Chapter 28 - Estimating The Scores
“I can't quite predict the scores for a conceptual discussion or a Spanish essay, but I'm confident I can hit 890 points,” Ye Hao murmured.
Zhang Jinsheng's heart skipped a beat. “You sure?”
“Yes.”
In truth, Ye Hao had calculated a likely score of 895, but he opted for a conservative 890 out of caution.
“With a score like 890, you could very well be vying for the top spot in our city,” Zhang Jinsheng said, eyes alight with excitement.
Guo Xiu, however, looked somewhat downcast.
With even 20-30 points in English, Ye Hao was a shoo-in for any of the top six elite universities.
“Ye Hao, make sure you get some rest,” Zhang Jinsheng whispered, “I need to go and share this great news with the principal.”
Once Ye Zhiguo had seen Zhang Jinsheng off, he tried to reassure Guo Xiu, “Not making it into one of the top six elite universities isn't the end of the world. You have your pick of any top-tier national university.”
Ye Zhiguo said this, but it was clear his heart wasn't at ease.
“We'll need to make a careful selection,” Guo Xiu remarked, leafing through the college guide Zhang Jinsheng had brought.
“Let our son rest. We can go and take a look,” Ye Zhiguo suggested quietly.
After Ye Zhiguo and Guo Xiu had stepped out, Ye Hao lay in bed, silently reflecting on the recent events.
To Ye Hao, it all felt like a dream.
Yet, if it were a dream, he wished never to awaken.
As his thoughts wandered, an image of Lee Qianqian sprang to mind.
He wondered what had become of this pure and kind-hearted girl.
At the Lee residence, Lee Qianqian had tied her hair into a neat ponytail, checking her reflection for any imperfections before leaving the bathroom.
Unexpectedly, she ran into Xie Ning.
“Mom, weren't you out buying salt?”
“I suddenly remembered we still had a bag in the cupboard,” Xie Ning said, eyeing Lee Qianqian intently. “Why are you all dressed up so nicely?”
“I've already made plans to go shopping with Xiaoyu,” Lee Qianqian said hastily.
“Do you want me to check with Xiaoyu right now?” Xie Ning offered, brandishing her smartphone.
Upon hearing this, Lee Qianqian grew quiet. After a brief pause, she spoke up, “Mom, you shouldn't meddle too much in my life.”
“As your mother, I have every right,” Xie Ning replied firmly. “And I'm telling you now, you and Ye Hao have no future together.”
“In two months, I'll be a senior,” Lee Qianqian blurted out unexpectedly.
“What are you getting at?” Xie Ning's expression shifted as she probed.
“As soon as I start college, I'll be free to do as I please,” Lee Qianqian stated, locking eyes with her mother.
It dawned on Xie Ning that Lee Qianqian might truly be smitten with Ye Hao. Despite her delicate appearance, Lee Qianqian was fiercely determined. She wasn't one to back down from a decision.
After pondering for a moment, Xie Ning conceded, “I suppose it's not out of the question for you to date Ye Hao.”
Lee Qianqian's eyes sparkled with hope.
“First, Ye Hao must be admitted to one of the top six universities. If not, how could he ever be good enough for my daughter?”
“Agreed,” Lee Qianqian responded confidently.
Xie Ning was taken aback. “Did you really understand what I said?”
“Yes, I heard you. Ye Hao needs to get into one of the top six universities.”
“And you're certain he can make it?”
“I am.”
“Secondly, you can't score less than 930 on your SATs.”
Lee Qianqian knew exactly why her mother set the bar at 930 points; with such a score, she could pick any of the elite universities.
“Agreed,” she nodded.
“Lastly, you are not to see Ye Hao before the SAT.”
“Mom, that's asking too much,” Lee Qianqian protested.
“If Ye Hao gets into one of the top universities, I'll allow you two to meet at KFC,” Xie Ning relented after a moment's thought.
Xie Ning's reluctance to let Lee Qianqian meet Ye Hao stemmed from two concerns: the potential distraction from her studies and the possibility of them becoming too close for comfort.
“Alright,” Lee Qianqian reluctantly agreed.
After seventeen years of living with Xie Ning, Lee Qianqian knew her all too well. She was aware of Xie Ning's temperament and disposition. Pushing Xie Ning too far could lead to desperate actions.?
Ye Hao was nursing an injury, and Guo Xiu was adamant that he not leave the house. Heeding his mother's wishes, Ye Hao contentedly stayed in bed and read.
One day, as Ye Hao's family sat down for lunch, a knock at the door interrupted their meal. Ye Zhiguo answered it and, upon seeing Lee, greeted him with a warm smile. “You've come at the perfect time—it's lunch. Why not join us?”
Guo Xiu rose to fetch an extra set of bowl and chopsticks.
“No need for that, sister-in-law. I've come to discuss something with Zhiguo,” Lee interjected quickly.
Ye Zhiguo looked puzzled.
“Zhiguo, could you step outside for a moment?” Lee requested, already heading out the door.
Guo Xiu watched them leave, her face betraying a flicker of concern.
“Mom, what's the matter?”
“Nothing,” Guo Xiu replied, but her appetite had clearly vanished.
Meanwhile, Ye Hao listened intently to the exchange between Ye Zhiguo and Lee just outside the door.
Lee, wringing his hands, began, “Xiaofang has gotten himself into a mess.”
“What happened?” Ye Zhiguo's face tensed.
Xiaofang was Lee's son.
“You're aware that Xiaofang quit school in junior high. Since then, he's been running with a rough crowd. Yesterday, he got into a fight and blinded someone in one eye. I've tried to mediate the situation. The victim is demanding two hundred thousand dollars in compensation, or else he'll go to the police.”
Ye Zhiguo didn't need any further explanation to grasp Lee's implication—he was being asked to help with the money.
“I'm just inquiring, Zhiguo. If you don't have the funds, then never mind,” Lee said, his discomfort evident.
“Lee, just give me three days. I'll get the money to you then,” Ye Zhiguo promised. This was about Lee's son, and he was determined to settle the debt.
“Zhiguo, if this is causing you trouble, I'll find another way,” Lee said with urgency.
“It's not a problem.”
Lee was well aware of Ye Zhiguo's family situation.
He wouldn't have asked Ye Zhiguo to repay the thirty thousand dollars if it weren't for dire circumstances.
But two hundred thousand dollars was no small sum!
Lee didn't stay for a meal at Ye Zhiguo's place and left instead.
Upon returning home, Ye Zhiguo acted as if nothing had happened.
“Time for dinner,” he said cheerfully.
Guo Xiu, in front of Ye Hao, didn't question Ye Zhiguo about Lee's visit.
But she had her suspicions.
Meanwhile, Ye Hao was quietly contemplating ways to make some extra money.
All three were lost in thought when Guo Xiu's phone suddenly rang.
She answered briefly, then passed the phone to Ye Hao.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it's Taishi Xiu.”
“Taishi Xiu?” Ye Hao was taken aback.
“I'm part of the Vermillion Bird Alliance, Taishi Xiu. You've beaten me in games before,” Taishi Xiu jogged his memory.
“Oh, right. What's up?”
“Our Vermillion Bird Team is up against the Nine-Headed Snake Team. We've lost two matches in a row. If we lose another, our hard-earned reputation will take a hit.”
“So, you need my help?”
“Yes.”
“I'm willing to help, but I'll need compensation.”
“Understood. There will be compensation.”
“How much are we talking?”
“One hundred thousand RMB,” Taishi Xiu stated firmly, “provided you help our Vermillion Bird Team come out on top.”
“Deal.”
“Can you make it to H City today?”
“Yes, I can.”
Just moments ago, Ye Hao was racking his brain for ways to fundraise.
Little did he know, an opportunity to make money would present itself so soon.
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