In the blink of an eye, it was late May.
With the college entrance exams approaching, Shu Qingqing could clearly feel that the entire residential community was much quieter than before. Some parents had even organized special patrol squads that walked the grounds every night, forbidding anyone from making noise that might affect the studying and resting of the high school seniors living there.
Even when Shu Qingqing went downstairs to take out the trash, she was extremely careful, terrified that she would be reprimanded if the rustling of the garbage bags was too loud.
Just as she threw away the trash and was about to head back, she noticed several parents from the patrol squad hurrying outside, including the neighbor who lived directly across from her.
Seeing her neighbor, Shu Qingqing called out a greeting, but the woman grabbed her arm instead. Mrs. Lu, come to the school with us.
Why to the school? Shu Qingqing asked. Isn't it too early for them to be let out?
Oh my, you haven't heard? A kid at the school jumped off a building because the pressure was too much. The students were all outside at the time and saw it happen. They are all terribly frightened.
Shu Qingqing was shocked. Jumped off a building?
Yes! So we are all going to check on our kids. Oh, by the way, I heard the student who jumped is from Class One. Isn't your Lu Yu in Class One? You had better hurry over and check on him.
Shu Qingqing quickly followed them.
The news seemed to have spread fast. By the time Shu Qingqing arrived, a large crowd of parents had already gathered at the school gates.
After a short wait, two teachers finally led them inside.
The teachers explained the situation to everyone. A student had indeed jumped due to immense stress, but fortunately, he landed on a rescue air cushion deployed below and his life was not in danger.
The crowd of parents finally breathed a sigh of relief.
However, many students had witnessed the incident and suffered quite a psychological shock. As a result, the principal decided to cancel the evening study session for the seniors, allowing parents to take them straight home.
Shu Qingqing hurried to Class One. Seeing that Lu Yu looked completely normal, she finally let her guard down.
She led Lu Yu home, not daring to ask too much about what happened. Instead, she talked about all sorts of things to distract him.
Upon arriving home, Lu Yu went straight to his room to do practice exams.
Shu Qingqing secretly peeked in on him several times, finding him sitting there quietly.
After struggling with it for a long time, she decided it would be best to talk to him.
She knocked and entered. Lu Yu, about what happened with your classmate today... are you doing okay?
Lu Yu's pen paused, and his eyes dimmed slightly. Mom, I never thought Chen Hongxuan would do something so extreme. His grades are usually really good. With a little effort, getting into a top-ten university wouldn't be a problem for him. But... just because he didn't do well on the third mock exam, he has been depressed. I never expected him to actually do something like this today.
Actually, the college entrance exam isn't just about grades; mindset is even more important, Shu Qingqing said gently. If your mindset collapses, you won't be able to perform to your full potential no matter how good your grades are. Lu Yu, I know you must be feeling upset and scared. These are normal emotions. You don't have to force yourself to pretend everything is fine. You will only feel better if you let it out.
Come on, Lu Yu. If you want to cry, just cry. I absolutely won't laugh at you. As she spoke, Shu Qingqing pulled out a few tissues, looking as if she was ready to wipe his tears.
Lu Yu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Mom, I am a bit upset, but I'm not quite at the point of crying. Don't worry. Fortunately, Chen Hongxuan's life isn't in danger. I'll be fine after I process it for a bit.
Shu Qingqing patted his shoulder. Then I won't disturb you.
Some emotions truly could only be processed alone.
Half an hour later, Shu Qingqing checked on him again and found Lu Yu buried in his practice exams once more.
For the entire second half of the semester, Lu Yu had been in a highly tense state, doing nothing but studying every day. Today's incident served as a wake-up call for Shu Qingqing: it was time to take Lu Yu out to relax.
So, she walked over. Lu Yu, I don't feel like eating at home today. Do your papers for another half hour, and when your dad gets back, we'll go out to eat, okay?
Lu Yu nodded and agreed.
A while later, Lu Bochuan came home from work. Shu Qingqing quietly told him about what had happened at the school. So I decided, we absolutely must take Lu Yu out to properly relax today.
Lu Bochuan naturally agreed.
As soon as the half-hour was up, Shu Qingqing immediately pulled Lu Yu out of his room. Let's go, let's go eat. I'm starving to death.
Lu Yu originally thought Shu Qingqing had made a reservation at a restaurant, but after leaving the house, she didn't drive. Instead, she led everyone out on foot.
On this early summer evening, many people were out for an after-dinner stroll. The streets were lined with numerous snack stalls, making the area extraordinarily bustling.
After taking a few turns, Shu Qingqing led them into an open-air food stall.
Family, eat whatever you want, buy whatever you want! Today, all expenses are on Shu Qingqing!
As soon as they walked in, Lu Xun's eyes widened. Mom, it's so lively here.
Lu Yu had never eaten at a street-side food stall before either, so he was quite curious.
Right? The main appeal of an open-air stall is the bustling atmosphere. Come on, I'm taking you to eat your fill today. With a grand wave of her hand, Shu Qingqing ordered several plates of skewers.
The early summer breeze wasn't uncomfortably hot yet; it felt pleasant and relaxing against the skin. The skewers sizzled with oil on the iron grill, and the air was filled with the savory scent of meat, the charred aroma of charcoal, and the smell of beer. Diners at nearby tables chatted loudly, and the owner shouted out orders from time to time. Although it was incredibly noisy, it was entirely different from the dull and stifling classroom, allowing Lu Yu to feel the vibrant energy of life.
He relaxed against the back of his chair and took a skewer from Shu Qingqing's hand.
The online reviews said their skewers are incredibly delicious, and they really are good. Shu Qingqing ate a few skewers. Seeing the next table order a pitcher of beer, she took advantage of Lu Xun looking away and secretly ordered two cans, sharing one with Lu Bochuan.
Figuring the alcohol content of the beer wasn't high, Lu Bochuan didn't stop her.
Who knew Shu Qingqing would still manage to get drunk.
Lu Yu was in the middle of eating a shrimp when he suddenly felt a pat on his shoulder.
Lu Yu, let me tell you, I know you're very sad about what happened with your classmate today, but! Shu Qingqing waved her hand grandly. There are no hurdles in life you can't get past. Remember your big sister's words. Sis is telling you, you're still young and haven't seen much of the world. When you look back later in life, you'll realize this was nothing at all!
Young man! Your road is still long. Come! Drink this cup! Tomorrow you'll be a hero again! Saying this, Shu Qingqing pulled Lu Yu over to clink glasses.
Lu Xun looked completely bewildered. Dad, why is Mom making my brother call her big sister?
Lu Bochuan smiled helplessly. Mom is drunk.
Since they had all pretty much eaten their fill, Lu Bochuan settled the bill. He originally wanted to hail a cab back, but Shu Qingqing wasn't having it.
It's such a short distance, taking a cab is a waste. Our family is so poor, we should save the money for the kids' education. Tell you what, Lu Bochuan, come over here and carry me on your back, Shu Qingqing said with a completely straight face.
Lu Bochuan helplessly pinched her cheek and crouched down.
Seeing this, Lu Yu also hoisted Lu Xun onto his back.
In the bustling, noisy alleyway, the family of four slowly made their way home.
