Chapter 51: The Evil Stepmother of the 1970s 18 New Story Started “Mom…

Chapter 51: The Evil Stepmother in the 1970s 18 [New Story: 'Mom...' Now Live]

The reinstatement of the college entrance exams instantly became the most important matter in everyone's minds. No other excitement could capture their attention, and naturally, no one mocked Xu Xiuyun anymore, which gave her some relief and made life much easier.

All the educated youth, whether married or not, gathered at the educated youth gathering spot, studying from dawn to dusk, even begrudging time spent eating. Other applicants either joined them at the center or shut themselves indoors, burying themselves in books.

They frequently made trips to the city. As soon as bookstores opened, study materials sold out instantly. Those who couldn’t get them paid to have copies printed or hand-transcribed copies. When one educated youth in the village managed to grab a set, everyone crowded around to study and discuss it.

Xu Xiuyun had extolled to Song Dongbo all about the benefits of attending university. Since Song Dongbo had plenty of contacts through his city trade, he helped her secure a set of materials. Elated, Xu Xiuyun thought Song Dongbo still cared for her, believing they had returned to their former closeness.

In reality, Song Dongbo was acting out of practicality. Since he wasn’t planning to divorce her anytime soon, he might as well make the best of the situation. Staying in the village was no longer an option. Relocating would require him to spend a long time saving money to establish themselves, support his wife and child, and deal with Xu Xiuyun’s habitual dramatics.

But if Xu Xiuyun could get into university, there were immediate advantages. First, university students received subsidies—monthly allowances that would ease his financial burden. Second, having a wife who was a university student, and a mother to his daughter who was also educated, would redeem his tarnished reputation.

Moreover, if Xu Xiuyun went away to study, she’d have new pursuits and stop fixating on tormenting Xu Ziyan. He could then follow her to her university city, perhaps even eventually return in triumph.

With all these benefits and no downsides, why wouldn't he agree? They had to move forward, and if this could make their family better, so be it.

Village children quit their boisterous play, adults lowered their voices, and even dogs were kept from barking. Everyone voluntarily kept the village hushed to provide the best study conditions for the exam candidates.

Xu Xiuyun immersed herself in studying, finding the material came back easily. Though she didn’t know everything, revisiting what she’d learned before wasn’t difficult. She felt she was more knowledgeable than many of the educated youth.

She sighed in relief and grew cheerful. Especially after observing Xu Ziyan for a few days, she saw Xu Ziyan carrying on with listening to the radio, sunbathing, strolling around the village, and taking the two kids on outings to the city every few days—displaying not the slightest hint of studying.

Of course, Xu Ziyan had never liked studying as a child. Though clever, she’d always considered schooling pointless since there were no college exams back then. Even if she wanted to take the exam now, she’d never make up the gap. It seemed Xu Ziyan had enough self-awareness to spare herself the humiliation by attempting it.

Besides, Xu Ziyan’s parents were busy preparing vendor fare in the city, washing, chopping, and cooking for hours every day. How could Xu Ziyan possibly study at home? She probably couldn’t even write articles in peace. With luck, her writing would deteriorate, and her submissions would get rejected.

Seething with spite and resentment, Xu Xiuyun reveled in the notion that Xu Ziyan was inferior to her in academics. But her obsession with Xu Ziyan sprang from bitter envy.

She studied tirelessly, dousing her face in icy water to stay awake. By October, winter's bite was setting in, and the icy water made her shiver—but it kept her alert for more studying. Meanwhile, Xu Ziyan lived in ease, regularly dining on meat with white rice, sporting the newest wristwatches and fashionable clothes.

Yet no one in the village accused Xu Ziyan of extravagance. Instead, they praised her for earning income through writing. Even the educated youth whispered enviously about her, saying how lucky she was to have a successful writing career, a loving husband like Battalion Commander Fang, a harmonious family, and filial children—unlike them, who still had to struggle to return to the city through education.

This was where Xu Xiuyun's envy burned hottest. It should have been her to marry an officer—all this should have been hers. Since she couldn’t surpass Xu Ziyan in this aspect, she had to excel elsewhere, like in the college exams. Once she got into university, her academic credentials would outshine Xu Ziyan for life.

In truth, Xu Ziyan was relaxed because she had already reviewed months in advance. Already book-smart with enhanced intellect, she found the basic-level exam content extremely easy. She could even score full marks on advanced practice tests, so she didn’t need to study as hard as others.

Moreover, Xu Ziyan was deliberately letting Xu Xiuyun grow overconfident, planning to humiliate her in the very domain she prided herself on—academics. If Xu Xiuyun was obsessed with competing with her cousin and tearing others down, Xu Ziyan would give her plenty to compare.

Xu Ziyan intentionally spent more time outdoors, building snowmen with the kids when it snowed and taking them ice-skating when the river froze. Even if Xu Xiuyun stayed inside, she’d hear Song Jiao’s barbed comments about how wonderful other stepmothers were.

Bitterly, Xu Xiuyun denied Xu Ziyan could get along so well with the boys. She soothed her ego with the thought that Xu Ziyan was squandering her days while Xu Xiuyun bettered herself—hers was the proper course.

One day, after ice-skating with the kids, Xu Ziyan developed stomach pains. Despite applying warmth, the pain persisted. With the village clinic doctor away, she had to go to the city hospital. Fang Lihai’s mother and her own accompanied her. Fang’s mother was nervous—how could someone as extraordinary as Xu Ziyan fall ill? Was she leaving?

At the hospital, they learned Xu Ziyan was pregnant!

The three women stared at each other in shock. The doctor scolded, "How could you be so careless? None of you noticed?"

Xu Ziyan was still dazed. "My periods have always been irregular—I didn’t think of it."

Her mind raced: *I’m pregnant? I’m going to have a child…*

System 001 exclaimed excitedly, *"You never had children in your past life—I didn’t even consider it! This is wonderful, Host! You’ll have your own flesh and blood!"*

Xu Ziyan felt joy too. In her past life, uncertain of how long she’d live and unfamiliar with missions, she’d never wanted children or a family—just a series of handsome boyfriends and sweet romances.

In this era, contraception wasn’t easily accessible, and she’d grown adept at missions, so she hadn’t actively avoided pregnancy. She’d let nature take its course—but she hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.

Smiling, she touched her belly. *My child. I’ll give them the very best and raise them healthy and happy.*

Fang’s mother, finally snapping out of her daze, anxiously asked the doctor if Xu Ziyan needed any prenatal medicine or if the stomachache was serious. The doctor reassured her it was just due to the cold and that Xu Ziyan was perfectly healthy.

The prospect of a new family member energized Fang’s mother, making her seem stronger and healthier. She asked for a long list of precautions before noticing Xu Ziyan’s distant expression—she was clearly talking to her system. But for the first time, Fang’s mother couldn’t hear a thing.

Panicking briefly, she remembered Fang Lihai had stopped hearing the system long ago and calmed down. Maybe now that Xu Ziyan was carrying their grandchild, they were considered "her people," cutting off their access to her thoughts?

Regardless, without the system’s hints, they’d have to be extra careful—especially with Xu Xiuyun still lurking around, ready to cause trouble.

Xu’s mother also grilled the doctor before buying a pile of nutritious food and meat on their way back. Fortunately, with small private stalls now allowed and ration coupons no longer strictly enforced, they could stock up. The freezing weather meant they could store everything in the shed.

They called Fang Lihai, who laughed giddily before whispering sweet nothings to Xu Ziyan, reluctant to hang up.

The army operator teased, "Battalion Commander Fang, good news?"

Fang Lihai grinned. "My wife’s pregnant!"

"Congratulations! When is she joining you here?"

Fang Lihai waved it off. "She’s taking the college exams—she won’t be coming for a few years."

The operator blinked. "She’ll attend university while pregnant? Is that doable? From the way you talk, she must be a great student."

Fang Lihai beamed with pride. "She’s brilliant—the smartest person I know. The exams are no problem for her. She’s already decided to study in the capital. She’s strong and capable—being pregnant won’t stop her.

Besides, I’ll study hard too and try to get into a training program in the capital. Even if I can’t, my parents and hers will accompany her to help."

"That’s fantastic! When the exam results come out, you’ll have to treat us to drinks!"

"Absolutely! But I’ve got to go—time to hit the books. I’ll bring celebratory candy tomorrow." Fang Lihai dashed back to his dorm, energized. He missed Xu Ziyan terribly and was determined to pass the exams—no more long separations.

The operator and others exchanged whispers. When Fang Lihai first married, he’d seemed reluctant, returning to the army immediately without any joy or sharing wedding candy. Everyone assumed it was an arranged marriage he disliked.

But after that trip home, his attitude had done a complete turnaround. He constantly bought gifts for his wife, talked about her often, and now, upon learning she was pregnant, grinned from ear to ear—nothing like his usual stern self.

They couldn’t help but wonder—just what kind of woman was Xu Ziyan? She must be incredible to make Battalion Commander Fang adore her so much.

Back in the village, Fang’s mother and Xu’s mother carefully escorted Xu Ziyan home, their happiness drawing attention. When villagers asked, they shared the news—Xu Ziyan was two months pregnant. Congratulations poured in.

Before anyone could speculate whether a biological child would distance her from her stepsons, Fang Nan and Fang Bei came running out to greet her. Upon hearing about the baby, the boys excitedly stared at Xu Ziyan’s belly, carefully clearing her path and chattering about sharing their toys and snacks with their future sibling—amazing everyone.

Stepparent-child relationships were notoriously tricky. No matter how kind or strict one was, people would find fault—there was always that invisible barrier.

But here were two boys who adored their stepmother. Seeing them in new clothes and shoes, with neatly trimmed hair and robust health, everyone understood—Xu Ziyan treated them exceptionally well. No one in the village spoiled their kids like she did. Rumor had it Fang Nan ranked first in every exam since starting school, all thanks to Xu Ziyan’s tutoring. What child wouldn’t love such a mother—step or not?

Xu Ziyan was already admired in every way. Now, with a baby on the way, her life seemed utterly perfect. Whoever spoke of her could only sigh in admiration—what incredible fortune.