Chapter 23: FINAL TEST DAY.
The final day of the test arrived, and all the students sat in their assigned classrooms, completing their exams. Students from every section were mixed together, creating an atmosphere of quiet concentration and tension. After what felt like an eternity, the test finally ended, and the teachers announced a short break—two to three days off for students to visit their families. It was a rare opportunity since all the students had been confined within Blackthorn Academy's walls for months.
As soon as the announcement was made, the academy buzzed with activity. Students hurriedly packed their bags, eager to leave, their chatter filling the hallways. Even Hua Rong joined in, quickly gathering her things. Across the room, Xu Lingwei was doing the same. They hadn't spoken since that day—since that argument. A strange silence stretched between them, unspoken words weighing heavily in the air.
Hua Rong changed into a white dress that reached just above her knees, a simple frock with a full sleeve till her wrist. She braided her hair neatly and slung her bag over her back before slipping into a pair of sneakers. By the time she stepped out of the dormitory, Xu Lingwei was already gone—probably at the entrance, waiting for his own ride.
As she made her way through the bustling corridors, Lin Zeyan passed by, offering a casual wave.
"Let's meet after vacation," he said with a smirk.
Hua Rong nodded in response before finally reaching the academy entrance. Just as she was about to step outside, a familiar voice called out to her.
"Hua Rong!"
She turned to see Wuhao Li approaching with his usual mischievous expression.
"Don't forget—after the vacation, you still owe me a proper pose," he reminded her, his grey eyes twinkling with amusement. "And this time, no excuses."
Before she could even reply, he was already walking backward with a smirk, disappearing into the crowd of departing students.
Rolling her eyes, Hua Rong stepped past the academy gates, taking in the crisp air of freedom. However, just as she was about to leave, her gaze landed on a sight that instantly soured her mood—Tang Moyu, standing with Xu Lingwei. Worse, she was holding his hand.