Chapter 87: The Days After the College Entrance Examination

“I remember in my previous life, I didn’t do well in the college entrance exam, but Dad didn’t seem too disappointed. Thinking back now, he must have intentionally concealed his feelings, afraid I’d be under too much pressure…” Lu Kuan smiled gently, poured another large glass of hot water in the living room to let it cool, so his father could drink it if he got thirsty in the middle of the night, and then went to wash up and head to bed.

The next day was the day to collect the transcripts at school.

The teachers would gather all the results, including the score distributions from other schools in the city, and summarize them together. This helped the students better understand their own standing, and was useful for filling out their college applications.

Lu Kuan had already arranged to go with Dai Guang. But right after breakfast, guests started arriving.

Neighbors, relatives living nearby, distant aunts and uncles, chess friends and colleagues who were close to his father—all seemed to arrive as if by prior agreement. In no time, their small courtyard was bustling with people, lively as ever.

It wasn’t strange, really. Lu Kuan’s family lived in the outskirts of Donghai City, which was essentially a cluster of small villages. Neighbors knew each other well; there was none of that unfamiliarity you’d find in high-rise apartments where missing a floor meant you’d never meet. Visiting each other was part of daily life.

Lu Kuan’s “proud success” in the college entrance exam was the best result in the area in years, so everyone was especially enthusiastic.

Even so, Lu Kuan could barely handle the elders’ warmth. Some aunts even pulled him aside, eager to introduce their nieces who were currently in university!

Despite living over thirty years in his previous life, Lu Kuan was still overwhelmed.

“I’ve got something to do at school today, uncles and aunties. I’ll be off now!”

Lu Kuan hurriedly excused himself, called out to his parents, and slipped out the door. Only after leaving the main street did he let out a long sigh.

Goodness… Three years in high school, strictly forbidden to date. Now, just a few days later, everyone’s rushing to find him a partner, and his parents don’t seem to mind at all… The intentions of these elders, sigh…

At the bus stop where he’d arranged to meet Dai Guang, Lu Kuan told him what had just happened. Dai Guang burst out laughing, clutching his stomach.

“You know, my mom’s mentioned it too,”

Dai Guang bought an ice cream, munching and grinning foolishly. “She said I’ll definitely get into a decent second-tier university, which is pretty good. She’s even thinking of picking someone from among her friends’ families for me.”

Lu Kuan shook his head helplessly, thinking it’s just like his previous life, only now their parents had started planning a little earlier.

Dai Guang laughed all the way, clearly in high spirits, his whole demeanor full of festive energy.

After a while, he couldn’t hold back and nudged Lu Kuan with his elbow. “Hey, when we get to class, do you think I should act a bit arrogant, or a bit aloof? After all, we scored so high, right~”

Lu Kuan couldn’t help but chuckle, “So that’s what you’ve been thinking about? Just be yourself, like always~”

“No way~”

Dai Guang immediately shook his head like a rattle. “Those guys used to look down on us, always walking around with their chins up. Bet they didn’t expect I’d score better than them this time, hmph!”

There were indeed a few in their class who acted stuck-up, but they were all young, and pride was inevitable. Lu Kuan didn’t care about such things, and seeing Dai Guang’s indignant face made him want to laugh even more.

Twenty minutes later, the two arrived at school.

The campus, quiet for days, was lively once again. But the atmosphere had changed; gone was the old tension and pressure, replaced now by relaxed laughter everywhere.

As Lu Kuan passed, people frequently glanced his way—surprised, envious, curious. Truth be told, Lu Kuan enjoyed it.

Having lived another life, Lu Kuan knew well: only when you’re more successful than those around you do they look at you this way.

“Lu Kuan! Dai Guang!”

A familiar voice called from behind. The two turned, their faces lighting up with happy smiles.

“Ms. Liu~” they called in unison.

A petite female teacher approached, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, her round face adorable.

This was Liu Yi, their high school chemistry teacher—gentle and patient, never raising her voice even when students made mistakes.

In all three years of high school, she was Lu Kuan and Dai Guang’s favorite teacher. Even years after graduation in their previous life, when they drank together, they would often reminisce about Ms. Liu.

“You two did so well this time, congratulations!” Ms. Liu smiled warmly as she reached them, clearly genuinely happy for her students.

Dai Guang scratched his head sheepishly, blushing and lowering his gaze, while Lu Kuan responded confidently, “Hehe, it was all thanks to your teaching, Ms. Liu. I think my best performance in the exam was in chemistry.”

Ms. Liu looked a little surprised; Lu Kuan hadn’t been so quick-witted before.

“You’ve really grown up. University makes adults out of you~” Ms. Liu said, pleased. “Go to your classroom now. The transcripts will be handed out soon. Take your time when choosing your college.”

“Alright!”
“Goodbye, Ms. Liu.”

As they watched Ms. Liu walk away, Lu Kuan felt a slight stir in his heart. The three years of high school life were unforgettable; to have a dedicated and lovable teacher like Ms. Liu was a student’s good fortune.

Lu Kuan quickly composed himself and headed to the classroom with Dai Guang.

As they approached the doorway, Lu Kuan noticed Dai Guang standing a little straighter, which amused him, but he didn’t show it on his face.

As soon as Lu Kuan and Dai Guang entered, the class fell silent for a moment. Everyone, as if by prior agreement, stared intently at them.

Only after they reached their seats did a group of friends gather around, crowding them in the middle.

“Come on, spill it—how did you guys score so high?”

“Wow, you two must’ve been hiding your abilities the whole time!”

…

Some grabbed their necks, others thumped their chests, and the room burst into noisy commotion. Lu Kuan had already instructed Dai Guang: in situations like this, just smile foolishly and say nothing.

“Lu Kuan really hit the jackpot this time, 648! You must be able to pick any top university you want~” someone couldn’t help but ask.

Lu Kuan smiled, “It’s not that exaggerated… Actually, I still want to go to Donghai University. It’s closer to home.”

Someone immediately nodded, “Yeah, Donghai University is great. I think it ranked in the top ten nationwide last year.”

“Come to think of it, at least four or five from our class can go to Donghai University this year. Liu Hao, where do you want to go…”