Chapter 103: Chapter 103

The news of Ye Ling returning to the compound spread to all households that evening. Zhao Guodong was worried and wanted to visit the Ye Family but didn’t dare to go. Eventually, it was Zhang Linong who came over, analyzed the situation with him, and only then did Zhao Guodong feel relieved.

Early the next morning, Ye Ling got up without anyone needing to wake her. She didn’t have any clothes to change into; the old clothes she had were mostly hand-me-downs from Ye Qian. She found a clean set to wear and went to the living room, where she saw that her father had already prepared breakfast—millet porridge and leftover dumplings from last night. She didn’t see her mother, but Ye Qian came out.

"Sis, I wish you good luck with your exams," Ye Qian said warmly, as if nothing had happened, pulling Ye Ling’s hand and placing an egg in it, "For good luck."

The egg was still warm in her hand. Ye Ling didn’t want to see Ye Qian’s pretentious act, so she just lightly said thank you. Hearing her father calling for breakfast, she sat down. Ye Qian ate briefly and then saw Ye Ling off at the door. Only after Ye Ling had walked far away, did a look of loss appear on her face.

"Study hard after re-enrolling; you can pass the exams next year too," Ye He Ping couldn’t bear it and comforted his younger daughter.

Ye Qian nodded resolutely, "Don’t worry, Dad, I’m fine."

Seeing her act so strong only made people feel more sympathy; it was easy to understand why his wife doted on their younger daughter. Compared to the older daughter, how could such a considerate and sensible child not tug at one’s heartstrings?

Ye Ling hadn’t walked far from home when she saw Zhao Guodong, Zhang Li, and Wang Ping waiting for her. Smiling, she walked over, "Have you been waiting long?"

"Is your face alright?" Zhao Guodong asked, avoiding the question.

Ye Ling knew he was concerned but still glared at him, "If not, what should I do? Skip the exam?"

"I was just afraid you’d be embarrassed," Zhao Guodong said without taking offense.

Ye Ling laughed, "I’ve already lost what I should lose, what else matters? If you’re worried about being embarrassed with me, just stay away."

"You’re something else, I didn’t mean that. I’m just concerned about you," Zhao Guodong didn’t want to upset her, "Don’t worry, if anyone bullies you, I’ll beat them up."

Ye Ling laughed, "Forget it, let’s just do well on the exams the next few days, don’t get into trouble."

After the exams, she could go to work, which was unavoidable. Ye Ling didn’t mind; it was better than staying at home. Moreover, she had thought about her father’s words for a long time. It made sense, either get married or get a job. She didn’t have to return to this home. If she didn’t want to get married, she had to work hard for a good job, so she wouldn’t have to come back.

Once she understood this, Ye Ling, who was not one to stay depressed, felt better.

Zhao Guodong saw that she was really okay and held back from asking about what happened after she got home yesterday. Zhang Linong and Wang Ping just quietly listened on the side while Ye Ling talked about things to watch out for during the exams and advised them to skip questions they couldn’t answer and return to them later.

In short, she said things similar to what the teachers would say, but Zhao Guodong didn’t find it annoying. Once they got to school, they each went to their exam rooms, only meeting again at noon.

Zhao Guodong and Wang Ping were the most excited; Zhang Linong was still the same as ever, never making a big deal out of anything.

"Ye Ling, you’re amazing. Some questions you predicted, and I’m sure I’ll pass this time," Wang Ping was thrilled.

Zhao Guodong proudly lifted his chin, "Of course, otherwise how could she guarantee we’d all pass?"

He acted as if he was the one being praised.

Ye Ling smiled and then seriously said, "You’ve only taken two subjects; there are four more to go. This is not the time to get complacent. Give your best in the afternoon and tomorrow."

"Don’t worry." Having passed two subjects, Wang Ping felt confident and assured of himself.

Ye Ling was also confident in them. After all, she had told them most of the questions; if they couldn’t get into high school, they might as well give up on studying with such brains.

Upon returning to the compound, Zhao Guodong told his grandma excitedly about doing well, and Mrs. Zhao was equally happy, repeatedly saying it was thanks to Ye Ling’s tutoring. Zhao Liangguo also came back and heard his son say he did well, but was skeptical. He knew what his son was like. If tutoring for just over a month could make him perform well, then everyone should tutor. However, he didn’t dampen his son’s enthusiasm.

During the two days of exams, the compound felt different from usual. Parents stayed home more, and people gathered to chat.

Those two days went by quickly. When the last subject was over, Ye Ling came out of the exam room and saw Zhao Guodong and the others waiting outside, grinning.

"Let’s go out to eat, I’m treating," Ye Ling had already spoken with her father at noon about it.

Her father didn’t say much, only asked her to come back early.

During Ye Ling’s exam days, Bai Xue hadn’t been around; it was Ye He Ping who was cooking at home. When Ye Ling said she wouldn’t be home for dinner and was going out with friends, he just assumed she was upset with her mother and didn’t press the issue.

When Zhao Guodong heard that Ye Ling was treating them, he was a bit reserved, "Maybe we should head home for dinner. I can ask my grandma to cook."

"Come on, I don’t have much money, just treating you to noodles," Ye Ling understood what made him uneasy, "I can’t afford anything fancy."

At that time, noodles cost thirty cents a bowl, and for four people, it would be one yuan and twenty cents, not too little money. However, seeing the joy on Ye Ling’s face, Zhao Guodong didn’t refuse anymore. The four of them turned a corner and went to a noodle shop, which wasn’t very busy since most families were not well-off and didn’t eat out frequently.

They chose a big table and ordered four bowls of noodles. The noodle shop owner, an elderly man, was very kind and added a plate of side dishes, knowing they had just finished their exams, to reward them.

The bowls were large, and Ye Ling couldn’t finish hers, so she divided about half into the bowls of the other three and added a big spoonful of chili oil before eating.

In her past life, Ye Ling had only eaten noodles once, when Shen Bin took her to eat on the day they registered their marriage. She thought at that time that these noodles were the most delicious thing in the world. She never had them again until now. As she tasted the familiar flavors, a happy smile spread across Ye Ling’s face. Zhao Guodong was too busy eating to notice, but the more refined eater, Zhang Linong, caught the moment.

After finishing, the four of them walked home together. Zhao Guodong patted his stomach, "This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten."

Hearing Zhao Guodong’s words, Ye Ling thought of herself and curled her lips slightly. Youth is truly wonderful. (To be continued. If you work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)