Chapter 124

Chapter 124

The college entrance exams arrived as scheduled. Even though the Tang family knew that Tang Qingqing wouldn't have any major issues and that any underperformance wouldn't significantly affect her future, they still treated it with great importance.

Su Rong specially cleared her schedule to prepare special meals for Tang Qingqing. Tang Jianguo and Tang Jiquan, who was often away from home, also made sure to return on time during these days.

Tang Jixue came back from the south to accompany Tang Qingqing through this important period.

Although everyone tried to create a relaxed atmosphere, the tension was inevitable.

Fortunately, Tang Qingqing remained unaffected and continued her usual routine without changing her habits due to the exams.

In the morning, she still went out for exercise as usual.

Whenever Tang Qingqing returned home after each exam, no one pressed her for details; they simply let her rest and prepare for the next test.

When the last exam ended, Tang Xiaoxiao leaned against Tang Qingqing, feeling drained like a dehydrated pickle, thinking she was about to collapse.

"Qingqing, regardless of whether I pass or not, I never want to go through the college entrance exams again! I feel like I'm dying. I doubt I'll ever work as hard as I did in the past six months!"

Tang Xiaoxiao had lost weight due to the exams.

She didn't have to study so hard; her family would arrange everything for her. However, after becoming friends with Tang Qingqing, she unconsciously felt motivated to work hard and not fall too far behind.

Tang Qingqing smiled and said, "Didn't you always want to see 'Shaolin Temple'? Why don't we go watch the movie together? It can be our celebration and relaxation."

'Shaolin Temple' had been released in theaters at the beginning of the year and quickly became a national sensation. Everywhere people were discussing the film, and its theme song became one of the most popular songs of the year.

Even after so much time had passed, many cinemas were still showing it, and the screenings were well-attended.

Tang Xiaoxiao loved watching movies but had resisted the temptation for months due to the exams. She had cried to Tang Qingqing several times about how much she wanted to see it.

Tang Qingqing had told her that watching a movie wouldn't take much time and that occasional relaxation was fine, but Tang Xiaoxiao insisted on holding off.

She said that once she relaxed, she wouldn't be able to get back into the groove, so she decided to wait.

This was the first time Tang Xiaoxiao had taken something so seriously. Usually, her family urged her to study, but in the past six months, they worried about her working too hard and affecting her health.

"Yes, yes! I heard a new restaurant just opened near the cinema. The chef is from Sichuan Province and makes authentic Sichuan cuisine. The food is supposed to be excellent! I've wanted to try it for ages, so let's go there tomorrow!"

Tang Xiaoxiao wished she could go right away, but since her family had prepared a big meal today, they agreed to meet tomorrow.

When Tang Qingqing got home, Su Rong was already preparing dinner, clearly planning a feast.

Peering out from the kitchen, Su Rong said, "You've worked hard these past few days. Tonight, we'll have a delicious meal to replenish your energy. I bought fish, shrimp, and beef."

Though their family was relatively well-off, they rarely indulged in such luxury except during festivals.

Tang Qingqing washed her hands and offered to help, but Su Rong gently pushed her away.

"I've told you, you don't need to help at home. Go watch some TV for now; dinner will be ready soon."

Since coming here, Tang Qingqing hardly did any chores. She used to wash her clothes herself, but after the family bought a washing machine, Su Rong took over that task.

While Tang Qingqing found it difficult to become close to them, being treated this way made it hard to resent them.

Sometimes, seeing Su Rong busy around the house, Tang Qingqing couldn't help but feel grateful for her efforts.

Su Rong not only had her own job but also managed all household affairs.

Now that the children were older, things were easier, but when she was raising four kids alone, her mother-in-law, who claimed to help, only caused trouble. It was clear how challenging those times must have been.

A little inquiry would reveal that Grandma Wu favored her grandsons and paid little attention to Tang Qingqing.

Claiming to care for Su Rong postpartum, she actually ignored both mother and daughter, keeping all the good food for herself and the boys.

Su Rong suffered greatly during her confinement, and when people saw her again, they thought she had aged ten years, looking haggard and unwell.

Tang Qingqing's feelings towards her were complex, hard to express in simple words.

As for Tang Jianguo, he wasn't a good father or husband. At home, he acted like a lord, believing that providing financially fulfilled his duties as a husband and father.

He did nothing at home and showed little concern for his children. He couldn't even remember their ages or birthdays, nor their grades.

Yet outside, he was an extremely responsible leader, diligent and conscientious, unlike some who abused their power.

Su Rong spent the afternoon preparing a grand feast, but Tang Jianguo didn't come home; he was busy with work again.

After consistently returning home on time for the past few days, he reverted to his old ways, only arriving late at night after Tang Qingqing finished her exams.

Tang Jixue poured Tang Qingqing a glass of cola, a rare treat.

"Qingqing, do you want to go south with me after the exams? Zhai Hongyi is also there. He graduated this year and plans to make a big splash."

Tang Qingqing shook her head. "I need to visit my master. Brother Yi will often be in the capital. We can meet when I start university there."

"Looks like you did well. You're confident about your results."

Tang Qingqing smiled, knowing she had performed well.

She wasn't boastful but neither was she overly modest, constantly worrying about failure.

Tang Jidong asked, "How are you planning to go to school?"

Everyone at the table fell silent, their eyes turning to Tang Qingqing.

"I'll go directly to the school. It's not on the way from Yang City."

Su Rong's expression stiffened slightly. "When winter break comes, you'll have to come here first, right?"

Tang Qingqing didn't say anything, and everyone immediately understood her intentions.

Ever since Tang Qingqing arrived here, she would never stay in Yang City during holidays. She would always return home for a long time, only coming back just before school started.

But if she continued this habit in college, there would be almost no chance of returning to Yang City anymore.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Although Tang Qingqing had grown closer to everyone over the past two years, there were still some differences.

Tang Jixue broke the silence: "Winter and summer breaks are long, and transportation is so advanced nowadays. It wouldn't be hard to meet up. Qingqing, I might also visit the capital occasionally in the future. When that happens, I'll come see you, and if it's a holiday, we can come back together."

Tang Qingqing: "Okay."

Seeing that she didn't refuse, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Su Rong urged everyone to eat quickly, steering the conversation away from the topic.

Later that evening, Tang Jixue knocked on Tang Qingqing's room door.

He walked into the room and saw Tang Qingqing reading a book, an English edition.

"Have you just finished exams, and you're already studying so hard?"

Tang Qingqing smiled. "For me, reading is a form of entertainment."

Tang Jixue gave her a thumbs up. "No wonder you've been able to learn so well on your own."

Tang Qingqing's childhood environment was terrible. If not for her determination to change, she might have struggled even after being found.

"Third Brother, did you need something?"

"I don't really need anything; I just wanted to chat casually. Once you start college, it will be hard to talk face-to-face like this."

Tang Qingqing closed the book on her desk, having a good idea why Tang Jixue came to see her.

"Third Brother, I know how much you care about me."

Tang Jixue flicked her forehead gently:

"Third Brother isn't here to pressure you. Growing up and leaving home is normal. Look at Eldest Brother; he works at the factory and is often gone for ten days or half a month, living in the dorms and rarely coming home."

Tang Jixue looked at her deeply and said earnestly:

"Just remember that this is your home, and these are your family members. If you encounter any hardships or troubles outside, don't bear them alone. We are here for you."

Tang Qingqing pursed her lips. "Third Brother, I understand."

Tang Jixue didn't continue the conversation but instead talked about his experiences in the south.

"Now I understand why you get along so well with Zhai Hongyi. You two are similar. In the south, I felt a vitality and drive that we don't have here. Everyone is full of energy, pushing forward without knowing if they will succeed. They just keep going."

"Even though they are all talented, sometimes they seem like madmen."

Tang Jixue thought he was already quite crazy, being rebellious in the factory compound.

Despite having a job, he chose to become an individual entrepreneur, wandering around with a group of people. Though he now has his own shop and business is growing, many still see him as someone who doesn't take things seriously.

But in the south, such behavior is common.

The atmosphere there is entirely different. Stability is not what people aspire to; everyone wants to make a name for themselves and forge their own path.

"You wouldn't believe how fast people walk in the south. Time is money!"

Tang Qingqing watched Tang Jixue, glowing with enthusiasm, and her lips curved upward slightly.

Though Tang Jixue didn't go to college as described in books, he had found his own path and discovered what he truly enjoyed. Tang Qingqing's lingering regret vanished completely.

The next day, Tang Qingqing and Tang Xiaoxiao went to the cinema together.

After watching the movie, both were very excited and kept discussing the plot.

Tang Xiaoxiao: "Qingqing, I want to watch it again! It was amazing! Oh, if only I weren't sick and overweight, I'd want to learn kung fu at Shaolin Temple!"

Not just them, almost everyone who watched the movie felt the same way.

Some had seen it multiple times, and each viewing only increased their enthusiasm.

As they discussed, they headed to a newly opened Sichuan restaurant. It was dinnertime, and the place was packed with no empty seats.

Tang Qingqing and Tang Xiaoxiao had to wait outside until someone left.

Tang Xiaoxiao kept craning her neck to look inside. "This restaurant must be excellent; it's so busy. Qingqing, let's wait a bit longer."

Tang Qingqing loved good food but wasn't as persistent. Seeing Tang Xiaoxiao's eagerness, she decided to wait with her.

Inside the restaurant, children chattered loudly. Tang Xiaoxiao glanced over and said, "No wonder it's so lively. Two tables are filled with kids, and they seem to be together."

Tang Qingqing looked inside and saw two tables full of children, with dishes covering the tables.

The children ate and laughed, occasionally screaming, making the small restaurant even noisier.

These kids were around ten years old and seemed to be without adult supervision, a rare sight.

Few people dined out these days, especially with children, due to cost-saving habits.

Kids coming out to have a meal together like this is something neither Tang Qingqing nor Tang Xiaoxiao has ever seen before.

Others are the same; thus, everyone who sees them can't help but take an extra glance.

Among these two tables of children, there is one child who is clearly the center of attention, and he doesn't show any signs of being intimidated by the onlookers.

"Order whatever you want to eat! My dad said he'll come over to pay the bill!"

From the nearby chatter and the children's noise, it's learned that this child not only invited the others for a big meal but also took them to watch a movie.

And that's not all; they're planning to go to the park together after finishing their meal.

Tang Xiaoxiao whispered, "This kid's family must be really wealthy. To treat so many classmates to a meal at such a young age, if it were me, I'd definitely get beaten up so badly I couldn't walk. I bet his family got rich from business; otherwise, they wouldn't be showing off like this."

Nowadays, many people get rich quickly through business and become particularly ostentatious after their sudden wealth.

Tang Xiaoxiao has been immersed in her studies for the past half year but has still heard quite a few stories about this.

Tang Qingqing looked at the little boy who looked like a "big spender" and disagreed, "In such a chaotic world, it's better to keep a low profile; otherwise, it's easy to run into trouble."

When Tang Qingqing said this, she never expected her words to hit the mark.