A young boy from the 1970s, separated from his family, fled famine and led his younger brother into

"If you want to do it, then do it. Even if you don't pass the exam, the sky won't fall. I'm here for you."

Lu Xingzhou's voice was like a beam of light that cleaved through the chaos, instantly illuminating Lu Nianci's entire gloomy world.

Her eyes, which she had stubbornly held back from shedding tears, finally broke down at this moment.

Large, warm tears rolled down her cheeks, splashing onto the desk and spreading out dark ink stains.

So this is what it feels like to be unconditionally trusted and supported.

It was sour and astringent, yet scalding hot.

It was enough to melt her heart, which had hardened to the point of being hardened by two lifetimes.

Lu Xingzhou watched her cry like a little kitten, reached out, and clumsily wiped away the tears on her face with his calloused fingertips.

His movements were very gentle, as if he were touching a rare treasure.

"Why are you crying?" His voice was still deep, but it was tinged with a tenderness that he himself was unaware of. "With me here, no one can bully you."

Lu Nianci sniffed, raised her eyes, which were now even brighter after being washed by tears, and nodded heavily.

Yes.

My older brother is here.

What else does she have to be afraid of?

That night, Lu Nianci slept exceptionally well.

The rest of the Lu family, however, spent a sleepless night.

The next morning, when Lu Nianci walked out of her room in high spirits, she saw her parents' bloodshot eyes and the heavy atmosphere in the living room.

"Nian Nian..."

When Zhou Yayun saw her, her eyes reddened again. She wanted to say something, but didn't know where to begin.

"Dad, Mom."

Lu Nianci walked up to them, her expression calm and resolute like never before.

"I know what you're worried about."

"I don't want to put you in a difficult position either."

She took a deep breath and looked directly at Lu Zhenguo, whose face was solemn.

"Dad, you're a soldier, and you value your promises above all else. Today, I also want to make a pledge to you!"

A pledge of military authority?!

Upon hearing these three words, both Lu Zhenguo and Zhou Yayun were stunned.

Even Lu Xingzhou, who had just returned from his morning exercise and exuded a cold aura, raised an eyebrow and looked at his younger sister.

What is this little girl up to now?

"I, Su Nianci, volunteer to participate in the 1977 National College Entrance Examination."

The little girl's voice was clear and loud, every word resounding.

"I assure you, my first choice will only be top-tier universities like Peking University and Renmin University of China!"

"If!" she emphasized, her small body standing straight, like an unyielding little poplar.

"If I am not ultimately admitted to any of the top national universities, then from the day the results are released, I, Su Nianci, will completely abandon all unrealistic fantasies!"

"I will obediently return to school, starting from junior high, and study step by step until I graduate. Before I become an adult, I will follow my parents' arrangements for all major decisions regarding my studies and future, without any objection!"

"This pledge is witnessed by my entire family! Any breach of this pledge will be met with any punishment!"

His words were spoken with absolute certainty, leaving no room for negotiation!

This is hardly something a five or six-year-old child would say.

This is clearly a warrior who has staked his entire future and dignity on issuing a do-or-die challenge!

Zhou Yayun was completely stunned by her daughter's words. She opened her mouth, unable to utter a single word.

Lu Zhenguo stared intently at his daughter, his eyes, which had seen countless changes in the world, now filled with turbulent emotions.

He saw it.

In his daughter's eyes, he saw exactly the same things as himself, Lu Xingzhou, and the best soldiers he had ever led!

It's the kind of wolf-like spirit that won't turn back until it hits a wall, and will smash through it even if it does!

He knew he couldn't stop it.

Any attempt to stop her will only push her further away.

Rather than letting her go out there alone, braving all the hardships and getting hurt, it's better to...

Why not let her take this gamble under the watchful eyes of her family?

We won! The world is our oyster!

We lost...

Even if she loses, home will always be her refuge and haven.

After a long while, Lu Zhenguo stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, stood up, and walked to Lu Nianci.

He reached out his large, kind hand, but instead of touching her head as usual, he patted her thin shoulder heavily.

"good!"

He uttered only one word, his voice hoarse, yet carrying immense weight!

"I, Lu Zhenguo, accept this military order from you today!"

"From today onwards, preparing for the exam is your sole responsibility! Our whole family will be your support team! You just need to focus wholeheartedly and charge forward!"

"But remember what you said today. If you win, win beautifully! If you lose, lose gracefully!"

"Yes, Dad!"

Lu Nianci's eyes welled up with tears again. She stood up abruptly and gave her father a military salute that was not perfect but extremely solemn!

This family storm, which lasted for several days, was finally resolved in an unexpected way.

Although Zhou Yayun's face was still full of worry, looking at her husband and daughter's serious expressions, she knew that this family had united as one.

Just then, Lu Xingzhou, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke.

"Dad, I've asked the army for annual leave."

"From today onwards, I will be Nianci's training partner and supervisor, responsible for all of her exam preparation training."

"Huh?" Zhou Yayun was taken aback. "Xingzhou, you...you can tutor her?"

In Zhou Yayun's view, although her son is very capable, he has probably forgotten everything he learned in academic subjects.

Lu Xingzhou's lips twitched. He glanced at his "innocent" younger sister beside him and said coldly, "I'm in charge of her physical training and ideological education. She doesn't need tutoring in her academic subjects."

Are you kidding me? Tutoring this prodigy?

He's lucky he doesn't have to be tutored by her.

"Then... what about the people from the Education Bureau? They're coming to investigate tomorrow." Zhou Yayun thought of this most troublesome problem again.

Lu Xingzhou's gaze slowly fell on Lu Nianci.

In those icy eyes, a hint of mockery and chilling amusement flashed—a smile only Lu Nianci could decipher.

"Are they coming?"

"OK."

"Let them do it."

"I'd like to see whether their doubts are more compelling, or my sister's abilities are more compelling."