Time quickly came to the day of Su Mingfu's college entrance examination.
That morning.
As dawn broke, the city of Beijing was still shrouded in a thin mist.
The Su family courtyard was already brightly lit and bustling with people.
Today is Su Mingfu's college entrance examination day, and the whole family has barely slept all night.
Wang Xiulan got up at three o'clock in the morning and kept busy in the kitchen.
Golden millet porridge was simmering in a large iron pot on the stove, while steam rose from the steamer next to it, containing freshly steamed white steamed buns and six boiled eggs.
She added extra red dates and lotus seeds to the porridge, symbolizing "early success in the imperial examinations and continuous promotions."
"Mingfu, are you up yet?"
Wang Xiulan wiped her hands and called out into the inner room, her voice revealing barely concealed nervousness.
"Get up, Mom!"
Su Mingfu's voice came from the room, sounding hoarse and tired.
He barely slept all night, tossing and turning, thinking about today's exam.
Su Jianguo also got up early. He stood in the courtyard and looked up at the sky.
The east was already turning a pale white, and the morning glow painted half the sky red.
"It's a beautiful day today."
He muttered to himself, silently praying that his son would get good grades this time.
Su Yuzhen came out of the house, holding an exquisite pen case in her hand.
"Dad, this is a Hero brand fountain pen that I asked someone to buy for me. I heard that it makes writing especially smooth during exams."
Su Yuzhen smiled and handed the pen to Su Jianguo, her eyes full of expectation.
Su Jianguo took the pen, opened it, and looked at it.
The pen body was shiny, and the nib gleamed with silver light, making it particularly dazzling in the morning light.
"That's right, Mingfu will definitely like it."
He nodded, feeling a warmth in his heart.
With improved family circumstances, the children have become much more filial.
Su Mingqiang also came over from the backyard, carrying a cloth bag in his hand.
"Dad, I brought Mingfu some food. The exam is long, and I'm worried he might get hungry."
As Su Mingqiang spoke, he opened the cloth bag, which contained several flatbreads, a packet of roasted peanuts, and two apples.
"I also brought some mints; I heard they can help you stay alert during exams."
"Mingfu, come out and eat!"
Wang Xiulan called out again, her voice more urgent than before.
"They're here!"
Su Mingfu pushed open the door and came out.
He was wearing a brand new white shirt and black trousers today, and his hair was neatly combed, making him look energetic.
However, there was still a hint of fatigue and tension in his eyes.
"Mingfu, come on, let's eat first."
Wang Xiulan invited him to sit down, served him a bowl of hot millet porridge, and placed a steamed bun and two eggs in front of him.
"Eat two eggs, and you'll get a perfect score."
"Mom, I don't feel like eating..."
Su Mingfu looked at the food in front of him with a helpless expression.
The pressure of the college entrance examination made him lose his appetite.
"No, you have to eat it!"
Wang Xiulan put on a stern face.
"Exams are mentally taxing, how can you manage without eating enough? You've even lost weight lately."
Su Jianguo also came over and sat down next to his son.
"Mingfu, don't be nervous. Just treat it like a regular test. You usually do well, so you'll definitely be fine this time. Remember what Dad said: start with the easy questions and then move on to the difficult ones. Read the questions carefully and check your work thoroughly."
Su Mingfu nodded, picked up the steamed bun, took a bite, and forced himself to eat it.
The sweet aroma of millet porridge gradually awakened his taste buds, and he unknowingly finished a bowl of porridge.
The family sat around the table, the atmosphere somewhat somber.
Everyone knows what the college entrance examination means to Su Mingfu.
He was the youngest child in his family and the only one who had the opportunity to change his fate through education.
These days, the whole family has been very careful, afraid of disturbing his studies.
After finishing breakfast, Su Jianguo glanced at the wall clock.
"It's almost time, let's go. Getting to the exam venue early will save us from rushing."
Su Mingfu stood up, took a deep breath, and picked up the schoolbag he had prepared.
Inside were the exam admission ticket, pencils, erasers, rulers, and several review materials.
He checked it three times to make sure everything was perfect.
Wang Xiulan suddenly pulled a small red cloth bag from her pocket and stuffed it into Su Mingfu's hand.
"Mingfu, this is a lucky charm that Mom specially went to the temple to get yesterday. Wear it and it will bless you with good luck in your exams."
Su Mingfu took the amulet and saw the four characters "Golden List Success" embroidered on it, which warmed his heart.
"Thank you, Mom."
Su Yuzhen also ran out of the house, holding a sachet in her hand.
"This is a sachet I made with dried osmanthus flowers. I heard it can calm the nerves and refresh the mind. Put it in your pocket, and smell it during the exam to stay calm."
Su Mingfu took the sachet and smelled the faint fragrance of osmanthus, which indeed calmed his mind considerably.
"Thanks."
The family walked out of the yard, and Su Jianguo pushed his bicycle over.
"Mingfu, get in the car, I'll take you to the exam venue."
Su Mingfu nodded and sat on the back of the bicycle.
Wang Xiulan, Su Jianjun, and Su Mingqiang also came out.
"Let's go together!"
Wang Xiulan said, her voice firm.
Su Jianguo smiled.
"Okay, then let's all go and cheer for Mingfu!"
And so, Su Jianguo rode his bicycle ahead, carrying Su Mingfu, with Wang Xiulan, Su Jianjun, and Su Mingqiang following behind, the whole family heading towards the college entrance examination venue in a grand procession.
Many neighbors greeted them with smiles when they saw them.
"Old Su, taking your son to his exam?"
"Mingfu, is taking the college entrance exam today? Good luck!"
"Mingfu will definitely get into a good university!"
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