Chapter 75: The Day of the Exam

The morning air was crisp, the kind that hinted at a shift in seasons. A light mist clung to the streets, softening the usual hustle of the city. Inside the Jia residence, the atmosphere was far from ordinary.

Today was the day.

Jia Lan awoke earlier than usual, her alarm clock ringing softly at 5:30 a.m. For a moment, she stared at the ceiling, a knot of nerves twisting in her stomach. She turned to the side, pulling the warm quilt tighter around herself.

"No use hiding," she whispered to herself and slowly sat up.

The house was already stirring. She could hear soft voices in the kitchen and the sound of her grandmother moving around the courtyard. Jia Lan padded to the bathroom, splashing her face with cold water, letting the chill awaken her completely.

She dressed carefully in a light-blue cotton blouse with small embroidered flowers and a dark pleated skirt. Her hair was tied into a clean braid, neat and simple. A pale mint scarf was wrapped around her neck, a gift from her grandmother.

When she stepped into the dining room, her entire family was already waiting.

"Lan'er, sit down quickly. Breakfast will get cold," Mother Jia called gently, placing a bowl of millet porridge on the table.

Next to it were two boiled eggs, pickled vegetables, a small dish of soy braised peanuts, and steamed buns stuffed with mushrooms and greens—everything light, nutritious, and calming.

"You need energy for the exam," said Grandmother Jia, gently pushing the food closer to her.

"Don't be nervous, Ah-Lan," Grandfather Jia added from across the table. "You've worked hard. That's enough."

Jia Wei sat beside her and smiled. "We've all placed our bets on you becoming a university student. Don't disappoint us now!"

"Eat slowly," Xu Li reminded softly, cradling Baby Naun, who was dressed in a tiny bib with ducks on it. Baby Naun blinked sleepily at Jia Lan and gave her a wide, gummy smile.

Father Jia came over and lightly patted her shoulder. "Your family is your mountain, Lan'er. Go give it your best. We're already proud of you."

Her heart felt warm, nerves slightly soothed. The support surrounding her was like a soft quilt, wrapping around her at every step.

The warmth of her family surrounded her, cushioning the nerves like a soft quilt.

She finished her breakfast in silence, each bite giving her a sense of purpose. By 6:30 a.m., she was ready. Grandfather Jia personally offered to drive her to the exam center, and the rest of the family followed them out to the car, waving her off with cheers and good luck wishes.

The streets were unusually busy for the early hour. Students from all over the city were heading to their designated centers, clutching their admission slips and identity documents. There was a sense of collective determination in the air.

At the gates of the exam center, Grandfather Jia gave her hand a firm squeeze. "Whatever happens, we're proud of you."

She nodded. "I won't let myself down."

The exam center was a converted middle school, desks spaced carefully apart, proctors walking with stiff backs. Jia Lan took her assigned seat, placing her pens and pencils in exact alignment.

The papers were distributed. The first subject: Politics and History.

Jia Lan took a deep breath and flipped the paper. The first question brought a smile to her face—she had practiced a nearly identical one just two nights ago. Her pen glided across the page.

The hours ticked by with quiet focus. Chinese composition came next, followed by math in the afternoon. Each subject was a new battlefield, but Jia Lan was well-prepared. Her third round of review, the countless system mock tests, and her grandmother's calming tea all worked together to keep her mind steady.

By the time the final bell rang, she sat back in her chair, exhausted but glowing with satisfaction.

"I did it," she whispered.

Outside the gates, Grandfather Jia was waiting, his arms crossed, eyes scanning the crowd. When he spotted her, his posture relaxed.

"You look like someone who just returned from war," he joked.

"I feel like I did," she replied, slipping into the car with a tired laugh.

At home, the family didn't crowd her. Instead, Baby Naun was the first to greet her with an excited giggle and grabby hands. Jia Lan hugged her, letting the scent of baby powder and innocence calm her.The family had prepared a feast. Chicken soup, stir-fried lotus root, spicy tofu, red bean buns—the table was full.

Everyone took turns asking about the questions, offering her food, patting her back. Baby Naun tried to stuff a bun into her mouth with tiny fingers, causing an eruption of laughter.

That evening, after helping clean up, Jia Lan sat by the window in her room, watching the golden haze settle over the rooftops. Her mind felt clear.

She checked her system interface.

System Check-In (Exam Day Bonus)

"Mind Clarity Pill" (1 dose)

"Post-Exam Relaxation Herbal Tea" (1 sachet)

Reward: "Stress Relief Herbal Bath Set + Lavender Eye Mask"

Comment: For our hard-working heroine—rest is part of success too.

Perfect timing Thank you, she whispered to the glowing icon.

She tucked the eye mask into her drawer, planning to use it after dinner. Her bones ached from the long day, and a warm soak was just what she needed.

She sipped her tea, leaned back against the pillows, and closed her eyes. For the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to drift into sleep with no textbook beside her.

Her dream was light—filled with sunshine, blooming plum trees, and the laughter of her family.

She had done her best. The rest, now, was up to fate.

Meanwhile, downstairs…

In the family room, Father Jia sipped tea with Jia Zhe and Jia Wei. His tone was gentle but firm.

"Listen," he said, "Don't ask Lan'er how she did in the exam. Not now, not for a few days. Let her rest. She's worked hard enough, and right now, peace of mind is more important than marks."

Jia Wei nodded. "I wasn't going to. Just teasing a little…"

"No teasing either," Father Jia interrupted. "She's still a girl, even if she acts like a little general."

Mother Jia entered with a soft sigh, holding a few store coupons. "I'm thinking of taking her shopping tomorrow. Let her pick something nice, maybe a new autumn jacket. It'll cheer her up."

Grandfather Jia, who had joined them quietly, chuckled. "And bring the baby too. No one can stay worried when Naun is squealing and waving her tiny fists."

Grandmother Jia added, "Let's assign her a mission: Operation Aunt Distraction."

Everyone laughed.

And upstairs, Jia Lan placed the lavender mask gently across her eyes, Baby Naun's earlier giggle still echoing in her ears.

With a deep breath, she whispered, "Whatever happens… I have them. That's more than enough."

And sleep found her, soft and sweet.