Chapter 342: Chapter 342 - 343: Top Scorer

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Qin Zhenzhen blushed slightly. “You look quite handsome. Are you satisfied?”

Su Bin’s grip on Qin Zhenzhen’s hand tightened, and he smiled. “You’re no slouch in the looks department either. We make a perfect pair.”

Qin Zhenzhen’s face grew even redder. She playfully scolded, “Stop with the sweet talk. What if someone overhears you?”

Su Ning couldn’t help but chuckle. “Haha, if I can’t hear it, then it’s not a problem!”

She found immense joy in witnessing the affection between her older brother and sister-in-law.

At that moment, the gates of the Gong Academy swung open, and the examinees grew restless, rushing toward the location where the rankings were to be posted. They were on the verge of discovering their fates, and excitement coursed through their veins.

However, the soldiers maintaining order halted the examinees about twenty feet away from the posting site. Subsequently, a group of soldiers emerged from the tribute courtyard carrying ladders.

After a brief while, they affixed the two red lists for all to see. The examinees closest to the rankings strained to catch a glimpse, though the distance made it challenging to discern the results.

Once the soldiers had posted the rankings and removed the ladder, they allowed the examinees to approach and view the bottom of the lists.

Su Bin turned to Qin Zhenzhen and said, “With so many people, why don’t you and Sixth Sister wait here? I’ll go check the rankings on my own.”

Qin Zhenzhen reminded him, “Don’t you have a secret guard to do that for you? Is it really necessary for you to go yourself?”

Wasn’t it a bit redundant?

However, Su Bin replied with determination, “I want to see it with my own eyes and experience that moment for myself.”

Qin Zhenzhen playfully pursed her lips and smiled at him. “I really don’t think you should go, you know. The crowd is massive, and you’re just a delicate scholar. We don’t want you to end up as a stepping stone for everyone.”

Su Bin couldn’t help but feel a surge of determination. “Wife, watch closely. I’ll show you that I’m not just a delicate scholar!”

With determination in his eyes, he attempted to push his way into the throng.

However, the sheer number of people clamoring to catch a glimpse of the rankings forced Qin Zhenzhen to pull him back.

“It’s better if you stay put. Someone will undoubtedly inquire, ‘Who’s in first place?’ and another will answer, ‘Su Bin is in first place!”‘

“So, just remain where you are. No need to jostle.”

As if foreseeing the future, Su Bin halted in his tracks, his expression one of surprise. “Wife, do you possess the gift of foresight?”

Qin Zhenzhen jokingly responded, “Absolutely! I have the power of foresight. Do you believe me?”

Su Bin chuckled and nodded. He replied without a hint of modesty, “I do believe you have the gift of foresight because, well, I’ve just proven it!”

At that very moment, the crowd below the rankings erupted in cheers. These were the examinees who had spotted their names and were overcome with excitement.

Someone on the outskirts shouted loudly, “May I ask who’s ranked first?” Without hesitation, someone in the crowd responded, “It’s Su Bin from Plum River Prefecture City!”

“Wow! First place is our Meijiang Prefecture City’s candidate!”

“Su Bin is our classmate!”

“We were in the same school!”

Su Bin was filled with elation. He embraced Qin Zhenzhen excitedly. “Wife! You truly have the gift of foresight!”

Meanwhile, Su Bin’s two secret guards had already rushed over. “Young Master, you’ve become the Top Scorer!”

The examinees whose names graced the rankings celebrated their achievements, feeling both joy for themselves and pride for their peers who had claimed the top spot.

Simultaneously, there were those who harbored regrets, lamenting that they hadn’t performed at their absolute best. Had they done so, they were convinced they could have secured a higher ranking.

Higher rankings brought not only increased prize money but also enhanced prestige in front of their fellow examinees. Most importantly, it bolstered their self-confidence and positioned them better for the upcoming Beijing examination next spring.

However, for the majority of examinees, disappointment loomed large. As they scanned the red list and failed to locate their names, some sank to their knees in despair, burying their faces in their hands as tears flowed freely. Others, familiar with their fellow examinees, clung to each other, seeking solace and understanding in shared sorrow..