The Eve of the Exam

The days that followed returned to a tranquil routine, at least that was how Xu Lin felt. Every day was spent running for exercise and studying diligently; whenever he thought something warranted special memorization, he would activate a short-term memory enhancement card. Over the past few days, he had spent a total of 1,000 points, but the gains were significant; much that he would have easily forgotten was now firmly retained in his mind.

Of the three remaining items for this week, there was a 2,000-point “Wave Riding Technique,” which he purchased as well. He had been tempted by the price, only to discover it wasn’t the swimming-related skill he had imagined, but rather a bedroom technique. He was dumbfounded!

To speak of something a bit embarrassing—before crossing over at twenty-four, he had remained single since birth, innocent and pure, never having become a man. He realized this item might only be of use when fate truly arrived; he wasn’t the type to fool around!

Chu Qingchan still hadn’t returned, but through WeChat he learned she and Teacher Guan had gone to Qizhou, and would head to Yanjing in a couple of days before coming back.

But compared to all of these, Xu Lin himself was about to face a true battle—the monthly exam. Whether or not he could make it into the top fifty of the school this time would determine if he could continue to be exempted from homework in the future. He could not let down his homeroom teacher’s expectations; after all, he alone had borne the brunt of the many teachers’ dissatisfaction.

Through his recent intense studying, his intelligence had increased from 6 to 6.2. Although still a bit behind Teacher Su and Ji Yun, who were at 7, at least it meant he had room to grow.

Because of the exam, yesterday afternoon everyone cleared out the random books piled in their desks, and the class monitors stuck on the exam numbers. The exam started early today; all you needed was the necessary items, since this was just a monthly test and not particularly strict. The admission ticket only had the name and exam number, no personal information. Find your classroom and seat according to your number; their entire second year was to take the exam in the senior classrooms, while the seniors and first-years took their exams in the new building.

Arriving at school, he felt it was much quieter than usual. In the classroom, many students were still reviewing textbooks and notes; clearly, most still respected the exam. Xu Lin felt he had mastered the material well enough and didn’t bring his school bag—just a transparent pouch with pens, erasers, and other essentials.

“Xu Lin, you’re going in light—feeling confident?” someone asked.

“I just think bringing a school bag means the teacher will make us leave it in the corridor during the exam. The corridor is too dirty, sometimes it gets stepped on, and I’d have to wash the bag when I get back.”

“That’s true…” Li Bin, hearing Xu Lin’s reasoning, immediately felt that bringing his heavy school bag was just for show and not really useful.

“Xu Lin, do you need to review anything? I can lend you something.”

“I’ve reviewed everything already. What I need most now is to adjust my mindset.”

Ji Yun nodded. Others didn’t know, but she did—he had made a pact with the homeroom teacher, and if he didn’t do well, she couldn’t even imagine the scene.

Xu Lin had visibly been working hard lately. At first, she’d worried that her rejection would make him lose interest in his studies, but now she saw that wasn’t the case. From being an unfamiliar classmate to becoming friends, she had come to know a different Xu Lin. Before, she’d thought him a shy, innocent, honest boy; later, she discovered he was wise, mature, kind, and very caring.

“Ji Yun, you’re going too far,” Zhuo Yan teased.

“What’s wrong, Zhuo Yan?”

“At least you used to sneak a glance; now you’re staring openly…”

Ji Yun didn’t feel embarrassed this time, but continued watching Xu Lin. “Don’t you think he’s been working out recently? He looks much better.”

“Ji Yun, you’re hopeless.”

“I’m joking. I’m still the same as before—not thinking about dating.” Ji Yun whispered.

“But that doesn’t stop you from liking him, does it?”

“Liking… is a mysterious thing. For now, yes, maybe I like him. But it’s not love. My focus is still on studying. If he can catch up to me, then we’ll see.”

“It’s not easy for him to catch up! Hopefully he gets into the top fifty. If he keeps it up through senior year, he can get into a good university.”

“Mm.”

“Honestly, Xu Lin’s gotten thicker-skinned, and you have too. No wonder people call you a little couple~”

“Zhuo Yan! Don’t say such nonsense!” Ji Yun reached out and smacked her, Zhuo Yan laughed, “You’re blushing—looks like you’re not thick-skinned enough yet.”

Xu Lin yawned as the homeroom teacher entered the classroom, knocking on the desk to call everyone’s attention; he had something to announce.

“Students, the exam was originally scheduled for two days, then a big weekend break on Monday and Tuesday. But we just had a two-day holiday, so…”

Instantly, all the students groaned, feeling the malice of the teachers once again.

A monthly two-day holiday becoming twice a month wouldn’t make much difference, and after the exam, everyone needed a good rest and relaxation anyway.

“So the exam has been compressed to today and tomorrow morning; then you’ll have the afternoon off, and class resumes Tuesday morning. One and a half days of rest.”

“Great!” Some students immediately raised their arms in celebration.

Xu Lin looked speechlessly at the happy children, recalling Mr. Lu Xun’s words, which still rang true: “If you say the room is too dark and propose to open a window, everyone will object. But if you suggest removing the roof, and then compromise by opening a window, everyone will agree.”

Though not quite applicable here, since the teachers hadn’t compromised, just informed them of the change, the essence remained. Changing two days’ rest to one and a half felt like less of a loss, and compressing the exam from two days to one and a half made everyone accept it.

For him, the longer the rest, the better—he could spend all his remaining 23,650 points to purchase intelligence. His intelligence had already gone up a bit, and with these points, he could reach 7.2, making self-study at home just as efficient.

After morning self-study ended, everyone grabbed their bags for breakfast, and would head straight to the exam room afterwards.

“Xu Lin, which exam room are you in?” Several familiar friends came over to ask.

“I’m in Room 7.”

“Same as me,” Hei Yuanliang said, holding up his exam number.

“Let’s eat first, I’m starving. The school even chased away the breakfast vendors around here today.”

“Li Bin, isn’t your family in the baked flatbread business? Didn’t you eat at home?”

“I can’t eat flatbread every day! If you guys want, I can bring some next time.”

The boys chatted as they left the classroom together. Lin Shui City was just a small town, so the school was nothing extravagant. The cafeteria was average—not particularly good or bad, with a fair variety, but after a while, even fifteen or so dishes would get old.

Otherwise, the outside food stalls wouldn’t stay in business. Xu Lin had even considered that if he didn’t get into university, making hand-grabbed pancakes might not be so bad.

Arriving at the cafeteria, Xu Lin was struck by the crowds—his first time experiencing such lines since being reborn, especially at the most popular windows.

“Let’s get fried rice, it’s less crowded.”

“Okay.”

They queued up, twenty people deep, but the lunch lady was quick, and soon it was their turn. Xu Lin took out his meal card, swiped it, and kept a close eye on the lunch lady, lest her trembling hands give him a tiny portion, forcing him to buy two just to be full.

Seeing the auntie generously heap his plate, he relaxed and glanced sideways, spotting a familiar figure at a neighboring window. Still carrying several meal boxes, with no bag to hold them, she looked as if she could drop one at any moment. Xu Lin felt a surge of frustration—clearly, this wasn’t just helping out anymore…