Xue Jiao's breath caught.
She couldn't describe her feelings at that moment, but that scene would remain etched in her memory until the end of her days.
As the morning sunlight grew brighter, almost blinding, Xue Jiao squinted at the figure approaching, her eyes moist.
Tears she'd just managed to stop began falling again, yet a smile appeared on her lips. "Why are you here?"
Lin Zhihua smiled. "To show you I'm fine."
His voice was soft, but in the quiet morning air, Xue Jiao heard every word clearly.
At a loss for words, she simply gazed at him. Lin Zhihua returned her look with a smile of his own. No words were spoken; silence enveloped them.
After a long moment, Xue Jiao slowly parted her lips—
"You..."
Lin Zhihua watched her, prompting gently: "Hmm?"
"Be... careful... on the road..." Under his steady gaze, her words came out haltingly.
His smile grew even more tender. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he waved. "Alright, I'll drive slowly."
Backlit by the sunrise, Lin Zhihua's smile made Xue Jiao forget about the dazzling morning glow.
Facing the light, Xue Jiao's petite face was bathed in rosy hues—one glance at her could melt a heart.
Their lives mirrored this moment: one growing toward the sunlight, the other standing against the light.
With Xue Jiao, Lin Zhihua could finally feel the warmth of sunshine.
With Lin Zhihua, Xue Jiao gained a sturdy wall shielding her from darkness.
This time, Xue Jiao watched as Lin Zhihua departed, following his retreating figure while rubbing her swollen eyes.
Facing the rising sun, she made a silent wish—
For this man who left the original story before revealing his full potential, may he live safely and peacefully in this lifetime.
——
When Lin Zhihua returned to his apartment before seven, Tan Qi was already waiting at the door, visibly anxious.
Seeing his boss approach from downstairs, Tan Qi froze momentarily—then completely lost his composure at Lin's "disheveled" appearance.
Tan Qi's first thought was—
Damn! Someone this good-looking remains handsome no matter what!
His second thought was—
If Chen Yan finds out I failed to take proper care of the boss back in Beijing, will he skin me alive??
Instantly flustered, Tan Qi rushed forward. "Boss, where have you been? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"
Lin Zhihua tossed his keys to Tan Qi, who hurriedly opened the door.
"Assistant Tan, I suggest you resolve your personal matters soon. I'm not one of those unreasonable employers."
Tan Qi: "???"
Since when were you the type of boss who follows reason??
Oh right, you are reasonable... because whatever you say becomes the reason.
No objections allowed—just obey!
"Understood..." Tan Qi replied dejectedly.
He'd love to find a partner too, but with Chen Yan serving the boss 24/7, he's left serving Chen Yan for 20 hours daily.
In their line of work, aside from money, they have nothing else.
Tan Qi used to take comfort in this—look, even the ultra-rich boss isn't dating anyone!
Misery loves company!
But recently... his boss seems to be... in a relationship...
This is just heartbreaking.
Lin Zhihua nodded, tidying himself before the mirror. "What time's the flight?"
"8:30 to Beijing."
"Mm." Lin continued grooming.
As he smoothed his hair in the mirror, one person occupied his thoughts.
Xue Jiao had cried over a nightmare about him... Does that mean she cares for him too?
The corners of Lin Zhihua's lips curved upward slightly.
Tan Qi: "!!!"He immediately turned his head and posted in a private group chat excluding the boss and Chen Yan—
"Boss is in a great mood today!!!"
As soon as he sent it, messages flooded in below.
Project Department Manager: Old Wang, Old Wang, hurry and prepare the materials! Report as soon as the boss arrives! Thanks, Assistant Tan!
Planning Department Director: Ahhh, I’ll go prepare the proposal! Thanks, Assistant Tan!
Technical Department Manager: Sister Xu, wait for me, let’s go together! Thanks, Assistant Tan!
Finance Department Manager: There haven’t been any major projects yesterday or today… Why is the boss suddenly in a good mood? Thanks, Assistant Tan!
HR Department Manager: Who cares why? The boss being in a good mood is as rare as red rain—gotta seize the moment! Thanks, Assistant Tan!
……
Tan Qi wore a knowing smile, as if he alone was sober while the rest were drunk. These people would never guess that the boss might… be in love!
He still had professional integrity—some things could be said, while others absolutely couldn’t, no matter what.
"Thud—" A towel landed on his head.
Tan Qi looked up to see Lin Zhihua’s usual cold expression had returned. "What are you thinking about? Let’s go."
With that, he strode out.
Tan Qi put away his phone, grabbed his briefcase, and hurried after him.
——
"Jiao Jiao, we’re going to accompany Mingze for his college entrance exam—hurry and get ready!" Li Sitong called out while changing her shoes.
Xue Jiao set down her pen and poked her head out from the second floor. "I have to go too?"
Li Sitong glared at her. "This is a big family event!"
"Okay, okay, I’ll get ready now!" Xue Jiao ducked back inside, quickly changed her clothes, packed two books, and then clattered downstairs.
Cheng Mingze sighed. "You really don’t have to go through the trouble."
"This is a family matter. Next year, when your sister takes the exam, you’ll have to come back too!" Cheng Shuo set down the newspaper.
"Fine, fine, do as you like. It’s hot today—just wait in the car later," Cheng Mingze added.
"Got it," Cheng Shuo agreed.
The family got ready and left an hour and a half early.
By the time they reached the school gates, many parents had already gathered, with teachers wearing badges to maintain order.
"Mingze, do your best—just maintain your usual performance, no pressure," Cheng Shuo encouraged with a smile.
Li Sitong quickly chimed in, looking even more nervous than Cheng Mingze. "Mingze, really, don’t stress or worry. You’re already admitted to Tsinghua anyway."
As soon as she said this, a parent nearby turned around and muttered, "If he’s already admitted, why even take the exam…"
Their eyes were filled with envy.
Another parent overheard and immediately turned to look.
"Hey, student, hey hey!" A middle-aged man called out, and Xue Jiao’s family turned toward him.
"What’s up?" Cheng Mingze looked puzzled.
"So… you got into Tsinghua?"
Cheng Mingze nodded blankly.
"Hey hey, can you shake my son’s hand?" The man grabbed his son’s hand and pulled him forward.
Cheng Mingze: "…"
He stiffly extended his hand for a shake.
"Pfft—" Xue Jiao burst out laughing.
She then stepped forward and patted Cheng Mingze’s shoulder. "Bro, go on in. Good luck!"
"Okay." Cheng Mingze reached out and ruffled her hair before turning to leave.
In contrast to their relaxed atmosphere, other parents nearby were frantically giving last-minute advice, still shouting even as their children walked away—
"Don’t be scared, son! Mom’s cheering for you!""Remember to use the bathroom first!"
"Sweetie! Make sure to check if you've filled in the answer sheet!"
"Fill in the answer sheet first! And double-check at the end!"
"Don’t panic, just treat it like a regular exam!"
...
Nearly all the students had entered the exam hall by now. Li Sitong pulled a few items from her bag.
Three small flags inscribed with "Victory in the Gaokao," three red headbands embroidered with "Top of the Golden List" in gold, and three red ribbons.
"What’s all this for?" Cheng Shuo asked, puzzled.
Li Sitong tied the headband around her forehead, fastened the red ribbon, and gripped the flag. Then she handed the remaining items to Xue Jiao and Cheng Shuo. "Come on, put them on quickly."
Cheng Shuo: "..."
Xue Jiao: "..."
Li Sitong glared. "These have been blessed! They’re all the rage these days!"
The two exchanged a glance, then reluctantly took the items and put them on with pained expressions.
At that moment, Xue Jiao felt they looked like three fools—and clearly, Cheng Shuo thought the same.
But as they walked toward the shade of a tree, they encountered countless parents sporting the same ridiculous gear. Instantly, Xue Jiao and Cheng Shuo lifted their chins.
If everyone looked this silly, then there was nothing to be embarrassed about.
The three of them barely managed to find a spot under the tree to sit down, each holding a small fan, joining the crowd of parents.
On days like these, it didn’t matter if you were a company owner or a high-ranking official—everyone was the same: a parent of a Gaokao student.
Students kept rushing past, some even arriving on police motorcycles.
June 7th and June 8th—these two days every year felt distinctly different, especially for those who had experienced the Gaokao themselves. It was a time for reflection.
For many, this was the turning point that would shape their entire lives.
On this day, it seemed the entire nation made way for these students who had toiled for years. Police officers shuttled back and forth on electric scooters, transporting examinees. Parents spoke in hushed murmurs, afraid to raise their voices. Honking was banned for kilometers around, and roads near high schools were even closed.
This day represented over a decade of relentless effort—from ages five or seven to seventeen or eighteen—and over a decade of a family’s hopes and dreams.
The words "Gaokao" themselves carried an immense weight.
When the exam bell rang, the parents’ hearts clenched, their expressions tensing.
Li Sitong wanted to say something and turned to them. "Hey—"
Xue Jiao pulled out a textbook. Cheng Shuo unfolded a newspaper.
Li Sitong: "..."
She pursed her lips and turned away.
Almost immediately, someone nearby struck up a conversation. "Is that your daughter? She’s so pretty!"
Li Sitong beamed. "Yes, that’s my girl."
"Prettier than a celebrity! What grade is she in?"
"11th grade."
"Oh, already in 11th grade? So who’s taking the Gaokao today...?" Soon, others chimed in.
Before long, everyone talking to Li Sitong learned that her son was inside taking the Gaokao—and had already secured a spot at Tsinghua. Her daughter, currently in 11th grade, also attended No. 7 High School and ranked first in her year. Both her son and daughter had won first prizes in the national math competition earlier that year!
Instantly, a crowd gathered around her, eager to hear her parenting secrets.
Li Sitong’s chin lifted, her eyes sparkling with pride—far more excited than when she shopped for luxury goods.
Xue Jiao rolled her eyes. She and Cheng Shuo exchanged a glance, then subtly scooted away.
And then—
Xue Jiao went back to her book. Cheng Shuo returned to his newspaper.When Cheng Mingze first came out and saw the trio's appearance, he was stunned and couldn't resist taking several photos with Cheng Shuo's phone.
No one asked how his exams went, simply ensuring he was well taken care of.
The gaokao officially ended the following afternoon.
As the first student rushed out of the examination hall, laughing and crying in exhilaration, this year's gaokao came to a close.
Next year, it would be Xue Jiao's turn!
Cheng Mingze walked out of the examination hall with a smile, his steps unhurried.
Xue Jiao immediately relaxed upon seeing his expression.
In the original storyline, Cheng Mingze had been unsettled by disturbances, and with his goal merely being the local finance university, he likely hadn't performed to his full potential.
This time, Xue Jiao hoped he would soar like an eagle, freely pursuing his own sky.
"How did it go?" Li Sitong stepped forward, unable to suppress her nervousness.
Cheng Shuo grinned confidently. "Gave it my all."
Xue Jiao also smiled, her eyes slightly moist.
She had taken over Gu Xue Jiao's life, inheriting all her memories, and could now be considered half of Gu Xue Jiao.
In the original story, almost none of the people she cared about had truly lived well.
Even Cheng Mingze had walked a path he never wanted.
In this lifetime, Xue Jiao hoped her small influence could help everyone thrive and lead happy lives.
——
Once the gaokao ended, Cheng Mingze, with his clear aspirations, didn’t need to stay home deliberating over university choices. Instead, he packed his bags and went traveling.
He left with a bright smile.
This lifetime’s Cheng Mingze embodied all the qualities a young man should have—no longer prematurely mature, forcing himself to grow up.
On the same day, Xue Jiao returned to school.
It was also the last monthly exam before finals.
As usual, she carried her backpack, listening to English audio as she walked toward the announcement board.
Before she could get close, someone exclaimed—
"Chu Sheng finally beat Gu Xue Jiao!"
Xue Jiao froze. Had Chu Sheng scored higher than her?
She had mentally prepared for this possibility, but it still stung. Over the past month, she had been somewhat distracted early on, while Chu Sheng had remained steadfast in his efforts...
Her chest tightened slightly, a bitter feeling rising. But she quickly shook her head and steeled herself.
Victory and defeat were common in life—she would just try harder next time!
At that moment, Chu Sheng emerged from the crowd, his cheeks slightly flushed.
He walked toward Xue Jiao, who smiled and said, "Congratulations."
Chu Sheng stammered, "No... it's just that you weren’t in the best mood before..."
Xue Jiao chuckled helplessly. "But the gaokao won’t consider my mood. You did better this time, but I won’t give up!"
She clenched her fists, her cheeks puffing slightly.
Chu Sheng scratched his head sheepishly. "You were only one point behind me... I’ll keep working hard too!"
With that, he dashed off, likely to continue studying.
Xue Jiao shook her head and headed to the classroom.
She wasn’t the type who couldn’t accept failure. Chu Sheng had always been exceptional—Xue Jiao had the advantage of an extra lifetime, while Chu Sheng relied purely on his own ability.
But she wouldn’t concede defeat either. One loss wasn’t terrifying. She could acknowledge it, but she wouldn’t accept it as final.
Losing the top spot this time made Xue Jiao realize that she couldn’t remain first forever. Even with a second chance, others could surpass her.
So she had to work even harder. Last month, the incident with Gu Shiyun had affected her—that was a flaw in her mindset.She was now in the critical period of preparing for the college entrance exams and couldn’t afford to let anything affect her studies!
Xue Jiao quickened her pace and returned to the classroom.
"Hey... bookworm... you..." Yi Tianyu stammered, already aware of Xue Jiao's grades. He was both worried and eager to comfort her.
He feared she might be upset or discouraged...
Xue Jiao raised her hand, making an "X" gesture, and said—
"Study!"
With that, she buried her head in her books and started working furiously.
Yi Tianyu: "..."
Well, his worries were for nothing.
The world of top students was still something he didn’t quite understand.
——
Xue Jiao and Chu Sheng seemed to be in a fierce competition. Until the end of the semester, both gave 120% effort, wishing there were 48 hours in a day to study.
Only when the final exams were over did they both finally relax.
Rubbing her tired eyes, Xue Jiao was about to say something when Chu Sheng turned around—
"Classmate Gu Xue Jiao, my mom signed me up for a tutoring class. Do you want to join?"
Xue Jiao: "..."
She paused. "I’ll think about it later..."
Chu Sheng was a good rival. He not only wanted to improve himself but also hoped his competitor would improve so they could keep challenging each other...
Back in their respective classrooms, packing up their things, Yin Fang walked in carrying a huge stack of test papers.
"Quiet!"
Instantly, silence fell.
"These are 25 sets of practice exams. Make sure you do one set every day during the break."
"Ugh—" The class groaned in unison.
Yin Fang frowned and slammed the desk hard.
"Is 25 sets too much? Your break is a full 40 days! That’s less than one set a day! Also, redo all the mistakes from your previous problem sets and record them in a new notebook. Hand them all in when school starts."
"Ugh—"
She looked at the students with a mix of frustration and disappointment. "This year’s college entrance exam saw Cheng Mingze, a senior, achieve the outstanding result of being the provincial science top scorer! This is our school’s pride and also the pressure for your grade! Don’t slack off—the principal has ordered that our grade must continue this legacy!"
Yes, Cheng Mingze was the provincial science top scorer with 718 points, a score that stood out even nationally.
The school held three separate award ceremonies in his honor, though Cheng Mingze didn’t attend any—just sent a pre-recorded video as a token gesture.
"Ugh—" The students deadpanned.
True, 25 sets of papers averaged less than one per day.
But... then came...
The Chinese teacher brought 20 sets of papers;
The math teacher brought 25 sets;
Physics...
...
The students were already numb. High school had a way of making breaks feel like school—nonstop and relentless.
For Xue Jiao, this wasn’t a problem. At her pace, these papers might not even be enough to keep her busy over the break.
"Damn it, it won’t fit!" Yi Tianyu cursed as his backpack couldn’t hold all the homework.
Xue Jiao stacked her books one by one into a box on the floor. They all had to clear out soon since they’d be moving to the legendary senior-year building—said to have the best feng shui and academic aura.
"If it doesn’t fit, just carry some in your arms."
Yi Tianyu looked at her, his handsome face scrunched up. He leaned in closer—
"Hey, bookworm, another 40 days without seeing you... and you never come out to have fun..."
Xue Jiao glared at him. "Fun? We’re about to take the college entrance exams!"Yi Tianyu's brows drooped as he kept muttering, "La la la, not listening, turtle chanting scriptures..."
Xue Jiao: "..."
She paused, then added, "Remember to finish the test papers. I won't let you copy mine."
Yi Tianyu: "...Come on!"
Xue Jiao said seriously, "Really, so do it yourself."
"Oh—" Yi Tianyu deadpanned.
Xue Jiao had packed her books, and Yi Tianyu had packed his too.
She bent down, trying to lift the box with great difficulty.
So heavy!
Suddenly, the weight in her hands lightened as a pair of hands took over.
Yi Tianyu held the box and said, "Come on, with those skinny arms and legs of yours, you'll crush yourself."
"Whatever, you have your own box to carry. Give it back." Xue Jiao glared at him.
Yi Tianyu didn't let go, stacking the box on top of his own. "I'll carry this, you take the rest."
Xue Jiao froze, staring at him blankly. "What else is there?"
Besides the books, what else? She didn't remember anything else.
Yi Tianyu handed her their two cups from the desk, then picked up both boxes and walked out—
"You take the cups. I'll carry these to the school gate."
Xue Jiao: "..."
Dumbfounded, she looked at the two cups in her hands and quickly chased after him.
"Hey! Yi Yu, it's too heavy! Let's carry it together!"
She shouted while running out, holding the two cups, her light blue backpack swaying behind her.
She chased him all the way to the school gate but couldn't catch up.
Yi Tianyu placed the boxes on the ground, and Uncle Xing and Yi Tianyu's family driver immediately came over to carry them.
The school didn't allow outsiders inside, so as long as they got everything out, they were free.
"I'm exhausted!" Yi Tianyu wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Serves you right for running all the way with them!" Xue Jiao rolled her eyes and handed him two tissues.
Yi Tianyu took them, wiping his sweat while sticking out his tongue. His basketball jersey was already soaked.
"It's fine... this is... the weight of knowledge..."
Right after saying that, he couldn't help adding—
"Damn! The weight of knowledge is freaking heavy!"
"Pfft—" Xue Jiao laughed.
Yi Tianyu froze, his hand stopping mid-wipe. He only felt hotter, his face burning even more.
Then, he stammered, "Nerd... you should smile more..."
Xue Jiao: "..." This idiot.
But in truth, Yi Tianyu was a classmate she thought highly of, and he had always helped her.
Xue Jiao was grateful, so she reminded him, "Remember to study during the break!"
Yi Tianyu: "..."
"Oh..."
——
Xue Jiao walked toward her house while reciting vocabulary words. Cheng Mingze still hadn't returned—his high scores had successfully secured him a transfer from the math department to computer science.
After the results came out, he went to Silicon Valley in the U.S. to meet some friends and ended up staying there to help out, not returning since.
As a result, neither the media nor the school could track him down.
But the photo on the school's bulletin board went viral—
A genius this handsome.
Cheng Shuo mentioned that even the national news briefly mentioned it. Even now, every time she came home, the house was filled with joy.
When Xue Jiao entered, Li Sitong was on the phone, looking delighted.
"Really? That's wonderful! Okay, okay, I'll tell her right away!"
Seeing Xue Jiao come in, Li Sitong said to the person on the phone, "Thank you, Sister Qin. Jiao Jiao's back, so I’ll hang up now."
With that, she ended the call.
"You're back!""Mm." Xue Jiao nodded while changing her shoes.
Li Sitong came over and took her backpack: "Chu Sheng's mother contacted a well-known tutor who used to specialize in setting college entrance exam questions. Now retired, he's planning to coach a few students this summer. I've already signed you up, so you and Chu Sheng will attend the classes together."
Xue Jiao was taken aback but still replied, "...Okay."
She had never attended cram school in her previous life and didn't know what it would be like.
"That tutor is very famous. If he weren't getting older, students would be lining up to see him every year. Mrs. Qin even asked us to keep it quiet—the tutor doesn't have the energy to take on many students anymore." Li Sitong beamed with joy.
Cheng Mingze's academic performance this year had thrilled her and earned her plenty of face, so she naturally hoped to keep the momentum going.
Xue Jiao thought for a moment and suddenly said, "Can we add one more person?"
Li Sitong paused, "Who?"
"Yi Tianyu."
——
Xue Jiao sent Yi Tianyu a message——
[Are you there?]
On the other end, Yi Tianyu was taking a break from playing basketball when he glanced at his vibrating phone and jumped up excitedly.
The bookworm had messaged him!
Was she asking him out?
Yi Tianyu rubbed his hands together in excitement, fingers trembling slightly as he feigned calmness in his reply——
[What’s up? I’m here.]
[Bookworm: There’s a good cram school with one spot left. Want to sign up?]
Yi Tianyu: "……………………"
Author’s Note:
Yi Tianyu (proudly): The bookworm is so good to me!
Lin Zhihua (coldly): How so?
Yi Tianyu (guiltily): ...Uh, well... she doesn’t let me copy her homework...
Lin Zhihua (coldly): Hmph.
Yi Tianyu: She even did something special for me!
Lin Zhihua (coldly): What?
Yi Tianyu (guiltily): Uh... just... signed me up for a cram school...
Lin Zhihua (calmly): She treats you like a little brother.
Yi Tianyu (angrily): And she treats you like a master!
Lin Zhihua: …………
Yi Tianyu: Come on, let’s hurt each other!
OpenNovel