Chapter 255

"What?"

Michael Stone was stunned. His wife had never mentioned this before.

"Of course I don't agree."

If his wife returned to the city, how would he and their two sons survive?

"Will you take the exam or not?"

Emily Johnson stared straight at him, her gaze crystal clear: Take it, and they'd remain husband and wife; refuse, and their relationship would need reevaluation.

Michael's heart sank. Ever since his wife lost her memory, she'd changed completely. She'd grown distant, and if not for his persistent efforts, their marriage would have already fallen apart.

"Fine! I'll take the damn exam!"

He gave in. After all, she only said he had to try—not that he had to pass, right?

Emily saw right through him. As long as he was busy studying for the college entrance exam, he wouldn’t have time to bother her.

"Start reviewing now."

What?

Michael's eyes widened. This was way too sudden.

"You studied science, right?"

"Yeah, science."

Emily nodded in satisfaction.

"Focus on math, physics, and chemistry first. Ask me if you don’t understand. We’ll tackle Chinese in June."

The sciences were harder and required early preparation. Chinese was relatively easier—reading comprehension and essays could wait.

"Alright." Michael resigned himself. His wife had everything planned out—what else could he do?

Back then, he had gotten into the county high school, but with all the political movements, he’d barely attended any proper classes. As for worker-peasant-soldier university? Ha! Their brigade was dirt-poor—no way they’d get a quota.

Emily pulled out the Self-Study Series for Math and Science and told him to start with those. He could ask her anytime he got stuck.

She was confident. Though he might not match current high school graduates, getting into a decent university was doable. English wasn’t a concern either—she’d passed Level 6 and used it regularly at work.

For months, she’d been doing one practice test daily, grading them herself. For Chinese, she memorized poems and essays from the textbooks—the exam wouldn’t stray far from the syllabus.

"When do we register?"

"I’ll take you as soon as there’s news."

Since his wife was taking the exam too, he’d made sure to get all the details.

"Okay..."

Once spring arrived, farm work picked up again.

Emily found time to visit the educated youth dormitory to see Olivia Parker.

"Emily? What a surprise!" Olivia was shocked. Emily rarely stepped out of her house.

"Are you taking the exam this year?"

Olivia’s eyes lit up. Was Emily joining them?

"Yes! I’m aiming for a junior college."

"Do you need study materials? I have some here, plus a few practice tests..."

Materials? Tests?

Olivia’s voice trembled with excitement. "Can we copy them?"

With real exam questions, their chances would skyrocket. Sure, the dorm was roomier than home, but who wanted to stay in the countryside forever? Who didn’t want to go back to the city?

"Sure, you and..."

Emily suddenly blanked. What was that male知青’s name again?

"Samuel Bright."

"Then both of you can come to my place to copy them."

Olivia thanked her profusely. "We’re so grateful!"