Chapter 1008: Why Hadn’t The Gong Family Shown Up?
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Su Shen’s usually cold and stern expression softened with a faint warmth, as though all his worries could evaporate just by seeing her happy.

Reaching out, he gently tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear and let out a low chuckle. “As long as you like it, that’s all that matters,” he said softly.

He had made up his mind. He might not have much else, but he had money–enough to follow her wherever she went, even if she chose a school far away. He didn’t want to control her life, but he was determined to stay by her side, doing everything he could to support her.

Gu Zi’s radiant smile didn’t falter, her cheeks glowing with a pink hue that could have been from excitement, happiness, or the lingering flush of intimacy. The soft blush only made her more enchanting, and Su Shen couldn’t tear his eyes away.

Carefully, she placed the perfume back into its box and said with playful determination, “I’m saving this for the day I get my results. I’ll wear my most beautiful dress and pair it with this perfume!”

Su Shen nodded indulgently, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he picked up a towel to dry her hair. She sat naturally on his lap, the boxed perfume in her hands.

She turned it over idly, only to notice the price printed on the bottom. Two hundred yuan. Her eyes widened slightly. This man really didn’t hold back.

Gu Zi felt even more pleased with him. To her, a man’s willingness to spend on a woman was an undeniable sign of sincerity. Brimming with joy, she set the perfume box aside, leaned forward, and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Su Shen, you’re the best,” she murmured.

Su Shen chuckled and rubbed her head affectionately, though a pang of guilt flickered in his chest. It was late, and he shouldn’t have kept her up like this.

Wrapping his arms around her, he coaxed gently, “Finish drying your hair and get some sleep. Don’t push yourself too hard with your studies these next few days. Rest properly and keep your body in the best condition.”

He might not know much about exams, but he knew how to train soldiers. A soldier’s peak performance came when their body was in optimal condition, and he wanted her to approach her exams the same way. He silently vowed not to disturb her over the coming days.

Gu Zi nodded obediently, her eyes fluttering shut as she nestled against him, falling asleep right there in his arms. Su Shen wasn’t one to talk much, but for her, he’d been saying so much more lately. His words made sense, and she decided she would take his advice to heart.

As the college entrance exams loomed closer, Gu Shan and Zhang Mei temporarily put aside their differences, pooling their remaining savings to throw a banquet in their courtyard. They invited friends and neighbors to celebrate Lin Miao’s upcoming exam, proudly spreading the news.

Naturally, the whispers reached the Gong family, but no one from the Gong household had any intention of attending.

Madam Chen, for one, scoffed at the notion. Even if Lin Miao somehow managed to pass her exams and turn her life around, she had no intention of letting her son have a future with her. Once the exams were over, she planned to push for a swift divorce–sooner rather than later.

Lin Miao, the girl from the countryside who had recently been released from prison, was now preparing to take the college entrance exams. It was a story that sparked curiosity and conversation.

On the day of the banquet, a crowd gathered around Lin Miao, bombarding her with questions.

“Lin Miao, we heard you’re taking the college entrance exams. Have you already decided on a university?”

Lin Miao’s smile was confident and radiant. It was her first time stepping into the spotlight since her release, and though she wasn’t in the best state, she made sure to present herself with poise. “The exams start tomorrow. Of course, I’ve got a few selections lined up. I’m a transfer student at Guangwai Middle School. You might’ve heard of it?”

The crowd buzzed with surprise. Guangwai Middle School? Wasn’t that the best school in Guangcheng?

Of course, they’d heard of it. But how had Guangwai accepted someone like Lin Miao, who had been to prison? Clearly, there was more to her than they’d thought.

They recalled Zhang Mei’s earlier claims about Lin Miao’s stellar academic record, which they’d dismissed as exaggeration. But now, seeing her so self-assured, they began to reconsider.

Someone couldn’t resist asking, “So, you must feel confident about this exam, right?”

Lin Miao nodded firmly, her voice steady. “I wouldn’t say I’m aiming for a top-tier university, but I’m confident I’ll get into a solid, above-average university. Thank you all for your support. I’m especially grateful to my parents for their sacrifices. I won’t let them down.”

Her words left the crowd impressed.

Such confidence–she must truly be exceptional. If she succeeded in getting into a good university, it would be a remarkable turnaround.

They began to wonder: would Gong Zhan still insist on divorcing her if she became a university student? Speaking of which, why hadn’t the Gong family shown up today?

One nosy neighbor seized the moment. “Well, we’re all rooting for you, Lin Miao. By the way, we haven’t seen much of Gong Zhan lately. Ever since he returned from the capital, he’s been staying at the base. We thought he’d come today. After all, you’re still married. Doesn’t he have anything to say or do for you as you take this big step?”