Time flew, and the National College Entrance Examination drew closer.
Shen Baili, however, grew more relaxed. After years of hard practice, she finally felt ready to take the stage.
She had waited two lifetimes for this. It had become an obsession.
And now, it was about to happen.
Shen Baili felt strange, almost as if she were standing among the clouds, close enough to reach out and touch the sun.
The day before the exam, Xie Zhiyu and Xie Tingsi both took time off and came home without consulting each other.
On exam day, the whole family took Shen Baili to the test center. Xie Zhiyu drove, while Xie Tingsi rode shotgun, escorting her all the way.
Shen Baili sat with her mother in the separated middle section. Xie Chengyue and Xie Liuzheng sat behind them.
For the occasion, Xie Liuzheng and Shen Wan wore qipaos, a wish for Shen Baili to start strong and succeed.
Xie Chengyue wore a modernized Tang suit that matched Shen Wan's outfit. He looked refined and steady.
The younger generation all wore casual clothes in matching colors, looking effortlessly stylish.
Shen Baili hugged her schoolbag, a little nervous.
"Suìsuì, you've done so well all this time. Just perform as you normally do."
Shen Wan gently embraced her and stroked the top of her head. Her voice was soft but firm. "You can do it, Suìsuì. Mom believes in you."
Shen Baili nodded vigorously, and her restless heart settled. "Okay."
"Little Pear Blossom, I believe in you too. Once the exams are over, I'll take you out to have some fun!" Xie Tingsi said, his face animated with excitement.
"I'm so nervous. I'm more nervous than I was for my own exams."
Xie Liuzheng: "..."
She decided to say something practical. "You can do it,