Squeezed on the other side of the crowd, Song Qiming heard the shout and stood on his tiptoes to see where the person was. However, there were too many people, and the taller ones completely blocked his view.
Just then, Dongfang Yukun squeezed out from behind him. Was that Song Gaoli shouting just now? It sounded a bit like him.
Song Qiming smiled and nodded. It is him. He must have passed.
Dongfang Yukun glanced in the direction of the voice, but seeing nothing, he withdrew his gaze. He pursed his lips and sighed, It really has not been easy for him either.
Song Qiming replied, It was actually quite smooth. At least he passed every time.
Four hundred names were too many for a single sheet of yellow paper. When the final sheet was unfolded and posted, Dongfang Yukun looked at the three names on the far right and smugly lifted his chin at Song Qiming.
I told you, Cui Zhengyang could never beat me.
On the far right of the yellow paper, three names were prominently displayed from right to left.
First place, Dongfang Yukun; second place, Cui Zhengyang; third place, Song Qiming.
Song Qiming broke into a wry smile. He looked around but did not see any sign of Cui Zhengyang.
Where is Brother Cui? Why do I not see him?
Dongfang Yukun curled his lip and said, He has not left his house since the exam ended. His body is too weak, so he has been resting at home. I figure he will arrive a bit late.
At that moment, Song Shixue, who had been standing nearby, dashed outward, and Lanxi quickly followed.
Big Sister, Brother passed! He got third place! Her voice reached them before she even got close.
Song Jinzhao's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. She immediately handed Song Anhao over to Song Shixue to look after.
You watch him. I am going to take a look.
She still needed to see it with her own eyes; otherwise, she would feel a bit regretful.
Song Jinzhao's agile body quickly wove through the crowd, and in no time, she had squeezed her way to the very front.
After finishing looking at the results, Song Qiming came out and noticed Song Jinzhao was missing. He asked in confusion, Where is Big Sister?
Song Shixue pointed ahead. She went to look at the list. She will be right back.
Having finally found Song Qiming, Song Gaoli rushed over.
He excitedly threw his arms around Song Qiming's neck, nearly strangling him to death.
After letting go, he held up two fingers and gestured at him repeatedly, the smile on his face never fading for a second.
I passed! Three hundred and ninety-ninth place!
Watching his uncontrollably excited demeanor, Song Qiming could not help but smile, his eyes growing slightly moist.
I know. I heard you the moment you let out your first shout.
Having shared his joy, Song Gaoli gripped Song Qiming's shoulders and laughed heartily at the sky again.
I never expected to actually pass this time, ahhh!
Song Qiming was shaken back and forth. A joyful atmosphere permeated the air around them, and everyone who walked by cast a glance their way.
After shouting for a long time, Song Gaoli pushed him away, his eyes shining like diamonds.
I saw your name too! Third place! My jaw nearly dropped.
Song Jinzhao, who had squeezed her way to the list, saw Song Qiming's name written in the third column with her own eyes. After reading his personal information on the examination list word for word, she lingered in place for a short while. At this moment, she felt like she was back in school looking at the school rankings.
Arriving a step late, Cui Zhengyang looked at Song Jinzhao in confusion.
She seemed to be looking at the top few names. She had no maid or elder accompanying her, yet her extraordinary attire made her look like a lady from a prominent family.
What drew Cui Zhengyang's attention was that he found Song Jinzhao somewhat familiar, but he could not recall where he had seen her before.
A heavy shove from behind struck Cui Zhengyang's back, sending him pitching forward. He was just about to crash into the wall.
In a flash, Song Jinzhao grabbed the back collar of his clothes and pulled him back.
After steadying himself, Cui Zhengyang looked at Song Jinzhao with lingering fear. Just a moment ago, he felt as if he had been sent flying.
The servant standing nearby was also startled. He grabbed his master's arm and scanned him up and down repeatedly, only daring to relax once he confirmed there was no problem.
Recovering his wits, Cui Zhengyang cupped his hands and thanked Song Jinzhao. Thank you for your help, Miss.
Seeing Cui Zhengyang's face, Song Jinzhao froze for a moment, somewhat stunned by his looks.
It is nothing. He was quite handsome, able to evenly match Dongfang Yukun in looks.
Perhaps because he was a bit older, Song Jinzhao found him even more attractive than Dongfang Yukun. It was the kind of feeling where she wanted to take a bite out of him at first sight.
It was just that his physique was a bit weak, and his stance was not steady at all. A light bump was enough to knock him over; he was too frail.
Cui Zhengyang was long accustomed to the admiration in Song Jinzhao's eyes. He broke the ice, saying, Whose name is Miss looking for? Did a brother in your family participate in the metropolitan examination?
Song Jinzhao nodded and pointed at Song Qiming's name on the list. I have already found it.
Cui Zhengyang followed the direction she pointed; it seemed to be Song Qiming's name.
He blinked, staring at Song Jinzhao's facial features again and again, and finally remembered where he had seen her.
Setting aside her aura and expression, the shape of her brows and eyes was somewhat similar to Song Shixue's.
Song Shixue seemed to only have one older sister.
Cui Zhengyang asked uncertainly, Are you County Princess Linghui?
Song Jinzhao looked at him in surprise. You are?
Cui Zhengyang took a small step back and respectfully bowed to Song Jinzhao with cupped hands. Student Cui Zhengyang pays his respects to the County Princess.
Song Jinzhao suddenly realized. So you are Cui Zhengyang. Did you make the Eighteen Arhats Lock?
Cui Zhengyang lifted his head and nodded vigorously in pleasant surprise. That is right, I made it.
I originally planned to visit the County Princess's manor after the metropolitan examination. First, to thank Second Miss Song for treating me, and second, to visit the County Princess and discuss mechanism locks. However, due to my poor health, I have not left the house. I never expected to run into the County Princess here today. What a coincidence.
At this moment, Song Jinzhao's gaze had shifted from admiring his appearance to marveling at his talent.
His name seemed to be right next to Qiming's. She cast a sidelong glance.
Indeed, it was second place.
He knew how to make Luban locks and was second place in the metropolitan examination. This person might be useful in the future.
Returning to the carriage, Song Qiming looked in confusion at Cui Zhengyang, who was following a step behind Song Jinzhao.
Brother Cui, why are you walking with my older sister?
They should not know each other.
Cui Zhengyang explained, I just happened to run into County Princess Linghui in front of the list. Knowing you were here, I came over to say hello.
Seeing Song Gaoli but not Dongfang Yukun, he could not help but ask, Did Yukun not come with you?
Song Qiming curled his lips, finding it a bit funny. At this time, he has probably already gone to the Cui Manor to look for you.
Cui Zhengyang chuckled softly, helplessly shaking his head.
I understand. My mother is still waiting at the restaurant, so I will come to visit another day.
On the way back, Song Gaoli got off the carriage when it passed an intersection.
He said to Song Qiming, I will head back first to tell my teacher the news. I will come find you tomorrow.
Even though Duan Yanhua had been lukewarm towards him ever since losing his temper last time, he still needed to inform him now that the results were out.
Losing his temper was one thing, but their master-disciple relationship had not been severed, and he was still living in the Duan Manor. Even if they had different ideas, he had to hold it in.
It was not that Song Gaoli had not thought about moving out; it was just that after living there for so long, moving out right after the exam would be inappropriate.
Unless Duan Yanhua had kicked him out at the time, and Song Gaoli compensated him for room and board, only then would their relationship truly be considered over.
But now, everything is different.
