Chapter 12: Monthly Exam

"Ye Chen, come with me," the homeroom teacher called out, gesturing for him to step outside the classroom.

Raising his eyebrows slightly, Ye Chen followed him.

The homeroom teacher wasted no time and got straight to the point. "Ye Chen, did you complete the homework and test papers on your own?"

Still skeptical!

It wasn't that he didn't trust the Chinese teacher, but the whole situation seemed suspicious. For the sake of the student's future, he needed to get to the bottom of it.

Ye Chen remained calm and composed. "Yes, I did."

"Ye Chen, you need to be honest with me. Don't hide anything. I'm asking this for your own good," the teacher said earnestly.

Ye Chen didn't know how to respond to such a statement. If he'd known this would happen, he would've deliberately made a few mistakes to avoid all the trouble.

First it was the Chinese teacher; now it was the homeroom teacher.

"Teacher, I really did all of it myself. If you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do," Ye Chen said with a shrug.

What else could he do if they refused to believe him?

Seeing Ye Chen's unwavering insistence, the homeroom teacher sighed. "Well, tomorrow is the monthly exam. If you can rank in the top ten of the class, I'll believe you."

For some reason, talking to Ye Chen felt different. This student didn't seem like a nine-year-old at all.

He was calm, collected, and unflappable—even in situations like today's parent meeting. While Meng Fei was crying and wailing, Ye Chen's composed demeanor was far from what one would expect from a child his age.

The Ye Chen of the past wasn't like this. It was as if he'd become a completely different person.

"Alright, I'll do my best," Ye Chen replied.

---

Back in the classroom, the homeroom teacher asked the class leader to hand out the assignments, including Ye Chen's.

After the class ended, Gu Nianxi turned to him, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Brother Ye Chen, what did the teacher talk to you about just now?"

Ye Chen smiled. "It's about the monthly exam tomorrow."

"The monthly exam..." Gu Nianxi immediately looked worried. Exams were nerve-wracking, and Brother Ye Chen...

Although he had impressed the Chinese teacher last time, she wasn't sure about his performance in math or English.

What should they do?

"Brother Ye Chen, let's study together after school today, okay?" she suggested.

Ye Chen patted her head. "Alright!" How could he refuse her request?

"Don't worry, Brother Ye Chen. If we study together, you definitely won't score as poorly as last time," she said, trying to comfort him.

"Xiao Xi, do you believe in me?" Ye Chen asked.

"Of course! I trust you the most, Brother Ye Chen," she replied without hesitation.

"This time, your Brother Ye Chen will rank first in the entire grade," Ye Chen said with a smile.

Huh?

Gu Nianxi froze.

First in the entire grade? That's so hard to achieve. There were six or seven classes in the third grade, and many students were incredibly talented.

It seemed almost impossible.

"Brother Ye Chen, even if you don't come first in the grade, you'll always be the best in my eyes," she said with a bright smile.

Ye Chen chuckled and ruffled her hair. He knew she probably didn't believe him, but that was fine—he'd let his results do the talking.

---

The next day arrived in the blink of an eye.

At 8 a.m., the exam began.

Gu Nianxi seemed a little nervous, even though she had reviewed thoroughly the previous night. The pressure of performing well still got to her.

Ye Chen smiled. This little girl lacked confidence despite being such a good student. How could she ever fail?

In his past life, she consistently ranked in the top three of their class and the top ten of their grade.

"Don't worry, you'll do great," Ye Chen reassured her, pinching her chubby cheeks.

Hmm, she'd gotten a bit rounder lately.

---

As soon as the clock struck eight, the teacher entered the classroom to distribute the math test papers.

While waiting, Ye Chen silently entered the system and checked in.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have received 50 admiration points!"

Fifty again?

When would the numbers increase?

It seemed he'd have to rely on himself—this system wasn't very dependable.

Once the papers were handed out, Ye Chen quickly filled in his name and scanned the questions. Without hesitation, he started solving them.

Half an hour later, Ye Chen stood up and submitted his paper, shocking everyone in the class.

The invigilator was stunned.

This student finished so quickly? He must've scribbled random answers, right?

Even Gu Nianxi was surprised. Brother Ye Chen finished so fast. He was amazing.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have surprised the invigilator. Admiration points +3!"

"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have amazed Gu Nianxi. Admiration points +3!"

"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have shocked the entire class. Admiration points +30!"

Ye Chen left the classroom calmly and headed to the restroom.

---

By the time the morning exams ended, Gu Nianxi looked up at Ye Chen with admiration, her eyes sparkling. "Brother Ye Chen, how do you solve problems so quickly? You're incredible!"

Math took him just half an hour.

And the Chinese test? Also half an hour.

---

During lunch, Shen Yuhua prepared a feast. Knowing Ye Chen had exams today, she smiled warmly. "Son, how did your tests go?"

"Well, as long as our boy passes, that's good enough," Ye Yuanfeng said between bites of food. He knew his son's academic history all too well.

"Is that how you talk to your child? Instead of encouraging him, you're already doubting him!" Shen Yuhua scolded.

"Mom, I'm aiming for first place this time," Ye Chen said suddenly.

Shen Yuhua chuckled, her eyes narrowing with delight. "Oh? You're quite confident, aren't you?"

Whether or not he actually got first place wasn't important. What mattered was showing improvement each time—not regressing.

She didn't take Ye Chen's words too seriously. Even if he didn't do well, there was always the next time.

---

After lunch, Ye Chen returned to school for the afternoon English test.

The monthly exams consisted of three subjects, with a total score of 300.

English was Gu Nianxi's strongest subject. She had even scored full marks before—a remarkable achievement!

Feeling less nervous, the little girl skipped happily alongside Ye Chen as they walked to school.

On the way, they spotted Meng Fei, who immediately ducked out of sight as if avoiding the plague.

Ever since his father had given him a thorough beating the night before, Meng Fei had been terrified of Ye Chen.

Gu Nianxi looked puzzled. "Brother Ye Chen, why does Meng Fei seem afraid of us?"

Ye Chen smiled. "Isn't that better? Now he won't bother us anymore."

"Mm-hmm, Brother Ye Chen is right," she agreed.

With her bunny hair clip fixed, Gu Nianxi was in high spirits.

As they passed a candied hawthorn stall, her eyes lit up. She stopped and gazed longingly at the treats.

"Brother Ye Chen, I want one of those!"

She pouted adorably, her craving evident.

Ye Chen chuckled. "Alright, I'll get you one."

At this time, candied hawthorn was quite affordable—just one yuan per skewer.