Lin Xiaoxiao felt a mix of excitement and unease. She was thrilled that the college entrance exam policy had finally been announced, but also anxious—Zhou Huai'an still hadn't returned. She was starting to forget what her own husband looked like.

After a quick meal, she and Zhou Xiaoling went straight to the Second Office to find Zhong Zhiguo.

Zhong didn't hesitate. He knew better than anyone how difficult things had been for Zhou Huai'an out there. Letting Lin Xiaoxiao sign up for the exam was a small matter, and he agreed readily.

He even reassured her: "Don't worry. No matter how many people register, I'll make sure you get a spot. Just go home and focus on studying. The unit will also organize review classes. If you feel unsure about anything, you're welcome to join."

Lin Xiaoxiao hadn't expected such good news. "Really? That's wonderful. I'll definitely come."

Zhong Zhiguo smiled. "It's to help everyone pass the exam. The unit will invite teachers to give lessons and tutor registered candidates. It's been so many years since anyone studied—I'm afraid many people won't recognize what's in the textbooks, and the textbooks won't recognize them."

Lin Xiaoxiao laughed. "That's really great. With guidance, we can focus on what's important instead of studying blindly."

She was confident in her science skills, but politics was another story—she couldn't seem to grasp the key points. What's more, English—her strongest subject—wasn't even on the exam. The thought made her a little nervous.

As they left Zhong's office, Zhou Xiaoling was practically bouncing with excitement. "Sis, if you get into university, you'll be a college student! Our family will have yet another graduate—my second brother and sister are already students."

Back then, college students were rare—especially from rural areas.

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. What if I fail? That would be so embarrassing."

Zhou Xiaoling disagreed. "So what? Lots of people don't even dare to sign up. Look at me—I wouldn't. I'd just end up at the bottom of the list. Besides, our unit is the only one offering prep classes. Other places don't have that—people have to figure it out on their own."

That made Lin Xiaoxiao feel a little better. After all, everyone had missed out on ten years of education. Most people were starting from the same place, which was why the passing score was expected to be low.

Zhou Xiaoling grew more excited. "Sis, have you thought about which university you want to go to?"

"Beijing," Lin Xiaoxiao said without hesitation.

Zhou Xiaoling nodded eagerly. "Good, good! That's close to home. Mom and Dad can look after you—my brother would rest easy. You could come home during breaks, and he could visit when he has leave. Who knows—maybe he'll even get transferred to Beijing someday."

But Lin Xiaoxiao was more practical. "There's also the baby. I might have to defer for a year—wait till after the birth to start school. And traveling with a newborn won't be easy."

The idea of a four- or five-day train ride with an infant was daunting. Flying wasn't an option either—it wasn't just about money; you needed special permission from your work unit.

Nothing was simple these days.

Zhou Xiaoling slapped her forehead. "Right, I almost forgot! My nephew will be here by then. But that's okay—you can leave the baby with Mom and Dad when you come visit my brother."

She eyed Lin Xiaoxiao teasingly. "Sis, you're so pretty... once you're at university, surrounded by all those smart students... you wouldn't fall for someone else, would you?"

Lin Xiaoxiao pinched her arm. "What nonsense are you saying? Do I look like that kind of person?"

Zhou Xiaoling giggled. "Not really... but I still worry for my brother. He can't afford to lose such a good wife."

Lin Xiaoxiao burst out laughing. "You really know how to sweet-talk, don't you? Keep it coming."

Arm in arm, the two laughed and joked all the way home.

Meanwhile, when Xiao Yan heard the news about the restored exams, the knot in her chest finally loosened. But then she watched group after group of educated youth heading to the village party secretary's house.

The policy was clear: all eligible youth were encouraged to take the exam. Anyone could sign up—as long as their unit or village committee approved.

But here in the village, nearly thirty young people were competing for just five spots. Two had already been reserved for those who'd excelled in school and made outstanding contributions during their rural labor.

The remaining twenty-plus people would have to fight for the last three spots.

Xiao Yan wasn't confident at all. She'd been away from the village for over three years. Her connections had weakened, and everyone seemed hostile. Would she get one?

Anxious and impatient, she waited until dark, then brought two bottles of liquor to the secretary's house.

The family was eating dinner by the dim light of a kerosene lamp: a plate of pickles, some scallion pancakes, and rice porridge—a relatively good meal by village standards.

When Yuelian saw Xiao Yan, her face brightened. "Xiao Yan! Have you eaten?"

Hanniù eagerly held out a scallion pancake. "Wife eat! Wife eat!"

Xiao Yan wished she could shut him up. Why did he have to call her "wife" every time? It disgusted her. If it weren't for the exam quota, she would've slapped him long ago.

But now wasn't the time. Forcing a smile, she accepted the pancake and placed it back on the plate. "I've already eaten, thank you."

She set the liquor in front of the secretary. "Secretary Li, I bought these yesterday. I heard you like a drink now and then—this one's supposed to be good, doesn't give you a headache."

The secretary remained cold. "That's too kind. You should take them back. Gifts at a time like this will only raise suspicions. I'm not just saying this to you—many have come these past few days, bringing meat, fabric... I turned them all away."

He sat up straight, adopting a righteous tone. "I know what you all want. But there are only three spots. They should go to the most capable."

All the attention from the educated youth lately had gone to his head. He held the power to decide their futures—and he knew it.

Xiao Yan hadn't expected him to be so direct. Flustered, she forced another smile. "I understand. But it's not just about the exam. I also wanted to thank you for how well you've treated me all these years. I don't know how to repay you."

Yuelian suddenly cut in, "Xiao Yan, are you seeing anyone?"

The question caught Xiao Yan off guard. "No... why do you ask?"

Yuelian looked affectionately at her foolish son. "What do you think of our Hanniù? He may be simple, but he's decent-looking."