Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Chapter 69 Preparing for the College Entrance Examination

With the college entrance exam drawing ever closer, she hurried toward the only bookstore in town.

The bookstore's storefront is small, with wooden door frames and glass windows showing signs of age, but the aroma of books and ink still wafts out from the cracks in the door.

Inside the store, rows of bookshelves are neatly arranged. Although the variety of books is limited compared to modern bookstores, each one carries the respect and pursuit of knowledge that people in this era have.

Jiang Man's eyes scanned the bookshelf eagerly, and she quickly locked onto the college entrance examination section.

She saw the Chinese language review materials; those thick books seemed like keys to unlock the palace of literature.

She picked up a book, gently opened it, and found detailed explanations of words, classical Chinese texts, and essay writing techniques.

Next, her gaze fell on the math exam preparation books. Various exercise books and knowledge summary booklets were piled up together, and Jiang Man carefully selected them.

She picked up a book with numerous examples and detailed solutions, thinking to herself that mathematics has always been a tough nut to crack in the college entrance examination, requiring extensive practice to improve problem-solving skills and logical thinking.

These examples are like fortresses on the battlefield of mathematics, which she must conquer one by one in order to be able to perform with ease in the mathematics exam of the college entrance examination.

English books are also indispensable.

Jiang Man chose a vocabulary handbook, its pages filled with words that seemed like little monsters waiting to be conquered.

She knew that mastering a rich vocabulary was the foundation of English learning, and only by memorizing these words could she make breakthroughs in listening, reading, writing, and other aspects.

In addition, she also chose a set of English listening practice tapes, thinking that she could use the old tape recorder at home to repeatedly train her listening skills.

In addition to the books for these core subjects, Jiang Man also found some materials on humanities subjects such as history, geography, and politics on the bookshelf.

She carefully selected each book, taking those with rich content and thorough explanations into her arms.

These books will help her organize the knowledge of various disciplines and build a complete knowledge system so that she can answer questions comprehensively and accurately in the humanities comprehensive exam of the college entrance examination.

Jiang Man's expression was focused and serious as she selected books.

As Jiang Man carried a heavy stack of books to the cashier, her steps were slightly heavy, but her eyes were filled with determination. The cashier looked at the books in her arms and said with a smile, "Young lady, you're working so hard to prepare for the college entrance exam; you're sure to have a bright future."

Jiang Man smiled shyly and replied, "Thank you, Auntie. I will do my best."

After paying, Jiang Man walked out of the bookstore. Sunlight shone on her, and the books in her arms were also bathed in a golden glow.

She knew that from this moment on, she would be accompanied by these books, embarking on a difficult yet hopeful journey to prepare for the college entrance examination.

In the days to come, these books will bear witness to her efforts, her perseverance, and every moment she fought for her dreams.

Jiang Man neatly stacked a stack of college entrance exam preparation books that she had carefully selected from the bookstore on the old wooden table.

At noon, Qin Yishen pushed open the door and habitually glanced into the house.

When he saw the tall stack of books on the table, he stopped abruptly, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

After a slight pause, he slowly walked towards Jiang Man, his gaze never leaving the books, and asked softly, "Are you preparing for the college entrance examination?"

Jiang Man looked up and met Qin Yishen's gaze. Her eyes were filled with determination and persistence, and she nodded without hesitation: "Yes, I want to try. I don't want to give up this opportunity to change my destiny and see the outside world."

Qin Yishen stared at her, his expression gradually shifting from surprise to seriousness.

He pulled up a chair, leaned forward, and looked into Jiang Man's eyes, saying, "The college entrance exam is not an easy thing. It means you have to put in a lot of time and energy. Have you really thought it through?"

Jiang Man took a deep breath and slightly raised her chin: "I know that this journey will definitely be full of hardships, but I am not afraid. I crave knowledge and yearn for the university campus. I want to fight for my future through my own efforts."

Her voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable determination. Qin Yishen remained silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought.

A complex emotion flashed in his eyes—a mixture of worry, admiration, and an indescribable expectation.

“It’s great that you’re so determined, but you know our lives aren’t easy right now. Preparing for the exam will make things even harder for you, and what if…”

He didn't finish his sentence, but Jiang Man understood what he meant.

"I know I might fail, but if I don't even dare to try, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

Jiang Man interrupted him, her tone even more resolute. She clenched her fists, as if declaring to Qin Yishen and also encouraging herself.

Looking at her resolute expression, Qin Yishen couldn't help but feel a ripple in his heart.

He recalled Jiang Man's hard work and love of knowledge, and images of her diligently reading books in her spare time came to mind.

He knew that once Jiang Man decided to do something, she would go all out.

"So how do you plan to allocate your time? How will you balance your studies and life?"

Qin Yishen's tone became concerned.

He began to consider practical issues and how he could provide support and assistance to Jiang Man during her exam preparation.

Jiang Man relaxed a little and began to explain her plan: "I will get up early and go to bed late, making full use of fragmented time. During the day, apart from necessary housework, I will spend the rest of my time studying. In the evening, after everyone has rested, I can read some more books and do some exercises. I am prepared to endure hardship."

Qin Yishen listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

He was surprised by Jiang Man's plan, but also pleased by her thoughtful consideration.

"It's good that you think that way, but don't push yourself too hard. Health is the foundation of everything; if you ruin your health, nothing else matters."

He spoke earnestly. Jiang Man felt a warmth in her heart and looked at Qin Yishen gratefully: "I know, I will be careful. With your support, I believe I can persevere."

Qin Yishen gently patted her shoulder: "Since you've made up your mind, I will definitely support you with all my might. If you encounter any difficulties, whether they are related to your studies or your life, just tell me, and we'll figure out a solution together."

On this quiet night, the two smiled at each other under the lamplight. Jiang Man's journey to the college entrance examination, with Qin Yishen's understanding and support, officially began.

The books on the table were no longer just a collection of papers, but also their shared hopes and expectations, witnessing every step Jiang Man took in striving for her dream, and carrying Qin Yishen's silent protection.

In the days to come, they will join hands to face challenges and move towards that unknown yet hopeful future.