Chapter 39

Military Medical University students—

First, they’re soldiers; then, they’re doctors.

Because they’re trained for field rescue and often high-intensity missions, the physical requirements for students are particularly strict.

Xu Wanchun had been training her body consciously for two years already, so she wasn’t afraid.

But even so, this time’s medical examination was more complicated than she expected.

Early in the morning, she first went to the Armed Forces Department for the preliminary exam—checking for any disabilities, deformities, or severe vision issues.

Once she passed that, she rushed straight to a military hospital in a neighboring city for the re-examination and final check-up.

These deeper checks were far stricter—experts were brought in for the final stage.

There was even a combined political vetting and psychological evaluation.

All in all, the entire process took two full days.

By the end of it, Xu Wanchun was dizzy and exhausted.

Thankfully, she passed everything.

Now, all that remained was to wait for the admission letter to be delivered.

But—hold on. There was still the matter of the interview during this city trip.

So, without pause, Xu Wanchun took her mother and the old Party Secretary to the newspaper office…

—

Sixteen years old. A girl. Orphaned since childhood.

On the verge of starvation, she was rescued by a kindhearted woman who became her adoptive mother.

Life was hard, but it never broke them. Over the eight years they’d known each other, the mother and daughter had supported each other, always striving to improve.

Not only did Comrade Xu Wanchun skip five grades to become the province’s youngest top scorer, even her illiterate mother, Comrade Xu Hehua, had self-studied and earned a junior high diploma—and eventually became the village’s female accountant.

Naturally, their journey wouldn’t have been possible without the village Party Secretary’s sharp eye for talent and the commune Secretary’s tireless encouragement…

In short, these people practically embodied every positive value—unity, kindness, perseverance, progress…

The reporter assigned to receive them was so excited by the string of excellent stories that his eyes lit up like stars. While taking notes, his pen practically became a blur.

He was confident that once back at the office, with his fine craftsmanship, he’d produce a heartwarming and profoundly meaningful article.

So when the little top scorer suggested taking a group photo with her adoptive mother and the village secretary, the reporter beamed from ear to ear.

Still, he couldn’t help asking, “…Such a rare moment in the spotlight. Why are you so willing to share it with others?”

After all, if he wrote the article based on her description, the narrative would clearly focus more on maternal love.

Xu Wanchun responded with complete sincerity, “Because this honor is mine—but it belongs even more to my mother. Without her, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

She had also wanted to thank her master and master’s wife, but since her master had a complicated history as a traditional Chinese doctor, it was better to keep things low-profile. That was the main reason her master’s wife had declined to come to the city.

Back downstairs, waving goodbye to the young reporter, Xu Hehua tugged nervously at the brand-new outfit she had picked for the occasion and said anxiously, “Peach Blossom, did I embarrass you? I swear I was so nervous during the interview my legs were shaking.” Not to mention—she even cried at the end.

Xu Wanchun linked arms with her mother and smiled warmly to comfort her: “How could you have embarrassed me? You’re the best mother in the whole world.”

After that bit of flattery, she looked toward the old Party Secretary: “Grandpa, I’m right, aren’t I?”

Even though it was a scorching hot day, Xu Jingjun had specially dressed in a Zhongshan suit for the photo shoot. He nodded automatically, “Right. You’re absolutely right!”

Truthfully, he hadn’t even heard what the girl said.

At this moment, his mind was completely preoccupied with just one thought: He was about to appear in the provincial newspaper—in all his glory!

The old man was drenched in sweat, and worried he might overheat, Xu Wanchun quickly urged, “Grandpa, you should take off your jacket.”

Only then did Xu Jingjun snap out of it. He quickly took off the heavy outerwear, laughing a bit sheepishly. “Grandpa’s getting senile. Didn’t even realize it was hot just now.”

“I wouldn’t say that at all! That reporter just now even asked me if you were over fifty-five—you’re still young!” Actually, that line had come from Xu Wanchun herself. But it wasn’t a lie—despite being in his sixties, the old man’s sturdy build and steady movements made him look much younger than his actual age.

Sure enough, the compliment made Xu Jingjun beam with joy, and he couldn’t help launching into tales of his youthful glory days—chasing down Japanese soldiers and heroic exploits…

With the two most important tasks done, Xu Wanchun made a detour to her old high school.

It was summer break, but there were still duty teachers available to assist graduating students like her.

She picked up her diploma and completed all the other necessary paperwork, politely declining an invitation from one teacher who wanted her to give a speech at the school.

Only then was her trip truly finished.

—

On the way home—

The old Party Secretary suggested Xu Wanchun hold a banquet to celebrate with the villagers.

Of course, people would bring their own rations, and the food would be accounted for through the village’s collective supply.

From Xu Jingjun’s point of view, a university student in their village—let alone the only one in ten miles—was a huge event worth celebrating.

But Xu Wanchun gently refused. She only said that once the admission letter officially arrived, she would treat the whole village to sweets.

It wasn’t that she was stingy—it was just that the times were sensitive. The nail that sticks out gets hammered down. The current climate didn’t allow for high-profile celebrations.

Xu Jingjun, being sharp and experienced, understood immediately. He was just too happy to think rationally at first. Now that he heard her reasoning, he still felt a bit of regret, but he didn’t press the matter.

After parting with the old secretary, Xu Wanchun returned home.

She didn’t even take a break. After delivering snacks to her master’s wife and Grandma Wu, she grabbed a pile of books and took Danggui with her to visit her best friend’s house.

It was four in the afternoon, and Li Yulan was in the kitchen preparing dinner.

When she saw her friend arrive, she was overjoyed.

Actually, the entire Li family was delighted and quickly gathered around her.

One handed her a handful of pumpkin seeds, another passed over a few wild pears…

After all, this was a real, officially-accepted university student!

Xu Wanchun was very close with the Li family, so she didn’t feel overwhelmed by the warm welcome. Smiling, she happily chatted with everyone.

Suddenly, Li Lancao snapped out of her excitement and pointed at the stack of books in the girl’s arms. “Peach Blossom, what’s that?”

Xu Wanchun replied, “These are study materials I organized for Sister Yulan—from junior high all the way to senior year.”

The Li family’s old matriarch, who usually favored sons over daughters, looked kindly for once and said, “If my Yulan has those books, could she get into university too?”

As soon as those words left her mouth, everyone’s gaze toward the books grew blazing with curiosity and hope.

“Aiya! Grandma, Mom—let me talk to Peach Blossom alone. Don’t crowd her!” Li Yulan, worried that her friend might feel awkward, quickly took the stack of materials from her and led her straight into her room.

Xu Wanchun visited often and knew the place well. She casually pulled out a stool and sat down. Seeing her friend rummaging through things, she smiled. “Don’t go finding snacks for me—I’m really not hungry.”

Li Yulan ignored her, still digging in a little box until she pulled out two candies. With a bright smile, she handed them over. “Here, take them. I saved them just for you… Oh! And those notes—you must’ve spent a long time putting them together. Thank you, Peach Blossom.”

Indeed, it took quite a while—over a year to be exact. All the time she used to make those notes was squeezed from her already busy schedule. Not just for Yulan, either—she had also made copies for Fang Xiaoyan and Zhao Mei…

“There’s no need for thanks between us. I’m just glad I could help. Oh, and if any of the other girls need it, let them copy it too.”

“Don’t worry, but…” Li Yulan knew her own limits. Her grades were only slightly above average in class—and that already took every ounce of effort from her. So she hesitated: “…Can I really get into college?”

Xu Wanchun rolled her eyes. “Who said you have to go to college? A technical secondary school is just as good.”

Li Yulan blinked. “A technical secondary school?”

That was actually Xu Wanchun’s main reason for coming today. She’d be leaving for Hu City soon, and before that, she needed to resolve any lingering concerns—Yulan was one of them. With her academic level, college was unlikely.

Even if she did manage to get in, the odds of finishing weren’t great—classes could be suspended at any time. It would be better to attend a technical school straightaway.

And so, Xu Wanchun patiently laid out all the advantages of going to a technical secondary school, analyzing every point in detail. In the end, she concluded, “Don’t aim for a teaching major. Try nursing—it’s easier to get placed.”

Though already sixteen, Li Yulan was still timid and indecisive. But she trusted smart people. Without hesitation, she balled her fists and promised, “Alright. I’ll study nursing!”

Having settled things with her friends, Xu Wanchun began spending her days running up and down the back hills again.

Time flew by unnoticed, and in a blink, several days had passed.

The admission letter still hadn’t arrived, but the news article about the province’s top scorer had already been published far and wide…

—

Municipal Grain Bureau Residential Compound

Early in the morning, Pan Xiaomei went out to buy groceries and brought back a copy of the provincial newspaper.

When she got home, she handed the paper to her daughter, speaking with frustration, “This year’s top scorer is from our city, the same age as you—just turned sixteen by Chinese age count. And look at you—same age, still in your second year of junior high, and your grades are a mess. Read how others study and learn something!”

Li Li exclaimed, “Mom, I think I know who that is! Isn’t her name… Xu Wanchun?”

As she spoke, the round-faced girl had already spotted the three-person photo in the center of the page. She gasped even louder, “Aiya! It is her! She was famous at our high school. Only studied for one semester in Grade 10 before skipping straight to the graduation class. I can’t believe she’s the province’s top scorer! That’s amazing!”

Their home was small—just 40 square meters—but six people lived there.

Pan Xiaomei wanted to stir-fry some vegetables, but she had to use the public kitchen. Hearing her daughter shout like that, she paused at the door and turned back, irritated. “What’s the use of all that yelling? Why don’t you try learning from her? Same age, yet you always score at the bottom of the class!”

Li Li was used to being scolded since she was young. She didn’t get upset—just grinned cheekily. “I take after you, Mom. Not too smart.”

That really lit a fire under Pan Xiaomei. She forgot all about the vegetables and stormed back into the house, ready to smack the child.

At that moment, the elderly couple from the west room came out. The old lady’s expression was gentle and kind. “Xiaomei, it’s so early—why are you trying to hit Li Li again? She’s such a sweet girl.”

The old man didn’t say anything, but instinctively stepped in to shield his granddaughter.

Pan Xiaomei respected her in-laws, so her temper eased a bit. Still, she couldn’t help but complain, “This kid’s grades are awful. She might not even make it to high school—I’m just worried.”

She glanced toward her daughter, who was now hiding behind her grandfather like a quail, and barked, “Quit playing dead! Read that newspaper out loud to your grandparents. See what a real sixteen-year-old can accomplish! Top scorer in the whole province, already admitted to university…”

“Oh my! That’s amazing? Li Li, read it for Grandma!”

Li Li adored her grandparents. She helped them sit down, all smiles, then began reading the article aloud with dramatic flair.

But she had barely gotten through the opening paragraph when both elderly faces changed drastically.

Li Li was immediately alarmed. “Grandpa, Grandma—are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?”

Li Shanhai, who was in the main room, rushed over. “Dad, Mom, what’s wrong?”

But neither elder answered. Their full attention was fixed on the newspaper as they urgently urged, “Li Li, keep reading!”

“Really? You’re okay?”

“We’re fine—keep reading!”

Left with no choice, Li Li picked up the newspaper again.

It didn’t take long before not just her grandparents—but even Li Shanhai—had darkened expressions.

When she finished reading, her father snatched the paper out of her hands.

The reporter had done an excellent job, and the article’s theme resonated strongly with the current political climate. The editor had given it a generous layout.

Because of that, the photo—though not very high-resolution—was still clear enough for Li Shanhai to immediately recognize someone.

“Good, good… A good girl like Hehua deserves a good life…”

While Li Shanhai’s thoughts were spinning in turmoil—struggling to understand how a muddy peasant woman who couldn’t even read had ended up living such a dazzling life—his mother’s voice rang out nearby, choked with joy.

His face grew even darker.

Because he had abandoned Xu Hehua, his parents had always been distant with him.

Even now, with his heart full of resentment, he didn’t dare lash out.

Not out of filial piety, but because the house was small and poorly soundproofed. If a fight broke out, it would cause a scene. And with how bad things had been for him lately, that would only make things worse.

He thought bitterly of how the section chief had seemed to have it out for him for the past year and a half—publicly scolding him multiple times. As a result, his coworkers had started isolating and avoiding him.

Despite all his efforts, not only had he failed to climb the ranks, he had to constantly watch his back, terrified of slipping up and getting kicked out of the Grain Bureau altogether.

All these emotions boiled in his chest as he looked again at the newspaper now in his parents’ hands.

Anger, shame, and a deep, unwelcome regret churned within him.

In the end, Li Shanhai could only put on a long face and storm out the door.

Li Li didn’t like her father much. Seeing this, she shrank back and muttered, “Grandma, isn’t Dad eating breakfast?”

Grandma didn’t even look up. “Ignore him.”

Just then, Pan Xiaomei walked in with a dish of food and cheerfully called out, “Dad, Mom—breakfast is ready!”

After setting the food on the table, she untied her apron and was about to call her husband and son.

Li Li reminded her, “Dad left. He got mad again.”

“Huh?” Pan Xiaomei was surprised for a moment, then quickly brushed it off. “Let him be. Li Li, go wake up your little brother for breakfast.”

Once her granddaughter was inside, the old lady handed the newspaper to her daughter-in-law and said with deep satisfaction, “Xiaomei, come have a look. That little top scorer you were just talking about—turns out she’s the child Hehua adopted.”

“Bang!” Pan Xiaomei was so shocked, she banged right into the table.

But she didn’t even notice the pain. She hurriedly took the newspaper and began reading.

The person Pan Xiaomei owed the most in her life was Xu Hehua.

Even though she had been deceived by Li Shanhai and only learned the truth after meeting his parents—that she had unknowingly become the other woman in someone else’s marriage—it didn’t lessen the guilt she carried.

Before they got together, Li Shanhai had clearly claimed he was single.

But by the time she found out the truth, it was too late. Her family wouldn’t allow her to divorce—they couldn’t afford the shame.

She herself couldn’t afford it either. Without Li Shanhai’s income, she couldn’t support her children.

What’s more… for the children’s mental and emotional well-being, she had to wait until they were grown before she could tell them what kind of man their father really was.

So the days just dragged on in a twisted mess.

But the guilt Pan Xiaomei felt toward Xu Hehua had never eased.

Especially after several attempts to secretly send money—only for every bit of it to be returned untouched—her guilt and self-loathing nearly consumed her.

Now, seeing that Xu Hehua was living such a good life, Pan Xiaomei couldn’t hold back any longer. She clung to her mother-in-law and burst into uncontrollable sobs…

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