Chapter 78: Hidden Buffs

Xu Chen had already reviewed his exam papers. His biggest improvement came from Chinese, where he scored an impressive 57 on the essay.

His English score also jumped by nearly ten points.

Xu Chen thought for a moment—this likely had something to do with his past life working at a foreign company for a couple of years.

Back then, with half of his work conducted in English, his listening skills and overall proficiency had gotten real training.

His high essay score, however, was even less surprising—he’d been doing targeted research on essays recently.

He’d delved into the scoring criteria for college entrance essays and analyzed over a dozen perfect-scoring samples.

Besides, his overall score boost also had to do with Xu Chen’s current mindset.

With the college entrance exam approaching, all the necessary review was done. What mattered most now was staying calm.

Reborn, Xu Chen remained steady even facing the gaokao.

No matter how poorly he performed, unlike his past life, he wouldn’t be stuck at a second-tier university because of his choices.

Besides, even if he bombed the exam, his family business would still be there. A lousy university wouldn’t ruin his future.

This relaxed, carefree attitude actually helped him perform more consistently during tests.

Xu Chen felt genuinely happy.

It seemed his hidden gaokao buffs—knowing the essay prompt in advance, that sequence question, and the rebirth bonus for English—really paid off!

Homeroom teacher Zhang Liqun adjusted his broad, brown spectacles, cleared his throat, and signaled the class to quiet down.

“In this mock exam, Xu Chen’s improvement is the most remarkable!”

“He climbed from around eleventh place in class to the top three!”

“He deserves special recognition!”

“Everyone should learn from him, especially his study methods!””

“Also, I’ve spoken with Xu Chen a few times recently and offered him guidance on his behavior and habits.

That support has greatly contributed to his progress…”

Xu Chen remained silent.

He felt a bit embarrassed for his teacher.

What does any of that have to do with you?

You’ve called countless students in for talks—why am I the only one who broke into the top three?

Zhang Liqun continued:

“There’s one more announcement.

This Friday morning, all third-year students will gather on the athletic field for the gaokao oath-taking ceremony.

At the same time, parents will attend a pre-exam meeting in the classrooms.

They’ll go over the mock exam results and rankings…”

As soon as they heard about the parent meeting, low murmurs rose in the room.

Clearly, sharing scores and ranks with parents put some extra pressure on everyone.

Zhang Liqun cleared his throat again and said:

“One more thing:

To encourage outstanding role models, starting this year we’ll select the school’s ‘Top Ten Students of the Year.’

Our own Xu Chen has been chosen as one of this year’s top ten, earning the title ‘Star of Excellence!’

“He also receives a 2,000-yuan scholarship!”

As soon as Zhang Liqun finished speaking, he raised his palms and began to clap: “Let’s congratulate Xu Chen!”

Applause broke out in the class.

“Not bad, Young Master Xu—2,000 yuan prize!”

“When did they decide this? Why didn’t you share it with us?”

Xu Chen felt awkward and quietly said:

“I’ll treat everyone to McDonald’s tonight.”

At once Chen Dahai and the others applauded louder than before!

It turned out Xu Chen’s ‘Top Ten Student’ title and ‘Star of Excellence’ award came thanks to Xie Bingran.

Who knew the Discipline Office Director would actually approve the 2,000-yuan bonus?

Well, at least that covered the money he’d spent on cigarettes.

…

At dusk, Xu Chen and his buddies, including Chen Dahai, headed to McDonald’s.

They ordered a pile of burgers, fries, chicken wings, and sodas, then squatted on the steps outside to eat.

The sunset cast warm light; street lamps flickered on as a gentle evening breeze rolled through.

Xu Chen sipped his cola, feeling completely relaxed.

His friends chatted about the mock exam and the parent meeting.

“What are we going to do? The parent meeting’s coming… I’m going to get chewed out for my mock score!”

“Let them scold you—yelling won’t raise your gaokao score.”

“I’m so jealous of Xu Chen. He actually landed third in the class!”

“But you never see him studying—how does he pull it off?”

Xu Chen laughed and dodged the question.

He pulled out his phone and sent Xie Bingran a text:

【Still in the provincial capital? How’s training going?】

A moment later, Xie Bingran replied:

【Still here. Training every day. The coach has me practicing hurdles again these past two days…】

Xu Chen couldn’t help laughing—‘hurdles’ really was Bing Ge’s destiny; he couldn’t escape it.

He texted back: 【With legs that long, you’re perfect for hurdles.】

【I should be back in Tiancheng in a couple days, but I’ll head to Sports University for closed training to prepare for the city games. I can’t come out right now.】

Xu Chen thought for a moment, then replied:

【Train hard, Bing Ge! Whenever you’re free, let me know—I’ll come see you!】

He paused and sent another message:

【I got you a new backpack. I’ll give it to you when we meet!】

…

In an indoor stadium in the provincial capital, Xie Bingran squatted at the trackside, phone in hand.

Her short hair was soaked with sweat. She pushed it back casually, revealing her refined, slightly brooding features.

Xie Bingran wore black form-fitting athletic shorts. She glanced down at her long legs…

Then she inexplicably smiled.

From the track came the coach’s shout:

“Xie Bingran, back to training!”

Bing Ge answered and stuffed her phone into that grimy, old black backpack before sprinting back to the track.

…

…

Thursday, after morning exercises.

The well-built Discipline Office Director climbed onto the podium and grabbed the microphone.

He laid the groundwork, then in a loud, powerful voice announced the ‘Top Ten Students of the Year’ results.

When ‘Star of Excellence’ Xu Chen’s name was called, countless eyes turned to the back of Class 5.

Because of Bing Ge’s influence, low-key Xu Chen had become something of a campus star at First High School.

Xu Chen blushed under all those gazes and offered a sheepish smile.

“Let’s congratulate these ten students!”

The Discipline Office Director led the whole school in applause.

“Now, let’s invite these ten students to the stage to receive their certificates and medals from school leaders!”

A triumphant fanfare played as the awardees jogged out of their classes toward the podium.

Xu Chen was the last to step up. He’d stood at the side but was unexpectedly pulled by the Discipline Office Director into the center.

The others shuffled over, giving him space.

All the other awardees stood tall and proud, their eyes shining with pride.

Xu Chen remained speechless.

Those nine winners didn’t realize they owed their awards entirely to Xu Chen.

After all, the ‘Top Ten Students’ award was engineered just to honor Xu Chen for discovering Xie Bingran and setting up this whole thing.

The school leaders, faces kind and smiling, handed out certificates and medals one by one.

As he stepped off the stage, the Discipline Office Director approached Xu Chen and said in a low voice:

“I personally applied for the bonus. You’re the only one getting it.”