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Chapter 52: Abandoning the Rural Wife

The next day, Yi An’an accompanied Zhan Nanhui to the exam site.

The test was held at the town’s high school. The school itself wasn’t large, but thousands of students were gathered outside the gates.

Yi An’an remembered clearly how this college entrance exam had gone in her past life—5.78 million people registered nationwide, but only 270,000 were admitted (including vocational colleges), a rate of less than 5%. Out of these thousands here, fewer than 200 would pass. These were the chosen ones of the era, people who could spread their wings and soar high.

In her previous life, Yi An’an hadn’t even had the chance to witness such a scene—her youth had been wasted away in the strict confines of the Yan family.

Now, watching these students, each with either nervous or relaxed expressions but all filled with hope and anticipation, Yi An’an suddenly felt very envious.

She no longer worried about food or clothing. Maybe, someday, she too would take the college entrance exam.

Zhan Nanhui glanced around cautiously.

It was about time—the gates had started letting in examinees. As he turned to say goodbye, he happened to catch the look of envy in Yi An’an’s eyes.

“I’m going in now,” Zhan Nanhui said softly.

Yi An’an nodded and couldn’t help but reach out to straighten his collar.

Zhan Nanhui lowered his eyes, gazing at the woman looking up at him.

Yi An’an lowered her eyelids to hide her emotions and gently reminded him not to be nervous. “Answer the questions you know first. If you don’t know something, others probably don’t either.”

At that moment, Zhan Nanhui suddenly felt like he wasn’t facing the storm of life alone. At least right now, this woman was standing on the same side as him.

“Don’t worry. I’ll definitely pass,” Zhan Nanhui said.

Yi An’an nodded. She didn’t doubt it. She’d seen his notes—he’d prepared thoroughly for all six subjects, and his English was excellent. There shouldn’t be any major problems.

After fixing his clothes, Yi An’an smiled and said softly, “Go on in. I’ll have lunch ready for you at home.”

Zhan Nanhui nodded and queued up to enter the exam site.

From the crowd, Lu Changfeng immediately spotted Yi An’an.

Today, Yi An’an wore a plain gray cotton coat. Despite being surrounded by the hustle and bustle, her stunning face stood out, silencing the colors and sounds around her like a beam of piercing light emerging from the shadows.

She stood in the crowd, looking up at the equally striking man before her. Her head was held high, her black hair gently flowing in the winter wind. Her crystal-clear eyes shimmered in the sunlight, and her delicate yet resilient figure stood out so vividly that everyone else around her seemed to fade.

Lu Changfeng forced himself to look away—just as Zhan Nanhui walked up to him.

Today, Lu Changfeng was there to greet examinees on behalf of the town mayor. He stood at the gate, shaking hands and offering words of encouragement to each student.

When he grasped Zhan Nanhui’s rough, calloused hand, he looked up and met his eyes.

Zhan Nanhui said nothing, as if he didn’t recognize Lu Changfeng at all. His gaze was cold and indifferent, his whole demeanor emanating a “keep away” aura.

“Wishing you success on the exam,” Lu Changfeng said calmly.

Zhan Nanhui merely gave a faint nod and walked into the exam site.

Lu Changfeng watched the tall figure walk away, and for the first time, he wanted to take back the blessing he’d just given.

Two days passed quickly. Yi An’an didn’t ask how Zhan Nanhui did on the exam. Instead, she focused on supporting him—preparing different meals and taking care of the house.

On the morning of the 12th, Zhan Nanhui still had to take the English test.

In 1977, English was only tested for those applying to foreign language programs or top-tier universities.

Since this was the final subject, Yi An’an felt more at ease. After seeing Zhan Nanhui off to the test site, she went to the barbershop.

She hadn’t had time for the shop or to help Sister Wang with her pickled vegetables. Once Zhan Nanhui finished the exams, she’d need to focus on business again—after all, her time with Zhan Nanhui was coming to an end.

Just as Yi An’an was about to push open the barbershop door, a figure in the distance caught her eye. She froze for a moment, thinking she must be mistaken.

She had just dropped off Zhan Nanhui at the English test site—how could she have seen someone who looked so much like him?

Yi An’an chuckled to herself. She was probably just overthinking.

She pushed open the barbershop door and went inside.

At that moment, around the corner, Zhan Nanhui stood coldly facing a man in his fifties.

“Xiao Zhan, I know I delayed your plans. I’m really sorry. I was injured and had to recover for a while. But this time, I’ve brought good news.”

“I’m supposed to take my English test,” Zhan Nanhui said in a deep voice.

“That’s not important. The organization has other plans for you. The college entrance exam is just a formality. No matter your results, you’ll be leaving here per higher orders,” the man—Worker Xia—said, pulling out a newspaper from his pocket and opening it.

Zhan Nanhui glanced at it—it was the People’s Daily. Listed were names of many of his father’s former comrades.

“Your father’s case is nearly resolved,” Worker Xia said in a low voice. “So soon, you’ll be leaving this place.”

Zhan Nanhui sneered. A year ago, Xia had said the same thing.

“This time is different. I promise, within two months, you’ll be gone. Taking the exam is a convenient excuse. As for your rural wife—don’t contact her again,” Xia said gravely.

Zhan Nanhui’s eyes darkened.

“Don’t worry. Once you leave, we’ll compensate her. There are plenty of cases like this now. Even regular educated youths don’t return after going back to the city, let alone someone with your background. A rural woman won’t help your future at all,” Xia continued.

Zhan Nanhui’s expression remained cold and unreadable. He said quietly, “This is my personal matter. I’ll handle it.”

“Comrade Zhan, this is not a personal matter. Your identity affects a major plan—you should understand this better than any of us,” Xia said. “I’ll contact you again. Wait for my message.”

Zhan Nanhui nodded and turned to leave.

All morning, Yi An’an couldn’t get the image of that figure out of her mind.

Looking at the wall clock, there were still a few minutes before Zhan Nanhui’s English test would end. She quickly put on her coat and headed out.

“An’an, will you be back this afternoon?” Sister Hua called out. “A professor from the county’s teacher’s college is coming. He’s very demanding. I want your help.”

A professor? Yi An’an suddenly remembered she wanted to attend night school to study high school subjects. Maybe this professor could help. “I’ll be back by 2 p.m.,” she said.

Only then did Sister Hua nod in satisfaction.

Yi An’an waited at the exam site for a while until she saw Zhan Nanhui walk out.

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