Looking into Lu Lin's serious eyes, Gu Mingyue's last trace of hesitation vanished completely.
She picked up her pen and lightly drew a small book pattern on the edge of the sketch: "Then I'll talk to Dad first and ask him to send over the materials to try. If it can really handle both, I'll give it a try."
The two of them got together, one talking about their study plans, the other thinking about how to balance taking care of the child and design. No matter which path they took, as long as they discussed it together, nothing would be difficult.
Less than a week after Gu Mingyue returned the call, the post office delivered a heavy package containing college entrance exam review materials.
When she opened it, she found it filled with yellowed textbooks, handwritten notes, and specially organized math formula cards.
Just as I put the materials on the table, Lu Wanwan came over with a notebook, her eyes sparkling: "Sister-in-law, I also want to take the college entrance examination."
Gu Mingyue was both surprised and delighted, and quickly handed over the textbook she had just taken out: "Really? Then we can study together."
Lu Wanwan took the textbook and nodded vigorously: "I told my family, and my parents were so happy. They said they would fully support me and even told me to ask you for more advice."
From that day on, a set of Lu Wanwan's review materials appeared on Gu Mingyue's desk.
Both of them had a solid foundation. Gu Mingyue used to be a top student in her class, and Lu Wanwan had also learned a lot from her teachers. They were able to learn on their own with ease using the materials.
To prepare for the exam, Lu Mingyue quit her job. Anyway, the family had no worries about food and drink, and He Xiao fully supported her. Nothing was more important than his wife's exam.
During the day, her mother-in-law helps take care of Chenchen, so Gu Mingyue has more time to study and writes down the key points in a small notebook.
After Chenchen falls asleep at night, we gather under the lamp and work out math problems, discussing any we don't understand.
Seeing how diligently they studied, Zhong Yuxiu would specially cook them a late-night snack every day, and when she brought it to the table, she would always say, "You two are so hardworking, you'll definitely pass the exam."
Looking at the documents on the table and Lu Wanwan beside her, Gu Mingyue felt full of energy.
That morning, Gu Mingyue and Lu Wanwan were studying their textbooks when the loudspeaker in the family compound suddenly blared, its clear sound reaching every corner.
"With the approval of the Central Committee, it has been decided to reinstate the national college entrance examination system..."
The two men abruptly stopped writing and simultaneously looked up at the loudspeaker at the courtyard gate.
Gu Mingyue's heart raced instantly, and the draft paper in her hand was crumpled in her fist.
What Dad said before, that things might recover, has now become confirmed news.
Lu Wanwan stood up excitedly, her voice trembling: "Sister-in-law, it's true, the college entrance examination has really been reinstated."
The courtyard quickly became lively. Zhao Xiulan ran out carrying a vegetable basin and shouted to the neighbor, "Did you hear that? The college entrance examination has been reinstated! My son has a chance to study now!"
Another woman, holding her child, came over with a gleam in her eyes: "That's right! We used to worry that our child wouldn't have a future, but now it's great, he can go to university."
Many young military dependents gathered under the loudspeaker, discussing amongst themselves. Some said they wanted to find old textbooks, while others said they wanted to consult with educated people. The courtyard was filled with barely suppressed excitement.
Looking at the lively scene before her, Gu Mingyue glanced down at the review materials on the table and suddenly felt more confident.
Lu Wanwan grabbed her arm and pointed to the schedule, saying, "Our plan wasn't in vain. Now we have to study hard and make sure we pass the exam."
Zhong Yuxiu also came over, smiling and patting them on the shoulder: "Well done, study hard. I'll take care of things at home. I'll look after Chenchen, so you can focus on your exams."
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