Xiang Beifei's realm had reached the mid-stage of Qi-Controlling, and his Spiritual Power was sufficient to support him in continuing to practice and improve Rapid Flame.
He hadn't gone to the law enforcement team these days because he needed to elevate his realm; the Spiritual Power of the early stage of Qi-Controlling was too weak to help him improve Rapid Flame.
But after stepping into the mid-stage of Qi-Controlling, his control over Spiritual Power became more proficient, and he was able to try different methods for Rapid Flame. By using Learn by Analogy, he could identify the shortcomings of Rapid Flame and perfect this ability.
However, with the college entrance exam approaching, Xiang Beifei had temporarily suspended his cultivation and was mainly focusing on his studies. Both cultivation and study required his serious attention.
As it concerned Xiang Beifei's future, Xiang Qingde was even more nervous than Xiang Beifei these days. He had specially prepared a variety of recipes, cooking different meals for Xiang Beifei every day to supplement his nutrition.
Xiang Beifei did not eat much, but Xiaohei was fed until he was round and plump.
"Grandpa, there's no need to go to such expense, simple meals are fine," Xiang Beifei said.
"That won't do, we save when we need to save, and spend when we should spend."
Xiang Qingde brought over a rib soup, and today's menu included rib soup, steamed carp, with potatoes and green vegetables for a balanced diet.
In the past, they always had plain meals, but Xiang Qingde worried that a sudden switch to rich meals could cause more harm than good. Therefore, he had gradually been improving their diet ever since Xiang Beifei's Awakening System activated, which had been going on for more than a month.
This was partly to ensure that Xiang Beifei could have a strong body to complete system tasks and partly to ensure that when Xiang Beifei was studying, his nutrition could keep up.
"The college entrance exam is tomorrow, just do your best and don't be too nervous. By the way, do you want me to come along to support you?" Xiang Qingde asked.
After he spoke, he hurriedly added, "If my coming makes you feel pressured, then I won't go. I'll wait for you at home."
After all, the college entrance exam is a significant hurdle in life, and in this world, many parents would take leave to accompany their children at the testing site.
Accompanying someone to an exam is useless; it's purely for peace of mind.
Xiang Beifei thought for a moment and said, "Grandpa, if you come, I'll have more confidence."
He knew his grandfather too well. Even if he said there was no need to come, his grandfather would certainly not be able to sit still at home. He would secretly go to the exam venue and anxiously await there.
Only after seeing Xiang Beifei leave the examination hall would he rush back home and pretend he didn't go, so as not to pressure Xiang Beifei.
Instead of refusing, it was better to proactively suggest that his grandfather accompany him, saying that it would give him confidence, and also make the old man feel more at ease.
"Ah, alright, then I must go," said Xiang Qingde.
Upon hearing what Xiang Beifei said, Xiang Qingde immediately became happy, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out. He had felt guilty for not being present when his grandson activated the Awakening System, so this time he was determined to accompany his grandson for the college entrance exam no matter what.
"I'll help you pack your bag and check the tools and documents needed for tomorrow's exam; you eat," Xiang Qingde said as he got up and went to Xiang Beifei's room, and Xiang Beifei did not stop him.
Xiang Qingde took his grandson's college entrance exam very seriously. He counted the pens, prepared five of them, tested each to make sure they all worked, and then placed the exam ticket into the same pen case.
Outside the examination venue, the crowd was huge; many parents were taking this exam very seriously.
Xiang Beifei took his grandfather to a shady spot outside the school to avoid the sun.
Xiang Qingde was out of sorts, his mind preoccupied with the 43-point paper.
With that score going into the exam, he was practically just making up the numbers.
Xiang Beifei didn't know that his grandfather had accidentally discovered the first exam paper he had taken upon arriving in this world. Thinking his granddad was just as concerned about the college entrance exam as all the other parents, he said:
"Grandpa, keep a level head, and remember to not panic during the exam. Drink more water, as today's weather is a bit hot, and don't let the sun get to you. Grandpa doesn't need to worry too much, stay in a good mood, and stay spirited."
Xiang Beifei was comforting his grandfather. Seeing him so nervous that his shoelaces were untied, he squatted down to tie them
He wasn't flustered at all.
But his grandpa was more flustered than him.
Looking around anxiously, with sweat pouring down his back.
The other parents looked at the grandfather and grandson with curiosity.
Isn't it odd, what the child is saying?
Who is the one actually taking the college entrance exam?
Why is it the child comforting the parent to not get flustered?
All around, every examinee was on edge, and parents were desperately cheering their kids on, reminding them of things to pay attention to for the exam, helping to organize stationery, clothing, and all sorts of things.
But at Xiang Beifei's, it was the other way around; he was instructing his elderly granddad.
There was something off about this grandfather and grandson.
"I'm not flustered, I'm not flustered, I'm very calm,"
Xiang Qingde wiped his sweat, took a few deep breaths trying to purge the image of that paper from his mind but failed. His palms were sweating nervously as he continually fiddled with his clothes.
Xiang Beifei asked doubtfully, "Grandpa, were you this flustered when my dad took his college entrance exam?"
Xiang Qingde, still occupied with the thought of the 43 points, absentmindedly replied, "Oh, he was recommended."
Xiang Beifei: "..."
That hit home.