Chapter 65

Chapter 65

By mid-June, the national college entrance exams had begun.

Mrs. Jiang woke up early, called the three children to breakfast, and had three backpacks lined up on the other side of the table—two for the children taking the exam that day and one for the youngest.

She was running around non-stop. Even though she had already checked the two children's admission tickets and stationery the night before, she went over them two or three more times that morning, making sure they had everything and nothing was forgotten, finally allowing her to sigh in relief.

The nanny beside her couldn't help but chuckle softly, "Ma'am, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were the one taking the exam today."

"Neither Jiang Songen nor You Nan seem nervous at all—you're the one who's all worked up."

The nanny held Mrs. Jiang's arm, trying to soothe her.

Mrs. Jiang touched her forehead, unable to suppress her smile. "What can I do? I'm the only mother figure these three kids have. If I'm not careful and attentive, then who will look after them?"

Mrs. Jiang kept her voice low so that You Nan and You Ruan, who were eating at the table, wouldn't hear.

The nanny nodded vigorously, her eyes nearly disappearing into her smile. "Yes, yes, you're absolutely right, Ma'am."

Mrs. Jiang had already spoken with her son. His heart was set on You Nan, and he hadn't considered anyone else.

Unless You Nan were to reject him, but given how stubborn Jiang Songen is, he'd never give up.

Mrs. Jiang was also very fond of You Nan and You Ruan. These two children were such pitiful yet endearing children, and her maternal instincts went into overdrive.

Jiang Songen had been clever since he was young, and when she was younger, she had been busy supporting her husband's career, missing out on much of her child's growth.

By the time she was less busy, before she knew it, her son had already grown up so much—he didn't seem to need her care anymore.

Mrs. Jiang had all this pent-up maternal affection with no outlet, so now she saved it all for You Nan and You Ruan.

At this point, You Nan was practically just a marriage certificate away from becoming part of their family.

It was her idea to have You Nan and You Ruan stay at their house, and she was the one who arranged it.

The college entrance exam was a major event, and you couldn't be too careful.

You Nan had no parents to look after him or pick him up, and after the exams, he would still have to pick up his little brother from school—he'd definitely have his hands full.

It was better for her to take charge and handle all three children herself. That way, they could just focus on going to school and taking their exams.

Her son, being sharp, once he understood her plan, he was all for it.

Because he knew You Nan and You Ruan wouldn't be able to turn her down.

Sure enough, when she brought it up to You Nan, he hesitated.

She took his hand and pleaded earnestly, "Xiao Nan, you’ve come to Auntie’s house to play more than once or twice. You and Jiang Songen are so close—staying at Auntie’s house during the exams will be a good chance to keep each other company!"

"I'm also worried about you and Xiao Ruan. You can always go back after the exams are over."

You Nan quickly responded, "Auntie, it’s not that I’m unwilling—I just feel bad. You’ve taken care of me so many times…"

"What’s there to feel bad about!" Mrs. Jiang cut him off, beaming.

After all, they were likely to become family in the future, so what was the harm in them living together now?

"Just come—Auntie will be happy!"

With Mrs. Jiang putting it that way, You Nan agreed.

You Nan was still thinking about how to break it to his younger brother when he went to pick him up that afternoon, but to his surprise, Xiao Ruan cheered right at the school gate, saying how happy he was.

You Nan breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes curving into smiles, though he couldn’t help feeling a little jealous. He reached out and gently tapped his brother’s cute, upturned nose. "You little rascal!"

"Honestly, I wonder who your *real* brother is anymore!"

So You Nan and You Ruan settled in at the Jiang household.

After the three children finished eating, they each picked up their bags.

Mrs. Jiang got into the car with them that day, personally seeing them off as a parent to send the three children to their exam halls and school.

Mrs. Jiang and Xiao Youruan first saw the two older brothers off to their exam halls.

Xiao Youruan pressed against the window, calling out in his soft, sweet voice, "Big brothers! Brother Jiang! Good luck!"

The two boys, walking side by side toward the exam hall, turned back and waved at him.

"Got it! Hurry back!"

Only when You Nan and Jiang Songen were out of sight did Xiao Youruan finally pull back his gaze, satisfied yet still nervous. Mrs. Jiang then took Xiao Youruan to school.

After dropping off the children and returning home, Mrs. Jiang immediately started directing the nannies to prepare delicious meals to nourish the children, along with some nutritious packed lunches.

She quickly sent the driver to wait at the school gate for the two children to finish their exams, worried that they might feel upset if they didn’t see family waiting for them.

In contrast to Mrs. Jiang’s anxiety, You Nan and Jiang Songen were much calmer.

Often, nervousness stems from a lack of confidence in one’s own abilities.

As long as you feel you’ve done your best, ensured you have the skills to achieve a good ranking, and know your material inside and out, you can relax your mindset and naturally avoid nervousness.

Throughout the semester, You Nan had buried himself in homework and vocabulary memorization every day, with hardly any breaks.

Jiang Songen accompanied him the whole time, and Xiao Youruan insisted on joining in too.

The three of them would sit in a row, either at You Nan’s dining table or at the large desk in the Jiang family study, immersed in a strong studying atmosphere, focused on whatever they were doing.

Their practice exams were all prepared by the Jiang family—every type from every region. Mr. Jiang had asked someone to specially source them.

You Nan had done so many practice exams he was almost in a daze.

Of course, effort and reward go hand in hand. You Nan’s grades had now risen to the top five in his grade, a world away from when he first transferred.

As long as You Nan maintained this level, the college entrance exam would be no problem at all.

The college entrance exam usually lasts three days, and during this time, the atmosphere in the Jiang household was both quiet and tense.

After school, Xiao Youruan would quietly go to his room to do homework.

When Mr. Jiang returned from work in the evening, he had to tread lightly at home, and even if he wanted to talk to his wife, they had to go to their room.

He also noticed that his wife had recently stopped watching TV, afraid the noise might disturb the two children’s rest.

Mrs. Jiang started spending time on her phone, mingling in various parent groups, and even contacted professional teachers and consultants to schedule appointments for post-exam score estimates and guidance on university and career choices for the two children.

Mr. Jiang wanted to cuddle and kiss his wife, but she ignored him, leaving him feeling jealous and neglected.

However, during the two children's *gaokao* (college entrance exam) period, he understood what mattered most. Though feeling wronged, he could only endure it silently.

He decided to clear the air with his wife after the exams were over.

On the afternoon of the third day, Jiang Songen finished his exam early and handed in his paper. As soon as he finished, he waited at the staircase downstairs for You Nan to finish and come down.

The two were at the same test center but in different exam rooms.

It was difficult for Jiang Songen to catch a glimpse of You Nan.

He kept watch at the staircase, lifting his head at every sound of footsteps to see if it was the person he was longing for.

The boy had a striking appearance and a tall, slender figure. Jiang Songen's fair skin and crisp, well-fitted school uniform stood out as he leaned against the white tiled wall. Bathed in the evening sunlight, he seemed to shine in the eyes of others.

He was impossible to miss.

Especially when he turned his gaze toward someone—the sight of his face was enough to make one's heart race and ears ring, as if nothing else in the world mattered.

Seeing that the person coming downstairs wasn't You Nan, Jiang Songen looked away and slumped back into his casual lean.

He paid no attention to any of the stares directed at him.

Instead, he gazed at the faint red clouds in the sky, his eyes shining with anticipation for the new life after graduation—a life with You Nan.

You Nan finished his exam, went over it twice to ensure there were no mistakes, and finally went up to turn in his paper.

For the previous exams, he had always waited until the bell rang to turn in his exam, but today was different.

Last night, Jiang Songen had told him ahead of time to finish early so they could go eat sooner and catch a movie in the evening.

By the final exam, You Nan couldn't concentrate on reviewing his answers, but he suppressed the restlessness in his heart.

You Nan headed downstairs and, like everyone else, immediately spotted Jiang Songen waiting below.

Hearing his footsteps, the guy turned around. Upon seeing it was him, his handsome yet youthful face instantly broke into a bright smile.

As bright as the glow of the sunset behind him.

"You're here! Let's go."

Jiang Songen stood up straight and walked toward You Nan.

Openly and naturally, he reached out his hand in front of the other examinees and took the hand of the person he loved.

You Nan answered, and the two of them, paying no attention to the stares around them, walked together toward the main gate.

At the entrance, they saw Xiao Youruan and Jiang Songen's parents waiting for them.

Xiao Youruan was holding two large bouquets of flowers, so big they nearly covered his entire upper body.

Those nearby could only hear the soft rustling of the flowers, fresh and full of life.

"Congratulations, brothers! The college entrance exam is over!"

You Nan and Jiang Songen hurried over—one took the two bouquets, while the other picked up his younger brother and swung him around playfully.

Jiang Songen's parents, standing nearby, laughed heartily, a warm atmosphere enveloping them all, drawing sidelong glances and envy from those around.

.

You Nan and Jiang Songen made their relationship official during the summer after graduating from high school.

They had already harbored mutual affection for each other, so being together felt only natural.

During the summer, Jiang Songen accompanied You Nan to get his driver's license. Once You Nan obtained his license, he could drive the soft-yellow mini EV (a model nicknamed 'Nuo Yumi' or 'Glutinous Rice Corn') Jiang Songen had gifted him six months prior.

Jiang Songen also loved this car and often rode in the passenger seat of the small electric vehicle he had given You Nan, letting his boyfriend drive him around the city, rather than driving his family's car.

You Nan doted on him and often took him out and about.

Jiang Songen had a clear division of responsibilities: his boyfriend would drive, honing his skills behind the wheel, and once they reached their destination, it was Jiang Songen's time to shine.

His years of saved-up allowance, which he had hardly spent, now found its purpose.

He would buy anything and everything he liked for You Nan, spending lavishly on the person he loved.

He wanted You Nan to always be reminded of how good he was to him and would never want to leave him!

When Jiang Songen's mother learned about this mindset, she rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Mother Jiang couldn't understand how she and her husband, both shrewd individuals, had raised such a hopeless romantic.

You Nan and Jiang Songen's estimated exam scores were very close, meaning they could get into the same university.

They got help from teachers to analyze their options, and they finalized their college applications with the same first choice, though their subsequent choices differed.

Both Jiang Songen and You Nan were focused solely on their first-choice university, never even considering their backup options.

Their confidence paid off, and early in the summer, their admission letters arrived.

Both had listed the Jiang family's address, and since they weren't home, Mother Jiang accepted the letters on their behalf.

She didn't even need to open the envelopes—just by looking at the covers, she could tell both letters were from the same university.

Mother Jiang grinned from ear to ear. Sure enough, they were going to the same school.

Overjoyed, she immediately transferred about a hundred thousand yuan into each of their bank accounts, telling them to go travel and relax.

Since they had just graduated from high school and didn’t have to worry about jobs like college graduates yet, it was the perfect time for them to have fun—and perhaps even deepen their bond!

Jiang Songen accepted the offer without batting an eye.

You Nan’s gaze darted around, avoiding direct eye contact with Mother Jiang. Though he remained silent, his expression showed he was delighted too.

However, You Nan wanted to bring little You Ruan along on the trip.

Unexpectedly, little You Ruan had already aligned himself with Mother Jiang.

The child happily waved to his two older brothers, saying, "Big brother! You go have fun with Brother Jiang!"

The kid was very well-behaved; clearly, Mother Jiang had bribed him with other benefits, even to the point of "ditching" his own brother.

"I’ll stay home to do my homework and keep Auntie company!" the child declared earnestly, his lips still smudged with the sweet cream from the small cake Mother Jiang had bought him.

Seeing You Ruan so close to Mother Jiang stirred mixed emotions in You Nan, but more than anything, he felt reassured.

In the eyes of the Jiang family, You Nan was now regarded as their future son-in-law.

As soon as You Nan's rental lease expired, Jiang Songen took the initiative to have him move in.

From that day on, both You Nan and You Ruan were living with the Jiang family.

They had long since become family.

They were just waiting for You Nan and Jiang Songen to reach the legal age, get married abroad, and then move You Nan's household registration to the Jiang family.

On the day they left home, You Nan noticed Jiang Songen was somewhat agitated and unable to control himself.

Before, when Jiang Songen really wanted to play with him at home, he would only hold him down for a kiss, just a taste.

Both were young and shy, neither had ever crossed the line.

But now they had graduated from high school, both were adults, and free from their parents' watchful eyes.

They uncontrollably embraced each other in the hotel room.

Jiang Songen, young and full of vigor, was more than You Nan could handle.

Just as You Nan was about to give in, he suddenly got an idea. Remembering something, he hurriedly climbed to the head of the bed, took a condom from the hotel drawer, and with trembling hands, slipped it on Jiang Songen.

You Nan had just recalled that before their trip, 007 had reminded him to take precautions.

If they didn't use protection, and since You Nan was bound to it, this golden finger would make him prone to pregnancy.

The thought of those words made You Nan shiver instinctively.

Jiang Songen's forehead veins bulged from holding back.

Boys their age had zero patience. They were easily aroused, and once ignited, the fire couldn't be put out easily.

Jiang Songen grabbed You Nan's calf—his hand was large enough to wrap around it—and his thumb couldn't help but caress the smooth skin beneath. "Where do you think you're going?"

You Nan said he wasn't going anywhere.

But as soon as he finished speaking, a strong force dragged him back.

Being intimate at night and traveling during the day—this routine didn't last long before You Nan couldn't take it anymore.

Walking on the road, his eyes were so heavy he could barely keep them open. Weakly, he told Jiang Songen he wanted a truce; he needed to sleep.

Satisfied, Jiang Songen had a charming laziness about him, a stark contrast to the exhausted You Nan beside him.

Supporting You Nan's weak, unsteady body that seemed ready to collapse at any moment, Jiang Songen rubbed the tip of his nose, feeling uncharacteristically guilty. "Okay."

But by evening, he was back to his old self.

Infuriated, You Nan grabbed his hand and bit the fleshy part between his thumb and index finger.

But as he bit, the mood shifted.

His mind turned to mush, too weak to bite properly, and his lips ended up licking instead.

Jiang Songen's temples throbbed intensely.

You Nan was going to be the death of him.

The next day, Jiang Songen didn't wake You Nan, who slept until the afternoon. Once You Nan recovered, they were back at it that night.

Then the cycle repeated: rest, fight, rest, fight.

After wasting four or five days like this, Jiang Songen had his fill, and You Nan could finally rest properly.

As soon as he had a bit of strength, the first thing he did was push Jiang Songen out of the room, refusing to let this promise-breaker sleep with him.

But the protest didn't work on Jiang Songen.

That night, he made You Nan relent and got back in.

The rest of their trip was delayed because of this.

They picked up the pace, compressing their schedule to finish the travel route just before school started and returned home.

Not long after returning, they began university.

They attended the same school but majored in different fields.

Jiang Songen studied finance.

He was set to inherit the Jiang family business after graduation.

You Nan studied a different major that interested him.

You Nan thought it was a good idea to learn as much as possible in this small world so he'd have more skills for other worlds in the future.

These skills would come in handy someday.

To make things easier for them, Jiang's mother bought an apartment near their school.

Jiang Songen and You Nan had a place to stay after class.

Their class schedules for their different majors didn't always align.

Sometimes You Nan had class while Jiang Songen didn't, and sometimes it was the other way around.

When one was busy, they would each do their own thing, only finding time to go out together after finishing their tasks.

On weekends and Wednesday breaks, when both were free, they would stick together, going shopping, eating out, or having fun.

At night, their youthful energy would take over.

The bedroom light often stayed on until the early hours of the morning.

By their junior year, You Nan heard some news.

Cheng Mi was engaged and would be holding a wedding banquet by the end of the year.

You Nan looked at the invitation in front of him, and memories from the past surfaced in his mind, which was usually filled with knowledge and thoughts of Jiang Songen.

The current worldline had diverged significantly from the original.

You Nan's small butterfly wings had stirred a gentle breeze, altering many developments.

Zhang Chun went abroad for studies and hasn't been back for the past few years.

Li Qiutian originally took the college entrance exam with them but later ended up being sent abroad by his family.

Before leaving, he visited Jiang Songen and You Nan, telling them to be good to each other.

During school holidays abroad, Li Qiutian would make a special trip back to see them.

Cheng Mi and Yi Jiahe also took the college entrance exam.

However, Yi Jiahe never ended up studying domestically.

He took the exam only for an opportunity, but that opportunity had already been taken by someone else; there was nothing left for him.

Yi Jiahe was unwilling to accept it, but his pride got the better of him.

He liked You Nan, but he loved himself more.

Yi Jiahe went abroad, leaving all the drama, returning once a year but always keeping his distance from them.

Even now, Yi Jiahe is still single.

Jiang Songen was unhappy, thinking Yi Jiahe’s behavior was a case of protesting too much.

You Nan heard his words but didn't want to get into it.

He wasn’t money—it's not like people are hung up on him.

As for Cheng Mi, he messed up the exam and didn’t retake it, instead going directly to a school up north.

Though he was known for his bad temper, he was good-looking. In the eyes of the tall, burly northern boys, he was like a feisty little cat that could scratch.

Cheng Mi’s life got interesting, attracting countless admirers. Cheng Mi, who considered himself a "top," was not happy about it.

But he was no match for them physically and couldn’t win fights.

Eventually, a connected upperclassman who was a bully took a liking to him, forcing Cheng Mi into a relationship.

Cheng Mi was miserable about the whole situation. His boyfriend's family had more money and power, and Cheng Mi, afraid of being beaten, felt forced to stay in the relationship.

Later, unable to tolerate how jealous and paranoid his boyfriend was about him flirting with others, Cheng Mi got so fed up he ran back home. Unexpectedly, his boyfriend followed him.

No one knows what the boyfriend discussed with Cheng Mi’s family, but Cheng Mi ended up engaged to him.

They agreed that they'd get married once he graduated, even though Cheng Mi was still in school.

They even sent out the invitations.

When the news broke, everyone from high school who knew Cheng Mi was stunned.

They never imagined Cheng Mi would be the first among their peers to enter marriage.

When Jiang Songen found out, his eyes lit up with envy.

He didn’t comment but kept staring a hole through his wife.

His eyes, however, betrayed all his thoughts.

You Nan’s eyelid twitched. He was still sore and tired from the night before, and he could barely muster the energy to talk to Jiang Songen.

But Jiang Songen, who had been the cause of all that exertion, was full of energy—no back pain, no weak legs, just pure excitement.

The more he exerted himself, the more energized he became.

You Nan didn’t want to look at him.

He played dumb.

After reading the group messages, he returned the phone to Jiang Songen and placed the invitation on the table.

"Put it away, don’t lose it."

They would definitely attend Cheng Mi’s wedding.

Jiang Songen’s parents would probably get an invitation as well.

Seeing his wife ignore him, Jiang Songen knew You Nan was still upset that he'd gone overboard the night before.

Jiang Songen had learned about Cheng Mi’s marriage earlier and was green with envy.

He had wanted to marry You Nan for a long time. Unlike marriage, you could get engaged at any age; you didn't have to wait until 22.

Jiang Songen, preoccupied and excited, had been a little too rough that night, losing control for the first time and worn You Nan out until he passed out.

But later, You Nan woke up again.

He didn’t dare tell him that while You Nan was unconscious, he had removed the condom.

You Nan had always refused to let him go inside directly, but it's human nature to want what you can't have.

Jiang Songen had planned well: just once, then clean up immediately.

But after finishing, he looked and found the flower spotless, without a drop.

Jiang Songen was stumped, unable to understand why. He had observed the flower for so long but couldn’t figure it out.

Then You Nan woke up.

You Nan, angry at his disobedience, made him sleep on the sofa.

Panicked, Jiang Songen spent the time coaxing him and forgot to mention the incident.

Later, when he remembered, he didn’t dare bring it up.

He feared You Nan would get angry, and he didn’t want to upset his wife.

Of course, he also didn’t want to sleep on the sofa again.