Chapter 51: Everything Will Be Fine
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After setting aside their test papers, the invigilator’s smile radiated warmth as he addressed Jiang Ling’er, “It seems, my dear student, that your results this time won’t be disappointing.”
Jiang Ling’er graciously smiled and replied, “Thank you, teacher. 1 hope 1 can still meet the qualifications for the competition.”
Upon hearing the exchange, Yue Ling wore a visage of incredulity. Was the invigilator blind? How could he claim that Jiang Ling’er wouldn’t fare poorly?
Just as Yue Ling was about to approach and inquire, the two invigilators had already departed.
Jiang Ling’er glanced at Yue Ling’s disbelieving countenance, her heart filled with disdain. She neatly packed her pencil case and exited the room.
Hardly had she stepped outside when Wen Nuan hurriedly approached her.
Wen Nuan gently held Jiang Ling’er’s arm, her voice imbued with warmth. “Ling’er, how did it go? Several students from the Mathematics Department mentioned that this time the questions were quite challenging.”
Jiang Ling’er gazed into the distance, feigning melancholy. She replied, “Why do 1 find them so simple? You must have misheard due to nervousness.”
Wen Nuan seemed a bit perplexed. She playfully pinched Jiang Ling’er’s cheek and said, “Ling’er, come on, wake up. Don’t boast. Tell me, how did you really do?”
Jiang Ling’er looked at Wen Nuan and noticed her heightened excitement. She inquired, “Tell me, how much did you wager on me?”
Wen Nuan didn’t hesitate and extended her hand.
“Five hundred?” Jiang Ling’er asked.
Wen Nuan cast a disdainful glance at Jiang Ling’er and replied, “Add ten thousand to that. Five hundred? That’s far too little for me to bet.”
Jiang Ling’er was taken aback. This girl was merciless. Jiang Ling’er responded earnestly, “Don’t worry, this time you’ll win.”
Wen Nuan exclaimed with excitement, “That’s fantastic! When we win, we’ll go all out and celebrate. I’ll foot the entire bill. 1 heard from others that the questions were incredibly tough, and 1 can’t take it anymore. Losing money is not an issue; preserving our reputation is what truly matters.”
Jiang Ling’er was momentarily stunned. She then pretended to be indignant and quipped, “Oh, you cunning girl, it’s all about saving face, isn’t it?”
Wen Nuan suddenly seemed awkward and replied, “I’m not doing this for you.”
She furrowed her brow and continued, “Something’s not right. You’re always so oblivious to the outside world. How did you learn about the bet?”
Jiang Ling’er stretched her neck and said, “In the examination hall, someone intentionally mentioned that a representative from the Student Union would initiate the bet. Thirty-six participants were present, yet only five of them wagered on me. Then, a group of people mocked me. At that moment, 1 realized how burdensome it must be for those five individuals to place their faith in me. 1 must take it seriously and not disappoint them.”
Wen Nuan was somewhat flabbergasted. Wasn’t this a bit exaggerated?
While Jiang Ling’er exuded confidence, Wen Nuan couldn’t help but worry. She questioned, “Is it really that difficult? Everyone from the Math Department seemed to believe so. Are you sure you answered correctly?”
“Don’t worry,” Jiang Ling’er reassured. She nodded and added, “1 don’t think the paper was particularly difficult. At least, not as difficult as I initially anticipated.”
Wen Nuan spoke earnestly, “Alright, as long as you believe it wasn’t challenging. Ling’er, let me tell you, you’re the first genuine friend I’ve made. You can’t let me down.”
Jiang Ling’er nodded and replied, “Little Nuan, I understand your sincerity. I won’t disappoint you. It’s rare to have someone sincerely befriend me. How could I bear to embarrass you?”
After a moment of silence, Wen Nuan queried, “Do you think your chances are high?”
“Don’t worry. I’m aiming for a top-three spot nationwide. How could I possibly falter now?” Jiang Ling’er confidently declared.
Wen Nuan was left speechless.
In astonishment, she opened her mouth, gently touching Jiang Ling’er’s forehead. Not detecting any significant warmth, she sensed a slight chill. Perhaps a low fever was brewing.
Jiang Ling’er grasped Wen Nuan’s hand and assured her, “I’m fine, but if 1 fail to secure a top-three position nationally, I’ll have to leave the Jiang family.” Wen Nuan was taken aback and nervously exclaimed, “What? What’s going on? Doesn’t your father care anymore?”
“Let’s go,” Jiang Ling’er suggested. “Let’s find a place where 1 can explain everything to you.”
The duo left the school premises and located a nearby coffee shop.
After procuring two cups of coffee, Jiang Ling’er briefly recounted her bet with Jiang Jun to Wen Nuan.
Wen Nuan grew somewhat anxious upon hearing the story. She expressed her concern, “Ling’er, I don’t want to say this, but you’re being impulsive and a bit naive. The top three in the country? Do you think it’s the same as being in the top three of our class? What will you do if something unexpected happens?”
Jiang Ling’er replied, “If something goes awry, I’ll leave. As long as I outperform Yue Ling in school, I can remain and continue my education. If I fail to secure a top-three position, even without the protection of the Jiang family, I still have you to support me. If things truly don’t work out, I’ll work hard on my own. Everything will turn out all right..”