"Last time, I lost 4 points on the essay. I don't know how many points I'll lose this time. It's so hard."
After speaking, Ning Xi couldn't help but sigh, her face showing worry.
There were ways to improve in other areas, but essays entirely tested one's literary foundation and writing skills, which required extensive reading and accumulation. For senior high school students burdened with intense review tasks, this was nearly impossible.
Every day was filled with endless practice questions and various review tasks.
Where was the time to read extracurricular books to enrich one's literary foundation? It was a luxury!
"Just do your best," Ye Fan comforted her. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. As long as you perform at your true level, that's already enough!"
"Keep a good mood and do your best this afternoon. I believe in you!"
"…Thank you."
For some reason, Ning Xi felt an uncontrollable happiness rise in her heart.
It was so… inexplicable!
The summer breeze carried a mix of heat and a slight coolness, soothing people's restless hearts.
The soft chirping of cicadas, the green willow branches, the students in the school—all these things came together to paint the portrait of youth.
"Ding ling—"
"Pens down, hand in your papers."
As the science exam ended, all the students couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. On their tired faces were expressions of relaxation, anticipation, and worry.
Ning Xi packed up her tools on the desk. With a glance at the exam room entrance, she spotted that familiar figure. The corners of her eyes lifted slightly, and a faint, charming smile appeared on her lips.
Picking up her pencil case, she stood at the back of the crowd and slowly walked into the exam room.
"Hello."
Seeing that there weren't many people around, Ning Xi's playful eyes swirled as she hopped in front of Ye Fan, pretending not to know, and asked, "Who are you waiting for?"
"My girlfriend."
"…"
With just one simple sentence, Ning Xi was so flustered that she didn't know how to respond. Her fair, delicate face turned red. "You, you… keep waiting then. I'm leaving!"
"She's already here."
Ye Fan's eyes carried a hint of mischief as he extended his right hand toward Ning Xi. "Girlfriend, let's go?"
"You…"
Ning Xi's eyes were filled with embarrassment, like a lake after a heavy rain, glistening with moisture, ready to overflow. She glared at him angrily and said, "If you keep talking nonsense, don't blame me if I ignore you for a whole week!"
"My bad!"
Ye Fan chuckled softly, reaching out to gently flick the tip of her delicate nose. His eyes were full of affection. "Xiaoxi, how did you do on the English and science exams?"
"Hmph, you're just trying to change the subject!"
Although she said this, Ning Xi still answered seriously, "I think they went pretty well. Both English and science were smooth; there were no difficult problems."
"That's good."
Ye Fan tilted his head, looking at Ning Xi, who was walking side by side with him. He asked curiously, "What's up with your dad today? Why did he specifically invite me to your house?"
"I'm not sure either."
Ning Xi hesitated before guessing, "Maybe… it's to thank you. When I told my parents about my results in the first national joint exam, they were shocked. I guess they want to treat you to a meal."
"Really?"
Ye Fan couldn't help but recall the scene from the morning. The attitude of his future father-in-law had softened considerably, and his heart was filled with joy.
It seemed his efforts were paying off.
Little did he know, Ning Xiangtian's change in attitude had absolutely nothing to do with him. It was all because of Lan Xi.
If it weren't for Lan Xi's stance, no matter how excellent Ye Fan was, Ning Xiangtian wouldn't show him any kindness.
After all, Ye Fan was trying to take his precious daughter. The two were naturally at odds!
In the alleyway.
Ye Fan called out to Ning Xi.
Ning Xi stopped in confusion and asked, "What's the matter?"
"The seven-day trip to Linhai—did you mention it to your dad?"
This was something Ye Fan had always remembered in his heart. In his previous life, he had taken Ning Xi on a trip to Linhai as her older brother. It was the most beautiful memory he had.
Now, after the college entrance exams during the summer vacation, it was the perfect time to relive it.
"That…"
Ning Xi frowned, her delicate face scrunched up, and she stammered, "I-I… haven't said anything yet. If I tell my dad directly, he definitely won't agree. I was thinking of finding a chance to discuss it with my mom first."
"There's not much time left; you should hurry," Ye Fan reminded her. "There are only 20 days left until the college entrance exams. I think the sooner you bring it up, the better. That way, even if they disagree, you'll still have time to try and salvage it."
"Easy for you to say!" Ning Xi retorted, her face showing a hint of frustration. "It's easy to talk when it's not your problem. If I bring it up suddenly, I'll definitely get scolded by my dad."
Ye Fan's thin lips moved slightly, and a gleam of light shone in his deep eyes. "I have a solution. Do you want to hear it?"
"What's the solution?"
Ning Xi tilted her delicate face up. The sunlight painted her fair skin with a rosy glow, making her beauty utterly breathtaking.
Ye Fan couldn't help but swallow hard, quickly turning his head away. He had always been confident in his self-control, but ever since meeting Ning Xi, he realized how fragile that confidence was.
Whether in his past life or this one, whenever he faced Ning Xi, he always had the urge to pull her into his arms. That impulse had always been there.
"What are you looking at?"
Ning Xi leaned forward slightly, her neckline dipping just enough to reveal a glimpse of astonishing fairness.
With just a quick glance, Ye Fan's back tensed instantly. He quickly steadied Ning Xi's posture, taking a deep breath. "Um… Ning Xi, you should be more mindful of your actions in the future. You're a girl, and you need to know how to protect yourself."
Ning Xi looked utterly confused, her clear eyes filled with puzzlement.
What was he even talking about?
What did this have to do with her?
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing, nothing."
Seeing the girl's innocent and bewildered expression, Ye Fan silently cursed himself for being useless. For once, he seemed to lose his composure. Taking two deep breaths, he suppressed the stunning image that had flashed in his mind.
"You're acting really weird."
"I…"
Meeting the girl's pure gaze, Ye Fan's face flushed red. Scratching his head, he awkwardly chuckled, "I guess my nerves just went haywire for a moment. Don't mind me."
"What about your solution?"
Ning Xi's amusement was evident as a playful glint appeared in her clear eyes.
Ye Fan steadied his thoughts and leaned close to whisper into her ear, "My solution is simple, it's just…"
…
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was Saturday.
Two days had passed since the second national joint exams, and today was the third day—the day the results were released.
When Ye Fan walked into the school gate with his backpack, he couldn't help but pause.
The vast campus was completely empty, not a single soul in sight. The quietness was striking.
This situation puzzled Ye Fan.
Could it be…
There was no school today?
He pulled out his phone, checked the date, and muttered to himself, "It's Saturday. I didn't get it wrong."
Still full of doubt, Ye Fan climbed up the teaching building. The moment he stepped into the classroom, he shook his head and laughed.
They really are…
So enthusiastic!!!
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