Chapter 73: Study, Stew, and Soft Promises

The golden rays of early morning filtered through the sheer curtains of Jia Lan's room. A gentle autumn breeze stirred the corners of her neat desk, where the previous night's study notes still lay open. Jia Lan, snug under her embroidered quilt, stirred awake to the scent of millet porridge wafting from downstairs. She groaned softly, curling once more under the warmth before forcing herself upright.

"Time to be a good student," she muttered, stretching. Her limbs felt light, thanks to the calming tea and deep sleep her mother had insisted upon the night before.

She got up and went through her now well-oiled morning routine. A quick face wash with rose-scented water, brushing her teeth with herbal paste, and a few dabs of the system-provided herbal cream. She slipped into a pale peach blouse and pleated navy skirt, her hair braided neatly to the side. Her shoes tapped lightly on the polished wooden floor as she made her way downstairs.

In the dining room, breakfast was already served. Baozi, pickled vegetables, millet porridge, and a tray of sliced apples waited invitingly.

"Good morning, Lan'er!" Grandmother Jia beamed. "You're right on time. Come, sit."

"Morning, everyone," Jia Lan greeted, settling into her seat.

Jia Wei was spoon-feeding baby Naun a mashed yam, while Jia Zhe read the newspaper. Xu Li was sipping warm soup beside them, looking refreshed.

"You've been burning the midnight oil again?" Jia Zhe asked, glancing at his sister.

"A little. The high school test paper that jia zhe got for me was too tempting not to complete," she said with a smile.

Father Jia looked over his spectacles. "Don't overdo it. A good mind needs a rested body."

After a warm breakfast and some light teasing from her cousins, Jia Lan packed her bag and made her way to the Youth Arts Bureau. The journey through the autumn-lined streets filled her with calm anticipation.

The office buzzed with subdued energy. As she stepped into the Youth Arts Bureau, she greeted Director Xu and Sister Li, who responded warmly.

"Lan'er, good timing," Sister Li called. "Director Xu has reduced the workload for those preparing for the exam."

"Really?" Jia Lan blinked. "That's very considerate."

Director Xu nodded. "Just be sure to pass with flying colors. It'll make us proud."

"Thank you, Director Xu," she said gratefully.

Later, Wang Fei approached her with a notebook in hand. "Lan'er, sorry to bother you. I've been going through these algebraic equations and I'm stuck."

She leaned over the notebook, scanning the problem. "Ah, this one. It's about inverse proportions. Look here…"

Patiently, she explained the problem, watching as Wang Fei's eyes lit up in understanding.

"You make it sound so easy," he sighed.

"It is, once you've untangled the logic," she replied, tapping his notebook with a grin.

After finishing her reduced workload, Jia Lan walked home under a sky brushed with fading sunlight. Her steps were light as she entered the cozy warmth of home.

Her mother and Grandmother Jia were sitting on the terrace, sipping chrysanthemum tea.

"Back already?" her mother smiled.

Jia Lan joined them, accepting a cup of tea. "Work was light today, thanks to Director Xu."

Her grandmother chuckled. "Even heaven favors hardworking girls."

Jia Lan took a thoughtful sip. "The exam isn't far now. Just over a month."

"You've done more than enough," her mother assured. "Even your notebooks are neat enough to win awards."

Father Jia walked in, having overheard the conversation. "Lan'er, remember, no matter the result, you'll always have us behind you."

She smiled at him, her eyes warm. "I know, Baba."

After tea, Jia Lan returned to her room, changed into her loungewear, and reviewed vocabulary lists and political theory excerpts. Her desk glowed softly under the study lamp.

A knock sounded at the door. Grandfather Jia peeked in.

"Still at it?" he asked, stepping inside.

She nodded. "Trying to get through this third test paper ."

"Dinner's ready. We're having chicken stew. Come while it's hot."

At the dinner table, everyone seemed to be in cheerful spirits. The aroma of spices and simmering broth filled the room.

"You've been eating too little lately," Mother Jia said, heaping chicken pieces into Jia Lan's bowl.

"Don't worry," Jia Lan said with a smile, "this smells too good to resist."

Even baby Naun seemed excited, clapping her tiny hands as Jia Wei made silly faces while feeding her mashed peas.

After dinner, as Jia Lan sat back at her desk for another study session, the familiar chime of the system sounded.

System Check-In (Day)

"Advanced Focus Concentrate Tea" (for enhanced mental clarity)

"Posture Correcting Cushion"

1000 yuan (added to personal system wallet)

She placed the cushion on her chair, settling into it. "Oof, this is way more comfortable."

The tea brewed into a pale gold, its aroma sharp yet soothing. She sipped slowly, feeling clarity sweep through her like a breeze.

Another hour passed. She had just started her fourth essay question when her father knocked on the door.

"Lan'er, it's late," he said gently, placing a glass of warm milk beside her.

"I'll wrap up in ten minutes."

He nodded. "Don't forget to dream too, not just study."

She looked up at him, heart swelling. "You're the best, Baba."

He ruffled her hair. "And you're our pride."

As the house quieted, Jia Lan finished her final notes, tucked her study books aside, and curled up under her quilt, moonlight streaming in.

The last thought before sleep claimed her: I'm ready. No matter what comes.