Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
At about half-past eight, Wen Xinya entered the examination hall to see that it was already filled with numerous candidates who were talking in groups of five and three.
The Chinese paper was the first one that she had to sit for, and it would last for two hours from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
At about 8:40 AM, the invigilators entered the examination hall and began checking all of their entry proofs and other relevant documents, before tallying their seat numbers and reading the rules of the examinations out to them.
At 8:45 AM, the invigilators started giving out the answer sheets and foolscap papers, after which the candidates filled in their names and subject codes.
At about 8:50 AM, the invigilators finally took out the question papers which were placed inside envelopes titled “Confidential”. They only distributed the question papers officially at 8:50 sharp.
Wen Xinya could feel the tension of the examinations going on in the examination hall. She took a deep breath and clenched her fist tightly. “Xinya, press on!”
At this moment, the chief invigilator cleared her throat and exclaimed, “You may begin to answer the questions!”
All of the exam candidates in the examination hall began burying their heads in the scripts and writing away furiously. The sounds of their pencils were amplified in the quiet and spacious examination hall.
At this moment, another invigilator began checking the candidates’ identity for the second time.
Wen Xinya had always done well in her academics, especially in her language-related subjects. Hence, the exam did not impose any pressure on Wen Xinya at all. She read the question carefully and wrote her answer calmly, her handwriting small and exquisite.
She almost made no amendments at all and the script was pristine and clean.
Even the invigilator had to do a double-take when she walked past Wen Xinya.
The examinations had been going on for more than an hour and Wen Xinya was almost done with answering all the questions. She began checking her answers and as soon as she was done with the third check, she realized that there were still 40 minutes left to the end of the examination.
Most of the candidates were engrossed in answering the questions and some of them were already checking their answers. Wen Xinya caught everyone’s attention when she stood up and walked towards the stage to submit her script because she could not stand waiting any longer.
Her actions caused lots of candidates to be greatly taken aback.
Even the invigilator was surprised and asked, “Hey, there are still 40 minutes to go until the end of the examination. Are you sure you want to submit your script so soon?”
Every year, there would definitely be candidates who submit their scripts early and hence, the teacher did not find it strange at all and was merely asking a casual question.
Wen Xinya nodded politely and said, “Yes, I’m sure I want to submit the script.”
The invigilator did not say anything else and stared at the graceful Wen Xinya who appeared composed and collected. He could tell that she was a resolute and decisive person who would not do anything silly.
“Oh my! She actually submitted her script 40 minutes in advance. Who’s that? Is she confident or just being arrogant…”
“She’s Miss Wen, the legendary figure of Lan Feng Institute who often tops her cohort in academics and her maternal grandfather is an esteemed scholar…”
The invigilator said sternly, “Be quiet.”
Silence was restored and everyone continued answering the questions.
Wen Xinya walked out of the examination hall slowly and took a deep breath.
Her math paper was coming up next, at three in the afternoon. There were still three and a half hours to go.
Wen Xinya collected her mobile phone and saw Si Yiyan’s text message which read: “I’m waiting for you at a cafe near Lan Feng Institute.”
Wen Xinya took a look at the time stamp to see that he had sent her that message at 8:25 AM.
She was suddenly overwhelmed with an inexplicable feeling. She dashed out of the institute and smiled at the instant that she saw the crowd of parents waiting outside. There was someone else waiting for her.
Wen Xinya soon arrived at the cafe. Si Yiyan was seated beside the window, seemingly afraid that she would not be able to find him. Due to the final examinations, the cafe was extremely crowded and noisy. However, he was seated quietly and reading some magazines, appearing casual and relaxed, yet isolated from the rest of the world.
Si Yiyan had never enjoyed being in such environments. Yet, he tolerated it for two hours for her sake.
Wen Xinya was extremely touched. She stood rooted to the ground and spaced out while gazing at him.
Seemingly having noticed that she was staring at him, Si Yiyan looked up and caught sight of her within a split second. As soon as their eyes met, Si Yiyan stood up and left the cafe.
Si Yiyan walked towards her and said, “There are still 35 minutes to go before the end of the examinations. Since you’ve submitted your scripts in advance, you probably did well.”
Si Yiyan was genuinely happy for her.
Wen Xinya hugged his waist and rubbed her face against his chest. “I have a math paper this afternoon. I doubt I’ll be this relaxed.”
Although the difference was not that obvious, she fared better in her language-based compared to her math and sciences. She still felt rather stressed despite the intense tuition that Si Yiyan had given her.
Si Yiyan smiled and said, “You must have faith in yourself. I’m your tutor. I’m well aware of your standards and I’m sure that you’ll pass with flying colors.”
He was confident in her abilities and hence, he did not know what she was getting worried for.
Actually, Wen Xinya was not that worried and was merely trying to win his sympathy. “Teacher Xiasi, please give me your kind blessings.”
Whenever she addressed him that way, she would inevitably think about the rated scenes in her head, because the term “Teacher Xiasi” had led to various intimate sessions.
Si Yiyan whispered gently into her ear, “If you can achieve ideal results this time, I’ll definitely… reward you!”
He sounded suggestive and brazen.
Wen Xinya turned red and glowered at him. “Teacher Xiasi, I’m very hungry now. Shouldn’t you bring me to eat?”
She was genuinely at a loss for what to say about how lecherous he was, and how shamelessly he often flirted with her.
Si Yiyan smiled and said, “Let’s go, I’ll go take you for some seafood. I know of a seafood restaurant in the city that serves delicious food. You’ll definitely like it.”
Wen Xinya was a food lover and hence, he would pay attention to gastronomic magazines during his free time.
Extremely surprised and elated, Wen Xinya said, “It’s been a long time since I had seafood. I must feast today.”
She was again reminded of the time when she had some seafood with Si Yiyan on the boat to Jin City. The pearl that she found in the oyster was still in her accessory closet.
