Rebirth: I Am Not the Movie Queen This Time-Chapter 76: Everyone’s Thoughts

Chuchu had long since forgotten about the college entrance exam, but seeing Bai Zhixi so happy reignited her spirits, and she rarely revealed a hint of a smile.

Taking the exam was not in vain; at least it made Bai Zhixi happy.

Xiao Bai jokingly said, "I did say that if Chuchu got into university, I’d give her a big red envelope. Now that she’s done so well, apart from the red envelope, I’ll give her another gift."

"Whatever you want, just say it, I’ll give it to you, sis."

Wan Chu’er was going to say she didn’t want anything, but at the last moment, she changed her mind and said, "I haven’t thought it through. How about you owe me for now?"

Xiao Bai didn’t think too much of it and readily agreed: "Alright, whenever you’ve decided, just come to your brother."

Soon, the news was confirmed: Wan Chu’er had become this year’s top science student in the province.

This news quickly spread throughout Wutong Middle School and Wutong County.

Teacher An from the school also soon learned about Wan Chu’er’s achievements, feeling even happier than when his own son, An Gang, had been admitted to university.

He wondered why he hadn’t seen Wan Chu’er come to practice martial arts after the exams. Had she gone out to play since finishing?

Then he thought of how delighted Bai Zhixi must be; these past few days must have brought her many well-wishes. He decided he’d offer his congratulations once the crowd thinned out a bit.

Elsewhere.

As Zhuo Yao, who had just learned her own college entrance exam results, felt downhearted—her score was just over six hundred, missing her target by several tens of points. The university she wanted to go to now seemed out of reach.

Then she heard about Wan Chu’er’s score—701 points. Her complexion turned ferociously grim.

If it hadn’t been for Wan Chu’er’s scheme in their second year, affecting her performance, she was sure she could have achieved seven hundred points. That score should have been hers. The more Zhuo Yao thought about it, the more she felt wronged by Wan Chu’er.

Her heart was drowning in waves of hatred toward Wan Chu’er.

With envy came joy for others, such as the leaders of Wutong County.

The government officials were excited to learn that a top scholar had emerged from a school within their jurisdiction. The propaganda department decided after a meeting to make a big deal out of it.

That day, a crowd of people suddenly flooded into the hospital ward, led by Teacher Zhu.

"Wan Chu’er, the leaders from the county’s propaganda department are here to see you."

People were congratulating and praising her and also chatting warmly with Bai Zhixi.

Seeing so many people didn’t really make Wan Chu’er happy; it would only exhaust Bai Zhixi. Yet, she still forced a hint of appreciative smile out of courtesy because Teacher Zhu was present, and these people meant well.

Bai Zhixi, on the other hand, was genuinely elated, her pale face coloring with a blush of excitement, and her humble words couldn’t hide her pleasure.

Shortly after, the news about the top scholar’s mother being terminally ill spread.

As people voiced their sympathy, a fundraising campaign was initiated.

By the time Wan Chu’er learned about the donations, the amount had already reached fifty thousand yuan.

She didn’t need the money; Bai Zhixi’s expenses were minimal, just hospital and some infusion fees, and the money from selling their pickle shop was enough.

After Bai Zhixi passed, she would leave too, so no amount of money was of any use to her.

Upon hearing about Bai Zhixi’s terminal illness, Zhuo Yao laughed maliciously for a while and spitefully remarked, "She got what she deserved!" She reveled in Wan Chu’er’s misfortune.

Teacher An, too, found out about Bai Zhixi’s condition. It was like a bolt from the blue, leaving him stunned. He just couldn’t believe that the woman, gentle like water and kind as a flower, would encounter such misfortune.

After calming down, he hurried toward the small courtyard.

But naturally, he found it empty. After some thought, he ran to Wutong County People’s Hospital. Renmin Hospital was the best hospital in Wutong, and he guessed that Bai Zhixi must be staying there.

Having arrived at the hospital, upon asking around, he soon found Bai Zhixi’s ward. Wan Chu’er’s name was indeed well-known.

An Lian walked worriedly to Bai Zhixi’s ward, but on the way, he wondered, with all this commotion, how could Bai Zhixi get any rest?

Seeing An Lian with his red eyes at the door of the ward, Wan Chu’er greeted him, "Teacher An, you’ve come."

Apart from her, the other saddened person was An Lian. After more than a year of interaction, she had come to understand his feelings for Bai Zhixi.

Bai Zhixi happened to be awake, squeezing out a smile and saying softly, "Teacher An has come."

Still, her words were distant. When she was in good health, there wasn’t much between her and An Lian, but now, maintaining distance was even more crucial, otherwise, it would only bring harm to An Lian.

Hearing Bai Zhixi’s feeble voice, An Lian’s heart tightened, and he silently nodded his head.

How had she become so thin, her face so pale, it was outrageous. An Lian wanted to say something but found himself speechless. His hands gripped his pants tightly, trembling slightly.

Wan Chu’er stood up and said, "Teacher An, could you please keep my mother company for a while? I have something to take care of."

An Lian quickly nodded his agreement, "No trouble at all, go ahead with your tasks."

Wan Chu’er then turned to Bai Zhixi, "Mom, is there anything specific you’d like to eat? I can buy it for you when I come back."

Bai Zhixi shook her head slowly, "Don’t rush on the way, just walk slowly."

"Mm."

After bidding Teacher An goodbye, Wan Chu’er left, leaving the space for Bai Zhixi and An Lian to talk.

Upon leaving the hospital, she headed for the school. She needed to talk to Teacher Zhu and wished to stop the fundraising.

But Teacher Zhu persuaded her to accept everyone’s kindness, and moreover, the county was planning to promote the event.

Seeing everyone so enthusiastic, Wan Chu’er felt a headache. It seemed inappropriate to dash their spirits; she didn’t have the time or energy to explain things to people. Hence, she decided to let the matter of donations be, figuring she could just donate the money elsewhere eventually.

When Wan Chu’er returned to the hospital, as soon as she climbed the stairs and turned into the corridor, she saw An Lian, such a large figure, squatting at the door of the ward, his head buried in his arms, shoulders heaving, as if he were crying.

Wan Chu’er stood in silence, the feeling of suppression growing stronger.

Bai Zhixi was in such pain she could barely sleep at night. She had already swallowed a handful of painkillers, which were becoming less and less effective.

Wan Chu’er watched in discomfort; she called the doctor a couple of times, and after the doctor came and went, they were still helpless.

Bai Zhixi endured the pain, struggling to speak: "Don’t worry, it will be over soon... It’s already much better. Talk to mom about your future plans; when talking, mom won’t feel the pain."

What to say? That she plans to give up on living?

That would probably make Bai Zhixi hurt even more.

Wan Chu’er racked her brains and said, "I heard that university campuses are really big, with all sorts of facilities, and the library alone takes up an entire building..."

She repeated all she had heard about university campuses from her past life, describing how great they were.

Bai Zhixi said, "That’s truly wonderful. Just thinking about you going to such a place for school makes me proud...," she paused for breath, then continued:

"Both your dad and I never went to college, but now you not only got into college but one of the best universities in the country, you’ve fulfilled a regret for both of us."

Wan Chu’er bowed her head, silent, and slowly stroked Bai Zhixi’s hand, swollen from too many IV fluids.