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Huang Qiaoqiao took the bottle of juice and smiled. "Don't worry, Stepmom. I'll do my best on the exam."
Yan Xiaohong smirked inwardly. Who wants you to do well? Failing would be best. Why waste money on tuition for a worthless girl like you?
"Before you go in, have a few sips of juice to quench your thirst. You might forget once you're inside the exam hall," Yan Xiaohong urged.
Hearing her stepmother's advice, Huang Qiaoqiao didn't hesitate. She was about to twist open the bottle and take a sip when a large hand reached out and grabbed her wrist. Without a word, Zhao Feng pulled her toward the exam hall.
"Red-crowned Crane, let's go in together. Come on!"
Zhao Feng dragged Huang Qiaoqiao away, ignoring Yan Xiaohong's furious glare. They approached the security guard at the entrance.
Yan Xiaohong, red-faced and fuming, quickly caught up and blocked their path. "Who do you think you are, pulling my Qiaoqiao around like this?"
Zhao Feng remained expressionless, his voice cold. "I'm Huang Qiaoqiao's deskmate. If you're trying to stop a candidate from entering the exam hall, step aside now, or I'll call security."
"You little—"
Yan Xiaohong glared at Zhao Feng, her eyes filled with rage. She then turned to Huang Qiaoqiao, her face instantly softening into the gentle, caring stepmother. "Qiaoqiao, your dad specifically told me to make sure you drink at least half the bottle before going in. You wouldn't disobey your dad, would you?"
Huang Qiaoqiao looked puzzled, holding the juice bottle. "When did Dad say that? I didn't hear him."
Before Yan Xiaohong could continue, a loud bell rang out across the school grounds.
Ding-ding-ding!
The exam was about to begin. Zhao Feng pushed Yan Xiaohong aside and led Huang Qiaoqiao into the exam hall. After the guards checked their documents, the two walked in together.
Yan Xiaohong stumbled and fell, her high heel snapping off. She was so angry she could barely breathe. Where did this brat come from? He dares to lay hands on me, knowing I'm Huang Qiaoqiao's parent? He almost killed me!
As she watched Zhao Feng and Huang Qiaoqiao disappear into the crowd, Yan Xiaohong struggled to stand, her ankle twisted. She shouted after them in frustration.
"Qiaoqiao, remember to drink the juice! Your dad said you must!"
But her words were lost in the noise. Yan Xiaohong clenched her teeth, veins popping on her forehead. She was seething with anger but powerless to do anything. She couldn't exactly storm into the exam hall and force-feed Huang Qiaoqiao the juice.
Walking along the tree-lined path of the school, Zhao Feng held Huang Qiaoqiao's hand tightly. Her face flushed with a hint of shyness as they approached the teaching building.
Zhao Feng opened his small backpack and pulled out a bottle of Nutri-Express, handing it to her with a warm smile. "Red-crowned Crane, drink this. It'll boost your energy. Give me your juice."
Huang Qiaoqiao hesitated, her cheeks red. "But the juice was a gift from my dad. It wouldn't be right not to drink it."
Zhao Feng took the juice from her and placed the Nutri-Express in her hands. He pulled her into a quick hug, patting her back. "Believe in yourself. My Red-crowned Crane is the best. Meet me here after the exam, okay? Don't be late."
Huang Qiaoqiao, who was half a head taller than Zhao Feng, looked down at him with a serious expression. "I believe in you too. Let's do this!"
They high-fived, exchanged a glance, and then headed to their respective exam rooms.
The exam hall was silent, the atmosphere tense.
Students found their seats without a word. Before they could even get familiar with their surroundings, the invigilators entered, carrying sealed exam papers. They began checking admission tickets and IDs.
Zhao Feng sat in the last row by the window. He glanced outside, catching a glimpse of Guo Damei at the school gate. Despite her nagging and her love for sneaking eggs, she was a good teacher who genuinely cared for her students.
The invigilator explained the exam rules and distributed the papers. The first subject, Chinese, had begun.
Zhao Feng flipped through the exam paper and smiled. The essay topic was exactly what he had predicted—integrity. The 50-point essay was in the bag. The rest—fill-in-the-blanks, multiple-choice, and reading comprehension—were a breeze. He started writing his essay with confidence.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of the exam, Zhao Feng handed in his paper and walked out. He spotted Huang Qiaoqiao standing tall and graceful by the teaching building and sauntered over.
Huang Qiaoqiao leaped into his arms, playfully punching his chest. "Little Feng, how did you predict the essay topic? That's impossible!"
Zhao Feng set her down and said seriously, "Keep it down. I just got lucky, that's all."
Huang Qiaoqiao's eyes sparkled with excitement. "This is the first time I didn't have to stress over the essay. It saved me so much brainpower, and I aced the rest of the paper!"
Zhao Feng grinned. "See? My Nutri-Express worked wonders. Just trust me, and you'll be fine."
Huang Qiaoqiao beamed. "Let me treat you to lunch. What do you want?"
Zhao Feng shrugged. "How about braised pork over rice at the school canteen?"
Huang Qiaoqiao skipped ahead, holding Zhao Feng's hand as they chatted and laughed their way out of the school.
Guo Damei rushed over, her face anxious. "How did it go?"
Huang Qiaoqiao whispered something in her ear.
Guo Damei's face lit up, and she slapped her thigh in excitement. "That's amazing! You little rascal, you actually predicted the essay topic. This is a sure win!"
Zhao Feng sighed. "Teacher, please don't spread this around. If the wrong people find out, we could be in big trouble."
Guo Damei waved him off. "Don't worry, I'm not stupid. I won't say a word. Now go get some lunch. Qiaoqiao, your mom made your favorite sweet and sour ribs. She wants you home for lunch."
Huang Qiaoqiao nodded. "Got it. See you later, teacher!"
Zhao Feng waved goodbye and led Huang Qiaoqiao to the school canteen.
Huang Qiaoqiao hesitated. "My mom made sweet and sour ribs. Shouldn't I go home?"
Zhao Feng laughed. "What's the big deal? Your house is far, and if something happens on the way, like losing your admission ticket, it'll be a disaster. I'll treat you to a big plate of sweet and sour ribs and some tomato scrambled eggs."
Huang Qiaoqiao protested, "I said I'd treat you. Don't spend your money."
Zhao Feng waved it off. "Money's just paper. We'll earn it back."
The canteen was bustling with noise and activity.
Students huddled in groups, comparing answers and occasionally cheering.
Zhao Feng and Huang Qiaoqiao found a table and joined in the lively discussions.
Meanwhile, at Huang Qiaoqiao's house...
Yan Xiaohong cursed under her breath as she carried a plate of sweet and sour ribs to the dining table.
Her eight-year-old son, Huang Xiaobao, eyes wide with hunger, reached for a rib with his chopsticks.
Yan Xiaohong slapped his hand, sending the rib flying. "Don't touch those, Xiaobao! Those ribs are for your sister. If you dare eat even one, I'll beat you senseless!"
Huang Xiaobao burst into tears, wailing, "You're a bad mom! You only care about her. I'm telling Dad you won't let me eat the ribs!"