"Ah, we really envy you, Mianmian, every time you take an exam you make money for the family. Look at our kids, they’re so scared of exams they don’t even dare to go to school. They just can’t compare."
Villagers sighed over their own children’s lack of ambition and aversion to studying, envious of Jiang Mianmian’s prospects, and the way she brought honor to her family.
The family of three listened to the flowery praise for a while, contentedly, then continued cycling towards the Jiang family home.
By the time they arrived, the Jiang family members were just about to have dinner.
Zhang Guihua saw Jiang Mianmian returning home and was overjoyed. She came out to greet her with a smile on her face,
"Oh my, my precious granddaughter, you’re finally back. Grandma has missed you to death." Zhang Guihua grabbed Jiang Mianmian’s hand and wouldn’t let go, her tone incredibly warm.
Jiang Dashan also stood behind the old lady, looking at Jiang Mianmian with affectionate eyes.
Feeling neglected off to the side, Jiang Changhai wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "Mom, let’s go inside to talk."
"Right, look how happy I’ve got. Come on, my dear granddaughter, let’s go inside. The sun is too strong out here." Zhang Guihua led Jiang Mianmian into the house by the hand.
"Eldest, Mianmian, have you eaten yet?" Zhang Guihua gently stroked Jiang Mianmian’s hand, smiling as she asked.
"Grandma, Dad and I already ate at home. Go ahead and eat, don’t mind us," Jiang Mianmian said considerately.
"If you’ve eaten already, then I’ll get some fruit for you," Zhang Guihua said, about to go pick persimmons and cucumbers from the garden.
Jiang Mianmian, seeing that they hadn’t eaten yet, quickly stopped the old lady, "Grandma, you eat first. I’ll pick some myself, I’ll just get what I like."
"Alright, that works too." Zhang Guihua knew her granddaughter was looking out for her. She patted Jiang Mianmian’s head, saying with great satisfaction.
Jiang Mianmian went out to pick some tender cucumbers and persimmons, washed them, and shared half with her dad.
The father and daughter ate the persimmons while chatting with the Jiang family members.
"Mianmian, how did you do on your exams this time?" Jiang Dashan asked with concern.
"Grandpa, I did very well. I’ve skipped another grade, and I’m planning to go straight to ninth grade next semester," Jiang Mianmian said with a touch of pride.
"Skipped another grade? My, my granddaughter is truly amazing, going straight to ninth grade. That means you’re nearly ready for high school," Zhang Guihua exclaimed, her praise overflowing with joy.
"Yeah, Mianmian, you’re really impressive. I haven’t even started seventh grade, and you’re going to be in ninth," said Zhiwen casually.
Jiang Changtao, seeing his son make such an unthoughtful comment in front of everyone and embarrass him, immediately scowled and said, "You still have the face to say that, when Mianmian, who is three years younger than you, is starting ninth grade. If you don’t pass the entrance exam to enter seventh grade this year, you’ll come home and farm."
Zhiwen had been thinking about borrowing his uncle’s bicycle for a ride in the afternoon, but now, scolded severely by his dad, he didn’t dare to speak out.
He quickly lowered his head, saying no more.
Feeling sorry for her grandson, Zhang Guihua quickly smoothed things over, "Alright, alright, we’re eating right now, why talk about this? Come on, Zhiwen, eat your meal, don’t mind your dad."
"Mianmian, how many days can you stay this time?" Zhang Guihua asked with concern.
"Grandma, I can only stay for three days. Brother Yu’s friend invited me to visit the Capital City last month, and I’ve already promised them. I’ll have to go to the Capital City in a few days," Jiang Mianmian explained.
Zhaodi, who had been focused on her meal, suddenly tensed her grip on the chopsticks upon hearing that Jiang Mianmian was going to the Capital City again.