Three days have passed since the incident with Lynn Chen at Capitalview First High.
In those three days, the story has already spread throughout the Capitalview student circle.
The news of Lynn Chen boldly confessing her feelings to Evan Lin caused an even bigger stir.
Students from Capitalview No. 2 High and Peiying High School were all deeply affected by it. The name 'Evan Lin' was once again etched into the minds of countless people.
June 7th.
The national college entrance exam begins.
Evan Lin's test site was set at Peiying High School.
During the two days of exams, Evan Lin didn't hand in his papers early, even though he finished them long before time was up.
For Evan, this lifetime's college entrance exam felt more like a spiritual redemption—a way to make up for not being able to take the exam in his previous life. The meaning far outweighed the exam itself.
Every time he left the exam room, people would recognize him, casting all sorts of envious or admiring looks his way. It was the perfect full stop to Evan Lin's high school career.
The papers were moderately challenging—not without difficulty. The final math problem, even with Evan's approach, took a solid fifteen minutes to fully solve. He had to admit, the question setter was truly skilled.
The last English exam ended.
Evan packed up his things. When the proctor finally signaled for everyone to put down their pens and waited for the papers to be collected, only then did Evan walk out.
He went home.
To celebrate Evan finishing the college entrance exam, Irene Xu went out of her way to prepare a lavish dinner for him, saying it was to mark his official graduation from the high school grind and entry into university life.
Stella Huang, sitting nearby, was in a great mood too. At the dinner table, they talked about Evan's university applications. When they heard he'd decided to apply to Rivercrest State University, both Stella and Irene were a bit disappointed, but they still happily celebrated and wished him instant success.
The day after the exam, Lucy Lu asked Lynn Chen to invite Evan over for dinner.
6 p.m.
"Evan, how did you feel about the difficulty of this year's college entrance exam? Where do you want to apply? Are you really not going to reconsider Clearwater University's guaranteed admission?"
At the dinner table, Charles Chen carefully chose his words as he asked.
Lynn Chen looked pretty satisfied with her performance—at least, for her own standards, she was quite happy.
After that whole school-wide confession a few days ago, her mindset had clearly changed a lot. When she saw Evan, she was much more open and relaxed.
"The questions were manageable, I think I did pretty well. I'm planning to try for Rivercrest State University."
As Evan was answering Charles Chen, Charles picked up the wine bottle and poured Evan a drink.
"Rivercrest State University, huh? That's a great school too."
He nodded slightly, sighing a little as he glanced at Lynn Chen eating beside him. Deep down, he figured his daughter's chances were probably slim this time.
Rivercrest and Beijing are pretty far apart. Even with modern transportation, if Lynn really gets into Beijing University, she and Evan won't get to see each other much.
Charles Chen thought for a moment, then looked at Evan with a meaningful smile: "I've heard Rivercrest is full of beautiful girls."
"But because there are so many pretty girls, Evan, when you start school there, you need to keep your wits about you. Don't rush into anything."
"Take it from your uncle—my advice is, don't jump into a relationship before junior year. Put your energy into your studies. If you have time, go visit Lynn in Beijing and let her show you around. Beijing's a first-tier city, the world is much bigger there."
"That way, when you're a senior, it'll be easier to land a good internship at a Fortune 500 company. Give it your best shot."
Charles Chen kept guiding Evan, but really, all these words were just telling him not to fall in love in college—and at the same time, quietly promoting Lynn.
"Dad."
Hearing this, Lynn Chen dropped a piece of meat bone into Charles Chen's bowl. "Can't you just eat your food properly?"
She shot Charles a glare. He froze for a second, then looked a little deflated. "Fine, fine, I'll just eat. I'll eat."
As he picked at his meat bone, he pretended to sigh, "Ah, daughters really can't be kept at home once they grow up."
That earned him another eye-roll from Lynn.
She turned to Evan. "Are you really set on Rivercrest State University?"
"Yeah." Evan nodded. "What about you? How'd you do—do you feel confident about Beijing University?"
"I can't say I'm a hundred percent sure, but I've got a shot." Lynn thought for a moment, then continued, "If I really do get into Beijing, I'll probably choose math or finance. Honestly, I think you're suited for physics or math."
She was completely serious.
"Physics? Math?" Evan looked a little puzzled.
"Yeah, you're really strong in the sciences. Physics is all about understanding the laws of the universe, and math is practically tailor-made for you. Your talent in mathematics is already obvious—if you keep going down this path, the sky's the limit. Who knows, maybe you'll win the next Hua Luogeng Mathematics Prize."
"I guess that's why Professor Gordon Gu from Clearwater University wanted to give you a guaranteed spot in his department."
Lynn seemed genuinely interested in this topic. "Besides, if you really master math, you can make a mark in any field."
"I'll think about it."
Evan gave a short reply after hearing Lynn's words.
"Oh, Evan, this summer I plan to take Lynn and your mom out for a trip. Want to come with us?"
Lucy Lu brought a dish to the table.
She wiped her hands and smiled at Evan. "It's always so hot here in June, July, and August. Lynn just finished the college entrance exam, so she needs to relax. Plus, the last time your mom and I went traveling together was more than ten years ago. She used to love going out and exploring."
"But after graduation, all she did was work and take care of you. She hasn't really had a chance to enjoy herself since."
Lucy Lu's eyes showed a flash of sadness, but seeing Evan's current achievements, she felt relieved for Zheng Jiayun.
"Yes, yes, you should all go out together—I'll cover the costs!" Charles Chen said, gnawing on a meat bone with a smile.
He owed his current opportunities to Evan.
If it hadn't been for Evan, back in Brightsea City, if Haiyang Sheng hadn't been cured, Charles would have left Wansheng Properties long ago. He wouldn't have the chances he has now, running things in Capitalview as a top local official.
Lynn looked at Evan, waiting for his answer.
Evan thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I probably can't go. I've got some things to take care of."
Lynn's eyes dimmed for a moment, but she quickly bounced back.
After dinner, Evan got up to leave.
"I'll walk you out."
Lucy Lu and Charles Chen exchanged surprised looks as Lynn immediately stood up and followed Evan out the door.
They walked along the path through the neighborhood.
Lynn glanced at Evan and smiled. "You haven't forgotten what we talked about a few days ago, have you?"
"Evan, once we're in college, we'll see a whole new world."
"I don't know if you'll really meet a girl you like, but no matter what, I'll do my best too."