The exam results were quickly delivered to each class teacher.
"Congratulations, Old Wang—your class really stole the show this time. Ye Chen is first again."
"Yeah, and five perfect scores—this performance makes him a lock for Jiangzhou's, even all of Zhejiang Province's, Top Scholar."
"Then there's your Li Sitong and Xia Yingluo. They used to hover around tenth in the Whole School and now they've surged into the top three—incredible."
"Old Wang, what's your secret? Share it with us."
Old Wang grinned. "What secret? The kids worked hard, that's all."
Wang Chao certainly couldn't tell the other teachers he'd encouraged his students to date and accidentally secured the entire top three.
The other teachers were green with envy.
One teacher said, "Our school's never produced a Top Scholar, right?"
"True, we've always been overshadowed by Jiangzhou No. 1 Middle School, but this time we might just get a city champion—or even a provincial one."
"Exactly—Jiangzhou Middle School can finally hold its head high."
"Congrats, Old Wang—future Top Scholar Head-Teacher."
"This is only a Mock Exam; it won't count until the National Higher Education Entrance Examination results come out!"
Old Wang kept a straight face, fighting back laughter.
Provincial Top Scholar!
Something he'd never dared dream about before.
Now it might actually happen.
By then, the whole of Jiangzhou—or even Zhejiang—would know the name Old Wang.
At that thought, Old Wang lost it.
"Heh-heh…"
He actually laughed out loud.
The other teachers: "…"
Watching Old Wang crack up, Chen Tao couldn't take it anymore.
"Your class only looks good because of Ye Chen. Your average is still two points below ours."
Wang Chao retorted, "Who says it's only Ye Chen? I've also got Xia Yingluo and Li Sitong—the top three in the school are all mine."
Chen Tao: "Either way, our class average is higher. That's a fact."
Wang Chao: "Taking the top three is also a fact—why don't you do the same?"
Chen Tao: "…"
In past Office duels, Chen Tao always had the upper hand.
But this time he had nothing to say.
Chen Tao really couldn't accept it.
In his eyes, Wang Chao had merely gotten lucky.
A student like Ye Chen would be Top Scholar no matter who taught him.
Thinking the Outstanding Class-Teacher award was slipping away, Chen Tao stormed off. Watching his back, Old Wang snorted.
He knew Chen Tao still refused to admit defeat.
Mainly because Class Five's average lagged behind Class Two.
So what if he's not convinced?
I have Ye Chen, and I have Li Sitong and Xia Yingluo—envy that.
Choke on it.
Yet, though he felt vindicated, Wang Chao still nursed a regret.
After all, apart from those three, the rest of the class really did trail Class Two.
Fighting for Outstanding Class-Teacher was just a matter of pride.
Wang Chao still hoped every student would excel and reach their dream universities.
"How could Li Sitong and Xia Yingluo improve so fast?"
Wang Chao suddenly recalled Ye Chen saying he'd help them break into the top three.
And he'd actually done it.
Could it really be the effect of Ye Chen's tutoring?
The next morning, Ye Chen rose early.
He opened his phone app, checked the stock price, and smiled.
After today's close, it would be harvest time.
This would be the final limit-up; starting tomorrow the stock would nosedive.
After Mother Ye's breakfast, Ye Chen slung his bag over his shoulder and pedaled to school.
High School is hectic, and these are the toughest days—yet they're what many adults remember most fondly.
After all, it's youth!
"Ye Chen!"
As he reached the gate, a melodious voice rang out behind him.
Ye Chen turned and saw Li Sitong.
She was also on a bike—a flashy pink multi-speed that looked expensive.
Truly a rich kid; the bike had to cost a fortune.
Definitely several thousand yuan at least.
"Morning, Si Tong."
Ye Chen greeted her with a smile.
"Morning!"
Li Sitong pushed her bike to his side.
Side by side, they wheeled their bikes toward the shed.
Many students saw the scene.
"Who's that guy? He's super close to school flower Li Sitong."
"Don't you know? That's her deskmate, Class Five's School Heartthrob. He used to be mediocre at studies, but lately his grades exploded—in this Mock Exam he actually ranked first in the Whole School."
"Damn, worthy of the School Heartthrob. I heard loads of guys chase Li Sitong and she ignores them all—look how sweetly she's smiling at Ye Chen."
"I'm dying of envy."
Watching the pair laugh and push their bikes into campus, the boys secretly in love with Li Sitong turned into sour lemons.
"Why can't I be as handsome as Ye Chen?"
"Why am I not a Top Student?"
Many girls stared at Ye Chen with sparkling eyes.
"That's Ye Chen—so hot."
"Why is my deskmate ugly and a slacker?"
"I'm already in love with him, but he belongs to the school flower—so painful."
…Soon the two reached the shed.
"Ye… Ye Chen!"
Seeing no one around, Li Sitong remembered her chat with Yu Weiwei.
She instinctively called him.
Ye Chen looked at her. "What's up?"
Gazing at him, Li Sitong silently psyched herself up.
Yu Weiwei was right—if you like someone, go for it.
What if Ye Chen gets snatched by Xia Yingluo?
Should she confess right now?
"Um… Ye Chen, I… I—oh, did you have breakfast?"
But the words reached her lips and the confession wouldn't come out.
Ye Chen studied her. "I did. Didn't you?"
From her tone and mouth shape, Ye Chen could tell that wasn't what she'd meant to say.
She definitely wanted to say something else—so why the sudden switch?
At that moment Ye Chen never imagined Li Sitong had been about to confess.
Li Sitong gave an awkward smile. "Oh, good. I was going to buy you breakfast if you hadn't."
After saying it, she felt smug.
Good thing I'm quick-witted—see how easily I dodged that.
She was secretly delighted.
But the next second she felt deflated.
Quick-witted my foot!
I was clearly going to confess—why did I chicken out?
Confession turned into asking about breakfast—why am I such a coward?
Why didn't I just say it?
Ahhh!
Li Sitong, you're a scaredy-cat. Such a perfect chance and you blew it!
You deserve to stay single!
"What's wrong? Your face is suddenly so red."
As he spoke, Ye Chen reached to feel her forehead.
"Do you have a fever?"
The moment his hand touched her brow, Li Sitong's cheeks burned even redder.
"I'm not sick, just a bit hot—gotta go!"
With that, Li Sitong dashed off.
Ye Chen stood there dumbfounded. What's with her? She's acting weird.
No good—I need to figure this out!
…