Read Novel Full Chapter 868: Sharing the Good News
Chapter 868: Chapter 868: Sharing the Good News
"Qiangzi is also doing well. Congratulations to Sister-in-law." Tang Zhengyuan’s face was filled with joy. Although Tang Jun wasn’t his son, he was his nephew — still part of the Tang family lineage. He said, "The four of them often hang out together, and they are such good kids. Their grades are excellent."
Tang Zhengyuan hadn’t even specifically sought out Mo Weidong and Wei Jiajie’s exam results yet, but he ran into the Mo Family and Wei Family. Wei Jiajie scored 600 points, and Mo Weidong scored 599 points, which are both exceptional.
The four families stood together, their happiness unmistakable.
Tang Zhengyuan returned to Qianjin Village to share the good news with Granny Tang: His grandson was admitted to university and ranked first in the province.
Before Tang Zhengyuan even reached home, he ran into many villagers. Seeing Tang Zhengyuan beaming with joy, they couldn’t help but ask if there was any good news.
"My Xiaojun took the college entrance exam and came out as the first in the province. I’m so happy; I’m rushing back to tell my mom the good news."
Over fifty years old, Tang Zhengyuan hadn’t let divorce bring him down. Instead, working in the factory made him increasingly confident, and he seemed much younger.
"My Xiaojun scored first in the province."
Tang Zhengyuan spread the good news all the way back home, and by the time he arrived at the Tang Family, the news about Tang Jun’s top provincial score had already spread throughout most of Qianjin Village.
"Mom, I’ve got great news, really great news." When Tang Zhengyuan reached home, Granny Tang was sitting at the door, reclining on a rocking chair, fanning herself leisurely with an old bamboo fan while watching TV. Before long, she burst out laughing.
"Zhengyuan’s back?"
Hearing Tang Zhengyuan’s voice, Granny Tang sat up and asked, "What’s the great news? Has Xiaojun gotten in?"
If it was good news, it had to be about Tang Jun’s college entrance exam. Though she lived in the village, she’d heard from neighbors that results were coming out soon.
"He not only got in; he scored first in the whole province. He’s brought so much pride to us." Tang Zhengyuan exclaimed excitedly.
"First in the province?" Granny Tang’s eyes widened. Being first in the county was already a feat, but first in the province?
Tang Zhengyuan nodded affirmatively and said, "Yes, first in the province, just like Xiao Yue back then — they’re the science top scorers for Jiang Province. The brother and sister are really studious."
Tang Zhengyuan looked around but didn’t see Tang Xian and the others.
Granny Tang was so happy she couldn’t stop smiling, "Xiao Xian took Xiao Li and Zhihao back to her family’s home. Xiao Li is pregnant again, and if she doesn’t go now, she might not make it back until after the baby is born. They’ve been gone for two or three days; they should be back today."
"Zhengyuan, you must be tired. I’ll cook for you." Granny Tang felt delighted. Tang Jun had truly brought honor to the Tang family’s ancestors.
...
A similar celebration was happening at the Zhang Family.
Elder Mrs. Zhang, upon hearing Zhang Qiang’s remarkable score, was also overjoyed despite her recent health troubles. The good news seemed to rejuvenate her.
"Huafeng, Cuihong, you knew what Qiangzi was like before. Without Xiaojun and Xiao Yue’s help, it would have been hard for Qiangzi to score this high, or even to get into college." Despite her happiness, Elder Mrs. Zhang felt obliged to speak the truth.
"Mom, I know. Don’t worry. Hua Lian and her family have done us a great favor, and I acknowledge that," Liu Cuixong expressed her gratitude towards Zhang Hualian’s family in her words.
Over the years, Liu Cuixong had seen Zhang Qiang’s changes. If he hadn’t followed Tang Jun and had instead hung out with a few troublemakers in town, Zhang Qiang might well have ended up like them — rarely home and driving the family crazy.
"Mom, when Hua Lian’s family comes back for the New Year, we’ll kill a chicken and duck for them. Oh, and isn’t Xiao Yue about to give birth? It’s a pity she’s so far away; otherwise, we could go to Jing City to see her." Liu Cuixong thought of Jing City’s distance but hesitated due to the cost of tickets.
"You’re right, Mom. After Xiao Yue gives birth, Hualian will definitely call. We can visit Jing City then," Zhang Huafeng added.
Liu Cuixong hesitated, but Zhang Huafeng continued, "Cuixong, even though the tickets are pricey, we’re Xiao Yue’s family. As her uncle, I can’t not visit after she has her baby."
"We’ll go. I never said we wouldn’t." Understanding that Zhang Huafeng was determined, Liu Cuixong decided to splurge a little, considering their reasonable savings.
"Tonight, let’s cook up something delicious to celebrate," Zhang Huafeng said, happily preparing the ingredients. He asked, "By the way, is Xiao Min coming back?"
"She said she would," Liu Cuixong replied.
Sure enough, just as night was approaching, Zhang Min returned home.
"Xiao Min, you’re back?" Liu Cuixong was serving dishes when she saw Zhang Min’s joyful expression. She asked, "What’s got you so happy?"
"Mom, nothing much. I heard the college entrance exam results came out," Zhang Min redirected the conversation.
As expected, Elder Mrs. Zhang was already happily recounting Tang Jun’s top provincial score. Zhang Min congratulated them with a smile, secretly admiring the Tang siblings’ brilliance — both of whom were top scorers.
During dinner, Zhang Min was in a great mood too.
No one knows a daughter better than her mother. Liu Cuixong felt something different about Zhang Min lately. Wearing a white dress and smelling nice, she quietly asked, "Xiao Min, are you seeing someone?"
"No," Zhang Min blinked, her eyes a soft gaze, avoiding Liu Cuixong’s eyes.
"Xiao Min, our family isn’t lacking financially anymore. Your dad’s Southern Goods Store is thriving, and my clothing store is making good money too. So don’t be like other women, letting yourself go too easily with some sweet-talking man," Liu Cuixong warned.
"Mom, what are you saying?"
Zhang Min, still a young lady, blushed deeply at her mother’s blunt words.
"Good, just making sure."
Observing Zhang Min’s sincere demeanor, Liu Cuixong continued, "You’re a year younger than Xiao Yue, and she’s about to have a baby. If you find someone worthwhile, I wouldn’t object."
"Xiao Min, tell me honestly, are you not seeing anyone?" Liu Cuixong asked again, curious why her attractive daughter was still single.
Although Zhang Min didn’t attend university, she was now interning at a county elementary school. If she performed well, she’d become a formal teacher.
"No," Zhang Min shook her head.