Afterwards, the class was quiet with everyone doing their things. Yan Nuan was still stuck on her book when someone from another class rushed in.
"The gaokao[1]has been released."
Everyone was instantly thrown into a frenzy. The students of Qing Yu High were hardly noisemakers. However, there were some things that could influence them. For example, the gaokao.
The gaokao was renowned as one of the most toughest examinations in Central China. All students greatly anticipated the examination and it was an honor if one were to come first all over the country.
Yan Nuan was attracted by the noise. She remembered that the original Yan Yehan had sat for the gaokao two months back. The results were being released today.
She was still contemplating when she heard someone mention her name. She lifted her head and saw that everyone's gazes were on her.
"Even though gaokao is extremely tough, I have faith in Bro Yan. He will bring our Qing Yu High the third runner up at least. Right, Bro Yan?"
Yan Nuan was stunned. She instinctively forgot that the previous Yehan was an academic prodigy and wanted to correct the boy who spoke that she wasn't that great. But, she saw their gazes which were full of unconditional trust. There was no envy in them. It was as though they knew what she was capable of.
A girl glanced in the direction of the door and said, "Anyway, let's go check. We've all done our best. There is no harm in checking."
Yan Nuan nodded and everyone left their respective seats. As they approached the bulletin board, her seatmate (...) tapped her shoulder.
"Bro Yan, you seem tensed."
Yan Nuan glanced at him and sighed. She was indeed nervous. After all, although she wasn't the one who sat for the exam, she knew how tough the exams were. And the way her classmates believed she could at least snatch the third runner up position. It was greatly pressurizing her. If it were about a war, she wouldn't be so nervous. Her only relief was that Yan Yehan was extremely brilliant.
There was already a large crowd in front of the bulletin when they got there. Everyone was fixated upon finding their names on the list and Yan Nuan soon found herself at the back of the crowd. Although she was tall, she couldn't exactly see that well from such a distance.
She was about to sit on the pavement in front of the bulletin and wait for the crowd to disperse when she heard a girl exclaim,
"As expected, Bro Yan is such a prodigy. Even gaokao is not being let off."
Yan Nuan instantly stood up straight. Everyone's gazes were on her as they cleared way for her to move forward. She walked forward in steady steps and stood in front of the bulletin. Her gaze instantly shot up to the name on the first line.
Yan Yehan. 399 out of 400 points. First.
Yan Nuan was calm on the surface but a heavy weight was instantly lifted off her. Although, she wasn't truly Yan Yehan, she felt as though she was indebted to the original owner of the body and couldn't help but be concerned.
But she heard someone ask, "But it's not specified that it's first all over the country. Could it be only for our school?"
Someone smacked his head immediately. "Are you dumb? Can't you see the gold crown right beside his name? It signifies first all over the country."
It was then Yan Nuan noticed the crown. She turned and calmly walked away from the board so others could check theirs. She was about to return her classroom when the public announcer system rang all over the hallways.
"Yan Yehan. Class 1. See me in my office," the principal's stern voice rang out.
Yan Nuan subconsciously froze before turning in the direction of the principal's office. As she walked by the class teacher's meeting room, she could see them gathered together. Her class teacher was seated amidst them, his face brimming with a smile as he gestured excitedly.
She halted in front of the principal's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in," she heard him call out.
Yan Nuan turned the door knob and stepped in, shutting the door behind her. She found him sitting with his head lowered as he skimmed through some files.
She approached him slowly and called out, "You wanted to see me, principal."
He lifted his head to look at her and his lips widened into a smile. He gestured to the chair across him. "Sit."
Yan Nuan glanced at the chair and sat.
He shut the file and completely faced her. "Congratulations."
"Thank you."
He dug into his cupboard and brought out a bundle of envelopes. All of them were arranged and tied together.
He pushed them forward to her. "These are yours."
Yan Nuan reached out and picked it up. On the envelope lying on top, she could see the word 'Ou university.'
The principal continued. "We've recieved letters from different universities. They want to invite you to their school. You did really well, Yehan. I'm very proud of you."
"All of these?" Yan Nuan asked in astonishment. She eyed the bundle in her hands. The envelopes were up to thirty considering how heavy it felt.
"Yeah. You can take your time to decide. This year's exam was set by the Canadian expert, Lin Wushuo. I also saw the questions. They were tough. You've done extremely well. All those professors are tearing themselves apart over you."
"Okay," Yan Nuan replied and stood up with a smile.
The principal nodded. "Also, the Central Defense Academy will be visiting our school in three days' time."
"The Central Defense Academy?" Yan Nuan asked in astonishment.
"Yeah," the principal said as he picked up a file and flipped through it disinterestedly. "Although I know you probably have no interest in joining the defense academy, I just wanted to inform you."
Yan Nuan nodded.
"I see."
The moment she stepped out of the room and the door shut behind her, she lifted the bundle and walked forward, contemplating.
The Defense Academy...
She had to know more about it.
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gaokao[1]: The National College Entrance Examination, commonly known as the gaokao, is a standardized college entrance exam held annually in mainland China. It is required for entrance into almost all higher education institutions at the undergraduate level.