Chapter 11: A New Path: School and Secrets

Given that it was the busy farming season, the cousin swiftly departed after concluding his affairs. Standing outside the Public Security Bureau, Yue Renhui exhaled a long breath of relief. He then turned to Lin Duo, asking, “Duoduo, how far did you get in your studies?”

“I had almost finished the second year of junior high,” Lin Duo replied. Having run away from home after the midterm exams of their second year’s second semester, it was indeed true that the curriculum for that grade was nearly complete.

“It’s already August, and next month marks the start of the school year. Can you directly transfer into the third year of junior high? Will you be able to keep pace with the lessons?”

“I’ll keep up!” Lin Duo declared confidently. “My grades were always excellent!” They possessed considerable self-assurance when it came to their studies.

Yue Renhui chuckled, gently patting Lin Duo’s head. “I knew my daughter would be exceptionally bright, unlike a simpleton like me. Alright, I’ll contact the school tomorrow to determine the best course of action for your transfer.”

****

Yue Renhui had always been exceptionally dedicated to Lin Duo’s matters. Two days later, during dinner, he finally announced his conclusion.

“The current city policy dictates that junior high students must attend schools within their residential area,” he explained. “Therefore, our daughter’s situation means she can only attend Gutang Middle School to the south.”

“I spoke with the teachers there, and they informed me that transfer students must take a unified entrance exam,” Yue Renhui continued. “It’s scheduled for August 24th, exactly one week before school begins, leaving us with roughly two weeks to prepare.”

He turned to Wu Bijuan. “Wife, before the bookstore closes, please take Duoduo to buy some review books. She needs to prepare thoroughly.”

After dinner, Wu Bijuan took Lin Duo’s small hand, and together they walked out onto the street. Despite the late hour, the street bustled with activity, and numerous outdoor eateries were packed with patrons.

Due to the sweltering heat, many men sat shirtless, feasting on meat and drinking alcohol. Some, already tipsy, even whistled at Lin Duo as they passed by.

“Tch, those perverts!” Wu Bijuan spat softly, a hint of disdain in her voice. “Duoduo, don’t be afraid; the public safety here is quite good. However, if you ever encounter such drunkards in a secluded place, you must keep your distance. A beautiful little girl like you needs to be vigilant at all times.”

Listening to her adoptive mother’s heartfelt concern, Lin Duo felt a sweet warmth blossom in her chest and nodded obediently.

Just then, Wu Bijuan remembered another matter. “Duoduo,” she asked, “why haven’t I seen you use any sanitary pads recently?”

“Sanitary pads?” The mention of the word instantly reminded Lin Duo of their true gender, and they couldn’t help but lower their head in dismay.

Wu Bijuan, however, simply mistook Lin Duo’s reaction for a young girl’s shyness. “Have you not experienced your first period yet?” she asked. “It’s quite uncommon at your age, but not entirely impossible.”

“Still, it’s always wise to keep some on hand. What if it suddenly starts?” She pointed ahead. “Look, we’re passing a supermarket. I’ll pop in to buy some daily necessities and, while we’re at it, I can teach you some basic female knowledge.”

And so, standing before the sanitary pad aisle, Wu Bijuan prattled on about various details, from different types to varying absorbencies. Lin Duo simply listened obediently, at a loss for words.

Ultimately, Wu Bijuan made the decision for them, purchasing two packs of thin pads. She then instructed Lin Duo to always carry one when leaving the house, purely as a precaution.

Finally, the two arrived at a specialized exam bookstore. After the manager understood their situation, they first addressed Lin Duo. “Which province did you study in originally?” they inquired. “Different provinces use different textbooks, and the focus of exams can vary significantly.”

“I… I’m from Huaide Province.”

Lin Duo had fabricated the truth; their actual hometown was Kaihua Province. However, since Kaihua and Huaide Provinces were adjacent, their textbooks and curriculum were largely identical.

“Huaide Province…” The store manager frowned slightly. “That’s quite a distance from here, and I’m not very familiar with their curriculum. Little sister, could you slowly explain to me how far you’ve progressed in each of your subjects?”

Ultimately, Wu Bijuan bought more than ten reference books recommended by the manager. Lin Duo watched as two red banknotes were spent so quickly, and couldn’t help but tug at their adoptive mother’s sleeve with a pang of heartache. “Mom, these reference books are terribly expensive!”

Wu Bijuan lovingly stroked Lin Duo’s head. “That’s precisely why you must study even harder, so this money isn’t wasted! For the next two weeks, you won’t need to help at the shop. Just focus entirely on your review!”

Lin Duo, however, stubbornly shook their head. “There’s so much to do at the shop; I can’t let you and Dad shoulder all the burden alone. I need to contribute too! I’ll study while working in the shop!”

Wu Bijuan had intended to argue further, but faced with Lin Duo’s determined gaze, she ultimately relented. “You’re just too sensible, far more mature than other children your age.”

“How about this: you can come out and help during the morning and afternoon customer rush,” she suggested. “For the rest of the day, you’ll go upstairs to study. That way, you’ll strike a balance between work and rest. We’ll do it like that!”

Upon returning home, Lin Duo first took a refreshing shower, changing into the adorable pink pajamas Wu Bijuan had helped them pick out two weeks earlier. Then, they settled into their bedroom, switched on the desk lamp, and began to study with earnest concentration.

While textbooks indeed varied across provinces, junior high remained a phase of general education. The core content was largely similar, with only minor differences in chapter order.

Lin Duo already possessed excellent grades and a solid academic foundation, allowing them to adapt quickly to the new study materials. They continued solving practice problems until past midnight, when exhaustion finally claimed them, prompting them to extinguish the light and drift into sleep.

Thus, Lin Duo dedicated approximately five hours each day to working in the shop, while most of their remaining time was spent immersed in books. Due to an introverted nature shaped by various circumstances, Lin Duo did not possess the same inclination as other boys their age to roam about freely.

****

On the morning of August 24th, Lin Duo’s adoptive mother personally accompanied them to Gutang Middle School. A crowd of children their age and their parents were already waiting at the entrance; some familiar parents even exchanged information about the school.

As it approached 10 AM, a male teacher, spectacles perched on his nose, walked over. “You’re all here for the transfer exam, I presume?”

“Students, please follow me inside. Parents, you may wait outside. The exam is a comprehensive paper, lasting approximately two hours. Now, I’ll call out names; those I call, please enter.”

Approximately a dozen students participated in this transfer exam, with a nearly equal split between boys and girls. Perhaps due to nerves, and with the teacher leading the way, the children remained largely silent, quietly entering a designated classroom.

The proctor glanced at their watch. “The exam will commence promptly at 10 AM, and papers will be collected precisely at 12 PM,” they announced. “Cheating is strictly prohibited; anyone discovered doing so will be immediately removed from the classroom.”

“Furthermore, you are not permitted to leave your seats during the exam. There are approximately seven minutes remaining before we begin, so you may use the restroom now if needed.”

Likely due to nerves, Lin Duo also felt a slight urge to use the restroom. They followed a portion of the crowd toward the toilet area. Just as they were about to step inside, a hand gently tugged them back, and a girl’s voice spoke from behind: “This is the men’s restroom. The women’s is a little further in.”

Since running away from home, Lin Duo had never once used a public restroom. Both the inn and the fruit shop, of course, had private facilities. This was their first encounter with a public one, and it had almost led to a mortifying blunder. They quickly turned, offering a grateful “Thank you!”

The girl, not particularly tall and with a scattering of freckles on her face, possessed an incredibly charming smile. “You’re welcome! You seem awfully nervous, don’t you? It’s alright, as long as you’ve studied hard, you’ll definitely pass!”

As they chatted, the two girls entered the women’s restroom together. To Lin Duo’s immense relief, Gutang Middle School’s facilities featured partitioned toilet stalls, significantly reducing the chance of their true gender being exposed.

After they had finished, the girl proactively sought out Lin Duo to continue their conversation. “By the way, my name is Gu Xuexuan,” she said, “Xue as in ‘snow,’ and Xuan as in ‘daylily.’ What about you?”

“I’m Lin Duo. ‘Lin’ as in ‘double wood,’ and ‘Duo’ as in ‘many.'”

Gu Xuexuan flashed a brilliant, hopeful smile. “Alright, Lin Duo, I wish us both the best of luck in passing!”

“Mm! Let’s do our best together!”

****

The two-hour exam period quickly passed, and the proctor collected the papers precisely on time. “The exam results will be communicated to your parents by phone tomorrow,” they added. “Now, please form a line and follow me to the main gate.”

With the exam concluded, the students began to chat amongst themselves, their lively chatter filling the air. Gu Xuexuan was no exception, actively walking alongside Lin Duo and comparing answers for some of the questions. It seemed both had performed quite well.

Suddenly, Gu Xuexuan leaned close to Lin Duo’s ear, whispering softly, “Hey, did you notice that tall boy on the right has been staring at you?”

“Staring at me?” Lin Duo touched their cheek in surprise. “Do I have something on my face?”

“Pfft, you’re so adorably clueless!” Gu Xuexuan giggled. “Of course, it’s because you’re pretty!” As she spoke, she playfully, almost enviously, rubbed Lin Duo’s cheek. “Why is your skin so flawless? I’m so jealous!”

By this time, the proctor had led the students to the entrance, where parents were collecting their children. Before leaving, Gu Xuexuan didn’t forget to wave goodbye to Lin Duo.

“Duoduo, how did the exam go?” Wu Bijuan, who now regarded Lin Duo as her own child, was naturally very invested in their affairs.

“Don’t worry, Mom, the questions were quite easy. It should be fine!”

“Hehe, I knew our daughter was the smartest!”

****

Two days later, as expected, Yue Renhui received a call from the school. He immediately announced with beaming joy, “Our daughter is truly remarkable! The teacher said there were twelve participants in this transfer exam, and Duoduo scored second!”

Lin Duo was also overjoyed. “So, when can I start school?”

“Soon. I’ll accompany you to the school to register the day before it starts, probably to handle tuition and textbooks and such.”

Continuing their education had always been Lin Duo’s desire, yet a touch of sadness crept in. “But if I go to school, I won’t be able to help you two with the shop anymore.”

This time, Wu Bijuan smiled warmly, stroking their head. “We know you’re a sensible and filial girl, but you must understand that education is your path forward. Do you want to be a fruit shop clerk your whole life? Even if you’re beautiful, without an education, what kind of good family could you marry into? So, once you’re enrolled, you must study diligently. First, get into a good high school, then a prestigious university. Your parents will always be your strongest support!”

“Mom!” Lin Duo could no longer control their emotions, throwing themself into Wu Bijuan’s embrace as tears of happiness streamed down their face.