Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After setting aside their test papers, the invigilatorâs smile radiated warmth as he addressed Jiang Lingâer, âIt seems, my dear student, that your results this time wonât be disappointing.â
Jiang Lingâer graciously smiled and replied, âThank you, teacher. 1 hope 1 can still meet the qualifications for the competition.â
Upon hearing the exchange, Yue Ling wore a visage of incredulity. Was the invigilator blind? How could he claim that Jiang Lingâer wouldnât fare poorly?
Just as Yue Ling was about to approach and inquire, the two invigilators had already departed.
Jiang Lingâer glanced at Yue Lingâs disbelieving countenance, her heart filled with disdain. She neatly packed her pencil case and exited the room.
Hardly had she stepped outside when Wen Nuan hurriedly approached her.
Wen Nuan gently held Jiang Lingâerâs arm, her voice imbued with warmth. âLingâer, how did it go? Several students from the Mathematics Department mentioned that this time the questions were quite challenging.â
Jiang Lingâer gazed into the distance, feigning melancholy. She replied, âWhy do 1 find them so simple? You must have misheard due to nervousness.â
Wen Nuan seemed a bit perplexed. She playfully pinched Jiang Lingâerâs cheek and said, âLingâer, come on, wake up. Donât boast. Tell me, how did you really do?â n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Jiang Lingâer looked at Wen Nuan and noticed her heightened excitement. She inquired, âTell me, how much did you wager on me?â
Wen Nuan didnât hesitate and extended her hand.
âFive hundred?â Jiang Lingâer asked.
Wen Nuan cast a disdainful glance at Jiang Lingâer and replied, âAdd ten thousand to that. Five hundred? Thatâs far too little for me to bet.â
Jiang Lingâer was taken aback. This girl was merciless. Jiang Lingâer responded earnestly, âDonât worry, this time youâll win.â
Wen Nuan exclaimed with excitement, âThatâs fantastic! When we win, weâll go all out and celebrate. Iâll foot the entire bill. 1 heard from others that the questions were incredibly tough, and 1 canât take it anymore. Losing money is not an issue; preserving our reputation is what truly matters.â
Jiang Lingâer was momentarily stunned. She then pretended to be indignant and quipped, âOh, you cunning girl, itâs all about saving face, isnât it?â
Wen Nuan suddenly seemed awkward and replied, âIâm not doing this for you.â
She furrowed her brow and continued, âSomethingâs not right. Youâre always so oblivious to the outside world. How did you learn about the bet?â
Jiang Lingâer stretched her neck and said, âIn the examination hall, someone intentionally mentioned that a representative from the Student Union would initiate the bet. Thirty-six participants were present, yet only five of them wagered on me. Then, a group of people mocked me. At that moment, 1 realized how burdensome it must be for those five individuals to place their faith in me. 1 must take it seriously and not disappoint them.â
Wen Nuan was somewhat flabbergasted. Wasnât this a bit exaggerated?
While Jiang Lingâer exuded confidence, Wen Nuan couldnât help but worry. She questioned, âIs it really that difficult? Everyone from the Math Department seemed to believe so. Are you sure you answered correctly?â
âDonât worry,â Jiang Lingâer reassured. She nodded and added, â1 donât think the paper was particularly difficult. At least, not as difficult as I initially anticipated.â
Wen Nuan spoke earnestly, âAlright, as long as you believe it wasnât challenging. Lingâer, let me tell you, youâre the first genuine friend Iâve made. You canât let me down.â
Jiang Lingâer nodded and replied, âLittle Nuan, I understand your sincerity. I wonât disappoint you. Itâs rare to have someone sincerely befriend me. How could I bear to embarrass you?â
After a moment of silence, Wen Nuan queried, âDo you think your chances are high?â
âDonât worry. Iâm aiming for a top-three spot nationwide. How could I possibly falter now?â Jiang Lingâer confidently declared.
Wen Nuan was left speechless.
In astonishment, she opened her mouth, gently touching Jiang Lingâerâs forehead. Not detecting any significant warmth, she sensed a slight chill. Perhaps a low fever was brewing.
Jiang Lingâer grasped Wen Nuanâs hand and assured her, âIâm fine, but if 1 fail to secure a top-three position nationally, Iâll have to leave the Jiang family.â Wen Nuan was taken aback and nervously exclaimed, âWhat? Whatâs going on? Doesnât your father care anymore?â
âLetâs go,â Jiang Lingâer suggested. âLetâs find a place where 1 can explain everything to you.â
The duo left the school premises and located a nearby coffee shop.
After procuring two cups of coffee, Jiang Lingâer briefly recounted her bet with Jiang Jun to Wen Nuan.
Wen Nuan grew somewhat anxious upon hearing the story. She expressed her concern, âLingâer, I donât want to say this, but youâre being impulsive and a bit naive. The top three in the country? Do you think itâs the same as being in the top three of our class? What will you do if something unexpected happens?â
Jiang Lingâer replied, âIf something goes awry, Iâll leave. As long as I outperform Yue Ling in school, I can remain and continue my education. If I fail to secure a top-three position, even without the protection of the Jiang family, I still have you to support me. If things truly donât work out, Iâll work hard on my own. Everything will turn out all right..â