Chapter 383
Shi Yao said provocatively: “Don’t be mad, I didn’t say anything.”
Alarieka pushed him with all her strength: “Just leave already!”
When they reached the doorway, Shi Yao grabbed the doorframe and turned back: “Remember what I told you before?”
Alarieka lowered her head and frowned, urging: “No. Just go!”
Shi Yao clicked his tongue softly and stood motionless at the door.
“I said I’d do one thing for you. If you ever need my help later, just ask.”
Seeing Shi Yao was now outside, Alarieka released him, stood straight, and put her hands on her hips: “Got it. So, can you leave now?”
Shi Yao turned around and looked down at her. “Still upset?”
His tone was coaxing.
Alarieka froze momentarily.
The next second, Shi Yao suddenly raised his hand, pulled something from his hoodie pocket, clenched it in his fist, then pressed it into her palm.
“Take it. National College Entrance Examination’s tomorrow. Don’t be upset?”
With that, Shi Yao turned and walked away, smoothly opening the door across the hall and disappearing inside.
Alaricka stood still, raised her hand, and saw a strawberry-flavored lollipop in her palm. The cute cartoon figure on it beamed brightly at her.
She looked up, stared at Shi Yao’s door for a moment, then clenched the candy, lowered her hand, and turned back to her room.
On the first day of the National College Entrance Examination, Alarieka checked her exam essentials repeatedly – ID card, admission ticket, pens – so many times it felt abnormal. Tamika urged: “Hurry up or you’ll be late.”
Alaricka gripped her pencil case and gave a soft “Mm.”
Tamika only walked her downstairs. Alarieka would go to the exam site alone.
After walking a few steps downstairs, she looked up and saw Shi Yao standing under an old tree, dressed flamboyantly.
Victor slipped one hand in his pocket and waved at her: “We agreed I’d take you to the examination hall. Let’s go.”
Alaricka clicked her tongue in disdain. Victor approached, his expression darkening. “What’s with that look? You’re not happy I’m taking you to the exam?”
Alarieka waved a finger dismissively. “Nope, you’re seeing things.”
Victor kept pace beside her, studying her face intently before muttering, “Whatever. It’s your National College Entrance Examination day. I’ll let it slide for now.”
Having scouted the route the day before, Alarieka knew the way well. She guided Victor onto the subway, reaching the school in thirty minutes.
Though early, the morning train bustled with students rising at dawn for the exam. Alaricka finally found a carriage with empty seats after searching.
Settling on the bench, she meticulously checked her pencil case contents again.
Victor sprawled beside her, arms crossed. He shot her a sidelong glance, drawling, “Stop counting. Third time already. Everything’s there.”
Ignoring him, she finished her inventory before looking up.
Victor leaned in abruptly, his deep, striking eyes locking onto hers. “Alarieka Huston, who knew? Always so cocky, yet you’re nervous about this exam?”
Alarieka scowled, thwacking his head with her pencil case. “Back off. Don’t crowd me.”
Victor hissed, rubbing the spot. “Can’t I show concern? And since when did hitting me become your hobby?”
She snorted, radiating arrogance. “Your grandfather might panic. Not me.”
Her past life cast shadows, fueling her double-checks. But this exam? She had it nailed. Absolutely.
Victor chuckled. “Honestly? Grandpa might actually be sweating it right now."
Alarieka glared. “Quit grinning. I hate being stared at.”
Since boarding, several passengers in the VIP Lounge had been stealing glances at them. Victor’s antics now drew bolder stares.
Arms still crossed, he grinned. “What can I say? This face demands attention.”
Alaricka scooted away with a look of utter distaste.