Chapter 56: Exam Papers

“Why do you want their exam papers?” Group Leader Gao clearly didn’t understand why Lin Qiao suddenly asked about this.

Lin Qiao was surprised to hear this, “Has the school never tried to get the exam papers from the top-ranking schools?”

Were the teachers forty years ago too honest? When she was in school, other schools in the city would get the key schools’ papers, and the key schools would try to get the provincial ones. Who hadn’t used other schools’ papers? Some nationally renowned high schools even had their exam papers printed and sold as study guides.

Judging by Group Leader Gao’s reaction, the school had never done this, and it was unclear if other schools had thought of it.

Lin Qiao asked again, “What about past college entrance exam papers? Has the school provided those for the students?”

“We do have those. Who knows what the college entrance exam will be like without doing the real past papers?”

“The principle is the same,” Lin Qiao said. “These top-ranking schools produce so many college students each year, not only because they teach well but also because they are good at predicting exam questions. Getting a few sets of their papers for our students to practice can only benefit them. We can also identify gaps and see where our teaching might be lacking.”

This time, not only Group Leader Gao but also the Class Three homeroom teacher, who was grading papers nearby, looked up and said, “That’s a good idea. No one has thought of it before.”

That’s because no one had traveled from forty years later. Otherwise, it would have been done already, as it was standard practice forty years later.

Of course, she couldn’t say that. Lin Qiao smiled, “I mainly want to get a set of their papers to see the current gap between the two schools. After all, Class Three and Class Four have been improving, and the two classes led by Group Leader Gao have also been improving. We should be stronger than last year’s city exam, right?”

That was true. The progress in the two classes Lin Qiao led alone was enough to raise the average score of the entire grade by several points.

Not to mention that with her pushing from behind, Group Leader Gao hadn’t dared to slack off. He was doing experiments and reading teaching aids with as much enthusiasm as when he first started working. He had only been thinking about past experiences and had forgotten about this. Hearing her, his brows finally relaxed, “Alright, I’ll find a way to get some.”

“Get me a set of math papers, too,” the Class Three homeroom teacher said. “I want to see what they usually test on, as they rank in the top ten every year.”

“No problem.” Group Leader Gao put down the water cup he had been holding for a long time and promised, “I have a classmate who teaches middle school at their school and has a good relationship with me.”

But within three days, his promise was broken. It wasn’t that his classmate was unwilling to help, but when his classmate went to the high school department to ask, they first inquired who wanted it, and then there was no further response.

“I just don’t get it. Are their exam papers some kind of national secret? They won’t even let us see them,” Group Leader Gao said, clearly frustrated as he sat in the office.

The Class Three homeroom teacher was also at a loss: “What about asking their students? They should have received their midterm exam papers by now.”

“They did get them, but my classmate said they were collected again right after he asked about them,” Group Leader Gao replied. In his many years of teaching, he had never encountered such pettiness.

Their school had been exceptionally chosen as one of the first national experimental pilot schools, which had indeed caused some resentment. But to go as far as No. 21 Middle School, with such a narrow-minded attitude, was surprising. After all, without Lin Qiao’s suggestion letter, there wouldn’t be any pilot schools in the country yet.

“Maybe I should ask around too. If not, we can get papers from other schools,” Lin Qiao pondered.

Although Xu Li had retired, she was one of the first teachers in Yandu after the country’s founding and still had connections. She might have a way to get the papers.

Lin Qiao’s connections were often forgotten because she had achieved everything on her own.

“Get them if you can, but if not, it’s fine,” Group Leader Gao didn’t pressure her. It’s all about learning experiences. The papers of the top-ranking schools are all valuable.”

Lin Qiao appreciated his understanding, “I’ll just ask around. Tomorrow is Sunday, and I was planning to go home for dinner anyway.”

This week, she and Ji Duo not only had to go home for dinner, but the coats she and Xu Li had ordered from the tailor were also ready. She wanted to pick them up before Xu Li did.

The couple took a detour to the tailor shop first. When they asked, the coats were indeed ready.

The old tailor squinted at the time written in his book, “You’re early. I wrote down after next Wednesday.”

“We trust your craftsmanship,” Lin Qiao smiled. “I noticed you like to finish things ahead of time, so we came early.”

“Your wife sure knows how to talk,” the old tailor smiled at Ji Duo and went inside to get the clothes.

Ji Duo glanced at Lin Qiao, “You came early just to pay?”

Lin Qiao didn’t deny it, “When we got married, our mom made my outfit. Now that we have money, we can’t let her pay again.”

As she finished speaking, the old tailor came out with the clothes, “Try them on and see if any adjustments are needed.”

“I’ll try them at home,” Lin Qiao was about to refuse, but Ji Duo had already taken the bag from her hand, “Try them.”

Lin Qiao unfolded the coats handed over by the tailor. There were two, both made from the best wool fabric, one slightly shorter and the other longer. As she extended her arm, the sleeve inside folded, and Ji Duo reached over to smooth it out.

Except for when she was a child, Lin Qiao had never had someone help her with her sleeves like this. She couldn’t help but look up at the man.

The old cadre’s expression was serious as if he were organizing some documents in the office. After finishing, he let go of her sleeve and looked her over, “Not bad.”

This “not bad” essentially meant it looked good. Lin Qiao had a good figure and proper appearance, and the heavy wool coat didn’t overwhelm her. She checked herself over and, seeing no issues with the fit, asked the tailor to wrap it up. “I’ll take the other one home for my mom to try. If it doesn’t fit, I’ll come back to you.”

“Sure, if it doesn’t fit, just come back for adjustments,” the tailor said with a smile, sending them off before attending to other customers.

Someone asked, “Were those two just now Xu Li’s son and daughter-in-law?”

“Yes, they came early to pay,” the tailor replied. Having seen all kinds of people, he knew why Lin Qiao came early.

“They seem to be doing well. I thought her son wouldn’t be happy,” the person couldn’t help but whisper to their companion.

“Marrying a wife so much younger, what’s there to be unhappy about? Besides, she’s quite capable. Didn’t she make a splash with that public lecture recently?”

“Wouldn’t their eldest daughter-in-law be jealous? She used to be the star of the art troupe, dancing beautifully. After getting married and moving to a management position, she hasn’t done much since…”

Xu Li immediately understood Lin Qiao’s intention when she saw her bring the items back early, “You child, even rushing to pay.”

“I was just passing by and had Ji Duo help me carry things,” Lin Qiao said, not mentioning the money, and unfolded the coat. “Mom, try it on and see if it fits.”

Unlike Ye Minshu, who showed her care openly, Lin Qiao always did things subtly, making people feel comfortable.

Xu Li smiled, removed her vest, and put on the coat with Lin Qiao’s help. Lin Qiao’s eyes lit up, “Mom, you look great in this. It really suits you.”

“In your mouth, everything I wear looks good,” Xu Li said, but she was clearly pleased and showed it to the old man.

“Not bad,” the old man commented, his expression serious, just like Ji Duo. They were indeed father and son, speaking the same way.

Xu Li didn’t bother arguing with him, took off the coat, and pulled Lin Qiao aside, “Did you try on your two coats?”

“I did. They fit well,” Lin Qiao said, trying them on again in front of Xu Li, who smiled in satisfaction before putting them away.

While helping Xu Li put the coat back in the room, Lin Qiao asked about the exam papers, “I don’t know which school you taught at before. Do you have any connections in this area?”

“I taught at the High School Affiliated to Renmin University,” Xu Li replied without hesitation, agreeing to help her get the papers. “Why do you want them?”

“I want to learn from other schools’ advanced experiences,” Lin Qiao repeated what she had told Group Leader Gao.

Xu Li thought for a moment, “That’s a good idea.” She couldn’t help but hold Lin Qiao’s hand, “Why didn’t I have such a good teacher as you?”

When the two came out of the room, Xu Li looked even more satisfied than when she went in, “Leave it to me. I’ll call them soon.”

Ji Duo was having tea with the old man and looked up at them, especially at Lin Qiao, “What did you talk about?”

Xu Li couldn’t help but look at Lin Qiao too. Her son had never asked about her conversations before.

Lin Qiao, unaware of Ji Duo’s usual behavior at home, didn’t think much of it, “Just asking if Mom can get the midterm papers from the top-ranking schools.”

Hearing it was about school, Ji Duo didn’t ask further. When they went back to their room to sort out the thick quilts for the cold weather, Xu Li pulled the old man aside, “Don’t you think our second son is different today?”

“How is he different?” the old man clearly didn’t notice, “He’s not fatter or thinner, and his spirits are good.”

“He’s been looking at Qiao Qiao a lot today. When I talked to Qiao Qiao in the room, he even asked what we talked about. When has he ever done that before?”

Xu Li knew the old man wasn’t very observant, so she explained, “You can tell how their relationship is. Otherwise, why would I always worry about him scaring Qiao Qiao with his cold face? If I said I couldn’t get the papers, he would find a way to get them for Qiao Qiao.”

“I believe you,” the old man said slowly, sipping his tea. “I believe he knows you’re doing it on purpose.”

Xu Li: “…”

Although Xu Li was a bit annoyed by the old man’s words, she couldn’t deny that he was right. Her son was good in every way, but he was hard to deal with.

Sometimes, a man being a bit difficult isn’t a bad thing for a woman. Look at their eldest daughter-in-law; she’s always had the upper hand with their eldest son.

Just as she thought of their eldest son, Ji Ling’s crying voice came from outside, “Grandpa, Grandma!”

The old couple knew something was wrong as soon as they heard it. They had just stood up when Ji Ling rushed in and threw herself into Xu Li’s arms.

Xu Li quickly pulled her granddaughter away, “What’s wrong? Why are you crying like this?”

The old man couldn’t pull her away, so he paced around, “Who bullied you? Tell Grandpa, and I’ll help you deal with them!”

“My… my mom…” Ji Ling sobbed as Ye Minshu walked in, “I just said a few words to her, and she ran off.”

Ye Minshu seemed a bit anxious, but when she saw the old man and Xu Li surrounding Ji Ling, she quickly greeted them, “Dad, Mom.”

“What did you say to her?” the old man asked, concerned for his granddaughter. “It’s so cold, and she cried all the way here. How could you let that happen?”

Ye Minshu looked embarrassed, “I didn’t say much. Who knew she would get so upset…”

“You scold me as despicable! And that I have no shame!” Ji Ling shouted, burying her face in Xu Li’s arms and crying even louder.

The old man was truly angry now, “She’s only fourteen. How could you say such things to her? Is that how a mother should act?”

Ye Minshu’s face turned even more unpleasant, especially since Ji Duo and Lin Qiao happened to return at that moment, right in front of Lin Qiao.

Old Master Ji and Xu Li treated Lin Qiao with utmost care, calling her “Qiao Qiao” and handling her as if she were fragile. In contrast, they scolded Ye Minshu harshly.

Even without the incident of changing the arranged marriage partner, Lin Qiao was over twenty years younger than her, making it even more embarrassing for Ye Minshu.

In her anxiety, Ye Minshu’s eyes reddened, “Dad, if you’re going to scold someone, at least give me a chance to explain. Why would I scold her for no reason?”

It seemed like she was about to cry. Ji Duo frowned and went to support Old Master Ji, “Watch your blood pressure.”

Lin Qiao fetched a warm, wet towel and handed it to Ji Ling, “Wipe your face.”

“Th-thank you, Auntie,” Ji Ling said, taking the towel and pouting, unable to hold back her tears.

This distressed Xu Li, who quickly hugged her and patted her back.

With Ji Duo and Lin Qiao’s intervention, Old Master Ji calmed down and sat on the sofa, asking Ye Minshu, “What’s going on?”

Ye Minshu hesitated, clearly struggling to explain, but Ji Ling, wiping her face and sobbing, told the whole story.

It turned out that Yandu Film Studio was casting for a new movie and thought Ji Ling, with her petite and cute appearance, was perfect for a role. When Ji Ling told Ye Minshu, she immediately turned hostile and, upon further mention, even scolded Ji Ling for being shameless and engaging in despicable activities.

“I just thought that in a family like ours, how could a child become an actress? Wouldn’t that bring shame to you and Mom?” Ye Minshu defended herself.

“What era are we in, still calling people ‘actors’ derogatorily?” Old Master Ji didn’t like hearing this. “Weren’t you a dancer yourself?”

Ye Minshu was visibly taken aback, and Ji Ling, still crying, added, “When I wanted to learn to dance as a child, she wouldn’t let me, saying our family couldn’t learn that.”

No wonder Ye Minshu always watched Ji Ling disapprovingly when she danced happily. Lin Qiao understood that Ye Minshu was very concerned about her background.

It wasn’t just a concern; it was an obsession. Because of her inferiority complex, she was arrogant and judged others based on their background.

Old Master Ji clearly understood too, “Learning to dance, becoming an actor, those are just professions. What’s shameful about that? If you look down on yourself, others will look down on you too.”

His words were open-minded and reasonable, but Ye Minshu didn’t listen. She opened her mouth to argue but swallowed her words when she saw Ji Duo.

Since she had pushed Lin Qiao to the second son, Old Master Ji had been cold to her, never involving her in family matters. Ji Jun was the same; whenever she wanted to do something, he would go to work. No matter how well she hid it, outsiders could see that she, the eldest daughter-in-law, was clearly not as favored as Lin Qiao, the younger daughter-in-law.

Old Master Ji knew what she was thinking and, having taught her enough, saw no point in continuing. He simply sent her away, “Leave Xiao Ling here to keep your mother and me company.”

“Dad!” Ye Minshu couldn’t help but call out.

Old Master Ji’s face turned cold, “Is it that I’m unworthy of my granddaughter’s company, or have you forgotten what you’ve done?”

His words were harsh, leaving Ye Minshu unable to argue. She glanced at Lin Qiao and Ji Duo, then gave her daughter a warning look before leaving.

Was that look directed at her or Ji Duo?

Lin Qiao couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, but before she could think further, Ji Duo had already called Ji Ling over, “Come here.”

Ji Ling looked at him and came over, but she buried herself in Lin Qiao’s arms, “Auntie,” she said, pouting and sniffing hard.

The little girl was crying, and Ji Duo, with his serious face, called her over. Anyone who didn’t know better would think he was about to scold her. Lin Qiao couldn’t help but give Ji Duo a reproachful look.

That look had a bit of the sharpness from the hospital. Ji Duo paused, took the towel Ji Ling was holding, and went to wash it.

When he returned, Ji Ling was still clinging to Lin Qiao, whispering in her ear, “My mom definitely won’t let me go.” She glanced toward Old Master Ji and Xu Li.

She wanted the old couple to talk to Ye Minshu, and Old Master Ji and Xu Li understood but didn’t say anything.

Ji Ling was only thirteen. Even if they talked to Ye Minshu, she might not listen. Even if she did, Old Master Ji didn’t actually support her going to act in a movie at such a young age.

Old Master Ji was mainly angry because Ye Minshu’s words were too harsh.

Ji Ling noticed this and felt like crying again. Lin Qiao took the freshly washed towel from Ji Duo and helped her wipe her face, “Tell Auntie, why do you want to act in a movie?”

“To be on TV, on the big screen, so everyone can see me. It’s so cool,” Ji Ling’s eyes lit up as she spoke.

“But didn’t you also think it was cool when Auntie taught you to do chemistry experiments a few days ago?” Lin Qiao’s voice was gentle, and her eyes were smiling.

This question stumped Ji Ling. After all, she was still a child and didn’t have a clear concept of the future.

Lin Qiao’s voice softened even more, “You see, your interests are changing. When you grow up, what you still like will be your true passion, and that’s worth pursuing with all your might.” Seeing Ji Ling’s thoughtful expression, she let go of her, “Come on, let’s go brush your hair.”

From the moment Lin Qiao started speaking, Xu Li had been watching her warmly. Seeing the two get up and leave, her gaze was even more satisfied, “Qiao Qiao will definitely be a good mother in the future.”

Turning to see her son also watching Lin Qiao’s back, she couldn’t help but add, “I noticed Qiao Qiao’s periods have become more regular these past two months.”

“Yes,” Ji Duo didn’t respond to her comment, feeling the teapot and finding the water cold. He got up to add fresh water.

He knew what Xu Li meant, but Lin Qiao still had to take the college entrance exam. It wasn’t the right time to consider having children, and he didn’t want to pressure her.

Ji Ling stayed at the old house until the afternoon, when Ji Jun came to pick her up.

Old Master Ji immediately knew who had sent him and naturally didn’t show a good face to his eldest son, “If your wife can’t speak properly or teach the child, send Xiao Ling over for me to raise. I’m retired now; no one listens to me, so I have time to spend with my granddaughter.”

Ji Jun’s face turned even more awkward, but Ji Ling had calmed down. Although she still pouted, she went back with him.

As it got dark early, Xu Li didn’t keep Ji Duo and Lin Qiao for long. She helped pack some food and sent them on their way.

On Monday at school, Vice Principal Qi brought over a set of exam papers. “These are from the midterm exams at the High School Affiliated to Normal University. See if they are useful.”

It was a complete set, covering all six science subjects. Group Leader Gao couldn’t help but ask, “Did you get these from the High School Affiliated to Normal University?”

“Yes, I had some business there this morning,” Vice Principal Qi replied, glancing at Lin Qiao. “I ran into Wu Haiyang and mentioned it.”

Wu Haiyang had good grades and received many teacher recommendations before his internship. He wanted to return to his alma mater, but he soon went to the High School Affiliated to Normal University for his internship.

Lin Qiao had no objections to him and smiled, “We should thank him. These papers look new. He must have specially requested them.”

“Yes, he did. The person who helped him is also a student of his university professor, so he took good care of him.”

In the science office, a group of teachers gathered to examine the midterm papers from the High School Affiliated to Normal University. They quickly noticed some patterns. “Their teaching progress is faster than ours. We just covered this topic in the last two days.”

Group Leader Gao pointed to one of the questions, “And this one, I remember it’s from the third-to-last lesson.” He quickly found the relevant knowledge point in the teaching aid book.

It was like having a classmate who studied the same material during the day but secretly stayed up late at night, always scoring better in exams. The midterms had just ended, and they were almost done with the end-of-term material. How could they not be better?

“Let’s focus on the question types,” Lin Qiao suggested, unfazed. “See if there are any knowledge points we haven’t covered.”

In her previous life, exams were even more intense. A key class entrance exam for middle school could sample high school English. Who would believe that?

As they were going through the papers for the second time, someone knocked on the door. “Is Lin Qiao here?”

Lin Qiao recognized the voice and quickly responded, “Yes.” When the door opened, it was indeed Ji Duo’s driver, Xiao Fang.

Xiao Fang handed over a thick manila envelope. “Captain Ji asked me to deliver this to you.”

“Thank you,” Lin Qiao said, taking the envelope. She guessed it was the exam papers she had asked Xu Li to help get.

Opening the envelope, she found it was indeed filled with exam papers. The speed was impressive, and the quantity…

Lin Qiao picked up the top stack and saw that the label on the outside read “High School Affiliated to Renmin University.” It included not only the six science subjects but also the humanities, neatly folded together.

Below were papers from the High School Affiliated to Normal University and No. 14 Middle School. Some labels clearly had Xu Li’s handwriting, while two others…

Lin Qiao was surprised, and at that moment, Group Leader Gao exclaimed, “Isn’t this from No. 21 Middle School? I thought they wouldn’t give their papers to anyone!”