CHAPTER 366: SMALL TESTS, SMALL FUN; MAJOR TESTS, MAJOR FUN.

"Going out to play?"

"Now?"

Xinzhi and Chenchen stared wide-eyed, pointing in unison at the brightly lit calendar with "July 6" printed on it.

"Come on, don’t tease us, bro. After today, tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that, wherever you want to go, I’ll accompany you. Anywhere in the world, just name the place, and I’ll definitely go with you, alright? But today won’t work. Sharpening your spear at the last minute might not make it sharp, but it will shine, won’t it? Maybe the tough problem I study today, by coincidence, will appear on tomorrow’s exam paper!"

One has to follow through on the boasts they make; we can’t let people mock our parents for indulging their children and letting them follow their whims.

The eldest who was good at science ended up studying art; the second kid, a top student, went ahead becoming a small-time trader according to his own interests.

Honestly, it’s a waste of good talents.

When Chenchen first heard these things, he was almost exploding with anger.

He wanted nothing more than to tear apart those who have nothing serious to do and only know how to gossip and smear maliciously.

Still, Xinzhi pulled him back, saying it’s better to make oneself powerful and use facts to smack them in the face than to stoop to their level and fight like ruffians.

What’s wrong with the parents indulging and loving their children?

The children of the Lian family, even if allowed to grow freely, are all outstanding!

The eldest, an art student, won the title of science champion and has already clinched numerous championships in national painting and calligraphy competitions even before graduating from college.

Dad specifically asked the fifth uncle from the Su family to build a multi-treasure cabinet in the study that’s two meters wide and ceiling-tall, solely for displaying the trophies, certificates, and honors their siblings have won.

Eldest brother himself occupies more than half of the space, and new awards keep being added.

Not to mention undergraduates or postgraduates, even the teachers who’ve been teaching at the art academy for years, how many have reached the level of their eldest brother?

Even if they’re not as impressive as the eldest brother, they too have their shining points.

After the college entrance exam, two Qing University admission letters will be enough to silence all discordant voices completely.

Believing this deeply, Chenchen even temporarily put aside his favorite business pursuits during the winter vacation, focusing singularly on studying.

Studying tirelessly and fervently, hoping to make his parents proud once he lands on top of the rankings!

While they consistently placed top in Number One Scholar Village, ranking steadily within the top three in the city.

If they perform normally, they can certainly get into a top domestic university.

But when aiming for Qing University, the siblings do feel somewhat unsure.

So they think the more they study, the better, adding whatever little assurance they can.

With the exam tomorrow, and today the eldest suggesting a play outing?

After an initial shock, both Chenchen and Xinzhi shook their heads like rattle drums.

Having the eldest accompany them for fun is great, but not now.

Once the entrance exam is over, we’re up for any play, to wherever you want.

But for now, we need to sharpen the spear at the last minute!

"Hey, I’m here to notify you to pack up and go, not to discuss it with you. While I’m in Beijing to defend my thesis and pick up my diploma, you’ve made yourselves into taut bowstrings, haven’t you!"

"After all these years of schooling, haven’t you learned the principle of ’too much is as bad as too little’?" Lian En sneered, giving them both a big eye roll: "Don’t talk to me about sharpening your spear at the last minute or cramming. At this time today, having a good time and completely relaxing is the best policy! Put aside unnecessary burdens and worries.

Have an enjoyable day, then sleep soundly at night.

The next morning, face the entrance exam in the best state, showing your optimal usual performance, and Qing University will naturally reach out to you!"

"Well... really?"

"Drop the ’well’ and ’really’, it’s a yes! Small test, small play; big test, big play—play for a good mood, play for a good mindset."

"Being overly cautious and trembling makes you prone to mistakes.

"On the contrary, a relaxed, optimistic with a normal heart mindset makes it easier to perform best."

You’ve been students for over a dozen years; does this still need to be taught?" Lian En pursed his lips, showing a bit of disdain. Usually very optimistic and confident, the two study geniuses are unaware of what anxiety is!

How is it that when it comes to the college entrance exam, they seem to unleash all the anxiety they lacked over the past ten years?

Do entrance exams for prestigious universities bring a hundredfold pressure to students?

The siblings felt half tempted, half uncertain until Lian Xi ran in quickly, holding the elder brother’s hand, saying if the second brother and sister really don’t want to go, then let’s not force them.

Let them stay at home and study hard, while we go to West River to fish, pick lotus, swim, and enjoy BBQ and lotus leaf porridge with beggars’ chicken at night!

With the string of delightful plans revealed, Chenchen and Xinzhi wavered instantly.

Study? What study?

The elder brother already said sharpening the spear at the last moment is not as good as maintaining a good state!

Putting down their books, they ran to their rooms and soon packed swimwear, towels, sun hats, sunglasses, and other items.

None of them noticed that just as they turned, Lian Xi was giving a full-of-achievement smile to Lian En.

"Whoa, is this a family outing?" Xinzhi excitedly exclaimed, looking at the three lined-up Santana cars at the gate.

"Well, as you see, to help you siblings relax, your elder brother organized, we cooperated; indeed, we all worked in unison!" Sitting in the driver’s seat of one car, Feng Ju, wearing sunglasses with half-opened windows, chuckled, seizing the chance to give credit for organizing.

This blazing hot summer, rushing back here nonstop, was indeed for the high school exam-taking siblings!

"Tch, as if you don’t want to indulge in the beauty of blooming lotus by the riverside!" Lianshan called to his children to get in the car while sneaking in a jab at Feng Ju.

Fearing one little word of disdain could get him kicked out by Lianshan, Feng Ju immediately shut his mouth, pretending to focus on driving.

Hmm, now that he’s considered family, they can’t expect to throw him out.

"Once a teacher, always a father."

He and Old Yang have been teachers to Lian En and Chenchen for so many years, they’ve long been considered family!

Wanting to teach them well and then kick out the teacher?

No way!

Lianshan lamented: I just honestly don’t like you; never had thoughts of being ungrateful.

No matter how unreliable, Feng Ju sincerely taught the eldest well over many years. Feng Ju’s efforts in the eldest’s growth genuinely can’t be minimized.

Just because of this, both Lianshan and Shuzhen are full of gratitude toward him.

They’ve long silently included the responsibility of supporting him in his later years in Lian En’s duty, haven’t they?