Chapter 46

"Hey, aren't you going to try for Tsinghua or Peking University?" When Ding Hao told Xia Lin that he was going to apply for Zhejiang University, he was still around the 20th or 30th in the grade. Now that he was at the top, it was only natural to aim for Tsinghua or Peking University.

"I'm only applying to Zhejiang University. Even if I score a perfect 750, I'll only apply to Zhejiang University. You won't change your mind, right?" Ding Hao asked with a hint of nervousness.

Xia Lin shook her head, "I'll apply wherever you apply!"

Ding Hao was overjoyed and took the opportunity to hold Xia Lin's hand from the side. Xia Lin hesitated for a moment but didn't let go. Ding Hao grew bolder and interlocked his fingers with hers, "What major are you planning to apply for?"

"English."

"Why would a science student study English? It's a waste of talent."

"Not really. If you're good at a language, it's convenient to go abroad." Xia Lin suddenly stopped, turned around, and said seriously to Ding Hao, "Ding Hao, let's go to the United States for further studies after we graduate from university, okay?"

"Why did you suddenly think of studying abroad?"

"I heard it's great there, and I want to see it."

"Sure, wherever you go, I'll go!"

"Really?"

"Of course! And I'll cover all the expenses!"

"You're so nice!"

"Just saying it won't do!"

"Um... " Xia Lin put her right hand to her mouth and made a kissing gesture.

"I didn't receive it!" Ding Hao shrugged.

"Annoying!"

"Are you saying I'm annoying? I'll show you!" Ding Hao took the opportunity to grab Xia Lin's right hand, pulled her into his arms, and leaned in to kiss her.

"Um..." Xia Lin was caught off guard, struggled hard, and even kicked Ding Hao with her feet to escape.

"Are you angry?" Ding Hao was worried when he saw Xia Lin's red face and her silence. This was bad. Xia Lin wasn't like Gu Wen; she was very conservative.

"No, Ding Hao, let's talk about our relationship after graduation, okay?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I promise... I promise I won't force you again!"

"It's nothing, but the independent admission exam is coming up soon, and I don't want to be distracted. You need to work hard too!"

"Sure, let's work hard together! Let's go to Zhejiang University and then to the United States together!"

"Okay!" Xia Lin nodded vigorously. In fact, before she asked Ding Hao, Xia Lin had already confirmed that she liked him. His agreement to go to the United States with her made her very happy. In her heart, she planned to have a good relationship with Ding Hao in university and then go to the United States after graduation. Xia Lin was confident that with their grades, they would definitely get into Zhejiang University. If they worked hard in university, they might even get a scholarship to study abroad. Even if they had to pay for it themselves, Ding Hao had saved quite a bit of money, which could be useful.

The two naive high school students walked hand in hand around the school playground several times until it was almost time for the dorms to close. Before parting, Xia Lin gave Ding Hao a light kiss on the cheek and then ran away. Ding Hao stood there for a long time, surprised. It wasn't a flying kiss; she really kissed me? Yes!

When Ding Hao returned to his room, he was considering whether to wash his face or keep Xia Lin's kiss mark and go to sleep happily. He found Gu Wen sitting on the sofa, lost in thought, without even turning on the lights.

"What's wrong?"

"Ding Hao, I failed the exam! I've been working hard, but recently I can't concentrate in class... What will happen if this continues?" Gu Wen started to cry as she spoke.

"Stupid girl, don't worry. We can find the problem and solve it. There's still time. It's just a mock exam; it doesn't matter if you fail. As long as you do well in the college entrance exam, it's fine." Ding Hao turned on the light, sat on the sofa, and comforted her.

"But... but..."

"But what? This isn't like you. Where's the confident Gu Wen?"

"Ding Hao, you got first place this time. Are you going to apply for Tsinghua next week?"

"No, I'm only applying to Zhejiang University!"

"Why not Tsinghua?" Gu Wen didn't know about Ding Hao's connection to Qianjiang. She thought that even though she didn't do well this time, Ding Hao, being the top student in the grade, could easily get into Tsinghua. If that were the case, she could work hard to get into Beijing Normal University and be in the same city as Ding Hao. And Xia Lin might not dare to take the risk of applying to Tsinghua, so she would have a better chance.

She didn't expect Ding Hao to be so determined. All her days of fantasizing were in vain. This bastard still only has eyes for Xia Lin! Gu Wen was extremely disappointed!

"I'll explain later, okay?"

"No need to explain. I know it's for Xia Lin! I thought you couldn't get into Zhejiang University, and Xia Lin was applying to Zhejiang University for you. Now it seems I was wrong. You're not applying to Tsinghua for her."

"It's not like that. Even if I don't get into university, I'll still go to Qianjiang after graduation!"

"Why?"

"Because of my background!"

"Background?" Gu Wen felt Ding Hao was being very serious for the first time. She knew he was an orphan and hadn't even had the chance to understand his background. When she heard it was related to his background, she calmed down.

"Right, let's talk about your situation. You've been working hard, so why are your grades dropping now that you're not doing sports training?"

"I... I always think about you in class..." Gu Wen's voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible.

"I'm sorry, it's my fault, but... A high school girl who has been through that with me would naturally be distracted in class. I finally realized the seriousness of the problem. You must have been paying a lot of attention to me and Xia Lin. Seeing us together, no matter what we were doing, must have been hard for you!"

"I'm so useless! I can't help but think about you! I know you and Xia Lin are a perfect match. I won't ruin your relationship, but I can't help it. I'm so useless!"

"Stupid girl!" Ding Hao leaned over and put his right arm around Gu Wen, "Listen, if you don't study hard now, you'll be in danger in the college entrance exam. You might not even get into a teacher's college. If you don't get into university, you'll have to work in a factory. Think about it, is it more important to see me every day or to study hard?"

"I know!"

"Good. From now on, let's make a deal. If you have any questions, write them down. After the independent admission exam, you can ask me or Xia Lin for help."

"I want you to help me!" Gu Wen pouted.

"No problem! But the key is still you. If you don't pay attention in class and rely on after-school tutoring, that's putting the cart before the horse."

"Okay, Ding Hao!"

"What is it?"

"Can Xia Lin be the main one and I be the secondary one?"

"..." Ding Hao was speechless. What is this girl thinking?

"What's wrong? I don't want a title, and I won't ruin your relationship. I just want you to remember me when you have time..."

"You watch too many TV dramas! We're still young, and I haven't even started a relationship with Xia Lin. Our main task now is to study! Let's wait until after the college entrance exam. Once we're in university, the world is so exciting. You might forget me in a month! If that's the case, why worry now and affect your studies?"

"You men are all the same!"

"Don't use lines from TV dramas!"

"That's the truth! I don't want a title, and I'm willing to be the secondary one, but you're still hesitating!" Gu Wen pretended to be angry.

"Stupid girl, after we graduate, we'll all grow up and our thoughts will change. By then, I might chase you down four or five streets, and you won't even look at me."

"I won't!" Gu Wen looked up, "As long as you're willing, I'll always be by your side!"

"Good, good, our Gu Wen is a good girl!"

"Annoying!" Gu Wen broke free from Ding Hao's embrace, "I'll go first, or the dorm will close."

"Okay, work hard!" Ding Hao waved his fist to encourage her.

"Okay!"

After leaving Ding Hao's room, Gu Wen felt much better. She didn't know why Ding Hao's ambiguous words had such a big impact on her. Yes, although she and Ding Hao had been intimate, he was now focused on his studies.

She shouldn't disturb him and should focus on her studies. Everything can wait until after the college entrance exam. You two are applying to Zhejiang University, right? I'll apply to Zhejiang University of Technology... Hmm, don't let me know if you two break up! I'll be the first to step in!

Ding Hao, of course, didn't know about Gu Wen's little schemes. Although the school would recommend students based on the February mock exam results, the upcoming independent admission exams, both written and oral, were still very important. Ding Hao hoped to secure a spot through the independent admission process and then focus on leveling up to go to Qianjiang as soon as possible.

In March, after confirming their eligibility and chosen majors, the independent admission exams for the Huayue, Beiyue, and Yuezhuo alliances were held nationwide. Yun Gang No. 2 High School was the only test site in Yun Gang County. Ding Hao, Xia Lin, and Ma Zhen were eligible to participate. Ding Hao found the exam questions easier than the February mock exam and was confident he would pass. After the exam, Xia Lin was also very confident.

During the waiting period for the interviews, Xia Lin continued to study diligently. Ding Hao, feeling more relaxed, increased his game time and finally reached level 20 a week after the exam. Level 20 was a significant milestone in the magical world, allowing him to learn attack acceleration skills and many spells. Most importantly, it allowed him to change his class. In the magical world, there were various factions, each with two options: physical attack or magical attack.