Chapter 297

"Michael Stone, there's an admission letter for you!"

The postman's voice echoed at the village entrance, instantly drawing a crowd of curious onlookers. Michael sprinted over, his heart pounding like a drum.

"Is it just mine?" he asked urgently. "Is there one for Emily Johnson?"

The postman shook his head. "Only this one for your brigade. Sign here."

Michael's hand trembled slightly as he signed. The admission letter felt light in his grasp, yet carried the weight of a thousand pounds.

"Son, let me see!" John Stone Sr. choked up, his eyes reddening. He'd dreamed of his son making something of himself, but never dared hope for college.

Villagers crowded around, murmuring excitedly.

"So this is a university admission letter..."

"School starts September 15th—only twenty days left!"

"The Stone ancestors must be smiling down!"

Michael grinned from ear to ear. "All thanks to my wife's tutoring. I never thought I'd actually get in."

"Which university?" someone asked.

"The one in the capital," Michael answered proudly.

"The capital!" The villagers gasped in awe.

John Sr. waved them off as the crowd grew. "Alright, everyone, back to work!"

Once alone, he lowered his voice. "Your wife hasn't received hers yet. Could it be..."

"Impossible!" Michael cut in sharply. "Emily scored higher than me. She tutored Olivia Parker and Sophia Green—they both got in. I suspect..."

John Sr.'s face darkened, recalling last year's identity theft scandal.

"Go to the county office tomorrow and check," he said, gripping his son's shoulder. "If anyone stole your wife's spot, they'll answer to me first."

A dangerous glint flashed in Michael's eyes. "I'll make them regret being born."

After leaving his father, Michael rushed to the brigade canteen. "Mom! Emily!" he called from the doorway, waving the envelope triumphantly.

Mary Stone and Emily looked up as he burst in, unable to contain his joy.

"An admission letter?" a sharp-eyed auntie exclaimed.

"Yes!" Michael's voice shook with emotion.

Mary's hands trembled. "Really? My son got into college?"

Emily arched a brow, feigning sternness. "Congratulations, Michael Stone. You're officially a college student now."

"Emily!" He swept her into a spinning hug. No more being just the accompanying husband—they'd go to the capital together!

"Michael! Michael!" Charles Clark barged in breathlessly. "You really got in?"

He circled Michael excitedly. "Let me see what the letter looks like!"

Just as Michael extended it, Mary snatched it away. "This is precious! What if you damage it?" She carefully tucked it away. "Go home and put this somewhere safe, then get back to work."

By lunchtime, the entire brigade buzzed with the news.

"Michael actually made it..."

"His wife tutored him..."

"Emily hasn't received hers yet..."

The whispers made Michael's fists clench. Whoever dared interfere with Emily's future would pay dearly.