Chapter 103: Educated Youth Who Abandoned His Wife and Child -34

“Mom.” Shen Xiuyan saw that Zhou Guiying was stunned, so he took the initiative to call out.

That one word undid Su Mingyue—she turned to stone in his arms.

Wuwuwu, what did she just hear…

That woman just now was Shen Xiuyan’s mother—her mother-in-law!

Aaaaaah, now she was even more mortified.

Her mother-in-law must think she was a shameless woman, clinging all over Shen Xiuyan in the stairwell, leading her son astray.

Su Mingyue quickly scrambled out of Shen Xiuyan’s arms and stood up straight, bowing her head like an ostrich, too ashamed to lift it.

Humiliating. Absolutely humiliating. She wanted to vanish into thin air on the spot.

Because they had left in such a rush, Shen Xiuyan hadn’t been able to notify his family in advance. His family only knew he had taken the National College Entrance Examination and hoped he might get admitted and return to the city, though they didn’t hold much hope—after all, they knew their son’s grades.

And now—what a surprise.

“Xiuyan, how come you’re back!” Once the shock wore off, Zhou Guiying immediately asked the thing she was most concerned about. “Did you get into university? You don’t have to go back again, do you…”

Shen Xiuyan smiled. “Mom, do we really have to stand outside and talk?”

“Oh, oh, right, come in, let’s go in and talk.”

Zhou Guiying tried to open the door, but her trembling hands couldn’t get the key into the lock. Seeing this, Shen Xiuyan gently took the key and opened the door himself.

After changing into slippers, he sat down in the long-lost family home and cheerfully made introductions.

“This is your daughter-in-law, Mingyue.”

“Mingyue, this is Mom.”

Still with her head bowed like a shy little daughter-in-law, Su Mingyue timidly lifted her gaze. “Hello, Mom.”

Zhou Guiying beamed. “Good, good, this child looks lovable at first glance.”

Su Mingyue pressed her lips together. It seemed her mother-in-law wasn’t angry. She’s such a nice person!

Seeing how reserved they both were, Shen Xiuyan continued, “We both got into university. We’ll be able to live in the city from now on.”

Zhou Guiying finally heard the words she longed for and couldn’t stop herself from bursting into laughter. “Hahahaha, that’s wonderful! Truly my son! Wait—‘we’?”

“Yes, we.” Shen Xiuyan slipped an arm around Su Mingyue. “We both got into Q University.”

Zhou Guiying: “……”

What.

Did she mishear?

Did her son just say Q University???

He actually got into Q University???

Su Mingyue, seeing the doubt in her mother-in-law’s eyes, quietly added, “Brother Xiuyan is actually this year’s top scorer.”

Zhou Guiying: “……”

What exactly happened during her son’s years in the countryside? She didn’t remember giving birth to such a brilliant son…

“I remember your grades were only average in high school…” Zhou Guiying was starting to wonder if her memory had failed her.

Shen Xiuyan nodded. “They were average. But then I got married. With Mingyue’s encouragement, I had all the motivation I needed, and my grades just took off.”

Su Mingyue glanced at him, wanting to explain that it had nothing to do with her—it was all his own hard work.

But Shen Xiuyan grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze to signal her to stay quiet.

Zhou Guiying immediately understood everything.

So that’s how it was. The moment she thought about her daughter-in-law also getting into Q University, it all made sense.

This was their family’s lucky star!

Once the two of them graduated, they’d have government jobs. Then the family would have three impressive people!

Their eldest son’s monthly salary was already enough to make the neighbors green with envy. Once they added in the daughter-in-law and youngest son, their family would be soaring!

Back when Xiuyan got married in the countryside, people used to sneer at her, saying things like: “Your son’s so good-looking, why would he ruin himself marrying a rural girl?”

Well now—look at what a countryside girl can do. A thousand times better than their own daughters-in-law.

If you’re not convinced, go take the university entrance exam yourself—and make sure it’s Q University!

Truly her son—what foresight!

At that thought, she could no longer contain herself. She couldn’t wait to go out and brag about the news.

All those who mocked her before—just wait. If she didn’t go back and stun them speechless, she wouldn’t be Zhou.

By the time Su Mingyue came to her senses, Zhou Guiying was already gone.

Tears welled up in her eyes. “Does Mom really dislike me that much? She doesn’t even want to stay with me for one minute longer…”

Shen Xiuyan held back a laugh. “Silly girl, what are you thinking? She’s just thrilled that you’re a university student too. She wouldn’t miss the chance to show off for anything. Don’t believe me? Open the door now—she’s definitely out in the corridor slaughtering the crowd.”

Su Mingyue quietly cracked the door open. Sure enough, she caught a glimpse of Zhou Guiying chatting animatedly with a woman nearby. The other woman’s face slowly twisted into a sour expression as the conversation went on.

Wow. Mom’s combat power is amazing.

She carefully closed the door again, then darted over to Shen Xiuyan like a happy little bird.

“You were right! You really understand Mom. As long as she doesn’t hate me, I can relax.”
The setting sun cast warm golden rays through the window.

The door opened again—it was Shen Xiuyan’s elder brother and father returning from work.

When they saw the two figures inside, they froze, then rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

Shen Jianguo stammered, “Xi… Xiuyan?”

Shen Xiuyan smiled. “Dad.”

Shen Yuanming rushed over and gave him a big hug. “You’re really back? Did you get into university? You don’t have to go back again?”

He was so excited, he choked on his own saliva and broke into a coughing fit.

Shen Xiuyan patted his back with a chuckle. “Slow down. No rush. Yes, I got in. I don’t have to go back anymore.”

“Hahahaha, my little brother’s back!” Shen Yuanming hugged him and jumped up and down with joy, showing none of the dignity of an older brother.

Shen Jianguo was just as emotional. He took off his glasses and wiped away tears. “Good, good… You’re back. You’ve suffered enough these past years.”

Shen Yuanming cupped his younger brother’s face. “Yeah, just look how thin you’ve gotten—wait.”

Actually… his brother’s face was glowing with health. He looked even better than before.

Why did other people come back from the countryside all skin and bones, but his little brother looked so well cared for…

Ah! It must be thanks to his sister-in-law!