Zhou You had no idea about this path either, since he went straight to work after graduating from university. It wasn't until he encountered colleagues at work and heard them talk about it that he learned many of them had poor undergraduate majors and couldn't take civil service exams. Later, they could only participate in self-study exams, obtain a second degree, and switch to a major more suitable for civil service exams, like Chinese Language and Literature or Law. This way, they could use the new degree to take the exams, and many had successfully landed jobs. When Zhou You first heard this, he was also very surprised—he didn't know you could do that.
There were also many who didn't get into university after high school, worked for a few years, and then took adult self-study exams. These people had to pass both associate and bachelor's degree exams; only after obtaining the associate degree certificate could they get the bachelor's degree and diploma. They too could participate in national exams. Occasionally, there were stories of remarkable individuals who, after earning a bachelor's degree through self-study, took the graduate entrance exam, went on to earn a doctorate, and eventually became a university professor at a second-tier college. Changing your destiny through studying is absolutely not an empty phrase. The chance of things getting worse is small; the chance of things getting better is huge.
Wang Pengfei, upon hearing Zhou You's words, stopped eating, sat up straight, and said to Zhou You, "Brother You, I'm willing to study. I'm not afraid of hardship."
"Alright, as long as you're willing to learn, I'll fully support you. In a couple of days, I'll contact the adult self-study exam teacher from our school and have them arrange a tutor for you. Then you can directly take the exam for our school," Zhou You said happily. Zhou You was actually a simple person—he liked kids who loved reading and people who were hardworking and ambitious. When he met someone who listened to advice, he'd give them a hand. If they didn't, he wouldn't push further.
Wang Fangfang was initially very happy, but gradually she calmed down, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. She didn't know what she was thinking, but after glancing at Zhou You a few times, she finally couldn't help saying, "Brother You, can I take the self-study exam too?"
Zhou You had originally wanted to suggest it to Wang Fangfang but was afraid she'd be upset, thinking he looked down on her education level, so he hadn't brought it up. He didn't expect her to volunteer to study on her own. He turned his head and couldn't help planting a kiss on Wang Fangfang's small face. "Of course you can. I couldn't be happier. You can study together with your brother, keep each other motivated, and learn from each other."
Wang Fangfang had always enjoyed school, though her grades were average. Later, she had the chance to learn swimming, thinking it might open another door, so she pursued it professionally. Now that she had the opportunity to continue studying, she definitely wanted to seize it. Sometimes Wang Fangfang felt like she was living in a dream. Right after retiring, she met someone she liked, and he was well-off, supporting her to start a business, opening three swimming centers, buying a house, and recently a car. He was also so good to her family, helping her brother find a better path. Wang Fangfang was afraid that if she woke up, all this would slip away, and she'd be back to being that just-retired ugly duckling, as if it were all a dream. She was constantly surrounded by insecurity.
Now that she had the chance to continue studying and advancing, there was a drive within her to learn. What she learned, no one could take away. Even if it were all a grand dream, at least the knowledge would be hers. Having your parents' support isn't as good as having your own. Leaning on a mountain, the mountain falls; leaning on people, people leave. You still have to rely on yourself. People without a sense of security always want to leave themselves an escape route, just like Zhou You.
"Wanting to study is a good thing. As long as you're willing, we'll keep learning. We're not short on money now, and we have plenty of time to improve ourselves. That's much better than just eating, drinking, and having fun all day. I've gone back to pursue a doctorate myself, to keep improving. Learning is a lifelong thing—not just for getting a degree, but also for understanding yourself and the world."
What do you do when you have money and free time? Of course, you focus on learning. It takes three generations of nobility to produce an artist. Why? Because they've played everything there is to play, and the only things that can satisfy their spiritual needs and bring them a bit of joy are learning and art. There's a documentary called *Born Rich*, filmed by the grandson of the Johnson & Johnson family. Using his own connections, he filmed many people like him—from wealthy families, even third- or fourth-generation rich—to find out how they live. Rich people aren't necessarily happy, but most poor people are unhappy. Not every descendant of the wealthy has a talent for business or learning, but they still have to live their lives. How do they get through it? Most pursue art, as it's the only way to get through their long, boring lives. For example, Wang Xizhi, the Sage of Calligraphy, came from the prominent Wang family and was famously the "East Bed Son-in-Law." Later, he refused to enter politics, retired to his small building, and practiced calligraphy every day. If he were constantly worried about food, clothing, and shelter, how could he have the time to calm down and practice that?
Zhou You was now planning to pick up some other hobbies. He didn't need to be an expert—just as long as he liked it and could try it, he'd give it a shot.
After eating, Zhou You went back to his room to sleep. Wang Fangfang and Wang Pengfei still had to go to the swimming center.
"Sis, has Brother You always been this good to you?" Wang Pengfei was genuinely curious, having felt Zhou You's kindness today. He wasn't a kid unaware of life's hardships. Usually, only parents would think so far ahead for their children. Zhou You considering his future so deeply truly moved him.
"Yes, ever since I got together with Brother You, I've basically never had to struggle. He's been really good to me and takes care of my feelings," Wang Fangfang said to her brother, then added, "You definitely need to study hard this time. If you don't want to work at the swimming center, you don't have to. I can support you now."
"It's fine. It's only busy for the two months of summer. The rest of the time, there's basically nothing to do, so I can focus on studying. With a dedicated teacher, it'll definitely be better than school. Besides, if I endure a bit more hardship now, I'll appreciate the value of studying," Wang Pengfei thought sincerely. "You once told me something, Brother You: 'If you don't endure the hardship of studying, you'll have to endure the hardship of life.' I'll always remember that. I don't want you to be a swimming coach forever. Even if you manage the swimming center someday, it'll just be one center." Wang Fangfang patted her brother's head. "I hope you can keep studying, get a master's, a doctorate, and eventually become a university professor—a job with leisure and high social status."
"What about you, Sis? What do you want to do in the future?"
"I want to keep studying too. It'd be even better if I could get a master's. I'll still run the swimming center, since I've trained in this for so many years, it'd be a waste to give it up. But improving my education can't hurt—you never know when it'll come in handy." Wang Fangfang wanted to keep growing the swimming center, making it bigger and stronger. The momentum was so good now; it would be a shame to waste it. Besides, swimming was a highly seasonal business, only busy for a few months. Once she trained the management staff properly, she wouldn't have to worry about it anymore.
The siblings chatted as they walked. Though the sun was blazing, they didn't feel hot at all; instead, it illuminated an even brighter future ahead.
Adult self-study exams are truly viable. Interested folks can look into it—though it's more competitive now, it's still an option.