Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After a two-seconds silence, Huo Yanxi eventually said calmly, Im with some friends, and we might be doing something later. Since its a bunch of guys, it might be unsuitable for Huo Yao to come along. Why dont I take a rain check today?

Huo Tingrui replied in a casual tone. Sure thing. Im driving now. Talk again.

Mhm.

Huo Tingrui gathered his thoughts and turned to look at Huo Yao. He said somewhat impishly, Baby Girl, have you decided where to eat?

Baby Girl?

Huo Yaos lips twitched. There was a complicated expression on her face. Her second older brother seemed to be quite the rascal.

But he hadnt brought up the topic of their older brother post the telephonic conversation.

Forget it. Why dont we go home? Mom and Dad must be waiting, replied Huo Yao with a shake of her head.

Huo Tingrui contemplated her reply for a moment. Since they could celebrate any day, he did not insist any further.

***

It was almost 7:00 pm by the time Lu Xia made it home.

He Xiaoman had just gotten home as well. She looked quizzically at her daughter with a glass of water in her hand and asked. Why are you so late today?

I was held up at school, replied Lu Xia.

Since she was in a bad mood, she even sounded distracted when she spoke and did not tell her mother about her hospital trip.

He Xiaoman bought her words readily. After she sat on the couch, she suddenly recalled something and said, Were your quiz results released today?

Lu Xia had just put her bag down when He Xiaoman asked that. Lu Xias eyes turned a little dim before she replied to her mother. Mhm, theyre out. I got 186 marks and am ranked 10th in the country.

He Xiaoman frowned and turned sideways to look at her. She asked in a slightly annoyed tone. Wasnt your ranking 6th the last time? Why did you end up being the 10th now?

Lu Xia had anticipated that He Xiaoman would ask her this question, so she replied calmly. The prelims and official quiz are different, and the actual quiz is even tougher. Also, many other participants stood 6th during the prelims. Over 120 students participated, so coming 10th means, I have a high chance of qualifying for the national finals.

Although He Xiaoman was somewhat unclear about the quiz mechanics, she understood that Lu Xia had performed rather well by achieving the 10th position amongst 120 students.

After all, these quiz participants were top students from all over the country.

He Xiaomans expression instantly turned gentler when she spoke next. I didnt understand it at first and thought your score slided downwards. Now that you mention it, I think your marks are great.

Lu Xia hung her head without saying anything further. She walked to the couch on the side and sat down before rubbing her forehead with her hand.

Oh yes. How did Huo Yao do? asked He Xiaoman casually after she placed her glass down on the table.

Lu Xias hands paused before she said instinctively, Im not sure. I didnt pay attention to her score.

He Xiaoman recalled how she had embarrassed herself in front of the hospital president and the other doctor because of Huo Yao. Her eyes turned cold.

She said stonily, Xiaxia, you are my pride and joy, so you must outshine Huo Yao in every aspect. Do you understand?

An awkward expression swept across Lu Xias eyes. The country bumpkin came in first, twice! How could she outshine that girl? From where would she get the ability to crush her?

Lu Xia pursed her lips in self-deprecation without saying a word.

She merely hummed in response. Mhm.

He Xiaoman failed to detect Lu Xias strange expression and offered her help. Shall I hire a private tutor to aid you in your revision?