Everyone got into the car, and the spacious six seats were more than enough for them.
It was Wen Xin’s first time in such a luxurious car, and she was super excited.
Her little hands were touching here and there on the soft leather seats, her eyes full of curiosity.
Fang Cheng glanced at her and asked:
"Wen Xin, isn’t today Sunday? Why aren’t you at your tutoring class?"
Wen Xin’s little face immediately fell, her eyes dodging a bit, and she whispered:
"I... I asked the teacher for leave."
Fang Cheng furrowed his brow slightly.
Zhou Xiumei, seeing this, hurriedly explained:
"I helped her ask for leave. Wen Xin heard that you had an exam today and insisted on coming to cheer you on. We couldn’t stop her."
"Yeah, Fang Cheng, don’t be mad at Xinxin."
Ma Donghe, with both hands on the steering wheel, also chimed in to smooth things over:
"When I went to find you this morning, I met Huiyi. She mentioned your exam, and Xinxin was by her side, looking so worried about you."
"Besides, Xinxin usually works very hard in her studies. Even Huiyi has praised her multiple times."
Hearing Ma Donghe affectionately refer to Wen Xin’s mother as "Huiyi," Fang Cheng glanced at him but didn’t say much.
Seeing Fang Cheng’s expression soften, Wen Xin immediately seized the opportunity, reaching out to tug at Fang Cheng’s clothes with a serious face, promising:
"Don’t worry, brother. I’ll definitely make it to the top ten in the class for the final exams."
Fang Cheng looked into her bright eyes, his heart softening, and extended his finger to hook pinkies with her:
"Alright, it’s a promise. If you really make it to the top ten, I’ll take you to the seaside for vacation."
Wen Xin immediately cheered and clung to Fang Cheng, chatting non-stop.
Ma Donghe took the keys from Fang Cheng, started the SUV, and then shouted:
"Buckle up everyone, off to Wangjiang Building, let’s go!"
The atmosphere in the private room of Wangjiang Building was lively.
Halfway through the meal, Li Dingjian was already a bit tipsy, boasting to Ma Donghe about his glorious past.
Ma Donghe was no less impressive, bragging about the big name he made in the Martial World and his current determination to pass the civil service exam.
Li Dingjian gave him a thumbs-up, praising him, saying things like a repentant prodigal is worth more than gold, and once you secure an iron rice bowl, you should cherish it.
Zhou Xiumei was chatting quietly with Li Biyun, accompanied by Wen Xin, occasionally serving Li Biyun some dishes, appearing obedient and thoughtful.
Fang Cheng found an opportunity to get up and go to the balcony to get some air.
Before long, Ma Donghe followed him out.
He handed Fang Cheng a cigarette and lit one for himself, taking a deep puff.
The two leaned against the railing, looking at the bustling city night view and the cruise ships on the Qingpu River outside the window.
The skyscrapers stood in great numbers, with neon lights as dazzling as a river of stars, merging into a sea of noisy lights.
"After being cooped up for more than a month, I was almost suffocating."
Ma Donghe exhaled a ring of smoke and sighed, "Finally, I can catch my breath after these exams."
"Have there been people tailing you lately?"
Fang Cheng’s gaze flickered, he asked.
"Strangely enough, that group mysteriously disappeared about half a month ago."
Ma Donghe furrowed his brow, a bit perplexed:
"Maybe they knew I was joining the selection for the Special Search Team and didn’t dare to provoke me anymore."
He changed the subject, lowering his voice, a hint of lingering fear in his tone, and undisguised bragging:
"Fang Cheng, you have no idea, the selection exam for the Special Search Team is absolutely brutal. Those instructors are all sadistic maniacs!"