After observing these past few days, she’d decided it was better to start high school early and find a job sooner too!
Ideally, the workplace would provide dormitory housing, so she could move right in.
Truth be told, she was having a hard time getting used to this home.
Every single thing about it felt wrong!
Thankfully, she had her personal space—where she’d already stockpiled plenty of supplies long ago.
On days when the house was empty, she’d prepare extra food for herself.
At noon, she’d cook porridge in time for Wang Xiulan’s return.
And of course, while cooking, she’d sneak in something extra: she’d boil eggs right along with it.
Then, before Wang Xiulan came back, she’d fish the eggs out and store them away in her space.
News that she’d been adopted and then returned spread like wildfire. Now, her family was the talk of the neighborhood at every gathering.
She couldn’t use the family’s stove to cook while everyone was away—not because she was afraid of unexpected visitors, but because firewood and coal were strictly rationed. Any shortage would be noticed immediately. So she had to seize the opportunity at noon, when meals were normally prepared, to cook her own little extras on the sly.
Fortunately, she’d prepared and stored up plenty of food earlier, which made things much easier now. She’d been eating well from her stores these days—her body simply needed the nourishment after being so poorly fed. Still, she avoided anything with a strong smell; at home, she stuck to mild foods like eggs and steamed buns. When her cravings grew too strong, she’d slip outside to a quiet, open spot and eat a piece of meat to satisfy herself. She dared not overindulge—her body wasn’t used to rich food yet, so she had to take it slow.
Days passed quietly, and soon the senior high school entrance exams were drawing near.
During her stay at the Lu family home, Lu Jinxia hadn’t allowed herself to be taken advantage of. She did her fair share of work without complaint, but no one could dump extra chores on her that weren’t hers to do.
Lu Lichun remained as sharp-tongued and hot-tempered as ever, constantly finding fault with her and making snide remarks. At first, she’d tried to push Lu Jinxia around, deliberately piling her dirty clothes in front of her and ordering her to wash them—only to be firmly refused. Seeing that Lu Jinxia wasn’t one to be bullied, Lu Lichun had no choice but to swallow her anger, snatch her clothes back, and never dare order her about again.
That was exactly what Lu Jinxia wanted: she wouldn’t pick fights, but no one would ever treat her like a soft touch. She lived by a simple rule: Treat me with respect, and I’ll do the same for you. Humiliate me, and I’ll make sure you regret it.
Outwardly, she remained calm and composed, giving nothing away—but inwardly, she saw everything clearly. Knowing Lu Lichun was petty and possessive, she never touched a single thing that belonged to her, and she would never allow Lu Lichun to meddle with her own belongings either.
Lu Xiangyang, still young, could be mischievous. Once, he snatched a book from her hands. Lu Jinxia didn’t yell or scold; she simply looked at him calmly and said, “If you take it again, I’ll tell Mom and Dad to throw away all your slingshots and glass marbles.” She knew exactly what mattered most to a child—and with those words, he was completely subdued. After that, Lu Xiangyang never dared to provoke her again. Instead, he grew somewhat wary of this quiet third sister who was clearly not to be trifled with.
And so the family lived together: neither close nor estranged, with occasional friction, but no one dared to mistreat or take advantage of her anymore.
Lu Jianguo handed Lu Jinxia her exam admission ticket. She took the thin sheet of paper, pretended to slip it into her pocket, and actually stored it safely away in her space. Then she smiled up at him. “Thank you, Dad. I appreciate everything you’ve done these past weeks.”
Lu Jianguo waved it off warmly. “It’s nothing—just part of being a father. But tell me, are you managing well at home these days?”
Lu Jinxia nodded.
From then on, she threw herself into her exam preparations. While the house was empty during the day, she sat at the table studying. Her notes were read so thoroughly that the edges of the pages frayed, and she committed every key concept to memory.
Lu Lichun, seeing her buried in books all day, couldn’t help making sarcastic remarks. “Pretending to be so diligent! Do you honestly think you’ll pass? Don’t come crying when you fail—and embarrass the whole family.”
Anyone else might have grown angry or argued back. But Lu Jinxia simply lifted her gaze and looked at Lu Lichun—her expression calm, unreadable, yet bearing a quiet weight that felt as though she were watching some ridiculous spectacle. She said nothing at all, merely lowered her head and continued reading, treating Lu Lichun as if she didn’t exist. Her silence was far more cutting than any retort could have been. Lu Lichun burned with indignation yet could find nothing to take issue with. In a huff, she kicked the leg of the bed, stormed over to her own bed, and said no more.
Wang Xiulan, seeing how late she stayed up studying, felt for her and would secretly slip her half a piece of flatbread. Lu Jinxia noticed it all and kept it close to her heart—though she never grew overly familiar or tried to curry favor. She understood the truth: her parents’ acceptance came from their bond as family. But the stability and future she longed for? Those she would have to build entirely by herself.
On exam day, dawn was just breaking. Wang Xiulan had risen early specially to steam a white flour bun and boil an egg for her—a truly generous meal in those days of scarcity.
“Take it easy. Just do your best.”
Lu Jinxia nodded, ate the bun quickly, tucked her admission ticket carefully into her inner pocket, buttoned her coat, and stepped out into the morning.
She knew this exam was the first crucial step toward establishing herself in this era.
She entered the humble examination hall, took her seat, picked up her brush, and began writing. The questions posed no difficulty—her past-life knowledge served her well. Combined with her weeks of quiet preparation, she wrote with steady confidence, her handwriting neat and unhurried. Throughout the entire exam, she remained calm and focused, never once faltering.
When the final bell rang, she handed in her paper and left.
Back at the apartment block, she went about her day as usual—sweeping, tending the stove, sorting vegetables.
Results would take time to be announced. During those weeks, the injury on her forehead healed, though it left a scar. Fortunately, she had stocked up on scar-removing ointment long ago; otherwise, the mark would have stayed with her.
Word soon came that results were posted. The entire apartment block buzzed with excitement. Lu Jianguo hurried to the school and returned clutching her admission notice, his face beaming with unmistakable pride.
“Jinxia—you passed! You’ve been admitted to No. 1 High School—a proper key public high school!”
He handed her the bright red envelope. Neighbors, hearing the news, gathered around to offer their congratulations. In those days, very few students ever got into the prestigious school. Everyone praised her, saying what a fine, promising daughter the Lu family had raised. Wang Xiulan, overcome with joy and astonishment, bustled about offering tea to their guests, her eyes glistening with happy tears.
Lu Jinxia held the thin notice in her hands, and finally felt a quiet sense of assurance settle over her. Step one, she thought, is firmly accomplished.
Lu Lichun stood off to one side, her expression far from pleased—but she said nothing more. The result was undeniable, and further criticism would only make her look petty. Young Lu Xiangyang edged closer, curiously peering at the red envelope. From that moment on, he looked up at his third sister with newfound respect.
And so the summer passed—quietly and uneventfully. Through Wang Xiulan and Lu Jianguo’s efforts, Lu Lichun also secured a position at the garment factory.