Chapter 72: A Nation Stirred, A Dream Awakened

October arrived like a soft breeze that carried whispers of change, and with it, the long-awaited announcement reverberated across the country: the national college entrance examination, the Gaokao, was officially resumed.

The entire nation stirred. From sleepy towns to bustling cities, educated youths, factory workers, and those once forced to set aside academic dreams all looked to the future with rekindled hope. A wave of emotion swept through households, offices, and communes alike. Radios buzzed, newspapers were passed from hand to hand, and word of mouth spread like wildfire. People whispered and shouted, laughed and wept—it felt as if the very air had changed.

For Jia Lan, it was not a surprise. Her knowledge from her past life had already prepared her for this moment. She had been quietly and diligently reviewing her high school content since her transmigration. The second round of revision was already complete. And thanks to the system, her brain was sharper than ever, her recall stronger, and her energy unwavering.

She stood by the gate of the Youth Arts Bureau as the midday bell rang, watching a group of workers excitedly exchange old textbooks. Just outside the compound, a vendor had set up a mat, displaying tattered chemistry guides, hand-copied math notebooks, and even a prized English reader.

A woman in her thirties bent down and asked, "Do you still have that Red Math Guide? My brother wants it… he says he's going to try the exam."

Another man nearby chuckled. "Everyone wants to try. Even my supervisor asked if I'd help him review geometry."

Jia Lan smiled softly, her hands folded behind her back. This era is waking up.

At home, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Baby Naun, now seven months old, was crawling everywhere, her giggles echoing through the hallways. She could hold onto the edge of furniture and stand wobbling on her little legs, proudly showing off to anyone who would look.

"Look at her! So strong already," exclaimed Grandmother Jia. "Just like her mother."

Xu Li, sitting nearby with a warm compress on her shoulder, smiled. "She learned how to throw toys too. Watch out."

Jia Lan, sipping a cup of brain-boosting herbal tea, chuckled. "A future discus champion, maybe."

Grandfather Jia leaned over and grunted. "Only if she doesn't break my antique vase."

Jia Wei and Yao Jing were in a competition to make Naun laugh. Jia Wei made ridiculous faces, while Yao Jing clucked like a chicken and flapped her arms. Baby Naun shrieked with joy.

That night, at the dinner table, Father Jia put down his chopsticks and cleared his throat.

"Lan'er," he began, "we know the exams have been announced. If you need anything—books, privacy, time off—just say it."

"We've already turned down two banquet invitations," added Mother Jia.

Grandfather Jia grunted again. "Even if you want to lock yourself up in the study, we'll post guards outside."

Jia Lan blushed. "No need to go that far. I already have everything I need. I just need time to review calmly."

Everyone nodded.

Elsewhere, in Zhao Cheng's Room

Zhao Cheng sat under a dim oil lamp, his books spread before him. In his previous life, he had never gotten this chance. This time, he had seen the signs. He had prepared in secret. And now, he would rise.

He flipped through a tattered physics textbook, carefully underlining formulas. Sweat gathered at his brow, but his expression was serene.

This time, I will walk my own path. Without owing anyone.

He had refused help from anyone. He didn't want shortcuts. He wanted this victory to be his.

Late Evening – Jia Lan's Study Routine

Back at the Jia residence, the lights in Jia Lan's room glowed warmly. Her desk was neatly arranged with study materials and a steaming cup of jujube tea.

She had just completed a mock exam given by the system. The questions were challenging but rewarding, crafted by top-level educators according to the system's description.

The door creaked, and Father Jia poked his head in. "Still studying?"

"Mm-hmm," Jia Lan replied, flipping through an analysis of historical materialism. "Just one more section."

He stepped inside, his expression gentle. "Don't wear yourself out. You know, even back in my youth, the key to passing was not cramming, but calm persistence."

She nodded. "I know. I just… want to do my best."

"You're already doing more than that," he said. "You're making history."

Jia Lan looked at him and smiled. "I want to stand tall on my own. Not because of the system. But because I deserve it."

He patted her head. "And you will."

System Check-In – Reward Notification

That night, before sleeping, Jia Lan opened her system interface.

System Daily Check-In Reward

"1977 College Entrance Exam Final Mock Set (Advanced Version)"

"Focus Mind Incense (Improves Recall and Reduces Fatigue)"

"500 yuan added to system wallet"

She exhaled slowly, feeling calm and grateful. The incense would help during the final stretch. The mock set was thicker than the last.

She placed it beside her notes, looked up at the moon outside her window, and whispered:

"The world is wide. But I will carve out a place for myself."

The light turned off. But the spark inside her only grew brighter.

Jia Lan leaned back in her chair, flipping through a thick math revision booklet for the second time. The scent of chrysanthemum tea wafted faintly through the air, calming her mind. Her hand paused mid-page, and a quiet laugh slipped from her lips.

"So, the grand protagonists of the original story… They must be panicking now."

Her gaze shifted toward the open window, where the afternoon sun lit the garden outside. She remembered clearly—how the original timeline went. Back then, it was her family, the powerful Jia household, that had quietly supported Liu Fenfang and Shen Yimin's rise. Grandfather had written recommendation letters, Father Jia had found extra resources, and even Jia Wei had shared his study materials. And all of it done with warmth and goodwill, treating the two like distant family.

But the moment they entered college, their entire attitude had shifted. No gratitude, no acknowledgment. They had pretended it was all their own hard work. As if the hands that helped them up never existed.

"But this time, you won't have the Jia family smoothing your path," Jia Lan thought, eyes narrowing with faint amusement. "Let's see how far your 'merit' gets you without our shadow behind you."

She wasn't bitter. She just found it ironic. How some people wear righteousness like a badge but forget the kindness of others the moment it no longer serves them.

Still, her life was different now. She wasn't a background character or a stepping stone. She was Jia Lan—beloved daughter of a powerful family, blessed with a system, determined and already far ahead.

"This time, the story is mine to write," she whispered, turning the page with a renewed focus.