Chapter 664: Chapter 664: Exhaustion

The midterm exam results came out, and the school posted the honor roll at the school entrance on the blackboard.

Passersby could see it as they came and went, with a red paper base and the names of outstanding students written in brush and ink.

Zhuang Lan walked up close and, as expected, saw Yue Qingqing’s name at the top of the list.

“Congratulations, first place again.”

Yue Qingqing glanced at her total score, which was very close to the scores of the few people behind her, just a few points apart.

After entering high school, studying required not just talent but also effort.

Yue Qingqing constantly felt an urgent sense that she could be surpassed, but because of this, the joy of achieving good results was also doubled.

Following Yue Qingqing on the list was Lu Zhu’s name, and then Zhuang Lan.

Qu Ruorui’s ranking was slightly lower.

Qu Ruorui, however, had a good attitude, “I didn’t expect to even make it into the top ten.”

She had a clear sense of her own position, knowing that in terms of talent, she was not on par with Qingqing and Lu Zhu, and she wasn’t as hardworking as Zhuang Lan.

To achieve such a result was a pleasant surprise.

Yue Qingqing thought Qu Ruorui’s attitude was particularly good.

Qiuqiu always went about things in this calm and steady manner, following her own pace.

She walked steadily and was less likely to stumble.

Lu Zhu lost interest after a while at the honor roll, “I’m heading to the library first, there’s still work to do.”

Zhuang Lan then planned to continue working on test papers, “Don’t relax just because the exams are over, there are still final exams coming up.”

Qu Ruorui and Yue Qingqing said in unison, “We know, Teacher Zhuang.”

With Zhuang Lan constantly pushing them, the two couldn’t find a chance to slack off even if they wanted to.

Yue Jiannan and Lin Yushan were thrilled to hear Yue Qingqing had topped the grade again and invited their niece over for a big meal.

Lin Yushan was waiting for her at the entrance of the neighborhood, “Qingqing, you must be exhausted recently, today your uncle will show off his cooking skills.”

Lin Yushan’s hands were always warm as they walked home hand in hand.

Yue Qingqing noticed the deep hues under Lin Yushan’s eyes, “Auntie, have you been staying up late recently?”

Lin Yushan didn’t want to complain to Qingqing, merely mentioned, “Work has been a bit much lately.”

But Yue Qingqing, seeing the extent of her dark circles, felt it was probably more than just a bit.

However, she didn’t ask further, knowing her gossipy uncle would eventually bring it up at the dinner table.

As soon as Yue Qingqing entered the house, she smelled a strong spicy fragrance and quickly changed shoes to run to the kitchen.

Yue Jiannan, who had been in charge of the kitchen since marriage, was quite skilled in cooking now.

He swiftly sliced the plump black fish he had just picked from the market, marinated it with salt, cornstarch, cooking wine, and egg white, and set it aside.

Then he added lots of oil to the frying pan, threw in homemade chili sauce to bring out the fragrance, and stir-fried it with green onions, ginger, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns in sequence.

When the aroma filled the entire house, he poured it all over the fish slices, immediately releasing the sizzling sound of frying, creating an even richer flavor.

Yue Qingqing watched and swallowed, “Uncle, your cooking skills have really improved.”

Yue Jiannan proudly said, “Of course, what’s a scientist without culinary skills? Not a good capitalist.”

Yue Qingqing: “…”

Lin Yushan came in to help, but Yue Jiannan righteously chased her out.

“You better go rest, don’t get burnt with your drowsy self,” Yue Jiannan said and then enlisted his niece, “Qingqing, just help with serving.”

Lin Yushan glared at him, “Is that the right thing to say?”

Yue Qingqing quickly responded, “I can handle it, Auntie, you go sit in the dining room.”

Lin Yushan had no choice but to accept their kindness.

Yue Jiannan muttered as he washed the pan.

“I’m working on developing new dishes using our chili sauce at home, throw in an instruction manual with it, and we’ll create the demand even if consumers don’t have one!”

Yue Qingqing, while serving the dishes, heard and laughed, “Uncle, you’re really thinking ahead.”

Yue Jiannan, flying high, exclaimed, “Of course, who do you think I am? What’s my business with your dad being in business?”

Yue Qingqing chuckled but didn’t debunk him, and seized the moment to ask another question.

“I noticed Auntie seems really tired, what’s going on? Is it that Gui Yi again?”

At the mention of him, Yue Jiannan’s face soured, “That scumbag just knows how to bully women, manipulated things to have your Aunt work under him, treating her like an animal, and even reported to my work claiming I had a side business, asking our superior to fire me.”