Chapter 4 Preparation for the Exam

After Jiang Yar prepared Chen Ping'an's dry rations, she thought about packing his luggage so that he could sleep a little longer. He was going to take the child scholar exam today, which required a lot of mental and physical effort. She wanted to help as much as she could.

Moreover, her sister-in-law was watching closely, hoping that Ping'an would not pass the exam so that her mother-in-law's attention would be focused on her son.

Jiang Yar wiped her hands and prepared to pack Chen Ping'an's clothes. As soon as she entered the room, she was startled by the person sitting on the bed. She reflexively wanted to scream, but she held it in to avoid waking her in-laws. The person on the bed looked honest and upright, while she felt guilty, as if she were a thief. Chen Ping'an rubbed his eyes and asked, "Yar, why are you up so early?"

Although Jiang Yar used to wake up early, it was nothing compared to now. She steadied herself and softly said, "You have the child scholar exam today. I'll prepare your dry rations for you."

Chen Ping'an remembered clearly that today was the day of the exam. If he wanted to leave this difficult life with his family, this was his only way. With his knowledge from his previous life, the exam was not a big deal for him. The only thing he needed to improve was his handwriting, which he had already worked on at home. However, his family didn't have much confidence in him. They hoped he would pass the exam and enter high school, but it was just a hope.

Despite this, the whole family gave him their best. Everything revolved around him. In his previous life, Chen Ping'an was unaware of these things, but in this life, he could see it clearly.

Chen Ping'an looked at Jiang Yar with determination and said firmly, "Yar, don't worry. I will definitely come back with the top score this time. I won't let you down this time." He kept this promise deep in his heart.

Seeing the determination in Chen Ping'an's eyes, Jiang Yar was moved to tears and choked up, saying, "Ping'an, I believe in you. You can do it, and so do our parents."

"Yar, come and rest for a while." Chen Ping'an gestured for Jiang Yar to come up to the bed.

Although they slept in the same room, their beds were separate. Jiang Yar slept next to Chen Ping'an to take care of him.

Jiang Yar's face turned red at the suggestion of sharing the bed. If Mrs. Wu found out, she wouldn't be able to explain and might even be kicked out.

Afraid that Chen Ping'an would invite her to share the bed again, she hurriedly said, "Your luggage is not packed yet. I'll do it now. You rest for a while, and I'll wake you up when it's time."

In her haste, she didn't notice the smile on Chen Ping'an's face. He lay down without saying a word, thinking about the content of the exam.

Half an hour passed, and Jiang Yar, speaking softly, said, "Ping'an, it's time to get up."

Although Jiang Yar spoke softly, Chen Ping'an was not asleep. He was thinking about how to climb to that position without leaving a trace.

When Jiang Yar leaned over, he knew she was going to call him for the first time, but he didn't respond. He didn't want to wake up so early, but they couldn't afford to delay after they arrived in the county town.

Jiang Yar, determined, raised her voice, "Ping'an, it's time to get up."

Chen Ping'an suddenly opened his eyes, looking innocent like a child. He mumbled, "Yar, have you packed my luggage?"

Seeing his appearance, Jiang Yar couldn't help but laugh and said, "It's already packed. We can leave now."

Chen Ping'an got up, dressed himself, and Jiang Yar served him breakfast. Compared to before, the meal was more abundant, and it was only for Chen Ping'an. Jiang Yar magically produced a few eggs from her sleeve and said with a blush, "Ping'an, eat two now and save the rest for later when you get hungry on the road."

For Chen Ping'an, who had eaten countless delicacies in his previous life, this meal was nothing special. However, this time, it tasted particularly sweet.

After Jiang Yarong finished serving Chen Ping'an, the two of them walked towards the outer room where Chen's elderly parents were already waiting. When Mrs. Wu saw her son, she said, "Ping'an, you must achieve good results this time. Your father and I are counting on you."

This was something Mrs. Wu often said to Chen Ping'an, and today she emphasized it word for word. In her heart, her son must not disappoint her and her future grandchild.

Chen Ping'an nodded, acknowledging that he understood. Mrs. Wu then asked, "Have you eaten your fill, Ping'an?"

"I have, mother. Just wait at home for my good news," Chen Ping'an replied calmly.

Mrs. Wu looked at her son with relief. She had invested much more effort in this late-born child than in her other two children, so naturally, she hoped for a greater return.

Mrs. Wu and her father-in-law accompanied Chen Ping'an and Jiang Yarong to the door. At the village entrance, they were still reluctant to stop. Chen Ping'an pretended to be angry and said, "Mother, you can stop here. Yarong is with me on the way."

"Mother-in-law, I will take good care of Ping'an," Jiang Yarong said softly.

Mrs. Wu glanced at her, then said to Chen Ping'an, "Son, be careful on the way. Take care of your health during the exam and don't get too nervous."