Chapter Seventeen: The Hollow Cannot Receive Nourishment

Only by doing this would he have a chance to attend university. If he scored just an average result on the college entrance exam, it would be easier for others to manipulate.

In his previous life, the countless cases of identity fraud had left him deeply shocked.

At a time when even travel required introduction letters and first-generation ID cards were not yet widespread, assuming someone else’s identity was surprisingly simple.

Given these circumstances, he had no choice but to study relentlessly, aiming for a score so outstanding that no one would dare to impersonate him, thereby breaking the cycle.

Of course, this was not absolute; it merely reduced the likelihood. If he inadvertently blocked a powerful figure’s path, his application might still not be accepted.

Just like a certain famous host, who once thwarted the ambitions of a wealthy heiress, nearly causing his application to be rejected.

With these thoughts, Yang Xingwu formed a plan. Over the next two months, he would diligently review his knowledge. As a high school math teacher, improving his science scores by a hundred points would not be too difficult.

Given his current level, scoring 90 in English was a stretch, but aiming for 80 was manageable. If he could raise his Chinese score by ten or so points, a total score above 600 might enable him to enter a prestigious university if he performed well.

At that time, the distinctions of the 985 and 211 universities didn’t exist—there were only so-called key universities and non-key universities.

The difference was simple: just ask around the village, and everyone would know which were the key universities.

Yang Xingwu stared at the unfolded note for a long while before turning to the others and saying,

“Grandpa, Dad, Uncle, don’t worry. I will study hard and strive to get into university so our family can live a better life!”

“That’s good. Don’t overwork yourself either. Eat when you should, drink when you should. If you’re missing anything, tell your Dad. If he doesn’t care, come find me!”

Yang Kaishan was very pleased with his grandson’s promise.

Yang Donglai placed two cans of malted milk powder on the table.

“This is malted milk powder your Dad and I bought for you. Mix a bowl with water every day; it’s very nourishing. Make sure to drink it!”

“Thank you, Uncle!”

“Thanks for what? We’re family. Don’t be so formal.”

“Xingwu, don’t be so distant. Your uncle and your Dad are brothers. When you make it big, don’t forget your cousins Xiaolong, Xiaohu, Xiaobao, and the others!”

“Grandpa, I know. We are family. If we can’t trust our own, how can we trust outsiders?”

“Well said! Come on, let’s go home to eat. Grandma cooked eggs and meat slices for you. Make sure to eat plenty today and get your strength back!”

Yang Kaishan said this as he pulled Yang Xingwu toward the old house.

Yang Chunsheng exchanged a glance with his younger brother and hurried to follow.

Liu Cuihua saw them return and quickly called everyone to the table.

“Perfect timing. I was just telling Xiaohong to call you all. Come, sit down and eat!”

She then had her daughter-in-law fetch water for everyone to wash their hands.

Once their hands were clean, they gathered around the table to eat together.

After everyone sat down, Yang Xingwen took out some loose liquor he had brought from town and poured full cups for the six elders as well as one for himself.

He put the rest away.

His own younger brother was still studying and not allowed to drink, and his three younger cousins were too young.

Yang Kaishan raised his cup and said,

“Today is a good day for our family. The wheat ears have been sold, and Xingwu’s results are in. Let’s all drink to that!”

He drank it down in one go, and the others followed suit, finishing their cups. Yang Xingwen poured more wine.

After the first toast, the family began their meal.

With many people at the table, the children each held a bowl, picking some meat and eggs, grabbing a steamed bun, and eating quietly on the side.

Knowing her eldest grandson’s results, Liu Cuihua was cheerful all afternoon while cooking, constantly scooping meat onto Yang Xingwu’s plate and urging him to eat more.

The second aunt was just as attentive.

Soon, the dishes piled high in front of Yang Xingwu.

“Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, there’s too much food. Give some to the younger siblings. They’re still growing, and eating too much meat isn’t good!”

“What’s wrong with eating meat? Eat more and replenish yourself well. We’ll buy more in a few days. Your brothers aren’t without meat, but you’re at a critical stage. The teacher said you can’t slack off!”

Hearing this, Liu Cuihua urged her grandson again.

Seeing the scene, Yang Xingwu was deeply moved.

He stopped being pretentious and first tasted the eggs cooked by his grandmother—chili eggs fried in lard—which were quite delicious.

The family ate and chatted, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

After eating and cleaning the pots, Yang Xingwu took his younger siblings to play in the village.

Many villagers gathered at the entrance, chatting. Seeing Yang Xingwu with the children, they greeted warmly:

“Xingwu’s here! We really owe you for helping the villagers earn money!”

Yang Xingwu was momentarily stunned. Had he come back so soon?

“Auntie, you flatter me. We’re all neighbors helping each other. Is Uncle Neng back?”

“He’s back. The wheat ears have all been sold. This year will be much better! Tomorrow we’ll sell another load, and this year will be prosperous!”

Hearing this, Yang Xingwu cautiously suggested,

“Auntie, I think we should be careful. Uncle Neng must know how many wheat ears were sold today, and tomorrow there’ll be even more. It might be hard to sell them all, and we could end up losing money!”

“Really? You’re not tricking me?”

“How could I? After we finish selling today, our family won’t sell any more wheat ears!”

After Yang Xingwu’s words, many people fell silent.

“If you’re not selling, then lend me the team’s oxen!”

Hearing this, Yang Xingwu looked up to see a red-eyed man.

“The oxen have been lent to my second and fourth uncles. They took them away. Wait until they’re done before you take them!”

“Hey, you tell the villagers not to sell, but then you’re having your uncles do it? Are you afraid the villagers will steal your business?”

Upon hearing this, many villagers started to realize the situation and looked toward Yang Xingwu.

Yang Xingwu understood their thoughts immediately.

“I never said not to sell. I only said everyone should be cautious. Don’t cut it all at once; if you can’t sell it, you’ll be stuck with it!”

Most villagers found this reasonable. Sitting at the village entrance, some chatted while others waited for family to return. Some came back early, indicating sales were going well, while others hadn’t returned yet, which supported Yang Xingwu’s advice.

With this in mind, the woman who had spoken with Yang Xingwu said a few words to the villagers and hurried home to warn her husband to be careful.

After this, Yang Xingwu played with his younger siblings for a while. When night fell, he took them all home.

As soon as he arrived, Yang Xingwu felt uneasy in his stomach. After a visit to the restroom, he felt better, but soon the discomfort returned.

After several trips back and forth, his face grew pale, and his steps faltered.

Wang Zhaodi quickly had her eldest daughter boil water and prepared a bowl of brown sugar water for Yang Xingwu. After drinking it, he felt considerably better.

Recovering somewhat, Yang Xingwu felt miserable.

When there was no fat in his stomach, his body was weak. After two days of eating meat, he finally had some nourishment, but his body was too fragile to handle it.