Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 113 – The Entrance Exam Is Over!

Xia Wenyue had stopped staying at the factory about a month before Xia Mian’s college entrance exam, staying home instead and trying every possible way to boost Xia Mian’s nutrition.

Xia Mian began to enjoy the treatment reserved for national treasures—so much so that even Mao Huizhu wouldn’t raise her voice when Xia Mian was at home.

Xiao Feng, in particular, was especially filial, bringing her tea and water, and even fanning her during her afternoon naps. Xia Mian was nearly moved to tears by how sweet he was.

The big day arrived at last. The whole family mobilized early in the morning: Mao Huimei prepared Xia Mian’s breakfast, Mao Huilan helped double-check the items needed for the exam and added a few extra pens just in case, while Xia Wenyue and Xiao Feng prepared to depart together. The two were going to accompany Xia Mian through the exam days.

Ning Shaobai was already waiting at the door. Xia Mian’s exam location was at No. 7 High School. Though not far, taking the car was certainly more comfortable and helped keep her in top condition.

Xia Wenyue was a little embarrassed. “Sorry to trouble you again, Dr. Ning. We really should buy a car next year.”

“No need to be polite.” Ning Shaobai opened the front passenger door for Xia Mian before smoothly taking the exam folder from her hands and double-checking everything. Only after confirming all was in order did they set off.

A crowd had already gathered at the entrance of the exam venue. Ning Shaobai parked the car a bit farther away, and the group walked over together.

Before entering the exam site, Xia Wenyue didn’t say much, only, “Don’t be nervous. Just do your best.”

Xiao Feng held Xia Mian’s hand and said seriously, “Good luck, Auntie!”

Ning Shaobai patted her head and smiled. “Go ahead. Relax and do your best.”

With Dr. Ning there, Xia Mian truly felt at ease.

Since they had already scouted the location, everything went smoothly. Xia Mian even ran into Fan Xiaoman.

“Been a year, huh? You’re even prettier now.”

Fan Xiaoman had changed drastically. With her hair tied back in a simple ponytail and her face fresh and bare, she was almost unrecognizable. Xia Mian could hardly believe this was the same girl who had once ruled the local delinquent scene—in fact, if she hadn’t spoken up first, Xia Mian might not have recognized her at all.

A faint smile appeared on Fan Xiaoman’s otherwise cool face. “Your tongue is still as glib as ever.”

Xia Mian laughed. “Good luck!”

“Yeah,” Fan Xiaoman said casually, “I’m just here for the experience this time. I’ll come back again next year.”

“You too—do your best.”

Knowing she was planning to repeat the year, Xia Mian was genuinely happy for her.

The two life-changing days had passed in a blur. As Xia Mian stepped out after the last exam, a surge of liberation washed over her. She felt like screaming at the top of her lungs.

The toughest, bleakest days are finally over!

She scooped up Xiao Feng, who had run over to her, spun him around in joy, and the child giggled uncontrollably.

“Tonight I’m sleeping with Auntie!”

“Okay, okay, we’ll sleep together!”

Not long before his seventh birthday, Xiao Feng had started sleeping in a separate bed from Xia Mian. During that time, everyone had been closely monitoring him, but fortunately, none of their worries came true.

Thanks to having slept alone with Qiangqiang during last summer vacation, Xia Mian had arranged for Chenchen to sleep with Xiao Feng a few nights this time too. Once he got used to it, the boy could sleep alone again.

Over the past few months, Xiao Feng had been very considerate. Not wanting to disturb Xia Mian, he had become particularly independent: getting up and going to bed by himself, and so on. But now, he finally couldn’t hold back from being clingy.

Xia Mian gave him a big kiss on the cheek.

Ning Shaobai walked over with three popsicles. Xia Mian’s eyes lit up with delight. “Wow, Dr. Ning, you’re the best!”

Her diet had been strictly controlled these past two days, and even the mung bean soup Ning Shaobai prepared at noon was served lukewarm. Popsicles? They had been completely off limits for fear of an upset stomach.

Ning Shaobai handed one to Xia Wenyue and one to Xiao Feng, then gave the last one to Xia Mian, smiling. “You deserve a treat. It’s been tough days.”

Xia Mian grinned. “Thanks to everyone’s help!”

…

The day after the entrance exam was for filling out college applications. In this era, the process went: exam first, then the answer key was released the next day so students could estimate their scores before filling in their choices.

Everything—from university cutoff scores to one’s actual exam score—was just an estimate. If you guessed wrong, all your hard work could go to waste. For example, missing your first-choice university by just a few points could land you in a much less desirable second-choice school.

There were plenty of horror stories. For example, Xia Mian had even heard of students who did really well but underestimated themselves and ended up missing out on their dream schools by applying to ones too far below their actual score.

It was such a nerve-wracking process; homeroom teachers and related faculty would tear their hair out over this stage, terrified something might go wrong. Xia Mian’s homeroom teacher, Mr. Mi, had originally thought his most proud student would be the last person he’d have to worry about… until he saw her college preference list and nearly spat blood on the spot.

“Yanbei Normal University?” Mr. Mi repeated. “Are you sure? I mean, it’s a good school, but with your scores, Hua or Yan are totally within reach.”

Xia Mian scratched her head. “I’m not really good at things like physics or math. I just want to be a teacher.”

Mr. Mi swallowed his curses. Was she seriously dismissing first-tier universities like Yan and Hua because they didn’t have majors she liked?

Xia Mian stuck out her tongue. She understood herself well and wouldn’t overestimate herself. Her high scores were largely thanks to the advantage of having lived another life, which was okay during high school. However, both Hua and Yan were top-tier schools where the best of the best gathered. They certainly weren’t quite the right fit for her, especially with her short temper. Her nature was simply unsuited for research.

Of course, the main reason was still her dream of becoming a teacher.

Mr. Mi had taught Xia Mian for two years and knew she had a firm mind. He didn’t say much at the time, but after letting her go, he immediately called Xia Wenyue.

When Xia Wenyue heard that Xia Mian could get into Hua or Yan University, she was thrilled. But upon learning Xia Mian had applied to Yanbei Normal University, she was still satisfied. “Being a teacher is great.”

In their generation’s eyes, professions like teacher, doctor, or nurse were the best careers for women. Research? That was something they couldn’t quite wrap their heads around.

Mr. Mi felt like he couldn’t get through to her, so he thought for a moment and called Ning Shaobai instead. Xia Mian’s “brother” was a returnee elite—surely he’d understand the value of a prestigious degree.

But the response was even simpler: “Doesn’t matter which school. Yanbei Normal’s good too. As long as she’s happy.”

Mr. Mi: “…”

Was he, this outsider, the only person losing sleep over Xia Mian’s future? There’s spoiling kids, and then there’s this!

…

Xia Mian had no idea her homeroom teacher was agonizing over her school choice. After agreeing on a class reunion time with Sun Yuexin and the others, she headed home.

Mao Huimei and Mao Huilan were packing up. When they saw her come in, Mao Huimei said, “How do you want to renovate the courtyard? Dr. Ning said to talk to him directly.”

The Mao family was moving. After paying off her loan last year, Xia Wenyue had already planned to buy a new home when Xia Mian suddenly remembered she still hadn’t told her about the two adjacent courtyard houses that were under her name.

When Xia Wenyue heard that Xia Mian was going to give her one of the courtyards, she was briefly surprised, then quickly delighted. “I was just worrying about where to buy! Your second uncle and I both like courtyard houses. Apartment buildings are too far. And with just you and Xiao Feng here, I’d worry if we weren’t close. This works out perfectly.”

Xia Mian had already prepared an explanation for the origin of the two courtyards—but Xia Wenyue didn’t ask a single question. Ever since Xia Mian turned eighteen, Xia Wenyue had consciously stopped treating her like a child. She rarely interfered in major decisions about Xia Mian and Xiao Feng.

The Mao sisters were also happy. This way, they wouldn’t be separated, and each family could have its own home.

The ever-decisive Xia Wenyue bought the house at market price and immediately began renovations. She wasn’t short on money anymore, so she modeled the refurbishments after those of Ning Shaoyun and Ning Shaobai, replacing all the plumbing, electrical systems, and drainage. The work had just been finished two months ago. Then, because of Xia Mian’s college entrance exams, the move was postponed. Now that the exams were over, they were finally moving.

After the Mao family moved out, Xia Mian also planned to renovate the house she and Xiao Feng lived in. The place was old with an outdated heating system. The layout of water and electrical lines was also poorly designed, but she had a lot of her own ideas for improvements.

When Mao Huimei told her that Ning Shaobai was looking for her, Xia Mian didn’t give it much thought. Since he was helping them to hire the renovation crew, it was only natural for him to confirm the design plans in advance.

When she entered, she saw Ning Shaobai sitting on a recliner, a book resting on his knee. She grinned sneakily and tiptoed over for a surprise attack, only to hear a woman’s voice: “Who are you? What are you doing?”

Xia Mian had already pounced. Ning Shaobai didn’t even turn his head; he simply shifted smoothly to the side to dodge her, then looked back at her face peeking out beside him and smiled. “Finished with your college applications?”

Xia Mian nodded and glanced toward the woman—Gao Qiongying—who had been standing behind a large pillar, which was why she hadn’t noticed her before.

Ning Shaobai explained, “Miss Gao is here to drop off some lab papers.”

Xia Mian tilted her head. “Lab?”

“Mm.” Ning Shaobai said, “The hospital’s setting up a new lab. I’m one of the main people in charge…”

Gao Qiongying looked surprised. “Shaobai, why are you telling her this? This little girl wouldn’t understand.”

Ning Shaobai replied coolly, “Miss Gao, this is my personal matter.”

Sensing they were discussing business, Xia Mian offered, “Should I come back later?”

“No need,” Ning Shaobai said. “Miss Gao was just about to leave.”

Gao Qiongying, who had hoped to stay a bit longer and continue chatting: “…”

Ning Shaobai was already standing and clearly seeing her out. She had no choice but to follow.

Looking at Xia Mian walking alongside Ning Shaobai, she said, “I didn’t expect you to be so domestic, Shaobai. Seems I really don’t know you that well.”

“Is it because of your benefactor?” she said with hidden meaning. “Shaobai, are you planning to take care of this little girl for the rest of your life?”

The way she said it made it sound like Xia Mian was clinging to Ning Shaobai for benefits.

“You’re right.” Ning Shaobai actually smiled, raised his hand, and ruffled Xia Mian’s hair, then casually put his arm around her shoulders with a soft laugh. “She’s my benefactor; of course I’ll take care of her for life.”

Xia Mian froze.

‘Oh no, oh no!’ She screamed inside. She’d forgotten her invincibility buff ended with the college entrance exams! And now Dr. Ning sounded like he was about to go full offensive mode!

Flashing a grin, she hurriedly said, “Dr. Ning, why don’t you go walk Miss Gao out? I’ve got something to do—I’ll come find you later.”

Ning Shaobai gently held her in place, smiling. “Perfect, we’ll walk Miss Gao out together.”

“Hehe, alright then.” Xia Mian slyly put on a look of compromise, then took off running the moment Ning Shaobai let his guard down.

Watching her back as she fled, Ning Shaobai couldn’t help but chuckle.

Gao Qiongying looked at the side of him that was completely different from usual. Feeling an inexplicable sense of crisis, she spoke up, “Shaobai, about what I mentioned before… I hope you’ll reconsider.”

“It’s only for show, three months at most. I just want my grandfather to go without any regrets.”

“He’s always looked up to you the most. If he thought we were together, he’d be overjoyed—might even hold on a little longer.”

“Miss Gao,” Ning Shaobai said mildly, “this will be the last time I say it, but my answer is no.”

His expression softened suddenly as he continued, “I already have someone I like.”

“I won’t let someone I care about feel humiliated or upset just to appease someone who has nothing to do with me,” Ning Shaobai said. “So, Miss Gao, please stop entertaining any thoughts about me.”

Gao Qiongying’s eyes widened as she instinctively retorted, “Impossible!”

Ning Shaobai didn’t respond to her directly. He only said calmly, “I’m a doctor. With Old Master Gao’s condition, he should still have at least three more years. You can rest easy, Miss Gao.”

“Goodbye.”

Translator’s Note:

Happy New Year! We are releasing two extra chapters each for all titles this Sunday. Enjoy~