Given Ash's family circumstances, hiring a tutor simply couldn't be sustained for long.
So, Delia always felt a little guilty towards Ash, but as time passed, Delia also let go of that feeling.
She only hoped Ash could grow up happily, without so many worries; that was enough, maintaining the mindset that peace is a blessing.
Ash chuckled softly, "Mom, I'm going to give you a surprise!"
Delia paused for a moment, looking at the confident Ash, and nodded silently, "I believe our Ash will do well on the exam."
Delia looked at Ash, "Ash, I remember there's an assessment that's an actual battle, right? Are you planning to let Pikachu go?"
Ash was silent for a moment, "Mom, I haven't decided yet; it depends on how things are tomorrow."
"Is that so? Alright then, go to bed early, Ash." Delia didn't say anything more; after all, Ash had his own ideas.
After drying Delia's hair, Ash went upstairs to sleep. Now, he needed to conserve his energy and prepare for tomorrow's events.
"Goodnight, Pikachu." Ash stroked Pikachu's head, then fell peacefully asleep, entering the realm of dreams.
Throughout the night, Ash slept incredibly soundly, as if no pressure existed.
The next morning, the sky was clear, and the fresh air was filled with the scent of flowers, captivating everyone.
After a night of deep sleep, Ash looked refreshed and full of youthful energy.
Pikachu also opened its eyes groggily, rubbed them, and yawned.
"Pikachu, let's go downstairs for breakfast! You're coming with me to school today!" Ash scooped up Pikachu and cheerfully walked downstairs.
After a hearty breakfast, Ash and Pikachu were both satisfied, heading to school with full bellies.
Although eating too much breakfast wasn't ideal, who could resist the temptation of delicious food!
Na Zi had already arrived in the classroom early, her expression a mix of emotions.
Having spent so much time together, no matter how mischievous they were, the bond between Na Zi and her students was unbreakable.
Soon, the classroom was filled with students. Some laughed heartily, seemingly feeling they could finally escape this confinement, while others showed unconcealed sadness.
They all felt lucky to have met such a gentle teacher, meeting the best person at the most beautiful age.
Ash sat in his seat, somewhat lost in thought, his face showing no expression, deep in contemplation.
"Everyone, please quiet down, let the teacher say a few words."
Na Zi stood at the podium, smiling slightly. Even if she felt fragile inside, she wouldn't show any negative emotions.
Having been a teacher for so many years, she had taught generation after generation and seen off batch after batch of students.
"Today, everyone is graduating, and there are three things to be held."
Na Zi took a sip of water to clear her throat, "First, and most important, the cultural knowledge assessment!"
"Second, the graduation battle, which is the practical assessment!"
"And third, everyone will happily take graduation photos together!"
"Graduation! Woohoo, we're taking off!" Below the podium, some boys cheered excitedly, like monkeys, their joyful shouts echoing endlessly.
Na Zi smiled helplessly. Seeing them so happy, she felt relieved.
Because Pallet Town was not their destination, but a brand new beginning, turning to the next chapter.
"Ash, the journey is about to begin! When you become rich and famous, don't forget me, your good brother!"
Xiao Mu, sitting beside him, was full of anticipation for the unknown, seemingly a little excited.
Ash chuckled, "Don't worry, when I'm rich and famous, I'll send you to Myanmar."
Xiao Mu was a bit stunned at this, "Myanmar? What kind of place is that, a rich area??"
Xiao Mu had never heard of this place called Myanmar and knew nothing about it, but he trusted Ash and believed he wouldn't trick him.
"Then it's a deal! When you become famous, you must take me to Myanmar!" Xiao Mu, fearing Ash might go back on his word, quickly sealed the promise.
Ash was laughing inside, but looking at the earnest Xiao Mu, since he had already played along this far, continuing to do so wouldn't hurt.
"Alright, alright, good brother, I definitely will!" Ash patted his chest with conviction, looking extremely serious.
"Students, at 8:10, the first item, the cultural knowledge assessment, will begin. Please get ready."
Na Zi stood at the podium, looking at the chattering students below, and gave a warm reminder.
"Remember to bring your admission ticket and stationery, find your respective seats, and await the start of the exam."
After speaking, Na Zi turned and left, returning to her office, as she was also an invigilator and needed to prepare.
"8:10, it's almost time. Let's go, Xiao Mu, let's find our seats first!"
Ash looked at Xiao Mu, who was still making monkey noises, and quickly reminded him.
"Oh, oh, Ash, you're taking the exam in Class 7, right?!" Xiao Mu asked Ash with some confusion.
Hearing Xiao Mu's words, Ash nodded slightly, "Yes, why? Are you in the same exam room as me?"
Because this graduation exam was arranged by the school, and everyone was assigned to a different classroom.
Xiao Mu shook his head, "What a pity, I'm taking the exam in Class 6. Otherwise, I could have let you copy a bit."
Ash was utterly silent, "Let me copy a bit??"
It must be said that Xiao Mu had been studying hard for some time recently, but no matter what, time was short, and it was impossible to learn so quickly.
Moreover, from Ash's understanding of Xiao Mu, the previous Xiao Mu was a sleepyhead, always sleeping in class, never once listening attentively.
And now this Xiao Mu actually said he would let him copy; Ash felt like it was a cold joke, almost giving him goosebumps.
Ash patted Xiao Mu's shoulder, "Good brother, thank you. Let's work hard together!"
Before the results were out, Ash wouldn't mock Xiao Mu; one should look at a person with new eyes after a separation of three days.
Xiao Mu nodded slightly, "Let's do our best, Ash, so we have no regrets. Let's give it our all!"
The two were full of fighting spirit, radiating the sunshine a young man should have, like a sun that could dispel all darkness.
At this moment, they were the sun!
Ash, having prepared everything, confidently walked towards the Class 7 classroom and found his name on the list on the wall.
At the classroom entrance, an invigilator was holding a scanner to check if students were carrying electronic devices inside.
To ensure the fairness and impartiality of the exam, these invigilators would do their best until the exam ended, only then would they let go of their worries.
Ash slowly walked over, spread his arms, and allowed the invigilator to scan his entire body.
After confirming that Ash was not carrying any electronic devices, the invigilator nodded slightly, signaling Ash could enter.
Ash also responded politely, smiling and nodding, then walked straight to his seat.
"This should be my seat, right?"
Ash found a seat against the wall, looked at the name posted on the desk, "That's right, this is it."
Sitting in his seat, Ash was well-behaved, arranged all his items, and quietly waited for the exam to begin.
He had absolute confidence in this cultural knowledge exam, certain he could write a satisfactory answer sheet.
Ash whispered, "Don't worry, Mom, Na Zi Teacher, I won't let you down!"
Whether it was for his dedicated mother or the gentle and considerate Na Zi Teacher, Ash held immense respect.
From the system's memory, Ash learned that because the previous Ash's grades had always been unsatisfactory, he often ranked at the bottom of the class.
The previous Ash, looking at those cold numbers, felt very bad inside. He also wanted to change, but reality was too harsh.
Sometimes, fate is hard to defy. For a period, Ash had countless times poured out his sweat, just to prove himself.
Burning the midnight oil, tireless, even if he fell repeatedly, he would get back up again.
But these actions, in the end, only moved himself, failing to move heaven, and even less so changing the cold numbers on the test paper.
So from then on, Ash fully devoted himself to practical battles, not complaining, but changing his mindset.
Sometimes, the path is made by oneself; even if there was no road originally, then one should create a path of their own!
And even so, Na Zi never gave up on Ash, nor did she give up on anyone in the class; she would dedicate herself fully.
She wouldn't treat people differently; Na Zi was a qualified teacher, never using Colored Glasses to treat Ash just because his grades were poor.
On the contrary, Na Zi would often call Ash to the office to recite lessons and provide psychological comfort.
So the previous Ash had always felt guilty towards this teacher; he also wanted to make a change to make this teacher truly happy.
At this moment, Ash smiled slightly, "I am truly a lucky person, so happy no matter which world I'm in."
To be a young man with fire in his heart and light in his eyes, this was Ash's principle, and it would never change, from beginning to end.
"Beep beep beep!!"
Suddenly, at the classroom entrance, the invigilator's scanner went off, continuously emitting an alarm sound.
Students sitting in their seats all looked towards the boy being scanned, curiously observing him.
"Isn't that Xiao Qiang?" Ash looked towards the boy at the entrance.
Xiao Qiang was dressed the same as always, tight pants, white shirt, as if it was his best outfit.
The invigilator's scanner stopped below Xiao Qiang's abdomen, "What is this? Take it out quickly."
Xiao Qiang was slightly stunned, "There's really nothing! If you don't believe me, search me!"
Because the invigilator was a female teacher, and this area was a bit awkward to search, she handed it over to another teacher to inspect.