Cui Changxiao of the Cui Family.
The memories in Song Ci’s mind instantly came alive. She quickly remembered this noble young man she had met once and smiled, her face full of wrinkles crinkling into a bundle: "It’s you, that handsome young man."
Born with beauty, a tall build, and a natural noble aura — she couldn’t dare forget, even if she wanted to!
Cui Changxiao’s gaze was locked with hers. Hearing her compliment out of the blue, he raised an eyebrow and laughed lightly, more modestly: "This humble appearance doesn’t deserve Madam’s praise."
That smile, it was like thousands of pear blossoms blooming.
Song Ci’s little heart felt like it had been hit by something.
In her past life in the entertainment industry, she had seen all kinds of handsome men, but no modern pretty boy could compare to the classy gentleman before her.
The man in front of her, darn it, was a walking hormone, with every word and smile enticing women — a seasoned player indeed.
Oh, was she getting old?
Song Ci patted her heart. Even though she appeared to be an old lady full of wrinkles, deep down she was still a girl fond of handsome men.
Song Lingzhou tugged on Song Ci’s sleeve. Oh dear, Grandmother’s fondness for handsome men had flared up again — her eyes looked at the man just like how he looked at crispy fried chicken legs.
Being tugged by her little grandson, Song Ci snapped back to reality, coughed twice, and silently repeated in her heart ten thousand times that with her precious grandchildren around, she must maintain her dignified and knowledgeable grandmother persona, never succumbing to the sugar-coated artillery of handsome men. This content belongs to novel✦fire.net
Resist charm; she can do it!
"You, Cui boy, how come you’re here too?" Song Ci asked him as if greeting an old friend.
Talented and handsome men, especially with a purple bamboo flute in hand, should rightly be playing the flute among a myriad of flowers.
Cui Changxiao replied respectfully, "This boy is here to exchange views with the other Scholars."
"You’re here to exchange views?" Song Ci was surprised — more like here to trounce these students, right?
Cui Changxiao joked, "Yes, in a group of three, there must be a teacher among us. Collective wisdom is something I strive for. Besides, many of these Scholars are participating in this year’s Autumn Examination. Knowing oneself and one’s adversary leads to victory in every battle."
Knowing oneself and one’s adversary.
"Are you saying you will enter the Autumn Examination?"
Oh no, the boastful claims from her eldest might backfire.
Cui Changxiao noted her astonishment and surprise, saying, "Indeed. Does Madam think this boy cannot succeed?"
Song Ci laughed awkwardly twice: "How could that be? If you cannot succeed, then who can? I’m just anxious for certain people."
"Each year, only three hundred Scholars are selected, and if you enter, the competition pressure increases. That certain someone who hoped to be in the top three hundred is now in jeopardy. So, isn’t that nerve-racking? And also..."
What else, everyone perked up their ears.
"Moreover, the betting odds at various gambling houses will have to be recalculated, especially for the top three positions," Song Ci laughed.
With Autumn Examination approaching, bets for the top scorer and third place have long been in full swing, but now that Cui Changxiao will enter, the ranking of the top three might change!
Some felt indignant; it seemed like Madam Song could definitively say that Cui Changxiao would assuredly enter the top three. But upon remembering his background, everyone felt a formless pressure internally.
"Madam gives this boy too much credit," Cui Changxiao remained humble.
"Whether I give credit or not doesn’t matter — I believe in you," Song Ci glanced at the Scholars gathered around at some point, each with varying expressions, and said: "And you lads, don’t lose heart. Without pressure, there’s no motivation. If you beat Cui boy and triumph in the rankings, you are the winners."
All his modesty was in vain!