Chapter 17: An Unexpected First in the Class

A brand-new week had begun, and with it, the author called for support on the new book ranking—asking readers to cast their recommendations.

As soon as the exam ended, the classroom erupted into a cacophony of chatter. “It's over, it's over. The questions were way off this time. I doubt this will change anything. The students from the countryside will still be sitting in the back row!” Complaints from rural students filled the air, but the town kids looked just as worried. If the rural students didn’t do well, they’d stay in the back; but if the town kids performed poorly, their precious front row seats would be at risk.

“What’s the point in complaining? It’s only the start of the semester—no one’s learned the junior high curriculum yet. It’s bound to be a general assessment. The capable students will always stand out,” Sun Hui remarked, sounding like an old sage trapped in a teenager’s body.

His close friends, who’d already gotten wind of the exam topics and prepared in advance, exchanged knowing smiles. This placement test was a walk in the park for them.

“Yang Tian, you’re incredible! You actually guessed the questions. If I don’t do well this time, I’ve only myself to blame for not working hard enough!” As soon as they left the classroom, Chen Ming grabbed Yang Tian and pulled him aside, his face brimming with excitement.

“It isn’t as amazing as you make it sound. I just happened to guess right,” Yang Tian replied with a faint smile.

“Just a random guess, yet so accurate? Then tell me this: does this placement test even matter? Or is it all just for show?” Chen Ming sounded anxious. His poor eyesight meant he’d struggle if he had to sit at the back, and that would affect his studies.

“My little sister loves watching ‘Calabash Brothers.’ There’s an old saying in it: ‘True gold fears no fire.’ If you’re gold, Chen Ming, nothing can take away your worth,” Yang Tian said, standing beside him with a smile. In his previous life, it was always Chen Ming who comforted him and talked sense into him. Now, reborn, Yang Tian wanted to help this country boy step out from the shadow of inferiority and timidity.

“Why does this guy speak so profoundly? Acting like an adult at this age—honestly!” Chen Ming adjusted his glasses and shook his head with a laugh as he watched Yang Tian walk away.

“Xiaotian!” Just as Yang Tian parted from Chen Ming, a gentle voice called out behind him. A light, sweet fragrance drifted on the night air as Huang Juan approached. In the moonlight, the dimples on her cheeks were as charming as ever.

But Yang Tian noticed something different about her tonight—a shy hesitance, as delicate and stirring as a flower bud about to bloom.

“What is it, Xiaojuan? Did you not do well?” Yang Tian ventured. Whenever they were alone, they called each other by their childhood names—a promise made long ago.

“No, it’s not that. I just didn’t expect you to actually guess the exam topics. I…” Huang Juan hesitated, her cheeks flushing even deeper.

Yang Tian immediately remembered: during a badminton match, they’d made a bet. If he guessed the exam topics right, she would give him a kiss; if he got it wrong, she’d twist his arm until it was sore.

Now, it was time to honor that promise.

But would she really kiss him? Like Yang Tian, Huang Juan was from the countryside. Even though they were childhood betrothed, the customs of Daliushu Village forbade girls from any physical contact with boys before marriage—even if engaged.

“Xiaojuan, we’re still just kids. There are some promises we don’t need to take so seriously,” Yang Tian said softly, worried by her embarrassment.

Their childhood engagement was real, but Yang Tian’s rebirth was meant to bring her happiness, not force her into anything because of a childish promise. He wanted to make up for past regrets, not demand affection in return.

“How could that be? I said it, so I have to keep my word! Anyway, I owe you a kiss. I’ll find the right time to give it to you!” Huang Juan frowned, stamped her foot in vexed shyness, and then hurried off, her cheeks aflame.

Watching her retreating figure, Yang Tian smiled knowingly. In his heart, Huang Juan had always been persistent and sincere, someone who never broke her word.

On Monday evening, during self-study, the results of the placement test were posted. The air was thick with nervous anticipation, especially among the rural students, who feared the results would doom them to the back rows once more.

“Huang Juan, what should I do? I’m so nervous. I didn’t do well at all—I’ll probably end up in the back again! I don’t want to sit there; I can’t see the board or hear the teacher properly. If my grades drop, how will I explain it to my parents?” Huang Juan’s deskmate, An Qi, whispered anxiously, clutching her hand.

An Qi was a quiet girl from the countryside, dressed plainly in a black-and-white checkered shirt and black cotton trousers, sitting properly at her desk. The black glasses perched on her nose spoke of her studiousness and earnest nature.

“Don’t worry. True gold fears no fire. As long as our grades aren’t bad, Ms. Bao will arrange good seats for us,” Huang Juan reassured her, echoing Yang Tian’s words. All day, she hadn’t dared meet Yang Tian’s gaze, feeling as if she owed him something important—her face would flush every time she saw him.

Yang Tian’s seat wasn’t far from Huang Juan’s, so he could hear their whispered conversation.

“Yang Tian, since you guessed the questions, you must’ve been well prepared. You’ll definitely be first this time!” Chen Ming leaned in, adjusting his glasses with a grin. He’d done well, thanks to Yang Tian’s hint.

“No, my foundation isn’t good. No matter how much I prepare, I won’t be first,” Yang Tian replied with a faint smile.

Nearby, Sun Hui and his clique were already in high spirits, chattering about which seats to pick, certain they had aced the test and would get first choice.

Soon, Ms. Bao Yuehong strode into the classroom, dressed in a cream blouse and tight jeans, her delicate features beaming with satisfaction—clearly pleased with the test results.

All eyes turned expectantly towards her. Huang Juan and An Qi squeezed each other’s hands tightly, Chen Ming nervously kneaded his palms under the desk, Yang Tian remained calm, while Sun Hui and his friends looked like prize-winners awaiting their awards.

“The results of this placement test exceeded my expectations. Everyone did very well. Now, I’ll announce the rankings. First place goes to Yang Tian, with a total score of 200!” Ms. Bao announced, casting a smiling glance at Yang Tian.

The class broke out in gasps of amazement, all eyes turning to Yang Tian with mingled disbelief and admiration. Yang Tian himself was surprised; he hadn’t intended to take first place—he’d even handed in a blank English paper to avoid it. Yet, first place was his, nonetheless.