Jiang Mianmian crisply said, "That’s not too fast, Mom, I’m almost finished with the curriculum for the first semester of the fifth grade, and I don’t want to stay in elementary school forever. Going to middle school one year early would also allow me to learn more."
"Since you’ve decided for yourself, then go ahead and take the exam."
Su Wanyu wasn’t the kind of authoritarian parent; she always respected Jiang Mianmian’s choices and supported her wholeheartedly.
And knowing her daughter was very smart, grasping things at a touch when it came to learning, she wasn’t worried that she would do poorly on the exam.
But they were not the kind of people who bragged about their successes before they happened; they didn’t want to cause their daughter any trouble, so they tacitly kept this matter to themselves, telling no one.
On another weekend, while calling Yu Cheng at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, Jiang Mianmian told him about it.
"Brother Yu, I’m going to sit for the entrance exam this year. If everything goes smoothly, I can start middle school in September."
Jiang Mianmian really liked sharing all kinds of big and small events happening around her with Yu Cheng.
"Really? That’s impressive, Little Lamb. Why don’t you come to Capital City for middle school then? The teachers in Capital City are definitely better than those in town, and there are PE classes, music classes, art classes—fencing and swimming are so much fun too. You can develop in all areas in the future," Yu Cheng suggested with a hint of his own interest.
"But my parents are here, why would I go to Capital City?" Jiang Mianmian thought Yu Cheng was just speaking off the cuff and didn’t take it seriously.
Yu Cheng himself had only asked out of a moment’s interest, and seeing that she didn’t take it seriously, he did not bring it up again.
"Little Lamb, if you get into the top three in your entrance exam, Brother Yu will reward you. You have to study hard," Yu Cheng encouraged her like coaxing a child.
He knew Jiang Mianmian’s capabilities. Initially, he wanted to say there would be a reward for coming in first, but he changed it to the top three to avoid putting too much pressure on her.
"That’s great, then Brother Yu, you have to prepare the reward for me. I’m sure I can make it into the top three!" Jiang Mianmian said with full confidence, as she was no longer the poor student she used to be.
Yu Cheng also liked her confident and cheerful demeanor, laughing softly, "Don’t worry, you won’t be left out."
"Brother Yu, I have another piece of good news. A few days ago, we bought a new house in town. It’s really big and even has a separate small yard. We’ve reserved a room for you so that when you come over in the future, you can live at our place," Jiang Mianmian said excitedly as she talked about the new house.
"You reserved a room for me?"
Yu Cheng was stunned. Did Little Lamb and Uncle Jiang and Aunt Wan truly consider him a part of their family?
Jiang Mianmian naturally said, "Yes. The new house is so beautiful. You’ll definitely love it when you come over."
Upon hearing this, Yu Cheng’s usually expressionless handsome face broke into a warm smile, astonishing the people around him.
"I’m sure I will like it. Oh, and Little Lamb, a few days ago a friend gave me several boxes of chocolate liqueurs and a crate of pineapples. I’ve mailed them to you, and they should arrive in a few days. Remember to pick them up," he said.
"Thank you, Brother Yu, I’ll pick them up," Jiang Mianmian said obediently.
After hanging up with Yu Cheng, Jiang Mianmian, holding Jiang Changhai’s hand, ran and skipped ahead.
"You’re this happy just from a phone call with Yu Cheng?" Jiang Changhai sounded a bit sour.
Jiang Mianmian nodded, her eyes curving into a smile, "Brother Yu said that if I do well, he’ll give me a reward."
Jiang Changhai ruffled Jiang Mianmian’s hair and said, not wanting to be outdone, "You don’t have to do well for Dad to give you a reward. What do you want? Let’s go buy it now."