Chapter 12: College Entrance Examination

The money was left with her, and Mrs. Wen nodded approvingly. "That's only right."

Although her son was usually unreliable and often out causing trouble, Mrs. Wen knew her son well enough—he wouldn't take the money meant for a woman's marriage.

So she was even more puzzled. "Then if you have money on you, why did you go to the recycling station?"

That afternoon, after Mr. Wen and she left the factory, someone mentioned that the new daughter-in-law had gone to the recycling station, and the news had spread.

Many people insinuated that a country girl was still a country girl, even after coming to the city, she still ended up at a recycling station.

Others said the Wen family was dissatisfied with the new daughter-in-law, that she had no money on her and could only resort to the recycling station.

In short, rumors swirled. As the director of the Cultural Department and someone who handled ideological work, she couldn’t allow her family affairs to become gossip fodder.

Old Wen was more relaxed; he said they could ask when they got home—nothing serious.

Only Wen Zongfu seemed distracted, his attention caught by the soft way she had just called his name. Her voice was gentle, and when she said his name, it sounded even more beautiful.

Seeing her hesitation, Wen Zongfu said lightly, "What's wrong with going to the recycling station? Sometimes there are good things there at bargain prices." He was being tactful, and both Mr. and Mrs. Wen understood that after the times they had lived through, many valuable items did end up at the recycling station.

Suddenly, their expressions turned serious, and they warned, "Wen Zongfu, you’re not allowed to deal with that stuff. Our family doesn’t need it."

Back then, it took great effort to get rid of those harmful things, and even now, there was no need to be involved with them.

Wen Zongfu annoyedly replied, "I’m not going to bother with that. Fine, I know what I’m doing."

After speaking, his gaze returned to Jiang Mi’s face.

Jiang Mi thought there was no need to hide her studies, and this was a good chance to test the Wen couple’s attitude. She said earnestly, "Mom, Dad, I just went to get a couple of college entrance exam textbooks."

Entrance exam textbooks?

The three of them suddenly looked at her closely.

Jiang Mi nodded calmly. "I just turned eighteen. I want to take the university entrance exam."

Mr. and Mrs. Wen exchanged a glance, then looked at their son to see his reaction.

Jiang Mi also looked at Wen Zongfu. After all, he was now her nominal husband, and everything she did required his support.

Her eyes were firm yet gentle and compliant, shimmering as she looked at him. He immediately said without hesitation, "If you want to take it, then take it."

It was good that she wanted to study and go to university. If she passed, fine; if not, he could support her.

Wen Zongfu’s thoughts were simple. He didn’t see it as a big deal and continued eating.

Seeing this, Jiang Mi let out a slight sigh of relief. Honestly, deep down she was still nervous, because in her past life she had mentioned this to the Chen family and was harshly scolded by her mother-in-law for having high ambitions despite her ill fate. Chen Shaojun frowned and opposed it, saying that a married woman should just take care of the home, not go to school.

That was why she never had feelings for the Chen family or Chen Shaojun; she was thoroughly disappointed from the start.

Although Wen Zongfu seemed like a typical macho man, he really didn’t oppose her going to school, which improved her impression of him somewhat.

Mrs. Wen saw this and said, "Your father and I were planning to help you find an easy job, but if you want to study, then..."

Jiang Mi replied, "Thank you for thinking of me, but jobs are tight and hard to get. Many are being watched by people you know. It’s better not to cause gossip over me."

Many educated youths were returning to the city, and jobs were no longer easy to secure.

Actually, it wouldn’t be difficult for the Wens to find a position for her, but at this sensitive time, giving a countryside daughter-in-law a job would surely spark gossip.

After thinking a moment, she said, "Mom, Dad, after I take the exam next July, if I pass, I’ll go to university. If not, then I’ll trouble you to help me find a job, okay?"

Seeing the gentle young woman, Mrs. Wen never expected the new daughter-in-law to be like this. But her words showed she was thoughtful and considerate, with her own views. How could they say no?

Having thought it over, Old Wen smiled and made the decision. "Then study for it. Xiao Mi, focus on preparing for the exam. We will support you."

Mrs. Wen teased, "Zongfu, look at your wife—she’s got her plans all figured out. You’d better stop acting so irresponsible all the time."

Wen Zongfu, unfazed by the scolding, took a big bite of food and replied, "Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be worthy of such a fine daughter-in-law."

The family shared a joyful meal together, and a faint smile appeared on Jiang Mi’s face.

Being supported felt truly wonderful.