Chapter 1011: Afraid of Unexpected Plot Twists
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Gong Zhan’s expression was unreadable, a masterclass in aloof composure. He withdrew his gaze, deliberately avoiding Lin Miao, and instead turned to give instructions to his subordinates.

However, his men couldn’t completely mask the flicker of curiosity in their eyes.

The patrol duty at the exam venue was traditionally assigned to new recruits, yet this year, their esteemed Deputy Commander had volunteered for the task. The buzz of speculation crackled like static electricity. Could it really be because of Lin Miao?

Most of them doubted it, preferring to believe it had more to do with Gu Zi. After all, the gossip mill churned out tales of how Gu Zi had once chased after the Deputy Commander relentlessly, only to be met with cold disdain. And now, Gu Zi was married, which made the whole situation even more implausible.

Despite being ignored, Lin Miao radiated self-assurance. She was convinced Gong Zhan was here because of her. He was simply still holding on to the grudges from before.

Once she aced the college entrance exams, she was sure their relationship would mend itself. After all, Gong Zhan had always been the reserved, stoic type–silent indifference was just part of his personality. She reassured herself with this narrative, settling into the warm cocoon of her confidence.

Around them, students were buzzing with envy, their whispers swirling like a cloud of intrigue.

Unable to hold back, Gong Xin, standing just behind Gong Zhan, rolled her eyes so dramatically it could have been seen from space. She strode up to Lin Miao and said bluntly, “My brother hasn’t even acknowledged you. Can’t you see? He’s definitely not here because of you!”

Without waiting for a reaction, Gong Xin turned on her heel and bounded over to Gu Zi, practically bouncing like an overexcited puppy. Clinging to Gu Zi’s arm, she gushed, “Wow, what a coincidence! You’re taking the exams here too? I’m just helping my brother out today, and look–we run into each other! This must be destiny.”

Gu Zi raised an elegant eyebrow, her lips quirking in a slightly awkward smile. Gong Xin’s flimsy excuse was as transparent as glass, but she didn’t call her out on it. “Haha, yeah, what a coincidence. There’s only one exam hall in this venue, after all,” she replied lightly.

Gong Xin, undeterred by Gu Zi’s subtle sarcasm, glanced sideways at Lin Miao, who was still trying to edge closer to Gong Zhan. She leaned in toward Gu Zi and whispered conspiratorially, “You better do well, okay? Do your best! Do your best! If you lose to Lin Miao, don’t even call yourself my friend.”

Gu Zi gently but firmly pried Gong Xin’s hand off her arm, her gaze drifting briefly to Lin Miao and Gong Zhan. A fragment of memory surfaced from the original storyline: Lin Miao’s performance in this exam was supposed to be stellar, a turning point that helped her carve a path straight into Gong Zhan’s heart. Today, Lin Miao’s air of confidence seemed to suggest she was well-prepared.

The outcome was uncertain, but Gu Zi couldn’t shake a slight unease.

What worried her more, however, was her proximity to Lin Miao in this exam hall. As far as the narrative was concerned, she was nothing more than cannon fodder, doomed to serve as a foil for the heroine. Anything could happen, and the idea of unexpected plot twists made her stomach churn.

The shrill ring of the bell broke her thoughts. The exam hall was cleared, and Gong Zhan left with Gong Xin and the others.

Gu Zi returned to her seat, forcing herself to stop overthinking. ‘Whatever will happen, will happen,’ she reminded herself. There was no point in worrying about the inevitable. The best she could do was stay adaptable.

As Gong Zhan exited, Lin Miao’s gaze trailed after him, brimming with a wistful longing that didn’t go unnoticed by those around her. To outsiders, the scene painted a picture of tender intimacy, as if the two were locked in a love story of their own.

The girl sitting next to Lin Miao, her desk mate and classmate, couldn’t hold back her admiration. “Miao Miao, is that your fiance? He’s amazing!”

Lin Miao’s lips curved into a smug smile, the comment feeding her already inflated ego. She had never mentioned her marriage to her classmates, fearing that it might tarnish her image. Instead, she let them believe Gong Zhan was merely her fiance. “He’s alright,” she replied, feigning modesty. “He’s only a Deputy Commander for now.”

Her desk mate’s jaw nearly hit the floor. A Deputy Commander at such a young age? Lin Miao’s life seemed unreal. Rumors had it she’d even been to prison, yet here she was, taking the college entrance exams with a fiance like that. The girl’s admiration flickered into jealousy, her gaze sharp with envy beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, over at Gu Zi’s side of the hall, she was attracting her own share of attention. With her striking looks and graceful demeanor, it was impossible not to notice her.

Some students muttered quietly, baffled by the sight of Gong Zhan apparently ignoring someone as dazzling as Gu Zi to focus on Lin Miao. Were his eyes painted on? Lin Miao, wearing a hat in the stifling summer heat, didn’t exactly exude charm.

The second bell rang, and silence descended over the room. The proctors entered with stacks of exam papers, and the first test–foreign language–began.

It was Gu Zi’s strong suit. While others bent over their desks, furrowing their brows in concentration, Gu Zi flew through the questions with ease. By the time she had finished, a glance at the clock told her there were still forty minutes left.

Not wanting to draw attention by submitting her paper too early, Gu Zi meticulously reviewed her answers–twice. This was the college entrance exam, after all. It was better to be thorough.

Only when a few other students began handing in their papers did she finally raise her hand to submit hers.