Not long after New Year's Day, the atmosphere in the classroom grew increasingly tense. After all, for many students, this final exam ranked as a critically important hurdle, second only perhaps to the Gaokao and the mock exams—or perhaps the final exam was even more significant than the mock tests.

There had been two mock exams, offering chances for adjustment, but the final exam was a one-shot deal. If one failed to enter the accelerated class (the "Kuai Ban") or secure their spot within it, the resources enjoyed by those students over the next few months would be vastly superior. This wasn't just about practice papers; more crucially, it involved the Kuai Ban teachers, whose teaching experience and depth of problem-solving far surpassed those in the parallel classes. Even if the same teacher instructed both groups, they would instinctively lower the difficulty by several notches to accommodate the parallel class students. While many were satisfied with this arrangement, a segment of the students was not. But what could they do about their dissatisfaction? The caliber of the parallel classes was inherently lower than the Kuai Ban. If teaching was tailored to the Kuai Ban standard, numerous parents would likely storm the school gates.

"Heaven help me to remain in the Kuai Ban," Juliana would kneel down and pray fervently before bed these past few days.

Shi Man continued reading while crunching on an apple. Eating fruit in the air-conditioned coolness was the greatest pleasure on a day like this. As for Wang Qiqi, she was still practicing her yoga. Though her movements looked rather bizarre to the other two, Qiqi persisted. The results were undeniable, though. They were once stunned when they saw her execute a perfect full split, a feat easy in childhood but seemingly impossible for them now; even if they managed it, it wouldn't look as effortless, especially the standing up part.

Wang Qiqi snapped out of her meditative state and heard Juliana’s words. "Don't worry. If you don't make the Kuai Ban, that would be the real upset. You’ve scored well on the recent math quizzes, Lina." Of course, diligence was still required for the material requiring memorization.

Shi Man finished her apple and wiped her hands with a wet towelette. "Listen to her bragging. If she mentions worrying about grades again, I’ll kick her out. She’s being too fake."

"I second that," Wang Qiqi replied, making her bed and putting on her eye mask to sleep. Seeing the other two still poised to read, Qiqi’s internal clock insisted on sleep, making the eye mask an indispensable item.

Shi Man and Juliana watched Wang Qiqi turn over to sleep, deeply envious. She truly went to bed precisely at midnight, no matter how late she studied or reviewed; her sleeping schedule was always this regular, fueling their jealousy and resentment. "No wonder Qiqi’s skin is so clear."

Juliana leaned close to Wang Qiqi, scrutinizing her face. "No acne, unlike me, who constantly breaks out." Wang Qiqi’s complexion was the envy of many.

"It's because you eat too much fried food," Shi Man said. Her own skin hadn't been great previously, but ever since she started following Wang Qiqi’s advice—cutting back on fried and iced foods—her menstrual cycle had become remarkably regular, the painful cramping had subsided significantly, and her skin had improved too. "You just won't listen."

Juliana pouted. "But I love eating it." She sighed, then touched her own face, comparing it to Shi Man's. Her face genuinely looked much better than a few months ago; the constant patches of breakouts had reduced to just an occasional pimple or two. "Fine, I'll eat less from now on."

The final exam finally arrived amidst anticipation and anxiety. Everyone was excited about the prospect of a proper rest afterward, having labored intensely for so long.

Shi Man slumped onto her desk, lacking energy. "Qiqi, I’m going home for a few days. It’s been a while since I’ve been back." Even when her parents were busy and not frequently home, she used to see them regularly. Plus, Shi Man planned to sleep for days upon returning. Staying at Qiqi's house, life was too regimented; even on rest days, Qiqi woke up and reviewed work at fixed times, treating holidays the same as regular days.

Wang Qiqi murmured, "I'll go back, eat dinner, and sleep." Qiqi was tired too. Since Juliana had mentioned staying home for a few days after the exams, Qiqi realized she would be alone for those days, allowing her to rest earlier and enjoy longer naps. With two others around, she always had to be more considerate of their needs.

"Right, we’ll vacate the space for you," Shi Man said with a grin. Over the past few days, she had observed that when Han Tao spoke to Wang Qiqi, his expression softened slightly, suggesting he held favorable feelings toward her—at least Qiqi held some standing in his eyes. Although Shi Man always felt Wang Qiqi would be short-changed if she ended up with Han Tao, given his modest family background—marrying him might mean relying entirely on Qiqi’s own wealth. Yet, conversely, Han Tao wouldn't mistreat her severely; even with no strong family support, having money meant she wouldn't panic wherever she went.

Wang Qiqi shot Shi Man a look. "Nothing good comes from talking to you." She was a senior in high school, appearing quite cool, yet Qiqi increasingly felt this girl was a gossip hound. Worse, she didn't just listen to gossip; she fabricated absurd scenarios. If Wang Qiqi knew what Shi Man was currently contemplating, she likely wouldn't be so composed but would shake her awake and insist that she and Han Tao were merely neighbors or friends with common ground.

Wang Qiqi wouldn't claim she wasn't envious of the title of Mrs. Han Tao, but the reality was that Han Tao’s influence would only grow. He needed a woman standing behind him, sharing his success. As for herself, Wang Qiqi never saw herself becoming that kind of woman. Having experienced her previous life, Wang Qiqi felt her mindset had aged; she preferred having economic control firmly in her own hands.

Shi Man was about to say something when the homeroom teacher walked in. Seeing the students’ expressions alight with excitement, and hearing discussions about where to celebrate that evening, he smiled. "Today is the last day of the final exams. You all want to relax properly, right?"

"Yes," they chorused. Regardless of how seriously they had focused, or how high their expectations were for the July Gaokao, after being so tightly wound for so long, everyone craved an excuse to unwind.

The teacher looked over the class seated below. Honestly, a year ago, though they studied seriously, the atmosphere had never been this tense. After class, they might linger in the corridor for a break or chat briefly with their desk-mates or friends. Now, whether in session or during breaks, if the bell didn't sound, one couldn't tell if class was in session. However, what he was about to announce would not be well-received.

Seeing the teacher survey the room, their hearts jumped. It seemed this winter break was doomed too.

"The school has arranged the winter break as follows: Rest for two days, return to class on Monday, study until the Little New Year (Xiaonianye), take one day off in between, resume classes on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, and continue until the day before the official start of the term, followed by one final day off," the teacher stated, holding the notice, though he had already memorized the holiday schedule, being both the homeroom teacher and an instructor.

Ahhh, Shi Man gasped, No way! Even though they would study at home regardless of whether school was open, this schedule meant the entire break was barely a few days long. Shi Man firmly believed that if the school hadn't accounted for mandatory family visits, they probably wouldn't have even granted the Lunar New Year holiday. The thought of this winter break vanishing so quickly made her sigh deeply.

Shi Man wasn't the only one who felt this break was miserable; many in the class let out long sighs. However, no one dared consider protesting aloud. Even if the school agreed to cancel extra lessons, would their parents agree? Alas.

Extra lessons? Wang Qiqi actually welcomed the idea. Alone at home, her uncle and aunt might frequently drop by, consuming her family’s bought snacks, and she’d have trouble shooing them away. It was better to be in class. By the fifth day of the New Year, Li Cui would likely have finished her necessary visits, allowing Qiqi some peace while she also attended classes—the timing was perfect.

"We also have a parent-teacher meeting tomorrow evening," the homeroom teacher announced. "The results will be posted then."

This news didn't impose much pressure on the Kuai Ban students; they were generally confident in their scores. The only discomfort was felt by the few students bordering the cutoff for retaining their spot in the accelerated class.

Wang Qiqi internally debated whom to call as her guardian. Calling her uncle felt unwelcome; calling her aunt meant she might not have time, and parent-teacher meetings would occur frequently henceforth—that was a problem.

The teacher concluded with words everyone loved to hear: "You are dismissed." He then turned and walked out. If he hadn't left, it was likely not a single student would have moved; the word 'dismissed' had been the real trigger.

Everyone had already packed their bags, waiting for that very command. As soon as it was given, many snatched their bags and bolted out the door. Wang Qiqi and her group waited until most had left, then slowly picked up their bags and walked toward the teacher's office door. "Teacher, may I come in to discuss something with you?"

The teacher was also tidying up, preparing for a grade-level meeting later. "Yes?" He found it strange that Wang Qiqi would seek him out.

When he heard the reason for her visit, he hesitated. "Don't you have an uncle?"

Wang Qiqi paused. "I know, but I am also an adult now. Can I attend the parent meeting? From now on, decisions regarding university applications and so forth will be mine." Qiqi had decided just then: she would be her own guardian. Why should she trouble her aunt or uncle? "They are both very busy with work and their own families. I don't want to trouble them further."

The teacher stared at Wang Qiqi for a long moment, thinking that her grades were certainly good, and her insistence on not burdening her elders suggested some underlying issue. "Fine. Just be punctual."

Wang Qiqi hadn't expected the teacher to agree so readily, thinking he might refuse. "Okay, thank you, Teacher. I will definitely be on time." It seemed related to her good academic standing; otherwise, the teacher wouldn't have entrusted her so easily.