"Y-you finished?" The vice principal was momentarily taken aback.
Once he snapped back to reality, he moved closer and picked up the test paper. Initially, he thought the child had just scribbled randomly, perhaps trying to get by. He felt a bit annoyed.
But soon, he fell silent, his expression growing serious.
After about ten minutes, he had read through all the answers, and his demeanor shifted from serious to astonished.
He looked at Zhou Zedong, who, despite being just over ten years old, showed no signs of nervousness—his face remained calm.
Si Nian stepped forward and asked, "How is it? Any problems?"
The vice principal quickly shook his head, "No, not at all! In fact, it's excellent! I couldn't find a single mistake. And this is the best essay I've seen from a student. Zhou Zedong, right? You're amazing! I heard you hadn't studied English, yet you managed to tackle these questions!"
"Your handwriting is incredible! I've never seen such neat and precise writing from a child so young. It doesn't look like the writing of a ten-year-old at all."
If he hadn't just watched Zhou Zedong write this test, the vice principal wouldn't have believed it was produced by a child.
It was simply astonishing!
However, Zhou Zedong didn't react much to the praise. He had been complimented by various teachers since he was little, so the vice principal's admiration didn't have much impact on him.
"My mom taught me," he replied succinctly.
It was as if the vice principal were the one being evaluated.
Si Nian, hearing the praise, was even more delighted than Zhou Zedong, her face lighting up. "So, vice principal, does this mean there's no problem for Xiao Dong?"
"Absolutely none!"
The vice principal declared confidently. "Even though our elite class's Mr. Wu might be a bit picky, I believe that once he sees Xiao Dong's test, he'll be convinced."
"This child is exceptional! I will do everything I can to secure the best conditions for you!"
After all, every school wants talented students.
For someone so young to achieve such results, especially coming from a rural education background, was remarkable.
From what Chen Jie mentioned, Si Nian had only been married for a short time, meaning Zhou Zedong had only been learning English for a few months.
Such accomplishments were not something just anyone could achieve.
He was a genius!
The vice principal was thrilled to have a top student at the school. He truly valued talent.
With Zhou Zedong's performance, it was no longer about them arranging a place for him; he could choose for himself.
Hearing the vice principal's words, Si Nian felt a surge of joy.
She had always believed her eldest was impressive, but she hadn't anticipated he would be this extraordinary.
This child is simply extraordinary! "That's great! I'll rely on you to help arrange everything, Vice Principal."
"Not at all," the vice principal beamed with delight.
After finishing the school matters, it was already afternoon.
Si Nian planned to take the kids home. Over the past few days, she had become friendly with Grandma Jiang next door, exchanging sweets and pastries.
Today, upon hearing she was bringing her two children to school, Grandma Jiang immediately offered to look after Yao Yao.
Si Nian didn't hesitate to accept.
Grandma Jiang mentioned that if she had known they hadn't enrolled yet, she would have advised the Jiang family not to notify the school in advance and come together with Si Nian and the kids.
Si Nian learned that the child's parents were prominent figures in research.
She heard they had another son who was too young and stayed with them.
Jiang Jiu was a pitiful kid, having been cared for by his grandparents since weaning due to his parents' demanding jobs.
That's why he loved visiting the Zhou household so much.
When Grandma Jiang asked why, the little guy simply replied, "Because the Zhou family feels like home."
This made Grandma Jiang feel a pang of sadness, her eyes instantly reddening.
So, she took the initiative to strengthen her bond with Si Nian.
The school was very close to their Old East Street, just a twenty-minute walk away.
The two kids didn't have to get up at dawn like they did in the countryside.
Little Second started shouting that he needed to use the restroom, and Zhou Zedong took him along.
Si Nian waited at the school gate for them when someone called out, "Nian Nian?"
She looked up to see a young man in a suit and leather shoes approaching her, wearing silver-rimmed glasses.
His hair was styled in a three-seven part, but it didn't look greasy; instead, he had a refined and gentle appearance.
He looked at her with a complicated expression.
Before Si Nian could say anything, he continued, "I heard in the compound that you're coming to teach at our school. I thought it was just a rumor, but it turns out to be true."
A compound?
From the military district?
Si Nian was surprised that the original owner knew such a handsome guy.
She nearly blurted out, but instead swallowed her words, racking her brain to recall the content of the book and the original owner's memories.
However, she couldn't remember who this eighteen-line supporting character was.
So, she replied dismissively, "Yes."
To her surprise, he exclaimed in delight, "You really remember me?"
Si Nian thought, "I'm just pretending."
"I have some memory, but I forgot your name," she said, awkwardly clearing her throat.
"Is that so?" The young man looked deflated, then forced a smile. "Well, I've been gone for ten years, so it's understandable. I just returned home not long ago, and I didn't expect to hear about you so soon."
"My name is Wu Renai. We went to the same school when we were kids. I've only been back for three months and just started working at the school."
"I heard about you and Fu Yang. Why didn't you tell me?"
He had returned from abroad after hearing about the situation from his family, only to find out that it was too late—Si Nian had already been sent off to marry in the countryside.
Si Nian looked at him strangely; they hadn't seen each other in ten years. "Isn't this a personal matter?"
Wu Renai was taken aback by her response. "You... you said that if it weren't for Fu Yang, then—"
"Then what?" Si Nian prompted, raising an eyebrow.
Wu Renai's face flushed. "Then—"
"Alright, let's drop it," she interrupted. The novel was about the original owner's life after growing up; she had no clue about childhood events or any promises the original owner made besides Fu Yang.
Wu Renai looked hurt, much like his name suggested. Si Nian didn't want to continue the conversation, glancing at the sky—it was getting late, and she needed to hurry home to cook.
As she turned to see the two children approaching, she hastily added, "If there's nothing else, I'll be going."
Wu Renai felt even more dejected. "Wait! I didn't mean anything else. I just wanted to know if you're doing well."
"If you have any problems, you can tell me. I can help."
YOU ARE READING
Reborn in the 1980s: I became a stepmother in the 1980s Ⅱ
RomanceOnce she opened her eyes, Si Nian became the fake wealthy daughter straight out of a period drama, only to be sent back to the countryside to marry a divorced man in place of the real wealthy daughter, and on top of that, she had to raise a bunch of...