Chapter 39 Gaokao Scores Worth Bragging and Pride…

Chapter 39: College Entrance Exam Results – A Source of Pride and Boasting

“How does it taste?” Xu Xi asked Yu Kui with a warm smile.

“It’s delicious.”

“This afternoon, I’m planning to make lotus blossom tea and lotus paste. Will you come by again tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow, I want to explore the ancient town nearby,” Yu Kui replied honestly. “So I probably won’t get to try your new creations.”

“They’re not really new creations,” Xu Xi clarified. “I just thought of making some lotus blossom cakes for you all.”

“No worries. I’ll be visiting Dong Dong tomorrow and can bring some back for you.”

Xu Xi exuded a gentle aura, and Yu Kui, having rarely met anyone like him, felt a little unsure how to interact.

“Thank you,” she said, setting down her silver spoon and glancing at the book in his hand. “What kind of books do you enjoy reading?”

“Just a mix of things,” Xu Xi said, turning the cover to show her. “Today, it’s essays. You probably wouldn’t find it very interesting.”

Yu Kui indeed rarely read essays, preferring novels with a clear plot.

“What’s it about?” she asked, looking at the title.

“Some observations from the mountains,” Xu Xi explained. “It’s all about the author’s daily life. If you’re curious, you can take it home and read it.”

Yu Kui shook her head, returning her attention to her dessert.

Xu Xi remained silent, resuming his reading.

Yu Kui cherished these unhurried moments. Her mind was clear, simply enjoying the food and the sweet, baked aromas in the air.

After finishing, it was getting late.

Yu Kui stood up to pay, but Xu Xi shook his head. “It’s on me today.”

She smiled at him but still scanned the payment code as she left.

Xu Xi’s offer to treat her was polite, and her paying was her own courtesy.

Xu Xi opened this shop to make a profit, and they had only recently met. There was no reason for him to foot the bill.

Xu Xi glanced at the payment notification on his phone, his eyes subtly shifting. He chuckled softly, closed his book, and reached out to clear the dishes opposite him. His slender fingers moved with artistic grace, and in moments, the table was spotless.

The next afternoon, shortly after Yu Kui arrived home, Xu Xi came over with desserts to visit his nephew, making sure to set aside a portion for her.

“Grandpa Yu mentioned you went to the eastern mountain,” he said, handing the treats to Yu Kui. “Did you enjoy it there?”

“It was quite pleasant,” Yu Kui replied softly. “The scenery is lovely, and there’s a unique garden at the foot of the mountain. You should visit sometime if you get the chance.”

“Alright.” Xu Xi noticed a slight flush on her face and worried she might be suffering from heatstroke. “You should get some good rest. Feel free to drop by the shop to visit when you have time.”

Yu Kui nodded, waved, and entered the courtyard.

She was living a very full life now, exploring different places daily, her phone filled with scenic photos.

In the quiet of the night, she would still recall that book, and think of Qin You and Tao Jiang. But more than that, she felt a sense of anticipation for starting university and embracing a new chapter.

The lingering effects weren't as prolonged as she had imagined.

It felt as though her affection for Qin You belonged to a distant past.

Perhaps she had once experienced too much hesitation and struggle because of Qin You, but after discovering the lies, that fondness felt more like a torrential downpour—leaving her defeated and disheartened.

She probably would never again throw her heart into liking someone with such fervor.

The moment she let go of Qin You, she herself began to change.

That change was irreversible. The marks it left helped her grow and taught her to protect herself.

Yu Kui didn’t know how this transformation would manifest in the future.

But she knew it was a positive change, one that would always be with her, propelling her forward.

Days turned into weeks, and Yu Kui had explored every nearby attraction.

Her mother called to ask when she would return. Yu Kui thought for a moment and said, “July.”

“Why July? Your scores will be out in a few days.”

Yu Kui remained composed. “I want to spend a few more days with Grandpa.”

In truth, she didn’t want to see Qin You and Tao Jiang at school again—at least not until she had fully found her peace.

“Alright. I just checked—your birthday happens to be on a weekend. Your dad and I will come celebrate with you then, and the three of us can return together.”

“Okay.” Hearing her mother’s gentle voice, Yu Kui felt a warmth spread through her.

After hanging up, she looked out the window at the vibrant flowers in full bloom, her lips unconsciously curving into a smile.

On the day the scores were released, Yu Kui was roused early by her grandmother, who hurried her to the computer. “Quick, see what you scored!”

She opened the website, entered her information, and soon saw her results.

The score was within her expectations, even a little higher.

All her years of effort had not been in vain.

Her grandparents were thrilled when they saw it, patting her on the shoulder repeatedly. “Well done! Truly outstanding!”

“We’re going out for lunch!” Grandpa Yu declared immediately. “You name it, and I’ll arrange it.”

The older generation’s way of rewarding the younger was taking them out for nice meals. Yu Kui loved this approach and even began to think about where she wanted to go.

“Grandpa, I also want cake.”

“Absolutely!” Grandpa Yu waved a hand grandly. “I’ll go buy one right now.”

“The cake shop isn’t open yet,” Yu Kui stopped him. “We can go later.”

“Alright then. First, call your parents and let them share in the joy.”

Yu Kui: “…”

Upon hearing about Yu Kui’s excellent results, her mother and father were overjoyed. “If we weren’t still at work, your dad and I would definitely come celebrate with you. That’s my girl! You’ve done so well, Mom is so happy.”

Yu Kui felt a little embarrassed by all the praise. “Mom, thank you and Dad for always encouraging and supporting me. I’ll continue to work hard in the future.”

“What are you thanking me for?” Yu Kui’s mother said with a slight catch in her voice. “From the moment you were conceived, I felt blessed.”

Yu Kui’s eyes welled up. “Mom, I miss you.”

“Oh, after so many days apart, you finally miss your mom,” Yu Kui’s mother said with a light laugh. “In a few days, your dad and I will come pick you up. I miss you too.”

Yu Kui laughed at her words. “Okay.”

After she hung up, her homeroom teacher also called, expressing great satisfaction with Yu Kui’s outstanding results.

The class group chat began to flood with messages, many tagging Yu Kui to congratulate her on becoming the provincial top scorer in liberal arts.

“Yu Kui, you’re truly amazing—you’re the pride of our graduating class!”

“Seeing Yu Kui’s results, I’m genuinely impressed! May your future be filled with success!”

“Yu Kui, when are you planning to come back to school? I heard some reporters want to interview you.”

“…”

Yu Kui thanked everyone for their well wishes in the group chat and informed them that she was in her hometown and wouldn’t be returning to school for now.

“That’s such a shame, you won’t be at the class gathering. Does this mean we won’t see you again?”

“We’ll meet again,” Yu Kui slowly typed. “There will be other opportunities.”

She knew deep down that once they left school, it would be hard to reunite. Even at future class reunions, some would inevitably be absent.

But what life doesn't have its regrets?

Compared to getting caught up in all the drama, she cared more about herself and her loved ones.

Tao Jiang let out a soft scoff as she read Yu Kui’s messages in the group, turning to the boy beside her. “Your childhood friend became the provincial top scorer—you must be feeling pretty bitter, huh?”

Qin You’s college entrance exam results were good but not as good as he’d expected. They were enough for some local universities, but weren’t enough for top-tier schools.

“That’s the result of her own hard work.” Even if Qin You didn’t want to admit it, he couldn’t deny Yu Kui’s excellence.

The college entrance exam was an intense competition, a rigorous test for countless students.

He couldn’t disrespect it or view it with mockery or disdain.

“You used to outperform her in studies,” Tao Jiang said pointedly. “Now she’s the top scorer—aren’t you jealous?” She herself was green with envy. Seeing the flood of congratulations for Yu Kui in the group chat, she felt life was deeply unfair.

If she had achieved results like Yu Kui’s, her mother would probably be throwing a college acceptance party by now.

What good would jealousy do? Qin You thought. He got the scores he earned. Even if he was disappointed, there was nothing he could change.

“She and I haven’t been friends for a long time,” Qin You said. “Her scores are none of my business.”

“You’re so harsh,” Tao Jiang remarked, a smirk forming on her lips as she saw no trace of lingering attachment to Yu Kui in his eyes. “But at least you have good sense.”

Qin You held her hand, scrolling through his phone messages, and asked softly, “Which university are you planning to apply to?”

“Probably a local one.” Tao Jiang’s results were far from ideal, leaving her with limited options. If she wanted to stay local, she’d have to settle for less competitive colleges.

After hearing her choice, Qin You picked the college nearest to hers.

“Want to see me every day?” Tao Jiang said teasingly, glancing at him.

“Yeah,” Qin You didn’t hide his affection in front of her. “I’ll come find you every day starting now.”

Tao Jiang laughed softly. “Fine, but it’s your choice. Don’t blame me if you regret it later.”

“I won’t regret it.” Qin You never second-guessed his choices.

He felt happy now. Even if it meant choosing a university he didn’t particularly like for Tao Jiang’s sake, he was willing.

As long as he could be with Tao Jiang, nothing else mattered.

“By the way, do you know where Yu Kui went?” Tao Jiang opened the group chat again. “No wonder I haven’t seen her lately—she went back to her hometown.”

Qin You looked down, realizing it had been a long time since he’d seen Yu Kui.

He’d only heard that Yu Kui was in a car accident before the exams. At the time, his heart dropped, and he instinctively wanted to visit her in the hospital. But he stopped himself on his way there.

What right did he have to see her?

A friend? A classmate? Or something else?

He dismissed all these possibilities.

Unable to find a suitable reason to meet her, he went back home to study.

There were plenty of people caring for Yu Kui—he wouldn't be missed.

After the exams, he never saw her again.

So that’s where she’d gone.

In the past, Yu Kui would have told him herself. Now, the only way they communicated was via text.

But Qin You wouldn’t reach out to her or check on her. He’d pretend not to know anything.

Once he repaid the money, they would cut all ties.