I, Yan Jiefang, will live to 2025 in this courtyard house.

Upon hearing Yan Bugui's words, Yan Jiefang immediately sensed that something was amiss.

However, he nodded outwardly:

"Then thank you for the preparations, Dad."

After saying that, he got up and left.

As a younger generation living in the 60s, it was still necessary to maintain a semblance of filial piety.

Otherwise, he might be labeled as unfilial by others.

This will be somewhat detrimental to his later work and marriage in society.

Similarly, if Yan Bugui is too harsh on the children, such as not giving them food, clothes, or allowing them to sleep at home, then once this gets out, he will be overwhelmed by criticism.

Therefore, he only dared to make the cornbread smaller rather than not give it to anyone at all.

Even so, if Yan Jiefang or Yan Jiekuang were to file a complaint with the Women's Federation or the neighborhood committee, it would certainly attract an investigation, and they would also suffer a bad reputation.

There is no room for personal vendettas or revenge within a family.

Both sides are currently exercising restraint, neither wanting nor willing to break this fragile balance, and are waiting for an opportunity.

Upon arriving at Qianhai Lake, Yan Jiefang exercised, ate, and drank water as usual.

After so much practice, he has already mastered the 36-form Yang-style Tai Chi, achieving a perfect score of 100/100.

His physical fitness also improved to 11 a few days ago.

This is an all-round improvement; his jumping ability, running speed, load-bearing capacity, and agility have all been enhanced.

"Hey, Yan Jiefang, why aren't you home for dinner? What are you doing here, mimicking old folks practicing Tai Chi?"

A somewhat familiar voice rang out from not far away.

Yan Jiefang stopped what he was doing and turned to look.

He was their neighbor in the courtyard, a boy named Liugen, who was a year or two younger than him.

Judging from the bag he was carrying, he must have come here to collect recyclables.

"I've already eaten. I came out for a bit of exercise. Why are you coming to such a remote place to collect recyclables? Isn't this a waste of your time?"

Yan Jiefang glanced at the shriveled bag in his hand.

"I know, you came here on purpose to slack off!"

"No, that's not true! I was just tired from collecting recyclables and came here to find a seat to rest."

Liu Gen quickly tried to explain, and as he spoke, he sniffed the lingering aroma of the bun filling in the air, which immediately whetted his appetite.

"Hey, why does this smell like steamed buns? They smell even better than the ones from the shops! Yan Jiefang, you weren't eating steamed buns here just now, were you?"

Liu Gen asked curiously.

Yan Jiefang's breathing paused slightly, but he recovered in an instant:

"Why do you think I'm standing here? It's all so I can enjoy this aroma a little longer!"

Liu Gen revealed a look of sudden realization:

"Haha, that's true. Everyone in our compound knows that your Yan family likes to eat with the aroma of other people's food!"

"Hehe, I'm not making fun of you, I just couldn't help it! Haha."

Liu Gen smiled and turned around.

"You continue smelling, I'll go explore other places."

After saying that, he covered his mouth and turned to leave.

Yan Jiefang watched the other person's departing figure, deep in thought: I can't come to this place again tomorrow, I have to find another place.

After going through the routine a few more times, he looked at the darkening sky and headed back towards the courtyard house.

The next day, Yan Jiefang packed all the stationery that Yan Bugui had mentioned the day before into his schoolbag and headed to school.

The entrance exam for this college will last for two and a half days.

There are 6 subjects in total: Chinese, Politics, Mathematics, Russian, Physics, and Chemistry; there are no History, Geography, English, or Physical Education.

总分：100+100+100+100+（75+75） = 550 分

Yan Jiefang's personal panel scores have almost all reached or are close to full proficiency.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, his score in this preliminary exam will almost certainly be the highest in the entire Dongcheng District.

It's time to show some of my academic prowess.

Such high academic achievements can bring him considerable fame in a small circle.

It should provide some assistance with school admissions, which is somewhat beneficial.

Having Yan Bugui as his little boss in this life is enough; he wouldn't waste the opportunity to add unnecessary trouble to his life.

There are two exams today: Chinese (2.5 hours, composition + classical Chinese + modern Chinese) from 8:30 to 11:00 AM.

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Politics (2 hours, current events + Selected Works of Mao Zedong + policies).

After entering the designated examination room, Yan Jiefang hung his schoolbag aside, took out the various stationery he had prepared, and sat down in his examination seat.

As for the things Yan Bugui prepared for him, given his personality, he naturally wouldn't go out of his way to use them.

Around 10:30, Yan Jiefang had finished answering the questions on the exam paper. After carefully checking the entire paper, he stayed in his seat and waited for the time to run out.

At noon, he did not go home. Instead, he ate a steamed bun in a secluded place, then found a newsstand and spent 4 cents to buy a copy of the RM Daily to pass the time.

At the same time, it helps to understand current policies and events.

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Politics (2 hours, current events + Selected Works of Mao Zedong + policies).

The exam went smoothly without any hiccups. After the exam ended at 4 o'clock, Yan Jiefang walked out of the examination room with the crowd.

Just as he was about to go straight home, he suddenly heard someone calling him in the noisy environment.

"Liberation! Liberation! This way!"

Yan Jiefang looked in the direction of the sound and saw Yang Ruihua standing on tiptoe, waving vigorously at him with a gentle smile on her face.

Beside her, Yan Bugui stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes slightly narrowed, his gaze fixed on her, looking exceptionally serious, like a knowledgeable and cultured man.

This scene is truly unusual.

The couple, who were usually thrifty and rarely showed affection for their children, only calculation, actually came to pick him up outside the examination hall, which was really beyond Yan Jiefang's expectations.

A weasel paying New Year's greetings to a chicken is never a good sign!

Although somewhat surprised, he still squeezed his way over there.

In any case, it's important to maintain a good student persona.

Especially at school gates where there is a lot of foot traffic, you must not act impulsively!

Before long, the three of them gathered together.

Before he could speak, Yang Ruihua quickly stepped forward, grabbed his arm, her eyes filled with deliberate concern, her voice soft and caring, as if afraid others wouldn't hear her:

"Jiefang, you must be starving and exhausted after taking the exam all afternoon, right? Mom specially made two steamed buns for you. Quickly eat one to fill your stomach."

As she spoke, she carefully opened the cloth bag she carried with her, gently took out two dark yellow steamed buns made from a mixture of wheat and water, and handed them to Yan Jiefang with both hands.

Yan Bugui, standing to the side, also put aside his usual scheming and meanness, nodded slightly, and spoke in a "slightly" louder tone:

"Our family is poor, and it's not easy to make two steamed buns made from mixed flour. Eat up quickly. No matter how you do on the exam, just do your best. Your mom and I will always be your support."

The couple sang in unison, their expressions sincere.

Other parents around were deeply moved: it's rare to see parents who care for their children so much, preferring to go hungry themselves to give their son the best food.

It just feels a bit strange, but I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong with it.

A glint flashed in Yan Jiefang's eyes as he instantly saw through the couple's act in public and decided to play along.

......

Regarding the entrance exam for No. 22 Middle School in 1961 in 49 cities, some sources say it was at the end of April, while others say it was at the end of May or the beginning of June. This book sets it at the end of April (after multiple inquiries, it has been basically confirmed that it was June 1-3 in 1961. This was the author's mistake, but the outline has already been finalized and cannot be changed. The young author apologizes. If there is a next book on courtyard houses, it will be written according to the accurate information).

Hereby explain.