Chapter 52

The news of the college entrance exam being reinstated brought a wave of excitement through the entire military family compound. Families with children who met the requirements were especially thrilled.

But that excitement didn’t last long.

Once the initial joy passed, everyone realized the harsh reality: there were no textbooks, and the kids had no learning materials. Schools had essentially been shut down for nearly ten years, and many teachers had been sent away to unknown places.

So parents began scrambling to find study materials. Textbooks suddenly became hot commodities.

Xue Miaoyun immediately called Shuize Village and told them she would send a set of study materials back home. Grandpa Xue was overjoyed. He even asked if she planned to take the exam herself. When he learned that she would, he was even more delighted.

Xue Miaoyun felt genuinely happy too. Grandpa Xue truly was a wise elder—and someone who sincerely cared for her.

“This set is quite comprehensive. Even though there’s been no college entrance exam for ten years, the fundamental knowledge hasn’t changed. Give this to the brigade commander—if it’s suitable, they can print copies for everyone.”

Cang Ling took the papers and flipped through them. The handwriting was elegant and neat. Even though he couldn’t fully understand the content, it all looked impressive.

“My wife is the best.”

Xue Miaoyun smiled and accepted the praise without any modesty. She had poured a lot of thought and effort into these materials.

Cang Ling, carrying the notes his wife had prepared, swaggered over to the brigade commander’s house.

Commander Qian was in the middle of a discussion with the political commissar. The topic was, of course, the upcoming college entrance exam. The future of the children in the compound was a matter of great importance—it affected morale. As senior officers, they had already been approached by many people seeking information. The unit couldn’t afford to do nothing.

“What brings you here? Is your wife planning to take the exam too? I’ve been trying to get my hands on some study materials myself,” said Commander Qian, motioning for Cang Ling to take a seat.

“My wife’s been well-prepared. Two of her uncles used to be university professors. She’s always been studious, and even after finishing high school, she never stopped learning,” Cang Ling replied casually, as if it were nothing extraordinary—but the pride in his eyes was unmistakable.

Commissar Cao raised an eyebrow—Cang Ling’s reputation as a devoted husband was clearly well-deserved.

Commander Qian could hear it too and gave his subordinate a look of mock annoyance.

“So why are you here?”

Cang Ling looked even more smug. “My wife compiled some math, physics, and chemistry study materials. She heard the compound is lacking resources, so she asked me to bring them over. If you think they’re suitable, you could print a few copies.”

As soon as he said this, both Commander Qian and Commissar Cao looked over at the stack of papers in his hands.

“Let me see that,” said Commissar Cao, who had graduated from the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University—he was a true intellectual.

Cang Ling handed the papers over, then casually picked up an orange from the table and started peeling it. It didn’t taste as good as the ones his wife gave him.

Commander Qian leaned in too, though his strengths clearly lay in military command—high school knowledge had long since been returned to the teachers.

“Beautiful handwriting!” Commissar Cao was immediately struck by the elegant penmanship.

Commander Qian nodded. “It’s definitely pleasant to look at. What do you think?”

If the material was usable, he wouldn’t have to go hunting for suitable educational resources anymore.

After reading through it, Commissar Cao smiled. “Cang Ling, your wife is impressive. Which university is she aiming for?”

With this level of quality, he couldn’t believe she wouldn’t get in.

Cang Ling looked even more pleased with himself. “B University.”

Commissar Cao nodded, fully understanding.

“This material is thorough and clearly explained. The knowledge points progress from basic to advanced. If someone can absorb seventy to eighty percent of this, passing the college entrance exam should be no problem,” Commissar Cao said to Commander Qian.

“Good, good, good.” Commander Qian stroked his chin. This really was a timely rain after a drought. “I’ll take it for printing right away.”

Political Commissar Cao was also pleased. He had a child preparing for the college entrance exam at home.

“Cang Ling, my daughter is also reviewing. If there’s time, could she come to learn from Comrade Xue?” Although it was a bit shameless, when it came to a child’s future, pride didn’t matter.

Commander Qian inwardly cursed the old fox when he heard that. Unfortunately, all three of his sons had already left home. He didn’t even know if they had any plans for the upcoming exam, but he’d find a way to get the materials to them.

“I’ll ask her when I get home.” Cang Ling wouldn’t agree to something like that on his wife’s behalf.

“Of course.”

The three of them chatted a bit more about the upcoming college entrance exam, then Cang Ling returned home.

When he conveyed Commissar Cao’s request, Xue Miaoyun nodded. “It’s no big deal. I just happen to need a look at how others are studying too. I’ve always studied alone, with nothing to compare myself to.”

“Alright, I’ll speak to Commissar Cao tomorrow. But don’t overwork yourself. With your level, as long as you perform normally, you’ll definitely get into your dream university.” Cang Ling gently touched his wife’s cheek, already thinking about how to help Yun’er properly rest and recharge over the next few days.

The next afternoon, Xue Miaoyun met Commissar Cao’s daughter, Cao Lisheng, a very cute young girl.

“H-Hello, Sister Xue,” Cao Lisheng greeted her, her voice a little dazed as she stared at the beautiful woman before her. Her eyes were full of admiration, and she looked momentarily stunned.

“Pfft.”

“S-Sister Xue…” Cao Lisheng’s cheeks flushed red. That smile—it was too dazzling! Someone save her!

“Come sit,” Xue Miaoyun said warmly. “Let’s study together. If there’s anything you don’t understand, we can talk it through.” She had taken a liking to this earnest girl and spoke in a softer tone than usual.

“Okay—yes, Sister Xue!” Cao Lisheng nodded eagerly.

Later, Xue Miaoyun looked through the exercises the girl had completed. They were from the study materials she’d provided earlier.

Her fundamentals were strong, but she needed a little extra guidance. Without it, getting into a top-tier university would be difficult.

Before coming over, Cao Lisheng’s father had told her where the materials had come from. In her heart, Xue Miaoyun wasn’t just a kind older sister—she was like a teacher.

Plus, the beauty’s aura made her even more nervous at first. But later, she realized that this beautiful woman was as gentle as water, even her voice was pleasant to hear. Cao Lisheng gradually relaxed, though still a bit dazed.

She started asking questions whenever she didn’t understand something.

Xue Miaoyun had never been a teacher before, but she had always studied on her own and developed many effective learning techniques. She was generous in sharing everything she knew with Cao Lisheng.

By the end of the afternoon, Cao Lisheng felt she had gained a lot. She truly enjoyed being around Sister Xue.

“Sister Xue, if you ever become a teacher, you’ll definitely be a great one.”

Xue Miaoyun smiled. She had never actually considered becoming a teacher. She was very self-aware—her patience wasn’t exactly outstanding. Teaching wasn’t a career she dared to take on.

“What do you want to do in the future? If you get in, which university would you like to attend? What major would you choose?”

Cao Lisheng froze. These questions from the goddess left her completely stumped.

“I—I’ve never thought about it. My dad just says I need to work hard and get into college.” Before this, the word “college entrance exam” had never even crossed her mind. It had only been a few days since the exam system was reinstated, and she still had no idea what universities or majors were out there.