Cheng Ying’s ears burned red. It resonated, didn't it? Were there so many heartbroken people? So many who never got what they wanted? In an instant, Cheng Ying felt completely healed.
Look around; most people are unhappy. To say your little troubles are nothing compared to that—yours are insignificant.
This was Cheng Ying’s standard: If you’re miserable, I’m better off. If everyone is miserable, then I am truly well.
So, he was in a great mood, while Chi Wu felt a pang of sourness.
He glared sideways at the lunatic: “What kind of thing are you, claiming to be part of the literary world? Don’t think just because you spout a couple of maudlin verses that you represent all literati. Get lost.”
The lunatic looked at Chi Wu and said with sincere gravity, “Of course, compared to classmate Cheng Ying, I am indeed lacking. And of course, compared to classmate Chi Wu, I still need to improve.”
If you’re my brother-in-law, I’ll let you off easy. This was the lunatic’s unspoken thought.
Chi Wu trembled with anger. Cheng Ying felt the lunatic wasn't cured; he was having an episode, a much worse one.
He quickly tugged at Chi Wu. “That’s secondary! The scores are what matter! These are just interludes, mere episodes!”
Chi Wu turned his head and pulled Cheng Ying along, never wanting to see the lunatic again. It hurt his eyes.
Unfortunately, this unwelcome shadow was like cheap plaster—impossible to rub off.
Chi Wu realized he had underestimated this pest. Although it posed no real threat, it was disgustingly persistent.
Neither Cheng Ying nor Chi Wu pushed their way into the crowd gathered around the results board. When the classmates saw the two of them approaching, they naturally made space.
How could they not? The people who scored well, looked good, sang beautifully, and played instruments perfectly.
The classmates had practically mythologized these two.
Cheng Ying beamed with genuine happiness. “Wuzi, your scores are excellent! Now you can pick any school you want!”
Chi Wu kept a straight face, managing a smile that barely touched his lips. The corners of his mouth were already curling upward, but he deliberately pretended to be aloof. “You did well too. Only a little behind me. Don’t be discouraged.”
Cheng Ying looked at Chi Wu; even the worries from a few days ago were momentarily forgotten. This was his child.
Hadn't the two of them worked hard for years, all for this day? Cheng Ying was truly happy for Chi Wu. “If you’re happy, just laugh! Why pretend? This is a cause for celebration. What’s there to be so composed about?”
Chi Wu blushed. “I wasn’t sure if you were upset that my scores were better than yours.”
Cheng Ying reached out and tapped Chi Wu lightly on the head. “I’m so unbothered, an aircraft carrier could sail across my belly.”
Chi Wu pouted. He had never met anyone more petty than her—she could brag endlessly. But truthfully, he was very happy.
Cheng Ying continued, “Your good scores are the result of me sacrificing my time managing the company. I’m even happier than you are.” This was the truth.
Chi Wu pursed his lips. The medal of honor has your half and my half. “Then I really am happy!”
Cheng Ying let out a soft laugh. Did he need to announce happiness beforehand? The kid must be ecstatic.
Before he could say anything else, Chi Wu embraced him, followed by a burst of hearty laughter. This was the vitality of youth.
Cheng Ying felt momentarily dizzy, left with only that single thought. Also, the scent in his nostrils had subtly changed, making him feel a little flushed.
As for the surrounding classmates, they paid no attention at this moment. Never mind hugging one's own sibling; over there, a classmate was weeping against the blackboard, and several others stood clenching their fists in excitement.
Classmate Chi Wu was merely expressing his excitement somewhat outwardly.
Faced with this joyous news, there were all sorts of reactions; it truly wasn't surprising.
If they had been at the very top of the announcement board, they might have run laps around the sports field.
Chi Wu felt better and better, reluctant to let go.
Cheng Ying said, “Have you calmed down enough? I know how happy you are. Let go now.”
Chi Wu thought, This isn't even one ten-thousandth of the joy I feel about our engagement.
But he couldn't say it. The lunatic watching nearby was an eyesore, and these two siblings were celebrating a bit excessively. “Alright, alright, Classmate Chi Wu. Which university are you planning to apply to? We might become alumni!”
The lunatic thought: My score is right next to Chi Wu’s. Maybe if I express my excitement, Classmate Cheng Ying won't swat me with a feather duster.
Chi Wu was deeply displeased. It was one thing for Cheng Ying to push him away, but what right did that thing have to pull at him too?
Becoming classmates with you? Dream on.
Finally, he glanced at the results board again. Turns out, this person scored second, right beneath him.
The lunatic’s scores are quite good. “You must have had an exceptional performance?”
The lunatic, who had been stifling his words for a long time, managed a dry chuckle. “Not at all, not at all. Just my usual performance.”
He then followed Chi Wu and Cheng Ying toward the head teacher’s office.
Cheng Ying suppressed a smile. This person did have some merits—an unkillable cockroach.
But his studies were genuinely good; he had even scored better than Cheng Ying herself.
Teachers always favor the top students, and having three such brilliant students from the same class—the head teacher had practically forgotten the incident from that night.
No, seeing such excellent scores had completely overshadowed the previous night’s vexation.
Did good students always have quirks?
The head teacher smiled broadly. “Oh, I was just about to call you to share the results, and you arrived! Come in quickly!”
Cheng Ying thought: The head teacher is good. That sweet smile must be related to a bonus.
Even if the times were different, a teacher who guided such excellent students would benefit in every aspect.
Cheng Ying felt that the lunatic’s good studies and excellent score had nothing to do with her, but hers and Chi Wu’s were earned through her own hard work.
The school really ought to thank her.
Chi Wu said, “We arrived early this morning. We intended to check the scores with you, but we were late.”
Cheng Ying thought: He hasn't even started university yet, and he’s already mastering social graces. What a promising seedling.
But then he remembered their complicated, tangled relationship, and Cheng Ying couldn't feel proud.
The lunatic, now transformed into a literary youth, chimed in, “We must all thank the teacher for three years of guidance.”
With that, the three formally bowed to the head teacher.
That’s really too much formality, Cheng Ying thought. Can’t you just feel it in your heart instead of saying it out loud?
But alas, that was the way things were in those days. Students from other classes also began to arrive, offering thanks to their respective teachers.
Cheng Ying remained silent, feeling he had nothing specific to thank the teacher for. Bowing along just felt awkward standing there alone.
The teacher waved her hand. “Alright, you should go look outside. The university recruiters will be here soon. Examine your options carefully.”
Cheng Ying replied, “Mm, we will choose carefully.”
The words were far from modest, but their scores gave them the confidence to speak so boldly.
The head teacher’s smile stretched wide, yet she still managed, “Be modest, modest, don’t get arrogant.”
Chi Wu led Cheng Ying out, with the shadow trailing behind them.
Chi Wu said, “I’ll go home and bring Grandma over. We can look at the schools together.”
Cheng Ying agreed, “Yes, bring your Grandma, Grandpa, and parents too. It’s a happy occasion; everyone should see it.”
Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying, his eyes filled with a grievance. Wasn't she deliberately pushing him away? This was clearly an event for the three of them in his family.
Cheng Ying was perceptive enough. Asking him to call his grandparents to pick schools—wasn't that intentionally pushing him out?
With his score, his grandmother coming meant he would surely attend a nationally renowned university.
But Cheng Ying had already stated he planned to attend a university in the city.
Cheng Ying asked, “What’s wrong? Let’s go.” Chi Wu’s tall figure remained rooted.
The lunatic behind them called out, “Classmate Chi Wu, what’s wrong? Are you dissatisfied with the scores? They’re very good. Although you didn’t become the top scholar in both academics and martial arts, your total score ranks nationally.”
Cheng Ying nodded but didn't believe her child would be so petty over such a thing. “Let’s go, let’s let Grandma and the others share the joy.”
Chi Wu’s lips tightened as he suppressed his unhappiness. “I’ll call Uncle and ask him to drive Grandma over.”
With that, he not only left himself but also yanked Cheng Ying along.
It had the rhythm of an abandoned child, a beat of lovelessness.
The lunatic watched their retreating figures, truly unable to comprehend what "sister-complex" meant. He could only sigh inwardly: The brother-in-law is so introverted and socially awkward, yet he clings to his sister like he hasn’t been weaned.
When Fatty Sun delivered the old lady, Chi Wu and Cheng Ying were waiting at the main gate.
Seeing the grandmother dressed up specifically for the occasion, Cheng Ying’s smile became incredibly bright.
Over the years, Cheng Ying had bought the old lady so many fine clothes, but she never wore them; they were all locked away in the cabinet. She always wore the wide-legged trousers and collarless, buttoned-front jackets she made herself, looking exactly like a woman from the countryside.
But today, she wore small leather flat shoes and the kind of blouse popular among elderly women now, paired with cream-colored linen trousers.
Although her hair was still piled up in the traditional bun, if she hadn't spoken, she would look more urban than city dwellers—like overseas Chinese.
Cheng Ying walked over, stood beside the old lady, and whispered near her ear, “Grandma, Auntie knows how to dress you best.” Then, turning to Chi Wu, she said, “Look, are we grandmother and grandchild?”
Chi Wu played along. “You look like sisters. When Mom gets here, you’ll be three sisters.”
The old lady spoke up, “You troublesome child, how can you talk like that? I’ll spank you!” But the joy on her face was impossible to hide. “You two did so well; I feel twenty years younger.”
Cheng Ying, Chi Wu, and the Second Uncle, who hadn't even gotten out of the car yet, all burst out laughing. “Oh, this is really my Grandma. I thought Uncle had swapped her out!”
Chi Wu said, “Do you really want Grandma to hit you?”
Second Uncle chimed in, “You two enjoy yourselves today. Later, Second Uncle will host a celebratory banquet. I have to go home and take care of Second Auntie first.”
With a wave, he drove off. In seventeen or eighteen years, my son will be taking university entrance exams too. We won't be jealous.
Cheng Ying remarked, “I’ve never seen a father more devoted to his wife.”
The old lady felt constrained in her new outfit. Hearing her granddaughter’s words, she raised her hand for a slap. “How can you talk like that? Your Auntie just gave birth. What your Uncle is doing is right.”
Then she relaxed, no longer feeling stiff. A simple stretch of the arm fixed everything.
Chi Wu felt Cheng Ying was deliberately looking for trouble. Serves her right.
PS: Seeing all the comments, I’m almost afraid to proceed. Thank you all so much for your support. Wuzi is Cheng Ying’s positive energy. You can’t judge a person by one moment; you have to look at their whole life. I will correct typos. I enjoy seeing every kind of comment; it proves everyone is paying attention to Yingzi and Wuzi.