Through the recent assessment, he was able to see a different side to Yao Tang. She was so much more outstanding than he originally thought.
“Let’s go to the usual place. Qin Jingand the others are already waiting there.Qin Ruiimmediately booked the restaurant when he heard that you guys passed.”
They got inside the car, and Cheng Yanreached out to fastenYao Tang’s seatbelt. The action came to him naturally, as if he had done it all his life.
The back of his hand brushed against her slender neck in the process, and the brief, warm contact sent a shiver down his spine.
Cheng Yan’s gaze deepened as Yao Tanghummed in response.
For some reason, that short, perfunctory hum sounded incredibly seductive in the narrow space of the car.
Yao Tang spent the drive playing games on her phone, whileCheng Yanwould glance at her every once in a while. After finishing a round, she finally put the device away and looked out the window.
“Is there something particular you’d like to eat?” Cheng Yanasked.
“Anything is fine.”
When they arrived at the restaurant, they found that the management had put up a banner at the entrance, saying:
“Thank you, Captain Yao! Thanks to your guidance, everyone in the Glory Orchestrapassed the assessment!”
And as soon as they alighted from the car, Meng Yangand the boys from Class 20 popped confetti cannons to welcomeYao Tang.
The students had gathered along with the members of the Glory Orchestrato celebrate their success.
…
The results of the Math Olympiad Competition were announced on Thursday morning.
As expected, Yao Tangreceived full marks this time as well, earning her yet another legendary status in the world of academe.
These final exams were more difficult than the previous ones, and the scale of the topics involved was certainly larger than before.
It wasn’t surprising, then, that Yao Tangreceived a lot of attention after the results were published.
People inquired about her without reserve. Some reporters even tried to ambush her on campus for a chance to score an interview, but the school administration was quick to send them away.
The teachers didn’t want them to distract Yao Tang. That was what they said, at least.
In truth, Principal Konggave the orders because he knewYao Tang’s character all too well. The girl hated to be disturbed by matters she considered trivial.
In a way, he did it all for her sake, anyway.
Besides, if the ruckus gained any more traction, he might find himself in trouble.
If those old geezers found out that Yao Tangwas with him,Principal Kongwould never hear the end of it. Perhaps he was doing this for his sake, too.
The man brooded as he pondered the pickle he was in.
But whenever he thought back to the Math Olympiad results, and the way the words “Perfect Score” flashed on the reports, his problems seemed to just melt away.
He wouldn’t mind having four or five more students like Yao Tangin his school.
…
The following Monday, a small crowd gathered at the school gates early in the morning.
It was the day of the Master Teacher Oath Ceremony, which marked the 50th day before the college entrance examinations.
The plan was to trek Fengyue Peak, the highest mountain inCity A. It was supposed to bring good luck to the students who were taking the college entrance exams.
This custom had been practiced for decades, and the lore had held so far.
They were therefore dismayed when they heard the news that Fengyue Peakwas sealed off for the day. The teachers in charge tried to communicate with the staff at the mountain, but they couldn’t get through to them.
In the end, they had no choice but to change venues and decided to climb the second-highest mountain instead, Lingyun Peak. Needless to say, it wasn’t an ideal situation.
Principal Kong was in low spirits. He didn’t like that they were breaking tradition, and feared that it might affect the school’s overall performance on the college entrance exams.
But then he remembered that they still had Yao Tang. They had nothing to worry about as long as they had her.
It might not be all that bad to climb the second-tallest mountain, either. After all, the journey was meant to be more meaningful than the destination.
Principal Kong took comfort in this and felt a lot better.
One by one, the students filtered into the buses that would take them to the foot of the mountain. Everyone was laughing and chatting in between their snacks and drinks. It was a lively trip.
Despite not being the highest summit in the city, Lingyun Peakwas shrouded by mist all year round. It offered them a new and exciting experience.
In preparation for today’s ceremony, Principal Konghad prepared a speech that was three pages long.
However, before he could even get everyone’s attention, the students had already split into groups and began hiking up the mountain by themselves.
They had barely taken a few steps when the ground shook ever so slightly beneath their feet. The students paid it no mind and continued on their path with smiles on their faces.
The exams were finally over. Regardless of how their performance, they were glad for this chance to unwind, and were looking forward to reaching the top of the mountain.
