It wasn’t surprising that the main entrance of the Silver Leaf Academy was crowded with examiners and their families. Somehow, it made Lu Xinyi feel sad as she watched parents support their children, giving them lucky charms before they let them go inside the campus.
Would her parents’ reaction be the same if they were alive? Would her father be happy, knowing she was able to take the first step to reach her dreams? She just hoped that they were proud of her. If it wasn’t for her husband’s help, she didn’t think she could make it this far.
Lu Xinyi waited for her turn to receive her pass from the guard so she can get inside. Just like what she had expected: the academy was really huge. With a total land area of almost 400 hectares, she was sure that two days wouldn’t be enough for her to see every facility of the academy.
Much of this property was utilized by the academy in the form of infrastructure and research facilities, while the remaining area was reserved for future development and left unoccupied. The southern part of the area was exclusively given to the two major dormitories of the academy, the Eagles’ Nest for the boys and the Swan Lair for the girls.
Lu Xinyi held the strap of her shoulder bag as she walked along the pathway leading to the main building of the academy. When she reached her destination, she was forced to wait for her turn again. The staff of the academy called out for the examinees, giving them their guide map to help them easily find their room assignments.
After waiting for half an hour, Lu Xinyi took a sigh of relief once she found the room of her examination. The proctor had taken her stub, with a curious look on her face. She was sure that this woman was trying to scrutinize her. It wasn’t her fault that most of the examinees were dressed well as if they’re going to a club or a party than taking an exam.
She looked down at her attire. There wasn’t anything wrong with her, right? Even if she was only dressed with a white sleeveless blouse, blue jeans, and low-heeled shoes, they all came from luxury brands that spoke of wealth.
Heck, she was sure that if she dared to dress like a commoner and used her old clothes, Madam Jin would force her to change her outfit, so people wouldn’t talk badly about her. She had enough of hearing the same tune from the old woman, telling her that she should act and stand as the Young Madam of the Shen family.
The room wasn’t full of examinees. There were five to seven people already busy studying in their seats while waiting for the exam to start. Lu Xinyi took the seat that was assigned to her and was glad that it was near a window. She liked that, at this location, she was able to see the blue sky and hear the voices of people talking down the hallway.
Taking a quick glance at her watch, she knew she was fifteen minutes early. Lu Xinyi didn’t bother to open her notes for the last review like what everyone else was doing around her. She took out her phone and messaged her husband.
Lu Xinyi: Finally here. At least I don’t feel like I’m on death row.
Shen Yi was quick to answer her message.
Shen Yi: At least you are not dying. I still need you alive.
Lu Xinyi: I’m dying. From hunger.
Shen Yi: …
Lu Xinyi: Seriously. ρꪖꪕᦔꪖꪕꪫꪣꫀꪶ
Shen Yi: Why do you have to make it sound like I don’t feed you enough?
Lu Xinyi: At least you know now. You better get me some mac and cheese once I’m done here.
Shen Yi: Why did I marry you again? I must be blind when I married you.
Lu Xinyi grinned. She wasn’t offended at all.
Lu Xinyi: See! I actually cured you of your illness! You should be grateful I married you. I’m a goddamn miracle.
Shen Yi: Darling, you are so strong, brave, and dependable.
Lu Xinyi: What did you do now?!
Shen Yi: I didn’t do anything wrong? What made you think I did something terrible?
Lu Xinyi: You can’t lie to me, SHEN YI! I’ll find out what you did sooner or later!
A loud beep from the front of the room took all of their attention.
“We will start in five minutes! Turn off your gadgets and tidy up your tables before we start,” the proctor said before opening the door to let the other examinees inside.
Lu Xinyi bid her husband goodbye and cut their exchange. She was about to turn off her phone when a familiar figure loomed over her. She lifted her head and glared at the woman who was staring down at her with disdain.
It was her ex-best friend, Meng Jiao. So, Yuan Jin wasn’t lying when he said that Sun Feiyan sponsored Meng Jiao to attend Silver Leaf. Of course, Lu Xinyi wasn’t stupid. She knew that both women bore ill intent against her, so she should better watch her back from these backstabbing bitches.
“Lu Xinyi,” Meng Jiao greeted her with a smirk.
“You look like shit,” Lu Xinyi commented and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “If you are going to be two-faced again, at least make one of them pretty.”
“For those who never forget a face, you are an exemption,” Meng Jiao taunted her back. She knew that Lu Xinyi had a very sharp tongue but that didn’t mean she would back down against her.
“Careful now, don’t let your brain go to your head.”
