Chapter 21: The Exam Begins [Please Continue Reading]

Xu Ming’s thoughts lingered there as he hurriedly took out a blank exercise book and a pen from his desk. Once he assumed the writing posture, a fresh sensation washed over him, instantly filling him with a confident air of assuredness.

Taking a deep breath, he began to write slowly.

“The spring river flows level with the sea; the bright moon rises with the tide.”

…

Before long, after he had transcribed the entire poem “A Moonlit Night on the Spring River,” even with preparation, he was amazed by the result.

Upon careful inspection, every character was neat and graceful, rivaling the works of renowned calligraphers.

Moreover, this was all done with an ordinary ballpoint pen; if he had used a brush or fountain pen, the style would have been even more distinctive.

Recalling how he had painstakingly practiced his signature when starting his business, fearing embarrassment if it was poorly done, he now felt tears of joy welling in his eyes.

“This, this is what true handwriting looks like!” he muttered instinctively, unable to hold back a curse.

He then carefully folded the paper and tucked it away, suddenly looking forward to the upcoming college entrance exam’s Chinese test.

Scoring a perfect essay should not be an unreasonable expectation.

But before that, he had to face the few remaining days of the mock exams.

…

Time flew like a fleeting horse, passing in an instant.

The mock exams, which the school and all senior students took seriously, finally commenced in full swing.

It was Friday.

To prepare for the citywide unified mock exam, Dongping No. 1 High School dismissed the first- and second-year students early at noon to free up classrooms for the tests.

As a result, only the senior and repeat students remained, making the school feel much emptier.

That evening.

In front of Xu Ming lay a book titled “Five Years of College Entrance Math, Three Years of Mock Exams,” with a notebook filled densely with formulas beside it.

“Relying solely on high school math knowledge, it’s truly hard to gain much more experience,” he murmured, furrowing his brow and pausing his pen to think deeply.

Having already raised all his subjects to level one, his previous study methods no longer yielded experience points—after all, he had long mastered this knowledge. Except for math, where using university-level formulas to solve problems still allowed some growth; the other subjects had barely changed these days.

At that moment, a panel floated before his eyes, displaying complete information.

He habitually checked the experience points for each subject.

—

Name: Xu Ming
Occupation: Student
Math: Level 1 (82/500)
Physics: Level 1 (48/500)
Chemistry & Biology: Level 1 (31/500)
Chinese: Level 1 (15/500)
English: Level 1 (41/500)
Talent: Absolute Discipline
Entries: [Formula Derivation], [Deep Sleep], [Language Sense Mastery] activated.

Without a hint of arrogance, Xu Ming was currently brimming with confidence for the college entrance exam. With his renewed review and the effects of several entries, claiming the top spot in science subjects seemed not an insurmountable task.

There was no need to waste more time on repetitive studying.

Moreover, once in university, whether earning scholarships or gaining favor by attaching himself to professors and academicians, participating in academic research to realize his life’s value would be possible.

So, he had to focus more energy on important subjects like math and physics.

Naturally, preparation had to start early.

“It looks like I need to get some university textbooks and strive to raise math to level two as soon as possible.”

Just as he was mulling over this, Qian Hong’s reminder sounded beside him, quickly bringing him back to attention.

“Teacher Wang is coming.”

Glancing toward the window, he saw Wang Qingtao striding into the classroom holding a sheet of paper.

“Tomorrow is the mock exam, conducted uniformly across the city. All requirements will follow the college entrance exam regulations.”

“You must approach the test with the same attitude as the real exam.”

Standing at the podium, Wang Qingtao swept his gaze over each student, speaking seriously about the mock exam. Although he usually disliked long-winded lectures, the atmosphere compelled him to say a bit more than usual.

“In short, treat every exam like the college test, and treat the college test like any regular exam. Now, I will read out your exam rooms and seat numbers.”

As he finished speaking, he picked up the sheet and began calling names in order.

“Yang Huijuan, Room 3, Seat 24.”

…

Because the seating was rather disorganized, Xu Ming did not hear his name until later.

Room 6, Seat 3.

Qian Hong was assigned to Room 8, so they were no longer on the same floor.

What surprised Xu Ming a little was that Li Wenhui was also in Room 6, though with a seat further back.

After finishing the roll call, Wang Qingtao looked toward Li Wenhui and gave a special instruction.

“Our class will also serve as a testing room. Please clear your desks completely; nothing is allowed inside.”

“Class monitor.”

“Go to my office and get some rice paper. Cover all the writing on the walls.”

“Understood, Teacher Wang,” Li Wenhui nodded in agreement.

Senior students’ books and test papers, though worthless as scrap, still filled at least a large bag once packed. Naturally, no one would bring them to the dorm just for a mock exam.

Besides, the dorm space was simply too cramped.

So after the homeroom teacher left, everyone piled their books at the back of the classroom.

The motivational banners and famous quotations above the blackboard were all covered with rice paper to create a solemn atmosphere.

On the way back to the dorm, Qian Hong suddenly remembered something and casually asked Xu Ming:

“By the way, Xu Ming, are you still getting up early tomorrow?”

Although the mock exam fully adhered to the college entrance exam standards, morning self-study was still required, though being ten or so minutes late wasn’t a big deal.

Xu Ming nodded. “Yeah, I’m used to it anyway.”

He was not mistaken. After maintaining such strict discipline for so long, his biological clock was firmly set.

Combined with the effect of deep sleep, even if he woke late, it would just be lying awake in bed wasting time.

On the contrary, getting up on time gave him more hours each day than others, a deeply satisfying feeling.

“I really admire you for that. People are truly different,” Qian Hong replied sincerely, aware that while others might not know, he understood exactly how many hours Xu Ming slept daily.

And crucially, Xu Ming never once felt drowsy during the day.

That forced him to admit that everyone’s constitution was indeed different.

The next day.

Xu Ming was awakened punctually by his biological clock.

Notably, after leaving the dormitory building, he did not rush to the classroom as usual.

Instead, he went to the playground for a morning run.

After all, in his previous life he had graduated with a master’s degree and knew well that to excel in academic research, one needed a robust body capable of sustained intense effort.

Since gaining subject experience points was difficult for now, exercising had to be part of his plan.

Thus, after breakfast, by just past eight o’clock, the classmates wasted no time and headed to their respective exam rooms with their test materials. Xu Ming was naturally no exception.

When parting ways with Qian Hong, the latter reminded him specifically:

“Wait for me at the exam exit after submitting the paper. I’ll come down to find you, and we’ll go eat at the cafeteria together.”

Xu Ming gave him a thumbs-up.

The first subject, just like the real college entrance exam, was Chinese. Xu Ming glanced over the paper briefly before beginning to answer the questions.

…