Reborn in the 80s: The Smart Wife with a Secret Space Chapter 1140 - 114

Following that moment, the whole group sprang into action.

After all, barely a month remained.

On the following day, Xinyan headed to the medical school to hand in her graduation exam application.

No sooner had she stepped back into the dorm than Jiang Peiqin approached her: "Xinyan, I grabbed your application form. Fill it out fast, and we’ll turn them in side by side."

Su Yuelan joined in: "Submit mine for me too later on."

As her words landed, Bai Aiwen added: "Yuelan, you can’t get someone else to do it for you. Rumor has it there’s an interview right at submission time."

Su Yuelan froze: "What’s that about?"

Bai Aiwen paused her writing: "Everyone knows the competition’s brutal this round. Standards have shot up. Proper looks are just the initial barrier at application handover."

Her statement clicked for all, hinting it went beyond mere appearance.

With merely ten slots open, loose rules would leave them vacant forever.

Bai Aiwen leaned in low: "Word from insiders: 20 get shortlisted first, then 15, narrowing to 12. Two days prior to leaving, a final cut seals the traveling team roster."

All eyes turned to her at once, querying: "Where’d that intel come from?"

Bai Aiwen grinned proudly: "Straight from clued-in classmates, of course. I’m no contender, just tagging along—likely out in round one."

The room drew a collective sharp breath, grasping how ruthless the ten school-wide spots demanded.

Zhang Zhaodi stared at her form endlessly, hesitating: "Never mind, I’m sitting this out. My accent kills any shot anyway."

Ultimately, just Jiang Peiqin, Han Xinyan, Su Yuelan, and Bai Aiwen from the dorm ventured to deliver their forms; the rest bowed out instantly.

Though the quartet submitted jointly, only Jiang Peiqin and Xinyan snagged qualifying tickets.

Bai Aiwen quipped: "Not even close enough to chase, only good for spectating from the stands."

Jiang Peiqin clapped her shoulder: "Future chances will come your way."

Xinyan knew no words fit perfectly now, yet after shared dorm life, personalities shone clear: "Don’t quit—chances favor the ready. Peiqin’s spot on; more shots await, hang in there."

Bai Aiwen nodded: "You’re correct."

Then she grinned mischievously: "You two better advance, snag glory for our class and dorm."

Jiang Peiqin and Xinyan shared a glance and chuckled, aware boasting was unwise amid fierce rivalry.

Tomorrow brought the second round, with assessment specifics now revealed.

Afternoon classes absent, Xinyan noted post-school: "Peiqin, skipping this afternoon—I’ll prep at home for tomorrow’s test."

Jiang Peiqin agreed: "Got it."

And flashed an encouraging thumbs-up.

Yet Xinyan never foresaw, exiting school, spotting her soon-to-be sister-in-law: "Yanqing, why’re you here?"

He Yanqing’s eyes brimmed red with hurt at Xinyan’s sight.

Xinyan guessed without asking she’d clashed with in-laws: "Come, head to my home first."

He Yanqing realized seeking Xinyan wasn’t ideal pre-official He Family entry, yet Beijing offered no other refuge.

In the cozy courtyard, Xinyan seated her beneath the magnolia for shade, sliced watermelon in the kitchen, and set it before her: "Have some watermelon to chill first."

He Yanqing was parched indeed, pausing only after two bites.

Spotting her halt, Xinyan probed: "What went down?"

A twinge of guilt hit her, recalling yesterday’s wedding date talk sans her family’s invite.

At Xinyan’s query, He Yanqing’s eyes welled up anew.

Xinyan rose, offering a fresh towel.

He Yanqing took it sheepishly, dabbing her eyes. Composed, she started: "This morning, I quarreled with sister-in-law."

Xinyan knew it meant Nie family’s top daughter-in-law.

Xinyan’s brow furrowed: "What occurred?"

He Yanqing set the towel aside: "The in-laws believe they shortchanged Ziqiang for years, so since our return, they’ve doted on us and the children immensely.

Sister-in-law stays mum before them but freezes us out privately. Not just me—she snipes at the kids with barbs too.

This morning, I lost my patience and retorted sharply at her. She keeps spewing venomous words without end. If not for fearing the neighbors' mockery, I would have slapped her."

Xinyan gazed at He Yanqing: "Does Ziqiang know about this?"

He Yanqing shook her head: "I didn’t dare tell him, worried he’d fly into a rage and shatter the fragile goodwill we’ve painstakingly established."