The Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) was fast approaching, and before that, the most discussed topic was university applications.

Before the application forms were distributed, the school held a parent-teacher meeting to explain the critical points of filling them out. Naturally, every parent clustered around the head teacher, seeking advice on which university would be most suitable for their child based on their specific situation.

Wang Qiqi also consulted with her head teacher, though she waited until most of the parents had already left.

The head teacher was surprised that Wang Qiqi intended to apply to universities in Jingcheng (the capital city). It wasn't that Jingcheng universities were subpar, but very few students from their cohort ever aimed that high. Moreover, he had always perceived Qiqi as someone deeply rooted at home, making it unlikely for her to pursue a university in the capital. "Universities in Jingcheng?"

Wang Qiqi hummed an acknowledgment. "Just asking around. Of course, universities in Shencheng are also excellent. I'm just considering my options."

Based on Wang Qiqi's recent performance and mock exam scores, the head teacher outlined the universities she could realistically aim for. Wang Qiqi merely acknowledged this. Although she didn't know the exact admission scores for those schools, she was confident that with her consistent performance, getting into them wouldn't be an issue.

"Teacher, can I submit my acceptance letter at the very last moment? And please, don't let anyone see my application form," Wang Qiqi requested, knowing that once the application form was submitted to the admissions office, she could finally be free from the troublesome people.

The head teacher managed to restrain himself. "Ah, we need to submit the draft forms for review, just in case there are errors. Besides, why are you being so..."

Wang Qiqi offered a wry smile. "Personal matters. I will fill out the draft for you to review, but if I were to apply to those Jingcheng universities you mentioned, do I have a very strong chance?"

The head teacher knew Qiqi only had her mother at home; why the need for such secrecy? But since she insisted, there must be a reason. "Alright." This student, Wang Qiqi, had truly transformed over the past year; she studied even harder than before, and her grades steadily improved. More importantly, Qiqi not only excelled academically but was also willing to discuss problems with students who weren't doing as well. Otherwise, the head teacher might not have been so willing to help her.

Wang Qiqi was surprised that the head teacher would actually help her. "Thank you, Teacher. I'll go home and seriously consider the universities. Oh, right, Teacher, when I submit the draft, I will put down universities in Shencheng." Wang Qiqi added this to preempt any future confusion, like the teacher questioning why she suddenly changed her mind if she claimed to aim for Jingcheng earlier.

"Understood," the head teacher sighed, preparing to pack up since Qiqi was the last student to consult him.

"Wang Qiqi, your application form," the class monitor began collecting the draft forms everyone had filled out.

Wang Qiqi handed over the application she had carefully prepared to the class monitor, and Shi Man also presented hers, the result of several days of discussion with her parents.

The class monitor had assumed Shi Man and Wang Qiqi would apply to the same university but was taken aback. "Ah, one of you is going to a university in Jingcheng and the other in Shencheng?" One in the north and one in the south.

"Is that not allowed?" Shi Man thought internally. If it were that easy to figure out, how could she keep things hidden from Gao Kai? She found it tiring that Qiqi was so secretive, even about filling out a simple application.

The class monitor paused, then replied, "Of course, it's allowed." Good, now she could report back to Gao Kai and claim her favor. She hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to be so dismissive of Gao Kai, yet he still tried to find out which university Qiqi was applying to. Ah, the boy was quite persistent, but they truly weren't a good match. If he truly cared for Qiqi, shouldn't he be studying hard instead of getting entangled with those other girls? But look at him; his grades were dropping consistently. After the latest mock exam results came out, rumors said Gao Kai's parents had rushed to the school to find the teachers, even offering to hire a private tutor for him for intensive cramming over the remaining month. However, looking at Wang Qiqi's application choices now, that level of effort might not be enough to bridge the gap.

The class monitor walked away, deep in thought, to collect the other students' forms. Her expression did not escape Shi Man's notice. Shi Man observed that the monitor had stared intently at Wang Qiqi's draft form, seemingly trying hard to memorize the university Qiqi intended to attend.

Wang Qiqi paid no attention to the monitor’s reaction. After all, the form she submitted was fake. The real draft had been shown to the head teacher last night, and he had approved her choices, although he expressed some concern about her chances of getting into C University.

Although C University wasn't top-tier, it was certainly a renowned institution. Given Wang Qiqi's current performance, it presented a challenge. Yet, Wang Qiqi felt quite confident about her chances. If she could match her mock exam scores in the actual Gaokao, her probability of acceptance would exceed ninety percent. Recalling details from the past few days, Qiqi remembered that C University’s cutoff score in their province this year seemed surprisingly low—perhaps at a multi-year trough. That score was also influenced by last year's cutoffs. She decided to take advantage of this dip.

"If the price is high enough, even our model class monitor can be persuaded to sell out my information," Wang Qiqi mused. She hadn't expected Gao Kai to successfully mobilize the monitor; he must have some capabilities, though the price he paid likely wasn't small.

Shi Man agreed. It was a pity that Gao Kai would soon realize that no matter how high the price, it was useless, as all the intelligence he garnered from mobilizing so many people and promising so many favors was counterfeit. "They will thank you," Shi Man remarked dryly.

Wang Qiqi supposed that was true; she had inadvertently benefited many people. "I wonder what demands they made of Gao Kai. I'm really curious what his expression will be like when he finds out which university I'm attending." It would surely be one of profound embarrassment.

For the others, things might be manageable, and Gao Kai probably wouldn't demand compensation from them. But Wang Rui was different; Gao Kai would undoubtedly harbor resentment toward her. Still, with Wang Rui's thick skin, she would likely manage to twist the situation around.

After receiving the updates trickling back from Gao Kai, he finally confirmed that Qiqi was indeed planning to attend university in Shencheng. However, the revelation that she intended to go to Shencheng University put considerable pressure on him. A year ago, he wouldn't have considered attending Shencheng University difficult, but his current standing made it a tough prospect. While Qiqi also faced some difficulty, her current drive made attendance entirely possible.

Gao Kai wrestled with the idea of settling for a slightly less prestigious university in Shencheng—it would keep him close to Qiqi, and he could still find a girlfriend there and continue their clandestine connection. But then he considered Qiqi's looks and temperament; surely, the number of suitors pursuing her wouldn't decrease in university.

After some thought, Gao Kai hardened his resolve. Forget it; he would secure her first. Hadn't he managed quite well under Qiqi’s nose before? There was no reason his skills would regress in college. Having made up his mind, Gao Kai changed his first-choice major to Shencheng University.

Gao Kai's deskmate was stunned to see him change his first choice to Shencheng University. "Gao Kai, you're amazing!" He had almost blurted out, "Are you out of your mind? Can you even get into Shencheng University with your grades?" But the words died on his tongue.

Gao Kai responded with affected arrogance. "Naturally. I am Gao Kai, after all. Getting into Shencheng University is a piece of cake for me." Though he spoke lightly, inwardly, he resolved to hire tutors immediately and work relentlessly starting that day, all for Shencheng University.

Gao Kai's deskmate could only secretly chuckle watching him—a boy whose grades were steadily declining yet who remained so self-assured. He thought the guy was insufferably arrogant. He assumed Gao Kai believed he was still the high-achieving student of the past. Well, once the results came out, if Gao Kai got in, there would be no drama to watch. But if he fell far short of the Shencheng admission line, it would be a monumental joke.

The news that both Gao Kai’s first choice and Wang Qiqi’s first choice were Shencheng University soon spread throughout the entire third year class via interested parties.

Wang Qiqi hadn't anticipated that a simple college application would once again make her the subject of gossip in the third year. She could only sigh. "Great, I'm back to being something everyone talks about." Qiqi thought to herself, My application is already set for Shencheng, and I didn't expect that brainless idiot to apply there too. Does he even have a brain?

"It means he wants to reconcile with you," Zhu Lina shared the gossip she had overheard. "Apparently, Gao Kai has been cramming every day at home; he's hired N private tutors." "Now everyone is betting on whether Gao Kai will get into Shencheng University and start over with you."

Wang Qiqi sneered. "Start over? They’d be better off betting on how far Gao Kai’s score will be from the Shencheng admission line." Even if he started tutoring now, it was too late. Furthermore, as the Gaokao approached, one shouldn't put undue pressure on oneself; some space for mental adjustment was necessary. Yet, this fool was doing the exact opposite. Sigh.

"Maybe he has a strong foundation," Zhu Lina mused. "But Qiqi, many people want to know: if Gao Kai gets into Shencheng University, will you start over with him?" Lina asked the question on everyone's mind. "Will you feel moved?"

Wang Qiqi noticed many ears perking up nearby, eager to hear her response. "It seems rude if I don't answer. I can only say this: if Gao Kai and I end up at the same university, there is a possibility of starting over. That is, provided I won't accept a boyfriend who has to retake the exam to get into college. In other words, I won't date a university junior, even if he was my high school classmate."

"Good!" Zhu Lina exclaimed loudly. "That will definitely motivate Gao Kai."

As Zhu Lina said this, she exchanged a glance with Shi Man. Alas, poor 'certain handsome guy,' you will never have the chance to start over with Qiqi in this lifetime, no matter if you get into Shencheng University or not.

Hearing the rumors outside, the head teacher felt a pang of anxiety and was about to find Wang Qiqi to discuss the situation. When he stopped at the classroom door and overheard her statement, he finally understood why Wang Qiqi had gone to such lengths with her application forms. He decided against talking to Qiqi and turned back to the office. After all, the entire school's application drafts had been collected yesterday and already compiled and sent to the admissions office. This meant Gao Kai's wish was absolutely unattainable. (To be continued)