Back to 17, My Brother is the Cult Leader

Time passed day by day.

On the evening of the 6th, Fang Yuan went to Xiao Ming's house for dinner as usual.

As soon as he entered, he handed Huang Xiaoming a bag.

"This is a gift for you; wishing you success in your college entrance exam!"

"What is it?" Huang Xiaoming asked in surprise.

"A hat? And a red one?"

"Well, I wish you the best of luck in your college entrance exam!"

Uncle Huang and Aunt Zhang both smiled; this was a very good omen.

"What are you doing? Why are you being superstitious?"

"It's symbolic! Wear it to the exam tomorrow."

Aunt Zhang said as she prepared the meal.

"Xiao Yuan, where did you learn all this from?"

"Auntie, please tell me, okay?"

"Okay, why not? Xiaoming, you'll wear this hat tomorrow."

"Why are you still embarrassed? I have one too. I've been wearing a red hat these past few days to take you to your exam."

"I've prepared not only the red hat, but also all the clothes."

The family exclaimed in surprise, "You're particular about clothes too?"

Fang Yuan thought to himself, "After all, it's only 96. You have to know that in later years, parents would come up with all sorts of tricks for the college entrance examination."

"Yes, I wore a red T-shirt on the first day to symbolize a good start."

"The next day, I wore a green T-shirt and got green lights all the way."

"On the third day, I wore gray pants and a yellow T-shirt, and walked towards glory."

Aunt Zhang and her husband burst out laughing.

Huang Xiaoming looked disgusted. "What a mess you've made of all this."

Fang Yuan said calmly, "What's so special about this? There's always something even more outrageous to come."

"What could be more outrageous?" Aunt Zhang finally managed to stop laughing.

"Auntie, if you're going to pick up Xiaoming at the exam venue these three days, I suggest you wear a cheongsam."

"Why wear a cheongsam?"

"Yes, I wore a red cheongsam on the first day, a green cheongsam on the second day, and a yellow cheongsam on the third day."

"This foreshadows a resounding victory!"

"Hahahaha!" Aunt Zhang immediately burst into laughter.

Huang Xiaoming's face turned green.

"Don't give me any bad advice! That would be so embarrassing!"

"Uncle, you can wear the traditional Chinese jacket; it means you'll achieve immediate success."

"Tomorrow I'll find another sunflower to carry, and I wish you all the best in winning the championship."

"Oh no, please don't! Otherwise, we're done!"

Early morning in Qingdao, July 7th.

Fang Yuan accompanied Huang Xiaoming, and they walked side by side toward the school.

The exam venue was No. 1 Middle School, not far from their home.

Originally, Aunt Zhang and her husband wanted to come and deliver it, but Huang Xiaoming didn't allow it.

The two walked slowly and didn't talk much.

Huang Xiaoming clutched the leather file bag in his hand, his knuckles turning white.

Inside were the exam admission ticket and 2B pencils, all neatly arranged.

A bottle of orange soda was stuck in the side of the bag, with water droplets condensing on its surface.

His face was pale, and his jawline was taut and straight.

He muttered to himself, referring to all the key points for the academic exam.

Fang Yuan turned to look at him, his tone indifferent: "Stop reading it, the more you read, the more confusing it becomes."

Huang Xiaoming's Adam's apple bobbed, and he immediately fell silent.

Her fingertips gripped the hem of her clothes tightly, and tension was hidden in her eyes.

The sea breeze carried the chirping of cicadas and distant shouts.

Before long, we arrived at the gate of Qingdao No.1 Middle School.

The school gate was crowded with people, mostly parents seeing their children off to the exam.

They were dressed smartly, but their expressions were tense.

They chatted in hushed tones in small groups, filled with apprehension.

No one made a loud noise, for fear of disturbing the candidates inside.

Fang Yuan stopped and patted Huang Xiaoming on the shoulder.

"Your documents are all in order. Stay calm and perform normally."

Huang Xiaoming looked up at him, his tone slightly dependent:

"You really waited for me here?"

"Okay, I'll wait for you." Fang Yuan nodded. "Don't panic."

Huang Xiaoming twitched the corners of his mouth, revealing a slight smile.

He turned around and followed the crowd inside, but after two steps he turned back again.

"Wait for me to come out!" The voice was clear and bright.

Fang Yuan waved his hand, his gaze following the figure.

I only looked away after that figure disappeared through the examination hall door.

The wind blew again, carrying the salty smell of the sea.

He stared at the closed school gate, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

In his previous life, at this age, he lived a muddled and aimless life.

On the day of Huang Xiaoming's college entrance examination, he spent the entire day in an internet cafe.

Later, the two spent less and less time together and gradually grew apart.

In this life, he didn't want to have any more regrets.

The area outside the examination hall gradually quieted down.

Someone was leaning against a tree smoking, the air thick with smoke.

Someone was holding a water glass, lost in thought, with vacant eyes.

The atmosphere was oppressive, yet it held a hint of anticipation.

Feeling bored, Fang Yuan turned and walked towards the nearby vegetable market.

That was a local market in the old town, full of life and vibrancy.

The freshly landed shrimp jumped and splashed water droplets.

The emerald green vegetables, glistening with dew, looked incredibly fresh and tender.

The vendors' calls in Qingpu were loud and friendly.

He wandered around aimlessly, without buying anything.

Seeing the lively atmosphere in front of me made me feel a little more at ease.

After wandering around for more than half an hour, he turned around and walked back.

The sunlight gradually warmed up, and it felt very comfortable on my skin.

Back at the school gate, I leaned against an old locust tree.

His gaze was fixed on the direction of the examination room, his expression calm.

People passing by would occasionally glance at him, but didn't say a word.

He stood quietly, waiting patiently.

The first day's exam was in Chinese, and the final bell rang.

The school gate instantly became lively as parents stood up one after another.

Huang Xiaoming didn't come out too late, and his complexion looked better.

He walked up to Fang Yuan, his tone relieved: "I feel alright."

Fang Yuan unscrewed the soda and handed it to him: "You could have said so earlier."

Huang Xiaoming took it, took a sip, and smiled.

The two walked back side by side without saying anything more about the exam.

The afternoon exams went smoothly as well.

Huang Xiaoming was a little nervous again when he took the math exam the next day.

Fang Yuan patted him on the back: "Don't be shy, you've practiced enough."

Huang Xiaoming nodded, took a deep breath, and turned to enter the examination room.

Fang Yuan remained under the old locust tree.

Occasionally, my mind wanders, and I think about the days after my rebirth.

Writing novels, memorizing texts, doing practice problems—life is very fulfilling.

This is so much better than the idleness of my previous life.

This day seemed to pass even more slowly than the first day.

When Huang Xiaoming came out, his expression was somewhat complicated.

"It's a bit difficult, but I should be able to pass." He scratched his head.

Fang Yuan didn't ask any further questions, but simply handed over the soda: "Thank you for your hard work."

Fang Yuan didn't take the humanities exams that took place in the afternoons these past two days to heart.

For Huang Xiaoming, a total score of over 300 is basically enough.

The third day, the last English lesson.

After the exam, I'll be completely free.

Fang Yuan arrived very early and leaned against the old locust tree as usual.

The sun was shining brightly, and the sea breeze was cool.

The school gate erupted in cheers the moment the final bell rang.

The test takers poured out, their faces beaming with relief.

Huang Xiaoming ran in the lead, his forehead covered in sweat.

With a bright smile on her face, her gaze immediately found Fang Yuan.

"The exam is over!" he shouted, quickening his pace.

Fang Yuan smiled and waved at him.

Huang Xiaoming rushed up to him, panting.

Fang Yuan patted him on the shoulder without saying anything.

The two walked back side by side, discussing how to arrange their holiday.

"I'll ask my mom to cook something nice when we get home tonight, we'll have a big meal."

"When has your mom not cooked you something delicious?"

"That's completely different. These past few months have been exhausting. Now that the exams are over, I can finally relax."

"Hmm, that makes sense."

"I have something to tell you. I've written a novel, and it'll be published soon?"

"Keep bragging."

"No, you'll probably see it before school starts."

"Wow, really? You're awesome! You have to treat me to dinner after you get your payment."

"How about we go to Beijing for a bit in a few days?"

"Not very good."

"Shall I take you to see the film academy?"

"What's so interesting when everyone's on holiday?"

"Ha, I knew you were eyeing pretty girls."

A sea breeze caressed my face, and cicadas chirped incessantly.

The three-day college entrance examination passed in the blink of an eye.