"Clatter!"
Zhao Zixin's chopsticks fell onto the table.
Seriously, dude, zero-frame startup?!
Shen Ji'an frowned.
Zhang Shuo was somewhat impressed.
No wonder you're ranked first—this level of decisiveness!
Lin Mo was equally stunned. "Whoever you are, get out of Xu Yan's body right now!"
Xu Yan: "..."
Xu Yan took a bite of his steamed dumpling. "I'm serious."
The nearby Sha County Snacks shop was bustling with students coming and going.
Many glanced in their direction.
After all, practically everyone at school knew Lin Mo, and most recognized Xu Yan too.
With so many people around, Lin Mo couldn’t say much.
She simply replied, "I don’t have time for games. Let’s just eat."
Xu Yan kept his gaze fixed on her. "Let’s make a bet, Lin Mo. A five-billion-yuan business deal is nothing to scoff at. Partnering with the Xu family will widen your second brother’s commercial prospects."
Lin Mo paused mid-bite of her chicken leg and looked up at Xu Yan.
The boy wore his school uniform, his features sharp and handsome, though slightly gaunt.
A closer look revealed a faint sickly pallor.
Only then did Lin Mo truly realize—
Thirteen years had passed. Xu Yan was no longer the little kid who’d once soiled his pants.
Whether due to upbringing or illness, he carried himself with a maturity far beyond his peers.
At that birthday banquet, he’d noticed her desire to pull the "Buddha of Beijing’s elite circles" into a broader arena.
He was tempting her with an offer.
"No bet. My sister isn’t interested in you," Shen Ji'an cut in on Lin Mo’s behalf.
No one was good enough for his sister—except maybe Xie Guanyan, and even that was a stretch.
Of course, he believed in his sister’s brilliance.
But exams were unpredictable. A half-point slip could cost her the top spot!
Eleven years had changed the curriculum. There were risks.
Xu Yan ignored Shen Ji'an, his eyes still on Lin Mo.
Lin Mo tapped her chopsticks against her bowl twice. "You really think I’d fall for such a blatant bribe?"
Xu Yan: "Yes."
Lin Mo smiled. "Damn, you read me well!"
The others at the table: "..."
Lin Mo figured someone as composed as Xu Yan wouldn’t make empty promises.
At the banquet, it was clear Xu Zunlong doted on him.
A five-billion-yuan partnership? Why say no to free profit?
A faint smirk tugged at Xu Yan’s lips. "Looking forward to our date, Lin Mo."
"Jie, what if you lose?" Shen Ji'an fretted as they returned to the classroom after lunch.
Lin Mo shrugged. "Then it’s just one date. Not like I’m marching into hell!"
Shen Ji'an scratched the back of his head.
True, but if word got to Xie Guanyan…
Could the ever-elegant Xie Guanyan even get jealous?
The bet reignited Lin Mo’s competitive streak, reminiscent of her past battles with Xie Guanyan for first place.
Monday night, she skipped supper and buried herself in practice problems—especially the updated material.
Tuesday, same.
Not quite last-minute cramming, but she wasn’t taking chances.
By Wednesday, exam day arrived.
This test randomized seating across classes.
Gu Jingzhou ended up in the same room as Shen Ji'an, seated just beside him.
From the teachers, Gu Jingzhou had learned Shen Ji'an faced expulsion if he landed dead last.
The thought thrilled him.
With Shen Ji'an gone, he could finally sit beside Lin Mo.
Proximity was key to winning her over!
He’d make sure Shen Ji'an didn’t cheat.
During the math exam, Shen Ji'an noticed Gu Jingzhou’s constant glances and shielded his paper. "Copying me?"
Gu Jingzhou: "..."
Gu Jingzhou fumed, his face reddening. "As if! Some delinquent from Third High!"
Shen Ji'an scoffed. "Then why keep staring?"
Gu Jingzhou: "I’m making sure you don’t cheat!"
The invigilator marched over. "Do I not exist? Quiet!"
Shen Ji'an resumed working.
Minutes later, a crumpled note landed on his desk.
He frowned.
Who was trying to frame him?
A quick scan revealed the culprit: portly Zhang Shuo.
Before Shen Ji'an could react, Gu Jingzhou shot his hand up. "Sir! Shen Ji'an’s passing notes!"
The teacher hadn’t even reached them when Gu Jingzhou snatched the note, unfolded it—then instantly clenched his fist around it.
The invigilator held out a hand. "Let me see that."
Gu Jingzhou hesitated.
The teacher’s tone hardened. "Now."
Reluctantly, Gu Jingzhou handed it over.
The note read: [Who keeps farting? You smell that?]
Invigilator: "..."
A sniff confirmed it. The teacher gagged, pinching his nose.
"Really? Aiming for me now? Who’s the culprit? Wait—who threw this?!"
Gu Jingzhou turned purple, staring at his desk.
A vendor outside school sold sweet potatoes using Lin Mo’s photo in ads.
He’d indulged in one too many.
Exams wrapped in two days.
Grading finished Friday, results due Saturday.
Lin Mo was grateful Beijing’s college entrance system hadn’t changed since her time.
After Friday’s evening self-study, Lin Mo returned to the villa.
Xie Guanyan answered the door.
They crossed the garden to the living room together.
"Supper tonight?"
Lin Mo had skipped it all week, retreating straight to her room.
But Xie Guanyan asked anyway.
Maybe tonight she’d indulge.
"Absolutely!" Lin Mo declared.
Exams were over—time to feast!
A smile warmed Xie Guanyan’s deep-set eyes. "Good."
Lin Mo showered first.
When she came downstairs, two steaming bowls of sour soup dumplings awaited, alongside fresh fruit.
Lin Mo’s mouth watered. She took a bite. "Chef Li made these, right?"
No frozen dumpling tasted this good.
Xie Guanyan watched her. "Mm. Like it?"
Lin Mo nodded eagerly. "One bite, and I’m in heaven!"
Mostly because she was sharing it with him.
All week, exams had stolen her attention. Now, finally, they could eat together.
Food first.
But when would she get to devour Xie Guanyan?
Her mind wandered to less innocent thoughts the moment she relaxed.
Lin Mo mentally facepalmed—though she couldn’t bring herself to regret it.
"Getting seconds."
She breezed into the kitchen, leaving a trail of her floral scent.
Xie Guanyan ate a dumpling himself.
As long as Shiny was happy.
Buzz!
Lin Mo’s phone vibrated on the table.
Xie Guanyan glanced instinctively.
A notification lit up the lock screen:
Xu Yan: [Pick a spot for our date tomorrow night.]
