Chapter 421: Time to Shine
Life was blissfully calm as the two months flew by in the blink of an eye. Xia Yu, Xia Ling, and Jiang Hanhang were set to tackle their mid-term exams for sixth grade. Everyone knows that during primary school, there are two major exams per semester: one at the end of the term and another in the middle, known as the mid-term.
As the teachers say… the mid-term can really test students’ mettle because the questions come from the city, and so many schools take the same test at once. This way, students can compare how they stack up against the others.
In the past, Xia Yu might have panicked, scribbled down what she knew, guessed the rest, and left the difficult parts blank while doing other things. But that was then.
Now, Xia Yu was different. The trials she endured to boost her grades had paid off. It felt like she could write answers with the grace and flow of a wizard with a magic wand. Scratch scratch scratch, Xia Yu confidently answered each question. It was such a satisfying feeling. No wonder some high achievers enjoy exams—their joy must be infectious! As she wrote on, Xia Yu couldn’t help but grin, realizing she was now rubbing elbows with the smart kids.
After finishing her last exam, Xia Yu reviewed her papers, sighed with relief, and promptly felt exhausted—it’s always a rollercoaster ride. Initially, Xia Yu was quite excited—most questions were in her wheelhouse, and she handled them like a pro swinging her magic sword through harmless minions.
Sure, some tricky problems would pop up later, but conquering those would be heavenly. In short, Xia Yu sailed through her first mid-term since her metamorphosis.
“Time’s up!”
The exams had finally ended. After the final student turned in their paper, Xia Yu calmly gathered her stuff and smiled as she left. Indeed, Xia Yu was super psyched; she wouldn’t have to see Master Chen for a while. Master Chen understood the stress of exams and gave Xia Yu a break so she could rest properly instead of studying with him.
They say becoming a chef is tough; it takes at least ten years, starting with developing your character before honing your skills. But Xia Yu seemed to buck the trend.
She was inherently kind, didn’t need constant testing, and showed real talent in cooking. She worked diligently and built a solid foundation.
Previously, Master Chen pushed Xia Yu to avoid laziness, but he realized over time she was pretty self-disciplined after getting to know her.
With exams done, it was time to leave, but Xia Yu wasn’t in a rush. She agreed with Jiang Hanhang and Xia Ling to gather books from the hallway, then head to meet Jiang Kekai.
Two months of goofing around had calmed Jiang Hanhang. She was less immature and reckless yet closer with Xia Yu. The three legally adorable girls linked hands, walking together, creating a picturesque scene.
While Jiang Hanhang and Xia Yu grew closer, it didn’t mean they were developing other feelings; they just loved messing around like good buddies.
Upon meeting Jiang Kekai at their usual spot, they reminisced about old times while celebrating Xia Yu’s success. Time truly did its magic. Especially for Xia Yu, her personality blossomed, which Jiang Kekai noticed and appreciated deeply.
“Oh right, Xia Yu, I’m going overseas on a business trip with my parents next week. You’re stuck here for a while.”
“Really? No school sounds amazing! I totally support you. Fully support.”
Jiang Hanhang still embraced each chance not to study. She already learned enough and preferred staying home sleeping.
She knew why her older sister was worried about Xia Yu’s safety. But she also wanted to say more, like being away from Xia Yu doesn’t matter much anyway, especially since she can’t protect her directly. Now, Jiang Hanhang knew what to say and what not to say, avoiding any complications if Xia Yu gets treated differently.
Unlike Jiang Hanhang, Xia Yu didn’t think too much. She just wanted to stick to Jiang Kekai: “Xiao Ning Jie, where are you going? Can I go with you?”
“No.”
Jiang Kekai denied Xia Yu without hesitation, her face serious. “It’s dangerous there. I’d go only if absolutely necessary.”
Jiang Kekai, too, wished to keep Xiao Kawaii close. But overseas isn’t like the mainland. She herself faces risks, so she wouldn’t subject Xia Yu to such danger.
This trip isn’t just her alone; her parents are joining. Thus, it’s crucial for the Jiang family; extra precautions are wise.
Of course, to spare the small fry worry, she kept details vague.
“Okay…”
Seeing Xiao Ning Jie so stern, Xia Yu understood the gravity and stopped complaining but felt a tad sad. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back in a week. Just wait for me at home.”
Squeezing Xia Yu’s cheeks, Jiang Kekai smiled. Seeing Xia Yu develop into a cute girl who sometimes throws temper tantrums delighted her, even though this meant saying no more fun this time.
