Chapter 153: An Undeserved Victory

During one's student days, the two most terrifying things for any student are endless homework and incessant examinations. For seniors in their final year of high school, this impression is the most profound. In the second semester of the senior year, there are three major examinations known as the First, Second, and Third Joint Exams. Spaced out by a month and a half, they might seem similar to the mock exams of the previous semester, but the difference is actually vast. Mock exams are independently designed and distributed by Innovation High School itself, whereas the Joint Exams are uniformly drafted by the Ministry of Education following the exact format of the national college entrance examination, then distributed to various schools. It is fair to say that if you can achieve good results in these three major exams, your score in the actual college entrance examination will undoubtedly be excellent as well.

Today happens to be the day the results of the First Joint Exam are released at Innovation High School. Many students are sitting restlessly in their classrooms, waiting for the head teacher to distribute the score sheets. Xiao Lin, however, maintains an indifferent attitude toward the release of these results; he is currently troubled by an entirely different matter. Ma Yunrou asked him to visit the Film Academy this week, claiming that a group of her girlfriends wanted to meet him. Moreover, Ma Yunrou hinted that Xiao Lin should bring gifts, which she felt would make her look exceptionally prestigious. Yet, Xiao Lin despises such affairs above all else. Being surrounded by a flock of women makes him extremely uncomfortable, but he has no choice and must go, which explains his currently distressed expression.

Wang Yuqing turns her head to steal a glance at Xiao Lin and notices his furrowed brow, assuming he is worrying about the exam results. Wang Yuqing has also been deeply troubled lately. Over the past few weeks, Gao Zheng has visited her uncle's house almost every weekend, bringing gifts every single time. Out of basic courtesy, Wang Yuqing finds it difficult to turn him away, and what drives her craziest is that both her uncle and aunt adore Gao Zheng. Every time he arrives, they treat him like a close relative. In truth, Wang Yuqing is well aware of Gao Zheng's feelings for her. Gao Zheng is handsome and treats her wonderfully, making him indeed the ideal partner in the eyes of many. However, Wang Yuqing harbors no special romantic feelings for him; she merely regards him as a friend. Her heart still belongs to Xiao Lin.

Tan Linlin and Xu Tong are busy feeding each other jelly right at their desks. Their blatant display of affection has already drawn angry glares from everyone around them, yet they continue unfazed, showing not the slightest intention of toning it down. The relationship between Tan Linlin and Xu Tong has always been smooth sailing. Although they occasionally bicker and fuss, these are entirely normal phenomena among young couples.

Lin Xudong sits upright by his desk, biting the end of his pen as he wrestles with a difficult math problem. Lin Xudong's life is simple yet monotonous: study, study, and more study.

Wang Tao is whispering softly to Kang Yan, though judging by the occasional giggles escaping Kang Yan, their conversation must be a lighthearted one.

As for Yuan Weiye, he is keeping his head down, secretly playing with his phone. He is chatting with Lin Anni via QQ. Ever since that incident at Tianxin Hotel, Lin Anni has frequently sought out Yuan Weiye to hang out. The two occasionally catch a movie or stroll around the shopping streets together. Although neither has explicitly confessed their affection, to outsiders, they appear thoroughly like a couple. It must be said that Yuan Weiye truly has the foolish luck of simple souls. Relying on his honest and dependable appearance, Lin Anni regards him as a trustworthy man, and since this man once saved her life, she has always held an inexplicable fondness for him.

At this moment, a flurry of footsteps echoes down the hallway. Upon hearing this sound, the students in Class One instantly recognize it as their head teacher's approach. Sure enough, a few seconds later, the head teacher, Old Yan, walks into the classroom holding two sheets of A4 paper. Skipping any preamble this time, he marches straight up to the podium and begins reading the rankings for the First Joint Exam.

For this First Joint Exam, Wang Yuqing ranks second in the entire school, with Chai Yuan taking first place and Lin Xudong coming in third. Xiao Lin places seventh. Lin Xudong's performance is entirely up to his usual standard, so ranking third is hardly a surprise. Wang Yuqing's performance was slightly affected by her recent breakup with Xiao Lin, causing her to be surpassed by Chai Yuan this time. Xiao Lin's drop in rank stems from having too many distractions lately, compounded by his recent hospital stay. The rest of the class scored similarly to their past averages, with the exception of Yuan Weiye, who showed some improvement.

"Those are the results for this exam. For the Second Joint Exam next month, I hope everyone can perform better than this time. As for those whose scores have slipped, you need to step up your efforts." At this point, Head Teacher Old Yan casts a brief glance toward Xiao Lin.

"The college entrance exam is fast approaching, and I have seen how hard everyone has been working during this period. However, the teacher must remind you: all your current hardships are laying the foundation for your future. Fight through this period, and you will reap rewards for your entire life. How many times can a person truly strive in a lifetime? If not now, when...?" The more Old Yan speaks, the more emotional he becomes. The students in the front rows instinctively cover their faces to avoid being sprayed by the head teacher's flying saliva.

Over half an hour later, Head Teacher Old Yan finally concludes his speech, leaving very little time before the end of the class period.

Over in Senior Three, Class Three, when Chai Yuan hears the teacher announce that he is first place, he is momentarily startled before quickly regaining his composure. He knows that taking first place this time is purely a matter of luck. He has also caught wind of the breakup between Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing. The subpar performances of Wang Yuqing and Xiao Lin on this exam were undoubtedly affected by that turmoil. At this moment, Chai Yuan recalls his wager with Xiao Lin.

"Sigh, this feels somewhat like winning without true honor."

After a moment of thought, Chai Yuan pulls a thick stack of study materials from his drawer—notes he spent a long time compiling. He never bothered to make photocopies to keep as backups; elite students like them possess a fierce pride and never imagine they could possibly lose. Neither did Xiao Lin make copies.

Just then, the bell rings. Chai Yuan grits his teeth and makes up his mind. He picks up the stack of materials and walks toward the Class One classroom.

Meanwhile, Xiao Lin is also organizing his study materials, remembering his pact with Chai Yuan. To Xiao Lin, a loss is a loss; he will not resort to making excuses. Just as he finishes organizing his documents, Chai Yuan arrives at the classroom doorway.

Chai Yuan first glances at Wang Yuqing. Coincidentally, Wang Yuqing's gaze is also directed toward the entrance, and their eyes meet briefly. Chai Yuan flashes a gentle smile and nods slightly to Wang Yuqing, then spots Xiao Lin in the corner and strides directly toward him.

"Chai Yuan, what is he doing in Class One!" Wang Yuqing murmurs softly upon seeing Chai Yuan acknowledge her.

By this time, Chai Yuan has already reached Xiao Lin's desk.

"Hey, Xiao Lin," Chai Yuan greets him, devoid of any trace of smugness or triumph from winning the bet.

Hearing Chai Yuan's voice, Xiao Lin looks up and freezes in genuine surprise; he never expected Chai Yuan to show up the moment the results were announced.

"Hold on for a second, I'm just finishing up." Xiao Lin gathers the scattered study materials on his desk, meticulously straightening them, and only after ensuring nothing is left behind does he hand the stack over to Chai Yuan.

Chai Yuan reaches out to take them, and simultaneously places his own stack of study materials into Xiao Lin's hands.

"These are mine. Let's consider this an exchange for this exam."

Looking at the thick stack of notes in his hands, even with Xiao Lin's superior mental fortitude compared to his peers, his jaw drops in utter astonishment, completely baffled by what game Chai Yuan is playing.

Seeing Xiao Lin's stunned expression, Chai Yuan smiles lightly and says, "I didn't win fairly this time. I was in my peak condition for this exam, whereas you weren't—and neither was she. So let's call this round a tie." As he speaks, Chai Yuan gestures slightly toward Wang Yuqing's direction.

Xiao Lin looks at Chai Yuan in bewilderment, never imagining that Chai Yuan would make such a choice.

"I'm really looking forward to the next exam. We can have a proper rematch then—though without any wagers, haha. Here." Chai Yuan extends his right hand toward Xiao Lin. Startled for a moment, Xiao Lin recovers and extends his own right hand.

Clasping Xiao Lin's hand firmly, Chai Yuan says with solemn determination, "For the college entrance exam—let's give it everything."

"Oh, and regarding your breakup with Wang Yuqing, I genuinely feel it's a pity. I hope to see the two of you make up before graduation." Chai Yuan suddenly winks at Xiao Lin, releases his grip, and walks out of the Class One classroom with his materials.

"This guy..." Once Chai Yuan is out of sight, Xiao Lin snaps back to reality, shaking his head with a wry chuckle.

"Hey, Boss Xiao, what did Chai Yuan want with you? Why were you two shaking hands just now?" Wang Tao ambles over and asks Xiao Lin.

"Exactly! Could it be you two struck some shady, untold agreement?" Yuan Weiye chimes in like an endlessly curious child.

"It's nothing. We had a little bet last time. Technically I lost, but I never expected him to give me his study materials as well."

"Study materials? Let me see!" Yuan Weiye blurts out eagerly.

"Since when did you become passionate about studying?" Xiao Lin casts a bizarre side-eye at Yuan Weiye before handing over the materials Chai Yuan provided.

"Ah, behold the power of love! Ever since our resident weirdo Yuan encountered Miss Lin, he's suddenly developed a passion for learning," Wang Tao drawls intentionally.

"Miss Lin... Lin Anni." Wang Tao's remark sparks an idea in Xiao Lin's mind. He has been agonizing all week over Ma Yunrou's demand that he visit the Film Academy, and catching sight of Yuan Weiye right now gives him sudden inspiration.

"Yuan Weiye, are you heading to the Film Academy to see Anni this week?" Xiao Lin asks.

"Yeah, I go every weekend. Why do you ask?" Yuan Weiye replies, looking puzzled.

"Take me with you when you go. I happen to need to visit the Film Academy myself."

"Huh? What are you going there for? Ohhh, I get it, you're going to see that li—that girl, aren't you?" Yuan Weiye almost lets slip the word 'mistress', barely catching himself in time. If Xiao Lin had heard that, a severe beating would have been guaranteed.

Hearing Yuan Weiye's words, Xiao Lin offers no further comment, tacitly confirming that his destination is indeed to see Ma Yunrou at the Film Academy.