Chapter 176: Rankings
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
However, Qin Silong had no intention of seeking revenge on Su Bin. He couldn’t bring himself to harm someone who had once saved his life.
As the relationship between the two families improved, Qin Silong found himself growing more at ease with the situation. If something were to develop between Su Bin and Qin Zhenzhen, he wouldn’t object too strongly.
Feeling reassured by this thought, Qin Silong accompanied Qin Zhenzhen to check the examination results when they were released.
A large number of candidates gathered to check their rankings. Despite knowing they had answered some questions incorrectly, they still held onto hope of making it onto the list.
There were around 1,000 candidates from several counties, but there were only two red lists, each accommodating 100 people.
In other words, out of almost 1,000 candidates, only 200 would make it onto the list.
The competition at the bottom of the red list was fierce, and it was exceptionally challenging for ordinary candidates to secure a spot.
Qin Silong assured them, “You both wait here. I will go and check the rankings.”
Nodding in agreement, Qin Zhenzhen replied, “Okay.”
On the other hand, Su Bin couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of seeing his ranking. Making it to the top 10 would secure his position as a Best Performer, granting him numerous benefits. He’d receive bonuses not only from the province but also from the mansion and county. Furthermore, he could study at the prefectural school for free and receive monthly subsidies from the government.
The additional perk was that he could vouch for candidates in the Cultivated Talent examination every year, which was a lucrative opportunity. Each candidate needed one liang for each examination, and to become a Cultivated Talent, they needed to pass eight examinations. Being able to guarantee five candidates at a time meant a substantial income.
As Su Bin was about to step forward to check his ranking, Qin Zhenzhen gently tugged at his sleeves, cautioning, “Don’t rush in. It’s possible that those who want to harm you might take advantage of the crowd to hurt you.”
Su Bin hesitated for a while and stopped.
At this moment, Qin Zhenzhen suddenly sensed that there were four or five people approaching them.
She grabbed Su Bin’s hands. “Stay behind and don’t leave!”
“Okay,” Su Bin complied, sensing the tension and danger in the air. He followed Qin Zhenzhen’s lead and moved in close to her, almost forgetting the perilous situation as he became captivated by the scent of a young girl and the soft warmth of her hands.
It was the first time he had held a girl’s hand, and it stirred a flutter in his heart.
However, Qin Zhenzhen was not going to let these intruders ruin their day. Her anger surged, and she tightened her grip on the iron rod she held in her hands, ready to defend herself and Su Bin if needed. How dare they show up in broad daylight?
“wnoever dares to toucn my man, 1 will DreaK ms legs!” Qin znenznen tierce1Y declared, but the men seemed undeterred and continued to approach them.
In a quick decision, Qin Zhenzhen pulled Su Bin towards a crowded area, shouting for help. “Officer, someone is trying to hurt the candidates!”
With guards present to maintain order, she hoped they would intervene and protect them.
However, an unexpected turn of events occurred when another man shouted,
“Help me catch my sister! She ran away with a man!”
Hearing this, the others hesitated and stopped Qin Zhenzhen and Su Bin subconsciously.
The man who claimed to be the sister’s brother attempted to grab Qin Zhenzhen, but she skillfully dodged him.
He feigned distress and continued, “My dear sister, stop this nonsense! Come home with me, what’s so good about this pretty boy? He’s worthless except for his looks!”
“Running away with him, have you run out of money already?”
“Without money, he’ll likely sell you to a brothel!”