Chapter 53: The Evil Stepmother of the 1970s 20

Chapter 53: The Villainous Stepmother in the 1970s (20)

The production team leader asked in confusion, "Lihai, why are you back?"

Fang Lihai smiled. "I also took the college entrance exam. After finishing my military duties, I applied for leave to visit home. I didn’t expect to make it just in time. I left my home address for the admission letter—has mine arrived?"

The production team leader immediately urged the postman, "Have you found it yet? Why is it taking so long?"

The postman rummaged through his army-style satchel and explained, "I tripped on the way, and a few letters fell out. They might have been misplaced when I put them back. Don’t worry, don’t worry… Found it!"

He pulled out the last two letters and read, "Fang Lihai, Xu Ziyan."

The two stepped forward to receive them, thanking him with smiles. The elders in the family wept with joy. "You both got in! This is wonderful!"

The two children cheered and jumped around excitedly. "Mom and Dad are going to university! Our family has two college students now!"

Everyone was stunned, especially when the postman added, "Xu Ziyan is the provincial champion—nearly full marks! She got into Peking University (Beida). This brings glory to your village! You should set off firecrackers to celebrate. The mayor might even reward her later."

The production team leader finally snapped out of his daze and slapped his thigh. "Peking University! A golden phoenix has truly risen from our small village! Quick, bring the firecrackers!"

Xu Xiuyun suddenly made a sudden grab for Xu Ziyan’s admission letter, but Fang Lihai blocked her with a stern glare. "What are you doing?"

The crowd was startled. The production team leader quickly intervened, "That’s an important document—don’t damage it!"

Under everyone’s accusing gazes, Xu Xiuyun defended herself, "I just wanted to see if it was real. Everyone knows my cousin never studied well. And during the exam..."

Mother Xu snapped, "Hold your tongue! I always thought you were a good girl, and whenever Xiao Yan clashed with you, I wondered if she was at fault. But it turns out you were the one scheming behind her back, bullying her in secret. How much slander have you spread about her?

Xiao Yan wasn’t motivated to study because there was no college entrance exam back then. She wasn’t unwilling to learn—she just didn’t bother. But she’s smart! I saw her memorize a text after reading it twice and solve math problems at first glance. She’s been studying at home all along.

And what do you mean she didn’t answer properly? You’re lying! Spreading rumors that she didn’t take the exam seriously—how dare you? The truth is, she finished early because she knew everything. She didn’t want to distract others, so she pretended to still be working. And you twisted it into something ugly. Do you want a beating?"

At first, people had found Xu Xiuyun’s words plausible, but after Mother Xu spoke, they reconsidered. Xu Ziyan had published articles in major newspapers and earned substantial royalties—she was clearly brilliant. If she learned quickly, what was so strange about that?

One of the sent-down youth pointed out, "Xu Xiuyun, are you implying Xu Ziyan’s results are fake? We all took the exam—it was heavily proctored. There’s no way to cheat. If she got in, she earned it. Even if you had the answers in front of you, you couldn’t copy a provincial highest marks!"

Xu Xiuyun shook her head. "I didn’t..."

Xu’s father said coldly, "You know exactly what you were implying. We used to think you were a good child, but now we see your true colors. Whatever your reasons, remember—our family affairs are none of your business."

Song Dongbo, who had been bursting with pride moments ago, now his face darkened. He dragged Xu Xiuyun home, his joy completely evaporated.

Later, everyone saw Xu Ziyan’s admission letter—it was indeed from Peking University. Fang Lihai had also been accepted into an officer training school. Since their schools weren’t far apart and they had already bought a house in the capital, they could return home whenever their schedules allowed.

The village threw a raucous celebration. Two days later, the mayor personally arrived to award Xu Ziyan a bonus. Though the amount wasn’t large, it was a special distinction that cemented her fame.

Among the mayor’s entourage was the invigilator from Xu Ziyan’s exam. She shared an amusing anecdote: Xu Ziyan had sailed through the test with calm confidence, answering swiftly and accurately. Her mastery of the material had been extraordinary.

It turned out Xu Ziyan’s intelligence surpassed everyone’s expectations. Even more impressive was how she had balanced pregnancy and diligent study to achieve the top score. If there had been a national ranking, she might have claimed that title too.

Xu Ziyan was thrilled. She had, in a way, "made her mark in history." Decades later, if someone researched the resumption of college entrance exams, her name as the provincial champion would appear. If her novels gained popularity, they might even be adapted into TV dramas, like those of other famous writers. The feeling of being part of history was exhilarating.

Another reason for her joy was that Xu Xiuyun’s college admission—fueled by her rivalry with Xu Ziyan—indirectly fulfilled a plot requirement. Additionally, Xu Xiuyun’s success, the Xu Family’s gloating, and Xu’s parents’ guilt earned Xu Ziyan several ability points.

She allocated them all to intelligence, feeling invincible.

With luck and intellect combined, she was practically invincible. This life still had much to offer—she could use her sharpened intellect to acquire countless skills and knowledge, preparing her for future worlds. Her ability point distribution had been brilliant.

At first, Xu Ziyan didn’t understand why Xu’s parents felt guilty. Later, they apologized, admitting their past foolishness and blind obedience had wronged her. Their months as small business owners had opened their eyes to Xu Xiuyun’s malice, making them regret how they’d treated their daughter.

This mirrored the original plot where the parents, remorseful after their daughter’s disappearance, lamented their neglect. Thus, the storyline was considered complete, rewarding Xu Ziyan.

Her feelings toward them were lukewarm. They were naive, but the original persona had also treated them poorly. In the end, both sides were even.

She had initially rescued them from the Xu Family to prevent them from dragging her down, teaching them trade to become self-sufficient. Their growth was an unexpected bonus—maintaining a civil relationship suited her fine.

After the city’s rewards and interviews, Xu Ziyan’s pregnancy was late-stage. The family decided to move to the capital early. They had their belongings shipped ahead to avoid burdening her during the trip, traveling light.

When the villagers learned the entire family—four elders and two children—were relocating to the capital, the news sent shockwaves through the village. Why would so many go? City life was expensive—even green onions weren't free! Where would they live?

Mother Fang happily revealed that during Xu Ziyan’s previous trip to the capital, she had helped someone in need who, in gratitude, "transferred ownership of their house" to her. Everyone understood the euphemism, common phrasing during that era—she had bought property.

The astonishment deepened. They owned a home in the capital? Originally, Xu Ziyan had planned to move the family there for her writing career. The college admission simply made the transition smoother.

Now, they weren’t just villagers—they were capital residents. The family’s rise was astounding, all thanks to Xu Ziyan.

After their departure, her legend grew. Children idolized her, and the shuttered Fang family home became a symbol of success.

For Xu Xiuyun, the contrast was unbearable. Her proud academic achievements were overshadowed by Xu Ziyan’s. She had barely passed the exam—no one noticed her ordinary university. Meanwhile, Xu Ziyan was a provincial champion at Peking University, a celebrated scholar.

Xu Xiuyun’s college was in the provincial capital—she hadn’t dared venture beyond the province. What had once satisfied her now felt inadequate.

Song Dongbo accompanied her to the city, their move without ceremony. The villagers’ disapproval made their departure feel like a retreat.

At university, surrounded by optimistic classmates, Xu Xiuyun remained bitter. She fixated on knowing Xu Ziyan’s life but had no way to gather information—their families were estranged.

Then she discovered Xu Ziyan’s newspaper serial novel, which depicted the Xu Family—and portrayed her as conniving, selfish, and scheming!