Wang Qingchen looked at the crowd gathered before them, a look of “just as expected” spreading across his face.

Li Yuntai felt rather sheepish; after all, it was he who had insisted they arrive early, never imagining that even with an early arrival, the place would still be so packed, making it genuinely difficult to push through.

Just as Li Yuntai was about to say something, Liu Hao’s voice drifted from behind them, “Oh my, you two arrived quite early this time!” Then, Liu Hao continued with a note of surprise, “But why are you two just standing around like idiots? Hurry up and go over there! If you wait any longer, you really won’t be able to squeeze in!”

Li Yuntai and Wang Qingchen glanced at the crowd, then looked back at Liu Hao with confusion, “Go over now?”

Liu Hao, met with their questioning look, was also perplexed, “If not now, then when? If we wait any longer, we’ll truly be blocked out.”

Li Yuntai voiced his doubt, “But there are so many people gathered there, how are we supposed to squeeze in?”

Only then did Liu Hao understand why these two were standing dumbfounded, “Surely you weren't planning to wait until the crowd thins out? I must tell you, that’s entirely impossible; the crowd will only grow larger. If you wait, who knows how long you’ll be waiting! Come on, let’s go now. I’ll lead the way; just stick right behind me.”

Wang Qingchen and Li Yuntai exchanged a look. Did they really have to push through? Recalling the miserable state Liu Hao and Ziyuan were in that other day, they hesitated. But it wasn't impossible; the crowd was still slightly thinner now, and perhaps this could be treated as an experience! Thinking this, Wang Qingchen took Li Yuntai’s arm and followed behind Liu Hao.

Whether it was due to prior experience or some natural talent, Liu Hao was remarkably adept at navigating crowds, squeezing into any gap he saw. He managed to get through smoothly, but it was agony for Wang Qingchen and Li Yuntai following behind. They watched as Liu Hao passed with apparent ease, but when it was their turn, they couldn't find the knack and kept getting blocked. Before long, both Wang Qingchen and Li Yuntai were drenched in sweat. At least it’s a free shower, Wang Qingchen thought wryly, trying to find a silver lining in the misery.

Wang Qingchen was beginning to have regrets; all that talk of "experience" was long forgotten. His main concern now was: who could tell him whether he should push forward or retreat? Advancing clearly wasn't working, but retreating was even less feasible—the rear was just as packed, offering no escape. Wang Qingchen found himself in a true dilemma. This was certainly an unforgettable experience!

Of course, Li Yuntai beside him was faring no better. Like Wang Qingchen, he was dripping with sweat and trapped between the inexorable advance and retreat. They could only shuffle sideways, now this way, now that way, following the chaotic movements of those around them.

Fortunately, their predicament didn't last long. Liu Hao had turned back to find them. Liu Hao himself was quite frustrated; after fighting through the waves and finally reaching the front, he turned around only to find the followers had vanished. He hadn't even had a moment to celebrate his success before he had to worry about locating the other two—annoyance was inevitable.

However, seeing Liu Hao turn back, Wang Qingchen and Li Yuntai were ecstatic. They were caught in the deadlock, and finally, someone capable of leading them out of this mess had arrived.

Liu Hao took in their predicament. His initial urge to scold them both—just to feel a bit better about his own exertion—vanished. Instead, he was internally thrilled by the sight, realizing he had material to tease them about for ages.

Finally, under Liu Hao’s direction, Wang Qingchen and Li Yuntai made it to the front. But before they could exchange any congratulatory words, the official arrived to post the results.

Without a word, the group immediately focused their gaze on the posted list, examining it closely.

Since Wang Qingchen had ranked seventh in the previous County Examination, he naturally began reading from the top. He scanned the names one by one until he reached Zhao Cheng’s—who had performed even better than last time, securing fifth place. Wang Qingchen paused, unsure of the complex feeling stirring within him, but after staring at Zhao Cheng's name briefly, he pushed aside the swirling thoughts and continued down the list.

Below Zhao Cheng, separated by just one name, was Wang Qingchen's own. He glanced at it and couldn't help but tease himself: such consistent results, still seventh. Although Zhao Cheng's advancement stirred an indescribable sensation, managing to secure seventh place again was better than he had anticipated; it was cause for happiness. Thus, Wang Qingchen resolved to ignore Zhao Cheng’s performance and focus only on whether he had met his own goals.

As Wang Qingchen settled his thoughts, he heard Liu Hao exclaim from beside him, “Good heavens, you two scored so well again! You’re making the rest of us jealous on purpose!”

Wang Qingchen remembered the others were there too and turned to ask, “How did you two fare?”

At the mention of results, Liu Hao cheered, “Hahaha! I honestly thought I wouldn't pass the Prefecture Examination, but not only did I pass, my rank is beyond what I expected!”

Liu Hao’s smugness was incredibly grating. There were certainly others nearby who hadn't passed, or who had passed but were unhappy with their ranks—Liu Hao was practically inviting resentment!

Wang Qingchen didn't press Liu Hao further, instead turning his gaze to Li Yuntai. Seeing Wang Qingchen look at him, Li Yuntai nodded happily, easing Wang Qingchen’s mind. It seemed both of them had done well. The trio then decided to turn back and begin pushing their way out.

At this point, the exit that Liu Hao had so easily entered now became difficult. It was understandable; the list was posted, and a continuous stream of people was pushing in to read it, while the three of them needed to go out, moving against the current—difficulty was inevitable.

Liu Hao now had little capacity to worry about Wang Qingchen and Li Yuntai; he could barely manage himself. Wang Qingchen and Li Yuntai were very understanding, not asking Liu Hao for help, and carefully shuffling toward the perimeter bit by bit on their own.

Perhaps buoyed by the good news, although they were stepped on occasionally and shoved constantly, none of the three grew angry; their moods remained bright.

When they finally managed to push clear of the crowd, they looked at each other and burst out laughing. They realized their current state mirrored the disheveled appearance Liu Hao and Ziyuan had when they finally emerged from the crush during the County Examination—perhaps even worse. Besides being drenched in sweat, their clothes were slightly askew. They wiped their faces, straightened their attire, caught their breath for a moment, and finally recovered.

Though the exit had been a tough journey, their spirits were high. They decided to return to the inn's common hall to rest for a while, also anticipating the return of other scholars who were checking the results. As they walked toward the inn, Wang Qingchen glanced back at the still-swarming area and thought, It truly was quite an experience!

They settled into seats in the inn’s common hall. Very few people had returned from checking the list yet, as Wang Qingchen and his friends had been among the early ones. Moreover, some who passed might have already found a place to celebrate, while those who failed might have gone straight for drink. Consequently, the hall was not crowded, but even with fewer people, the atmosphere was still noisy.

The trio found a spot with a clear view, and a waiter brought them a pot of tea.

Liu Hao downed three cups quickly, “Ah, I was dying of thirst.”

Although Wang Qingchen and Li Yuntai weren't quite as dramatic as Liu Hao, having exerted themselves so much, they were equally thirsty and drank deeply.

“Ah!” Liu Hao exclaimed after finishing his tea, immediately turning to the list results, “Did either of you see Ziyuan’s name? I only glanced through quickly when I came back; I didn’t really notice.”

Wang Qingchen, though he had read from the top, had also performed a quick scan before leaving, but he didn't recall seeing Ziyuan’s name. He shook his head, “I don't think I noticed.”

Li Yuntai had been entirely focused on finding his own name; once he saw it, he was so overjoyed that he hadn't bothered looking over the entire list. Thus, Li Yuntai also shook his head.

Though Liu Hao didn’t get an answer, he didn’t dwell on it. The reason he asked about Ziyuan was simply because his room at the inn was directly across from Ziyuan’s, and lately, those from the same academy had been growing closer.

Liu Hao then switched topics, discussing the ranks of other students from their academy that he had observed—mentioning how someone who ranked high in the County Examination fell in the Prefecture, or conversely, how someone who hadn't done well before achieved a good standing this time.

They chatted until several others who had checked the list returned. A few who had passed the Prefecture Examination saw the trio and came over, “You three are back early!”

They then began discussing who passed and who failed. By pooling the information they each saw, they pieced together a rough picture of who from their academy had succeeded and who hadn't.

And Ziyuan, as it turned out, had indeed failed the Prefecture Examination. Just as they mentioned him, he returned, looking utterly crestfallen. The group quickly fell silent. Even with their sudden quiet, as Ziyuan passed by them, he cast a resentful glance their way before heading upstairs, leaving the common hall occupants staring after him in stunned silence.