Chapter 112 College Entrance Exam

Chapter 112: *Gaokao*

Shen Qingye really did have prior plans.

In two days, Gao Ruiyang would be taking the *gaokao*. Shen Qingye went over early to check on him, have a meal together, and share some tips from someone who'd been through it.

Over the years, their two families had become like family. When Shen Qingye took her own *gaokao*, Uncle Gao and Aunt Bai had worried just as much. Now that it was Gao Ruiyang’s turn, she naturally cared deeply as well.

Her excuse earlier had been partly because she genuinely had no time, but also because she disliked looking so flustered around Yue Lingchuan and wanted to even the score—

Though Shen Qingye appeared calm and reserved on the surface, she was actually quite competitive.

In an equal relationship, why should she be the only one looking so flustered?

Still, despite her thoughts, when she saw the stiff smile on the man’s lips, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. After a moment of silence, she cleared her throat and gave a proper explanation.

Only then did Yue Lingchuan’s expression soften slightly. He then said, “If today isn’t convenient, then we’ll play it by ear after the exam…”

Shen Qingye clasped her hands behind her back, her eyes bright. “After the exam… we’ll play it by ear.”

Their gazes met, the charged playfulness between them, and they couldn’t help but share a smile.

Yue Lingchuan said, “I’ll be waiting anytime.”

Shen Qingye lifted her chin slightly, her demeanor proud.

·

As the first year the *gaokao* was moved up to June, both students and parents were naturally on edge.

Before the exam, Shen Qingye went out of her way to the Gao household to go over everything carefully. Seeing that Gao Ruiyang was doing fine, she finally relaxed.

Though Uncle Gao and Aunt Bai were worried, they put on a brave face. Gao Zhengming sat on the sofa reading the newspaper, listening to the siblings’ conversation without looking up. “It’s just another test. You’ve taken hundreds of them over the years. What’s there to worry about? Just treat it as just another day.”

Bai Xiuyu nodded. “Your dad’s right. It’s not that big of a deal. No pressure—just show what you know.”

Gao Ruiyang scratched his head, said with a sigh, “I’m not the one worried. Honestly, it feels like you guys are more anxious than I am.”

Shen Qingye had no response to that, and Gao Zhengming chuckled, scolding affectionately, “You little...”

Gao Ruiyang grinned. “Don’t worry, I’m totally ready. Two days from now, I’ll walk out of that testing center with a smile!”

He turned to Bai Xiuyu. “Didn’t you say you wanted to go on a trip? Use these two days to plan where we’re going. Just so you know—I’m not going anywhere too hot.”

Everyone cracked up. Shen Linyue remarked, “Rui Yang’s oozing confidence.”

Gao Zhengming nodded. “Confidence is good.”

No matter what, having that kind of belief meant he was halfway there already.

The next day, Shen Qingye and Gao Ruiyang’s parents saw him in an hour early before heading back to the station.

Over the two-day exam, everyone was rooting for him, but seeing that Gao Ruiyang emerged from each test doing fine, they gradually relaxed.

Meanwhile, the team had kept busy during those two days.

Captain Yang and the others rushed to wrap up the paperwork for Ke Zhiwei’s case while also making time to address the online rumors.

Though the rumors were baseless, some people insisted on spreading them, and over time, they were starting to damage the Municipal Bureau’s reputation.

When Detachment Leader Song [a senior police officer] returned, he mentioned that the Municipal Bureau had already brought up the matter, emphasizing that since the case had been clarified, they should promptly issue a clarification to keep it from blowing up and avoid negative repercussions.

With orders from above, Captain Yang and his team wasted no time. They specifically assigned someone to post an online statement clarifying the situation and also reached out to local news outlets for further coverage. Although there were still some armchair detectives who insisted on their own interpretations, the Municipal Bureau's credibility held strong, and the majority chose to believe the official account. Before long, the whole thing died down.

Meanwhile, Xie Shijie, the one who had stirred up this media storm, naturally couldn’t escape accountability. While he had been manipulated by Ke Zhiwei at the root of it, Ke had never forced him—everything he did was of his own volition. Thus, he had to take responsibility for the consequences.

Captain Yang summoned him to the police station, gave him a dressing-down, and then had his counselor take him back. Because of this incident, the university even held an assembly to warn students that the internet isn’t some wild west and that they must always abide by the law.

This served as a reality check for many students who were prone to making inappropriate remarks online.

But all this was for later.

At the moment, in a small grove north of the university, Han Songlin was focused on a small black cat with white paws not far away. Holding a cat treat in one hand, he made soft "meow" sounds with a serious and solemn expression, as if engaged in some grand endeavor.

The lure of the treat was strong, and the kitten was eager to approach, but its timid nature held it back. Its four snow-white paws pawed at the ground, its gaze flickering between Han Songlin and the treat as it let out tiny, plaintive meows—equal parts cute and pathetic.

Han Songlin pulled out all the stops, coaxing the kitten. After much hesitation, the kitten finally gave in, taking two tentative steps forward.

Han Songlin’s eyes lit up, and he was about to strike while the iron was hot, inching closer quietly, when suddenly, footsteps sounded nearby. Startled, the kitten turned and bolted.

Han Songlin’s expression instantly darkened as he turned a deadpan look toward the source of the interruption.

Two people he knew stood there.

Zhou Yuanfeng paused mid-step. "Did I... come at a bad time?"

Han Songlin gave an eye-roll, too annoyed to respond. He stood up and walked toward where the kitten had fled.

"Wait!" Zhou Yuanfeng hurried after him, blocking his path. Only then did Han Songlin glance at him coolly. "What do you want?"

Zhou Yuanfeng hesitated before stammering, "I... wanted to thank you."

Han Songlin replied without missing a beat, "Save it. I didn’t do much."

Zhou Yuanfeng faltered, but Qin Jiayu spoke up, "We really owe you our gratitude. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably be dead by now."

Han Songlin eyed them coolly. "Are you done?"

Qin Jiayu blinked. Han Songlin continued, "If you’re done, I’m leaving."

He moved to step around them, but Zhou Yuanfeng quickly interjected, "No, we genuinely want to thank you! I—"

"I know," Han Songlin said flatly. "So?"

Zhou Yuanfeng met his flat stare and faltered. Qin Jiayu tugged at his sleeve and added, "We don’t mean anything else—we’re just truly grateful for your help. Just say the word if there’s ever anything you need."

Han Songlin regarded them for a moment, seeing the sincerity in their eyes, before thawing a little. "Don’t thank me. It was nothing. If you really want to thank someone..."

He turned his gaze toward the kitten peering from behind a tree, his expression softening. "Thank the cat."

"If not for it, who’d bother going to the middle of nowhere?"

"If anyone saved you, it was that cat."

The two followed his gaze, momentarily stunned at the sight of the little black cat.

Han Songlin paid them no further mind. Instead, he crouched back down a couple of steps away from the kitten, wiggling the treat and calling softly again.

This time, the kitten seemed bolder. Seeing that the other two posed no threat, it edged closer, sniffing the air.

One step, two steps... finally the kitten came close, licked the cat treat, then began taking big mouthfuls with its pink little tongue.

Though Zhou Yuanfeng couldn't see his face from behind, he could sense how gentle his expression was at that moment.

After a long silence, Zhou suddenly said, "I'm sorry."

This made Han Songlin truly curious. He tilted his head and gave Zhou a puzzled glance.

Zhou's Adam's apple bobbed as he spoke with difficulty, "Before... I misunderstood you. I thought you were... some kind of cat-abusing creep."

"Sorry."

Han blinked, then slowly uttered an indifferent "Oh."

The other man seemed completely disinterested in anything. Zhou had pondered for ages before coming but still couldn't figure out how to repay him. Now, watching Han's tender demeanor while feeding the kitten, he suddenly had an idea. He blurted out, "Do you need money?"

Han frowned. Zhou quickly waved his hands to explain, "I mean... for rescuing these kittens. Do you need financial support?"

"Like... donation money?"

He asked carefully. Hearing this, Han finally turned to properly look at him.

Zhou scratched his head, "I mean... you rescuers use your own money for this, right? The financial burden must be significant... I've got extra money and could help buy cat food, treats, or whatever. Oh, and don't cats need spaying/neutering? I can cover those costs too."

Meeting Han's gaze, he smiled, "After all, as you said, it's thanks to this cat that we're safe and sound. So repaying it is only natural, right?"

Han pressed his lips together, studying Zhou for a long moment before finally saying quietly, "Thank you."

Zhou Yuanfeng and Qin Jiayu exchanged glances, both visibly relieved. "Of course, don't mention it."

The kitten kept happily eating its treat, completely unaware that its future quality of life was about to skyrocket!

·

While Zhou Yuanfeng's repayment efforts progressed smoothly, Gao Ruiyang's final exam officially concluded.

As the examination hall doors opened, anxious family members waited outside. Within ten minutes, Gao's tall form finally appeared.

Bai Xiuyu and Shen Qingye hurried forward to meet him. The young man strode confidently toward them, head high, his relaxed, joyful expression answering their concerned looks. "I'd practiced all the question types. I think I did well—should get into my dream school!"

Bai Xiuyu lit up immediately, "Good, wonderful!"

Shen Qingye patted Gao's shoulder, smiling, "Let's go home for dinner. You've worked hard these two days. We've booked a fancy dinner tonight."

Gao exclaimed, "Hurry up then! Sis, you've no idea—Mom's been cooking super bland food these two days. My food's had no flavor!"

Bai swatted him lightly, "You silly! I was worried you might get stomach issues before the exam!"

Gao grumbled, "Didn't have to be that bland though. My food's had no flavor for days—I'm eating extra tonight!"

"Eat as much as you want! Anything you fancy!"

As they walked out cheerfully, Gao kept glancing around while chatting with his mother and sister.

Shen sensed his unspoken search. Sure enough, the boy's eyes soon lit up as he enthusiastically waved toward a direction.

Following his gaze, they saw a thin girl standing arm-in-arm with her mother some distance away. Spotting Gao, she paused briefly before slowly smiling.

Ren Fangyao waved back in greeting.