“So you signed up for it because of the prize?” Yi Lianfan instantly realized what she was driving at and was astounded.
Huo Yao nodded and went back to reading her book.
Yi Lianfan could not help taking another glance at the book. Although his English was good, he did not understand even a word when he scanned through her book’s contents.
He suddenly felt a sense of defeat.
Yi Lianfan leaned back into his seat with a sad face. After a moment, he said calmly, “I won’t lose to you in the finals this time.”
Huo Yao flipped the page and replied airily without looking up. “Sure. Good luck.”
Most of the people who said this to her ended up defeated.
So, she could only encourage them.
Time went by swiftly. Before long, the airport staff in the waiting area made PA announcements, notifying passengers to board the flight.
After most of the passengers had boarded, Huo Yao put her book away unhurriedly and stood up. She pulled along the small suitcase which her mother had prepared for her and headed towards the boarding gate. She handed her ID and boarding pass to the staff for scanning.
Huo Yao was assigned a window seat. After boarding, she turned off her phone and pulled up the hood on her sweater. She closed her eyes and leaned sideways.
Two and a half hours later, the flight landed in the capital.
It was past 6:00 pm, and the sky was not completely dark yet.
After they got off the flight, everyone gathered at the arrival gate. Many students from all over the country had arrived at the airport. They were all here for the contest.
Since the National Quiz Contest was being held at Tsing University, most of the schools had booked hotels in the vicinity.
It was no different for No.1 Middle School.
On the other side, Zhuo Yun had just exited the VIP gates and was calling someone when he looked up and spotted Huo Yao among the sea of students.
At first, he thought he was mistaken. But he became certain after another glance.
Zhuo Yun remembered that the Principal had mentioned about him and his students coming to the capital on Friday, but he did not expect to bump into them here.
After hanging up the phone, Zhuo Yun walked up beside Min Yu and pointed towards Huo Yao. “Boss, it’s Miss Huo.”
Min Yu raised his head and looked into the crowd. He spotted the girl right away. Despite how languid she looked, she had a strong sense of presence and was a sight to behold.
Huo Yao seemed to notice an intense gaze. She suddenly raised her head, and her eyes landed on Min Yu with accuracy.
Min Yu’s lips suddenly curved up gently when their eyes made contact.
She was certainly a sharp kid.
Zhuo Yun hesitated before asking him softly. “Shall we go over and say hi?”
Min Yu saw Huo Yao veering her eyes away after taking one look at him. He shook his head. “It’s fine. Let’s go.”
His expression reverted to coldness as he headed out.
*
The Dean led the students to the airport car park after everyone arrived. The Principal had already made transport arrangements earlier.
The Principal hailed from an elite family in the capital. He had sent for their family chauffeur to come to pick them up from the airport. The car was even given special access to use the priority lane.
Other than the Yu family’s vehicle, there were a few black cars parked behind.
A few serious-looking men stood outside the cars, in an orderly manner as though they were waiting to receive someone important.
