The very first college entrance exam since the spiritual energy revival had already begun. Although Xue Ji had absolutely no need to take it, she still participated as a way to experience life.
She had only looked through the textbooks and done two sets of past years’ exam papers while studying with Zhao Cheng and Shen Dai.
Sitting in the exam hall, she didn’t feel the sense of taking a test at all.
After all, she was someone who had already moved on. Everyone else was here to step into their future, but Xue Ji was just here to reminisce about that young boy who once felt nervous and looked forward to this very moment—that version of herself as an ordinary high school student.
Xue Ji sat in the last row, and she could clearly see every kind of emotion from the test-takers.
Some were happy, some were worried. Some were carefree, some were anxious.
People were writing furiously, twirling their pens, scratching their heads. Three years—or even twelve years or more—of hard work would all end today. No matter what, everyone would soon go their separate ways.
Among the test-takers, there were some who had awakened special abilities. But the scores of the awakened and non-awakened were kept separate, and the magical formulas that Xue Ji personally devised had also sealed off any possibility of cheating with abilities.
Interestingly, the proctors included not only teachers but also instructors, and most of the instructors knew Xue Ji personally.
Back when they had asked her to a meeting, she said she had to go to evening study hall, and that totally threw everyone off.
Who could imagine that a sage, renowned alongside the Vermilion Bird, would still need to attend evening study hall?
During these past few days in the exam hall, the instructor proctoring Xue Ji could barely hold back a smile, and some of the younger ones would even burst out laughing.
Even though she kept a low profile, Xue Ji’s presence still caused a bit of a stir.
The moment she walked into the exam hall, her head of white hair caught everyone’s attention. And that face of hers, like a girl straight out of an anime, charmed both boys and girls alike.
Still, she didn’t really enjoy being the center of attention—or rather, she didn’t like being stared at like that when no one she cared about was around.
Ironically, taking the exam was the most enjoyable part for Xue Ji, because during that time, she could briefly return to the feeling of being a student from before.
After finishing the English listening section, Xue Ji spent another half hour completing the paper, then decisively handed it in.
This isn’t going anywhere. No point wasting time.
The principal of No. 3 High School had been waiting for a long time. He had rented out the city’s sports arena to give his students the most wonderful final night, allowing the school and the children to say a dignified goodbye.
And luckily, the weather was beautiful. Whether they had awakened abilities or not, all the students of No. 3 High School gathered in the arena to bid their final farewell to their school.
Given the devastation in City A, rebuilding No. 3 High School was impossible. The first- and second-year students would have to be transferred to high schools in Yuncheng and nearby areas.
The principal’s greatest fear had ultimately come true—No. 3 High School was shutting down.
He stood at the entrance of the arena, together with all the teachers, welcoming the children one last time.
Xue Ji led Sha Ya, Lilith, and Eva to the venue and greeted these disheartened people.
Her identity was semi-confidential among them. They knew Xue Ji was no ordinary person, but they didn’t know the full details.
Sha Ya was super excited. She tugged on Xue Ji’s right hand as she walked ahead, also greeting people the way Xue Ji did.
She and Xue Ji had both come wearing maid outfits. The sight of the little wolf-girl maid hopping and skipping made people forget their sadness.
“Ah Ji, walk faster! Let’s play, let’s play!” Her ears twitched, and her tail wagged excitedly.
The mischievous and clever Lilith deliberately peeked out from behind Xue Ji, making the teachers rub their eyes in disbelief—they thought they were seeing two Xue Jis.
“Xue Ji, is this your little sister?” asked her homeroom teacher, Hu Yan.
“Yeah, they’re all my little sisters.”
Xue Ji was practically carried into the arena by the three girls.
Hu Yan asked in disbelief, “Just how many little sisters do you have?”
The sadness of parting didn’t belong to these vibrant, energetic youths. The school anniversary events went ahead as planned.
Everyone was having a great time during the activities.
Because of the special circumstances of this year’s school anniversary, Class 5’s maid café proposal had actually been approved.
They simply set up a few tables and chairs in the venue, added some bright ambient lights, and decorated with cute little cat ornaments. This temporary space looked especially cozy.
When Xue Ji led her “sisters” to the spot, all the students of Class 5 stared wide-eyed at the approaching girls.
The girl in the blue maid outfit and white stockings was Xue Ji. She walked into the class area under everyone’s gaze, acting as if nothing was unusual.
Suddenly, Shen Dai pounced out from somewhere and wrapped her arms around her.
“Oh my, Xue Ji, this outfit looks so good on you! Let me give you a squeeze.”
“Hey? Where are you squeezing?”
“Hee hee, don’t be shy~”
“Get lost, dream on.”
Xue Ji gently pushed Shen Dai away, crossed her arms protectively over her chest, and gave her a disdainful look.
“Yes, just like that, Xue Ji! Hold that expression!”
Click. Shen Dai snapped a photo with the camera hanging around her neck, capturing the moment.
“Now that you’re here, our maid café is going full throttle!”
Shen Dai was full of energy, hands on her hips.
Xue Ji handed Lilith and Eva over to Xia Jin, who had come by to mooch some coffee.
“Hee hee, since it’s these two little cuties, I suppose I’ll reluctantly say yes.”
No sooner had Xia Jin finished speaking than Ling Xiaoxiao’s voice came from behind.
“What do you need to reluctantly agree to?”
“Eep!” Xue Ji looked up, overjoyed, and a pair of delicate hands reached out to cover her face.
“That outfit really suits you.” Ling Xiaoxiao rubbed Xue Ji’s face, smiling.
Xue Ji placed her hands over those soft, jade-like hands and held them.
Ling Xiaoxiao pulled her hands away and hugged her.
“Long… long time no see.” With that hug, Ling Xiaoxiao completely forgot all the tactics Xia Jin had drilled into her. She couldn’t even speak smoothly.
“I remember we just saw each other not long ago,” Xue Ji replied, missing the romantic cue entirely.
“That doesn’t count. If I can’t hug you, it doesn’t count.” Ling Xiaoxiao decided to just follow her heart and say whatever came to mind.
Lilith and Sha Ya, watching from the side, were grinding their teeth in jealousy, but there wasn’t much they could do.
Seeing this, Xia Jin and Shen Dai exchanged a knowing look.
They huddled together and whispered.
“Dai Dai, don’t you think this atmosphere is going to get really interesting down the road?”
“No kidding. I can already smell the jealousy. It’s a shame we won’t get many chances to see it play out.”
“Hey, hey, what are you worried about? I’ve got insider info. I’ll feed you fresh gossip later.”
Xue Ji suddenly appeared and asked them, “What are you two talking about?”
Xia Jin jumped in surprise, waving her hands frantically. “Nothing, nothing! We were just discussing what color sack you’d like.”
“Huh?” Xue Ji silently took a step back.
Seeing that things were going south, Shen Dai quickly changed the subject. “Come on, come on, you’re the face of our class! Time for you to shine.”
With that, Shen Dai hurriedly led Xue Ji into the café, and the maid café officially opened for business.
