Before she could finish, Jiang Huai walked up to her and said, “Ranran, let’s go to the library together.”

“No, thanks,” Yao Ranreplied gently. “My Dad got a tutor for me. I have to hurry and go home.”

The boy nodded in understanding. “Okay, I see. I’ll be working hard as well. I heard that these exams are going to be super important. They say that university professors will be coming to handpick the most outstanding students!”

“Yes, I’ve heard that, too. Well, I’m finished here. Do you want to walk with me?”

“Sure!” Jiang Huaislung his backpack over his shoulder and beamed.

The pair exited the classroom and headed to the school gates. Along the way, they discussed the day’s lessons and compared notes on Classical Chinese and Physics.

“I noticed that you’ve been working especially hard recently,” Jiang Huaipointed out. “I’m sure you’ll surpassYao TangandLu Yanthis time. You’re going to be the top student inCity A!”

Yao Ran gave him a humble smile. “I don’t know about that. There are a lot of excellent students inExperimental High School, too, you know. I just happened to be one of the more diligent ones, but I don’t think that’s enough to make me the top student.”

But of course, she intended to be the top student. She was planning to get into Qing University, after all.

Beating Yao Tangwas just the beginning.

The two students parted ways at the school gates. Jiang HuaiwatchedYao Ranget into her family’s car and waved goodbye to her.

Unbeknownst to him, Yao Ranwas sneering behind the thickly-tinted windows, and didn’t even bother glancing back at him as the car sped away.

…

As the day of the exams approached, the atmosphere in each class grew tense.

Even the incompetent students from Class 20 seemed to be working very hard.

Qin Jing saw an opportunity in the situation and took full advantage of it. Whenever she could, she would run toYao Tang’s side and start peppering her with questions about various topics.

Thankfully, Yao Tangnever ran out of patience. She became something of a tutor for her friends. No matter who came to ask for her help, she was able to explain the problem in a matter of seconds.

Within the next few days, her classmates had started treating her like a god of learning.

Meng Yang had even written her name like a talisman, then pasted the piece of paper on his desk for good luck.

It was better to be safe than sorry, particularly because the fate of his pocket money depended on his exam results.

“Meng Yang, I’m hungry. Go buy some snacks!” Qin Jingordered, pouting at him.

They were in the middle of the self-study period.

Meng Yang sighed and rolled his eyes. “Fine, Missy. Ask Sister Tang what she’d like to eat. I’ll go buy something for her, too.”

Looking pleased, Qin Jingskipped back to her desk and made a list.

“Hurry and come back immediately!” she said as she gave it to him. “Or I’ll kick you out of the sect.”

“Okay, okay, sheesh.” Meng Yang dragged Xiao Pang and Chu Yao with him, and the trio rushed to the cafeteria.

Lin Xin saw them scrambling out of the room, and couldn’t help but find her friends’ dynamic interesting. A small smile appeared on her lips.

…

Before dismissing them that day, Xi Yanhanded out the students’ admission passes and gave them another round of pointers.

“It’s okay if you don’t score high. Just do your best. And make sure you don’t break the rules, or worse, cheat!”

Her stern gaze swept over the classroom before giving way to a kind smile.

“I have your room assignments here. You may check it out for yourselves later.”

After saying that, she gave one of the students a sheaf of papers and instructed him to post it on the class bulletin.

Once Xi Yanended the period, the students slowly flocked to the back of the room to search for their names and examination venues.

Lin Xin, Chu Yao, andXiao Pangwere going to take the exams inExperimental High School, whileMeng Yangwas assigned to Fifth High School along withQin Jing.

Yao Tang was the only one taking the exams inNo. 1 High School.

When she learned of this, her lips curled up in a subtle smile.

At least she wouldn’t have to meander through an unfamiliar classroom and secure a seat before everyone else.

Qin Jing tugged at her sleeve. “Sister Tang, you have to bless me so that I would get good results! I’m always disappointed with my scores.”

“Me, too!” Meng Yangclapped his hands once and rubbed them together in fervent prayer. “If I don’t do well in these exams, my Dad is going to cut my allowance in half!”

Lin Xin moved closer to the bulletin and peered at the room assignments. “Sister Tang, you’ll be in Class 11. We can go and take a peek into the room later.”

“Okay,” Yao Tang replied.

She seemed to be in a good mood, and had even managed to win a round in her mobile game without much effort.

…

The students were filtering out of the classrooms to go home. Among them was Yao Tang. As the crowd neared the school gates, she hastened her pace and broke away from the other students.

She found Cheng Yanstanding out on the pavement, his tall frame leaning against the metal bars that ran the length of the campus entrance. He appeared to have been waiting for quite some time.

He looked up as she approached.