Ma Kai sent a short message, "Wish me success", and waited a moment in front of the exam hall before walking in confidently.

 

Hours later yesterday, Guan Zhiju, mother of the 18-year-old was still talking about the boy's newfound confidence. "His father and I waved our hands immediately," she said. The couple believe last-minute "wishing" would bring their son luck.

 

Guan and Ma Hongbin, both 44, sat on a cemented fence on the pavement outside the school, waiting for their son to finish his papers.

 

But what are the two bottles of mineral water and two cans of Red Bull (hongniu), an energy drink, for? "They are some refreshments for my son," said Guan. What about lunch? "We'll have a light lunch in a nearby Hui minority restaurant. We're from the Hui ethnic group.... Our food options are limited. So we were happy to see a Hui restaurant here," she said.

 

Did their son need any special attention to prepare for the exam? That was "unnecessary" because the couple believe everything should come naturally.

 

"But we have made the necessary arrangements for him," the father said, such as booking a three-hour service room in a nearby hotel where he can take his nap. They said the 160 yuan (US$21) charge for three hours is not a bad deal.

 

The boy has his own ways to release pressure: playing video games and taking a walk in the park.

 

This should give an insight into how many of the examinees in the cities and their parents prepare for an important exam.

 

(China Daily June 8, 2007)