Reborn in 1977, I will no longer be my brother's blood bag.

At the entrance of the Education Bureau, the crowd instantly descended into chaos.

The officials who were about to announce the results stopped on the steps, while the staff who had just run out of the building were still panting.

Many people were already pushing forward, asking, "What's going on? What happened? What about the results?"

The sounds came in waves.

The officer maintaining order quickly spread his arms wide: "Back up! Everyone back up!"

But at times like this, who's going to listen?

Zhao Xiaomei stood on tiptoe to look ahead, practically craning her neck half a foot: "What exactly happened?"

Li Hongmei frowned as well: "I don't know."

Several parents of test-takers nearby had already started speculating: "Could the scores have been calculated incorrectly?"

"Don't talk nonsense."

"Then why not announce it?"

"Did the list not arrive?"

The various speculations are becoming increasingly outrageous.

On the steps of the Education Bureau, several officials were discussing something in hushed tones.

After a full two minutes, the middle-aged cadre at the front stepped forward again, raised his hands, and said, "Quiet! Please be quiet!"

The noise level gradually dropped. Everyone was staring at him.

The cadre wiped the sweat from his brow: "The results have been tallied."

Just as the crowd was about to cheer, the next sentence stunned everyone: "But the ranking list is still being checked in the final stages and will take a little time."

Immediately, the scene erupted in chaos: "We have to wait? How long? Didn't they say the statistics were finished this morning?"

The official could only continue to explain: "Please understand. This year's situation is special; the number of test takers far exceeds expectations, and the Education Bureau must ensure accuracy."

No one could refute that. After all, it was the first year since the resumption of the college entrance examination, and no one dared to make a mistake.

I can understand it, but I'm still anxious.

As the sun rose higher, the shade in the square diminished.

Many people have already started looking for places to sit down—some squatting under tree roots, some sitting in the back of cars, some spreading out newspapers in preparation for a long battle, crowding the square.

Zhao Xiaomei walked back and forth for more than a dozen times before Li Hongmei finally grabbed her and said, "Stop it for a bit."

"I can't sit still."

"Then keep spinning. By the time the results come out, you'll be dizzy from spinning so much."

Several people around couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Zhao Xiaomei laughed, but after laughing, she couldn't help but look towards the office building.

Time passed little by little.

At noon, the number of people in front of the Education Bureau increased rather than decreased.

Even candidates from several nearby communes came. Some carried dry rations, others water bottles, clearly prepared to wait all day.

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out on the other side of the crowd.

"Lin Weidong is here!"

Someone shouted, and many people turned their heads.

Lin Weidong followed Wang Xiulan from the intersection. Wang Xiulan had specially changed into a new outfit today, her hair was neatly combed, and her face was full of anticipation.

"Xiulan is here too."

"How could she not come? She's been talking about university all the time these past few days."

Discussions continued to circulate.

When Wang Xiulan heard this, she became even more smug, walking with a swagger.

Soon, she also saw the people from the supply and marketing cooperative. Especially after seeing Lin Xiuhe, she paused for a moment, then walked over directly.

"Xiuhe has arrived too."

Lin Xiuhe nodded in response.

Wang Xiulan continued, "Don't be too nervous when the results come out. You're young, you'll have plenty of opportunities in the future."

These words sound like words of comfort, but everyone can understand what they really mean.

Zhao Xiaomei was about to retort when Li Hongmei pulled her back.

Seeing that no one responded, Wang Xiulan became even more enthusiastic: "Weidong said last night that he performed better than in the mock exam. I told him to keep a calm mind and not to be arrogant even if he did well."

Several people who recognized her turned their heads away. She had said that phrase at least twenty times in the past few days.

Lin Weidong stood at the back and did not participate.

His gaze remained fixed on the direction of the office building. In truth, he was equally uncertain—mock exams and the actual college entrance exam are ultimately different; until the very last moment, no one can be certain.

Just then, a young staff member walked out of the office building, carrying a thick stack of documents.

The entire square fell silent instantly. Everyone's eyes followed the movement, and even Zhao Xiaomei forgot to breathe.

The stack of documents was placed on the table. Then, two more staff members brought over a wooden board and pasted red paper on it.

Seeing this, everyone understood—the report cards were about to be released.

The crowd began to push forward, and those maintaining order desperately tried to stop them: "Don't push! Back up! Everyone back up!"

But nobody listened. Everyone had waited so long; this moment had finally arrived.

Wang Xiulan had even started tidying her clothes, unable to suppress the smile on her face.

Zhao Xiaomei's palms were sweaty as she gripped Li Hongmei's arm tightly. Li Hongmei gasped, "Gently!"

"I can't control myself!"

The sun shone on the square, and waves of heat surged forth.

The staff member picked up the first list and walked towards the bulletin board. The entire entrance to the Education Bureau was completely silent.

Just as the list was about to be posted, someone suddenly shouted, "The list of candidates who passed the vocational college entrance exam is coming out first!"

Boom—the scene exploded again.