Chapter 61: The Top Scorer Arrives

"So when are we going back?"

Chen Qiaoqiao rubbed her pretty face against Xu Yuexin's chin, grinning mischievously as she asked.

"It's hot tomorrow, we'll go back the day after tomorrow."

Xu Yuexin gave her cheek a light pinch, finding her adorable, and said, "Why do I feel like you're a bit impatient?"

At that, Chen Qiaoqiao put on an aggrieved face and said, "You have no idea how annoying my mother is."

"I have to take you back and tell her in person how many points I scored."

That evening, at the Xu household.

After Xu Qiang and Wu Yan returned home, Xu Yuexin told them his score.

Wu Yan was so delighted that she placed the dish on the table and laughed broadly, "Our son is truly clever, 478 points, City Top Scorer!"

"We'll have dinner a bit later today; I'm going to the market now to buy a couple more dishes for his celebration!"

Having said that, Wu Yan turned and ran toward the door.

Xu Qiang, with a festive expression, stopped Wu Yan, "Wait a moment, the child hasn't said what he wants to eat yet."

Xu Yuexin smiled and listed the dishes to his mother: "Mom, you don't need to go to the market; today I want Quanjude roast duck, Donglaishun braised lamb, and Liubiju pickled cucumber."

"Alright, I'm going right now."

Wu Yan answered in one breath, vanished at the stairwell, and hurried down the stairs.

After Wu Yan left, Xu Qiang looked at Xu Yuexin with satisfaction, gave him a thumbs‑up, and said, "Impressive, City's Number One."

"Is there anything you want? Dad will buy it for you."

"I haven't decided yet; I'll tell you later."

Xu Yuexin replied, realizing that he really seemed to have stopped the habit of spending his parents' money.

Perhaps he had too much cash on hand: he already had nearly 3,000 yuan in savings, and with the 1,700‑plus yuan from People's Literature this time, the total came to over 4,600 yuan.

Unconsciously, he had become an economically independent adult.

A short while later, Wu Yan returned with roast duck, braised lamb, and pickled cucumber; together with the dishes already bought, the family gathered in the house and held a lavish celebration for Xu Yuexin.

"Xiao Xin, you really are our good son, we don't have to worry at all."

After the meal, Wu Yan said with emotion, "You earn money by writing articles, and you also became City Top Scorer…"

Xu Qiang looked at Xu Yuexin with satisfaction, patted his head, and said, "What a clever child, among so many examinees in the city."

For the first time in his life, Xu Yuexin felt embarrassed in front of his parents and dodged his father's hand: "Dad, I'm already married, stop patting my head all the time."

"Hahaha... grown into an adult, huh."

The whole family laughed together at the table, and Chen Qiaoqiao was especially ecstatic, almost laughing tears out.

"Ranran, starting today you should learn from your brother and strive to achieve good results in next year's exam."

After the laughter, Wu Yan said to Xu Yuexin's younger sister Xu Yanran.

Xu Yanran hurriedly shook her head nervously: "I definitely can't become the top scorer."

"The important thing is to put in effort; the result is up to fate."

Xu Yuexin comforted his sister, saying.

Xu Yanran instantly relaxed, and a cute dumpling‑shaped face broke into a smile again: "My brother is right after all."

The family talked for a long time before each went to wash up and return to their rooms.

Late that night, Xu Yuexin and Chen Qiaoqiao, dressed in silk pajamas, embraced on the bed, about to fall asleep.

At that moment, Chen Qiaoqiao reached out, touched Xu Yuexin's head, and, in the darkness, showed a mischievous expression: "Really grown up now?"

"Not grown up yet, why compare me to you?"

Xu Yuexin leaned close to Chen Qiaoqiao's ear and slapped her raised hip.

"You big hooligan! Thinking that way again..."

Chen Qiaoqiao blushed, but not willing to back down, launched a counterattack, scratching the ticklish spot on Xu Yuexin's body with her little hand.

"Hey, one time a rogue today," Xu Yuexin said, stifling a laugh, pulling down Chen Qiaoqiao's silk pajamas with his large hand and sliding his palm up her smooth long leg...

"Ah... hmm..."

Soon, Chen Qiaoqiao let out a rapid soft gasp...

Two days later, at the Chen household.

Chen Shi, Zhou Zhifeng, and Chen Yixue sat around the table eating breakfast, when Zhou Zhifeng again brought up Xu Yuexin's college entrance exam results.

"Our street has already posted the results, why is there still no news about Xu Yuexin's score?"

Zhou Zhifeng chewed a steamed bun in his hand, occasionally lifting his eyelids to observe Chen Shi and Chen Yixue's expressions, and said.

"Maybe their street posted the results late, and the scores aren't out yet."

Chen Shi replied casually.

"Maybe they did well and are celebrating at home."

Chen Yixue didn't even raise her eyes and said, "By the way, Mom, starting this month I can no longer pay my salary into the family."

"I heard the state plans to launch commercial housing near Tuanjie Lake; I want to save up to buy a house."

Chen Yixue is a first‑level actor, equivalent to a university fourth‑level professor, earning a monthly salary of 124 yuan; with performance allowances, most months her income is around 160 yuan.

After her parents returned to the city, Chen Yixue contributed 90 yuan each month to the household; now she feels she must consider herself and can no longer hand over the money.

"What's so great about buying a house? Just wait in line for a unit allocation."

Zhou Zhifeng made a sour face and said, "You're a first‑level actor; can the state still treat you poorly?"

"The queue is based on seniority; my rank is high but my tenure short, so I'd have to wait ten more years for a house allocation."

"Besides, housing is tight now; a few acquaintances of mine, also first‑level actors, only got 12‑square‑meter apartments."

Chen Yixue said with a resolute expression, "Once I've made up my mind about something, no one can change it."

The mother and daughter were at an impasse when a knock came from outside—Qiao Qiao's voice: "Dad, Mom, open the door."

"Qiao Qiao is here."

Zhou Zhifeng seized the chance to slip away, stepped forward and opened the room door, seeing Qiao Qiao and Xu Yuexin standing in the doorway, each holding a bag containing cigarettes and alcoholic drinks.

Unfortunately, none of it was for themselves.

Zhou Zhifeng said with deep regret.

"They're here."

Zhou Zhifeng said in a neutral tone, inviting the married couple inside.

"Xiao Xu, they're here."

Chen Shi was quite pleased to see his daughter and son‑in‑law, rose from his chair and stepped forward, smiling broadly, "Since you're here, you even brought so many things."

"Just two cigarettes and a bottle of wine."

"There's nothing else."

Xu Yuexin smiled politely and placed the gifts on the cabinet by the door.

The gifts were bought according to Xu Yuexin's suggestion; everything from cigarettes to wine were items that only a father‑in‑law could enjoy.

Since the mother‑in‑law didn't think highly of him anyway, he shouldn't expect to use the gifts he bought.

"That's too much; next time you don't need to bring anything."

Chen Shi said apologetically, inviting his daughter and son‑in‑law to sit at the table.

At that moment Zhou Zhifeng went to the kitchen, fetched a thermos, and poured water for the two of them.

"Xiao Xu, aren't you taking the College Entrance Exam? How did it go?"

While pouring water, Zhou Zhifeng deliberately looked at Xu Yuexin and asked impatiently.

(End of chapter)