Volume 3 Chapter 37

Volume 3 + Chapter 37: A Showdown Between Juniors

“Senior Ouyang, why did you make that bet with Bai Yuxuan this morning!” After school, on the way to the club, Duan Haichen said to Ouyang Qianxue somewhat angrily.

“If you lose, that Bai Yuxuan might do anything to you, ” But before he could finish, Qianxue glared back at him with even greater fury.

“That’s because I don’t want people looking down on my underclassmen! Is it wrong for a senior to protect her junior?”

“But to score first in the grade, I…”

“I’m the one who agreed to the bet. If I say you can do it, you can do it. What? Are you saying I have poor judgment in people?” Although Qianxue was only 165 cm tall and had to look up at Duan Haichen, who stood 180 cm, at that moment, Qianxue appeared to Duan Haichen to have such a commanding presence, like an older sister. Seeing Duan Haichen fall silent, Ouyang Qianxue continued.

“Duan Haichen, you need to understand that your goal this time is not merely to surpass Xia Bingdie, who scored more than fifty points higher than you on the entrance exam, it is to rank first in the grade. Moreover, I recall Xia Bingdie’s entrance score. She did not achieve the exaggerated margin of fifty-plus points over second place like Bai Yuxuan. So, based on my estimate, as long as you score above 830, first place will be yours!”

“But 830 points…”

“Have you forgotten that I’m tutoring you? You’re not fighting alone.” Qianxue’s words made Duan Haichen freeze.

Yes, Senior Ouyang had made a name for himself in last semester’s first monthly exam with a score of 883, only two points behind that monster Bai Yuxuan. With Senior Ouyang tutoring him, if he still couldn’t score above 830, it would mean he simply wasn’t working hard enough. And 830 was still far from Senior Ouyang’s 883. If he shrank back just because of such a score, he would be utterly unworthy to stand beside Senior Ouyang.

“Senior, I will definitely score above 830, no, I will score even higher than that!” Duan Haichen’s eyes were now full of determination. How foolish he had been. This was the best opportunity to prove himself to Senior Ouyang, yet he had almost backed out. Through his efforts, he would prove to Bai Yuxuan and all of Sakura Academy that he was qualified to be the one standing beside Qianxue!

“Yes, that’s the spirit of my junior, Ouyang Qianxue. No time to lose, let’s start reviewing immediately!” With that, Ouyang Qianxue took Duan Haichen to the library for private tutoring.

Seeing the two sitting alone at a table, the surrounding students whispered among themselves. It was the first time they had seen Ouyang Qianxue alone with a boy, and Duan Haichen was handsome as well, so many began speculating about their relationship.

Under normal circumstances, being with Senior Ouyang like this would have made Duan Haichen secretly pleased at the gossip. But now his expression was grave, because his entire focus was on studying. He wanted to repay Senior Ouyang’s trust through this competition, and prove himself with this exam score!

Once the tutoring began, Ouyang Qianxue’s problem-solving techniques left Duan Haichen in awe. Using Senior Ouyang’s methods, he found that for all multiple-choice questions requiring calculation, he could arrive at the answer without even picking up a pen.

“Time is limited during exams. Since they are multiple-choice questions, there must be a way to get the answer without calculation. The time saved is for the later big problems.”

“As expected of Senior Ouyang! With your tutoring, why would I worry about not scoring 830!” Duan Haichen said excitedly. With Ouyang Qianxue’s guidance, solving problems became as easy and enjoyable as killing monsters in a game. He didn’t move from his seat until the library closed.

“Let’s stop here for today. You’re not a boarding student, so go home quickly. Don’t overdo it, exhausting yourself will only hurt your performance.” Qianxue said as he packed up his textbooks.

“Yes! Thank you for your instruction, Senior Ouyang. I’m leaving now. Please take care as well.” With that, Duan Haichen skipped out the door like a child.

“Honestly.” Watching Duan Haichen leave, Ouyang Qianxue also smiled. After all, having a junior who admired him was quite fulfilling.

Meanwhile, in the student council office, Xia Bingdie was deeply conflicted. From the previous incident, she understood that the senior Yuxuan she admired likely had feelings for Senior Ouyang, and it was one-sided. This bet was clearly proposed by Yuxuan to get closer to Ouyang Qianxue.

So now she hesitated, should she try her best? If she worked hard and defeated Duan Haichen, she would be helping the senior she liked pursue her romantic rival. If she didn’t, her impression in Yuxuan’s eyes might suffer. What should she do?

After much deliberation, Xia Bingdie decided to give her all and defeat Duan Haichen. She would compete fairly with Ouyang Qianxue. She believed that as long as she kept working hard, one day Yuxuan would have a place for her in her heart.

So she put down the documents in her hand, took out her textbooks, and began to review. However…

“What are you doing reading textbooks during work hours?” Bai Yuxuan’s cold voice came from the front.

“Senior Yuxuan, I…”

“Don’t worry. Forget about the bet. Do what you normally do. Don’t exert extra effort because of the bet. Just be yourself and perform at your best during the exam, understand?” Bai Yuxuan walked over to Xia Bingdie and said.

“Yes!” Xia Bingdie lowered her head. She was a bit confused. She knew Ouyang Qianxue’s academic ability well. She wasn’t at all confident that she could defeat Duan Haichen, who had Ouyang Qianxue tutoring him. Didn’t Yuxuan like Ouyang Qianxue? Why was she handing victory over?

But Bai Yuxuan said nothing. She simply turned and looked out the window.

(Wait until the exam results come out, then you’ll know!) Bai Yuxuan showed a confident smile.

Back at home, Duan Haichen immediately threw himself into studying without a moment’s rest. The thought of Senior Ouyang’s radiant smile after winning the bet made studying feel like no hardship at all. Never before had he found learning such a joyful activity.

Soon, the first monthly exam of the new semester arrived as scheduled. During the test, Duan Haichen answered questions with fluid ease. He had never felt an exam so effortless. When the results came out, they were just as he had expected. Adding up all his exam scores, he had scored 845 points, ten points higher than the target Senior Ouyang had set for him.

“Good job!” A hand patted him on the shoulder.

“Senior Ouyang!” Duan Haichen looked at Qianxue behind him in surprise.

“Now victory is within our grasp.”

“Aren’t you two celebrating a bit too early?” Just as they were feeling proud, Bai Yuxuan blocked their way, with Xia Bingdie beside her looking somewhat somber.

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