End of the College Entrance Examination

"I've made up my mind!"

"I'm going to A University!"

During their usual routine of walking Tang Manman home, after two weeks of agonizing over the decision, she finally declared her choice.

Lin Yu nodded and asked,

"So, are you planning to get in through direct admission?"

"You qualify for that, right?"

Tang Manman first nodded, then shook her head firmly and said,

"No, I want to take the entrance exam."

"If I can rank well in the province or city, I might even get a scholarship."

Seeing Tang Manman settle on her university, Lin Yu nodded, secretly making his own decision.

If she was going to A University, then he would go to N University—a first-tier institution in the same city as A University.

Based on his recent mock exam scores, getting into N University shouldn’t be a problem.

That way, they’d be in the same city, and during holidays…

Heh heh heh!

"What about you?"

"Haven’t you picked a university yet?"

Just as Lin Yu was struggling to control his facial muscles, Tang Manman turned to him with the question.

"Ahem!"

Clearing his throat and schooling his expression, Lin Yu put on a casual air and said,

"Haven’t decided yet."

"No rush."

"I’ll take my time."

Not getting an answer, a flicker of disappointment crossed Tang Manman’s delicate features. After a moment, she looked up again and asked,

"Are you planning to stay in the north or go south?"

A University was in the north, and Lin Yu’s intended N University was naturally also in the north. But he wasn’t about to reveal that. Instead, he feigned hesitation.

"I don’t know either."

"I kind of want to see the south, but I’ve heard it’s really humid and hotter than the north. If I had to live there for four years, I’m not sure I could get used to the climate."

"Then don’t go."

Tang Manman suddenly spoke up, her glistening eyes fixed on Lin Yu with a hint of pleading, as if she were on the verge of tearfully begging, "Stay with me, okay?"

Lin Yu chuckled and ruffled Tang Manman’s hair, amused.

This silly girl had no idea he’d already decided to attend a university in the same city as hers.

And here she was, already sad about their post-exam separation!

Thinking it over, worried that Tang Manman’s overthinking might affect her exam performance, Lin Yu decided to dangle a carrot.

"Tell you what—if you get into A University, I’ll give you a surprise!"

"What surprise?"

Tang Manman blinked, looking adorably curious.

"If I told you now, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?"

Lin Yu rolled his eyes at her, refusing to spoil the mystery.

As they walked, nearing Tang Manman’s home, Lin Yu took a detour, leading her to a nearby snack shop.

Each of them picked out a big bag of snacks, and on their way out, they grabbed two fruit teas from the stand outside.

When they reached Tang Manman’s doorstep, Tang Qinqin peeked out like a cat catching a whiff of fish, eager for gossip.

Spotting the giant bag of snacks in Tang Manman’s hands, Tang Qinqin’s eyes lit up.

When Lin Yu handed over his own bag of snacks along with the fruit tea, Tang Qinqin’s delicate brows shot up in shock, her bright eyes widening like two little lightbulbs.

"You’re the best brother-in-law in the world!!!"

She snatched the snacks and tea with exaggerated gratitude, looking as overjoyed as a drought-stricken farmer kneeling in the rain, weeping thanks to the heavens.

Tang Manman’s fair skin flushed scarlet. She shot a reproachful glare at her sister, who’d clearly forgotten her in favor of snacks. But to Lin Yu’s surprise, she didn’t correct or deny anything.

Instead, her first instinct was to check Lin Yu’s reaction.

Their eyes met, and Tang Manman’s face turned even redder.

She opened her mouth but couldn’t find the words, her flustered expression both hilarious and endearing.

In the end, she fled inside like a startled rabbit.

The instigator, Tang Qinqin, glanced at her sister’s retreating figure, then back at Lin Yu with a sly grin that seemed to say, "See? Worth the snacks, right?"

Lin Yu suppressed a laugh, shot her a mock glare, and turned to leave…

---

The college entrance exams took place in early June.

It was a season of blooming flowers and lush greenery, a time when life thrived in full vigor.

Free from family pressure or expectations, Lin Yu faced the pivotal exam with calm composure.

Stepping out of the testing hall, he let out a long exhale.

He felt reflective, though not as intensely as in his past life.

Compared to his previous existence—where high school meant seven days of study and half a day of rest—this life had been downright blissful.

And honestly, he hadn’t even studied that hard!

Over three years, only the last six months had demanded real effort. The struggles and sacrifices of his past life paled in comparison.

After the exam, Lin Yu lingered, waiting for Tang Manman, who was also testing at the same venue.

While he waited, Gu Yue emerged first, her eyes red.

"What’s wrong?"

"Did you bomb the test?"

Lin Yu approached her.

Gu Yue pouted pitifully as she walked toward him. Without a word, she suddenly raised her arms, aiming for a hug.

Lin Yu stiffened.

What the—?

Tang Manman’s about to come out! Are you trying to get me killed?

He quickly sidestepped, slinging an arm around Gu Yue’s shoulders like a buddy.

"Come on, no waterworks. What’s up?"

"Couldn’t answer the questions? Think you failed?"

Gu Yue shook her head, looking even more miserable.

"No, I just… wanted to cry."

"I’m so tired from all the studying."

Lin Yu rolled his eyes and gave her shoulder a pat.

"Go home, sleep it off. Play some Genshin for a couple days—you’ll be fine."

Just as he finished consoling her, Lin Yu spotted Tang Manman in the crowd.

Glancing between Gu Yue—who was now avoiding his gaze—and Tang Manman’s stormy expression, a realization struck Lin Yu.

He turned to glare at Gu Yue, furious.

You little—

Did you do this on purpose?

Trying to stir the pot with Tang Manman?