But whenever he faces innocent children, his heart softens.
They are also willing to set aside more time to accompany their children as they grow up.
Try your best to make up for the parts of yourself that were missing in the past by showing them in Little Star...
Time flies, and years pass quickly.
When Xiaoxing was a little over one year old, Gu Hongjie also faced the college entrance examination.
In the early 1990s, universities had not yet expanded their enrollment, nor had they abolished government-funded education and guaranteed job placement upon graduation.
Therefore, whether in rural or urban areas, it remains a highly competitive process, with countless people vying for limited space.
At that time, the college entrance examination was still in July, from the 7th to the 9th, a total of three days.
Arts students take six subjects, while science students take seven.
The college entrance examination uses the same test paper, but students apply for undergraduate, junior college, and vocational school programs separately.
Moreover, applying for college before the exam involves a great deal of chance and too many uncertain factors. Without the internet and with limited guidance, most parents rely on the "College Application Guide" and fill out the application based on what they've heard about schools, their own understanding of majors, and their imagined career paths.
Admissions are based on the order of the applicants' choices, and many top schools don't even consider second-choice applicants, given their high acceptance rates.
Therefore, a single mistake in choosing whether or not to accept a different major or in filling out a college application can change a person's life.
Of course, with Gu Wei as his "cheat code," Gu Hongjie experienced far less confusion and anxiety.
Then, with his advice, Gu Hongjie filled in Peking University as his first choice.
For three consecutive days, Gu Wei waited for Gu Hongjie outside the examination hall.
Because parents at that time did not value their children as much as they would decades later, very few people accompanied their children to the exam.
Fortunately, he could stay in the car, recline the seat, close his eyes, and rest, so it wasn't too tiring.
On the last day, the last science subject was biology.
Around 5 p.m., the summer sun was no longer so scorching and dazzling, and the temperature was not so high.
Gu Wei stood at the entrance of the examination hall, enjoying the gentle breeze, and immediately spotted Gu Hongjie coming out after the exam. He smiled and waved to him.
Gu Hongjie, who is now 1.8 meters tall, is no longer so thin and has completely transformed into a vibrant young man.
As he grew up, he looked even more like Gu Wei.
Many people who saw the two speculated that they were brothers.
"Haha, the exams are finally over! I'm free!"
Gu Wei patted his shoulder with amusement, "Great, now relax and have some fun."
With a bright smile, Gu Hongjie put his arm around Gu Wei in a friendly manner and said, "That's a must! I need to sleep like a log first, then go back to school on the 11th to get the exam papers and answers for each subject and estimate my scores. After that, I can go to the provincial capital or other places to play."
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"Okay, you decide where we go then."
Gu Wei knew that even if Gu Hongjie was a good student, he had put in a lot of hard work and sweat during the grueling July exams. The first major exam of his life was over, and there was no need to rush to know the answer as to how he did.
The two walked to the car parked on the side of the road, chatting and laughing, then got in and drove away.
When they arrived home, Gu Jianguo and Li Guizhi had already prepared a sumptuous meal for them.
Gu Jianguo asked with concern, "How did you do on the exam?"
Gu Hongjie beamed, "Don't worry, I did a great job."
"You really don't know how to be humble at all."
After jokingly scolding them, Li Guizhi urged the two of them, "Hurry up and wash your hands before you eat."
Gu Wei and Gu Hongjie quickly washed their hands and sat down at the dining table.
There were sixteen dishes in total, including both meat and vegetables, as well as liquor, beer, and canned drinks.
It's almost like Chinese New Year.
Gu Wei looked at his grandparents.
In recent years, as living standards have improved and life has gotten better and better, both of them have gained a lot of weight.
Moreover, Gu Jianguo was already a tall man, and now with a beer belly, he looks even more burly.
Gu Jianguo noticed the smile in Gu Wei's eyes, picked up the glass of baijiu in front of him, and said cheerfully, "Xiao Jie, you've had a tough time with your exams these past few days. We should toast you."
Li Guizhi quickly picked up the cup containing Jianlibao (a popular Chinese herbal tea brand) beside her, saying, "Yes, his exams exhausted you and caused you a lot of trouble."
Gu Hongjie was finally allowed to drink beer. He had just finished a glass of ice-cold beer and was still savoring the taste when he quickly picked up the beer bottle and filled it up again. "I won't say thank you for your kindness; it's all in this beer."
Faced with the three different drinks, Gu Wei smiled and filled his half-empty glass with beer. "Actually, we're all family, no need to be so polite. But I'll drink this one, and I wish Xiao Jie all the best in his exams."
They loved hearing that, and the group laughed, clinked glasses, and then downed their drinks.
Everyone started eating quickly, chatting as they ate.
After taking a sip of the strong liquor, Gu Jianguo casually asked, "I wonder how Old Shi's daughter did on her exam?"
Gu Wei paused in his chopsticks, but said calmly, "I think it should be pretty good. I heard he's a very good student."
After Gu Wei helped the Shi family father and daughter open the shop, he didn't interfere much in their lives.
However, the relationship is quite good, and there have been no problems with the profit-sharing arrangement.
Gu Jianguo remarked with emotion, "That child comes from a poor family and matures early; he's really capable."
Li Guizhi chimed in, "Yes, young girls are quick to learn. She was already selling wontons at the stall when she was just over ten years old. Later, she would work at the shop during holidays or winter and summer vacations. Speaking of which, she's about the same age as our Xiao Jie, but look how lazy he is except when it comes to studying."
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