Hayden Crawford sat on the dark red sofa drinking. He was drinking straight from the bottle, and the coffee table was already scattered with empty bottles. Having heard about Serena Sterling’s night raid on the Crawford family and the incident at the private winery, he remained silent, the dim lighting casting shadows over his handsome face. Justin Xavier kicked him, "What’s up, drunk?" Hayden Crawford downed the last mouthful from the bottle and got up with his coat, "Not drunk, I’m leaving first." He drank a lot, but the more he drank, the clearer he became. Finally, the day of the joint examination arrived. All the students at A University eagerly awaited this day; they had been preparing for a long time. Today, they officially entered the battlefield, unable to contain their excitement, tension, and anticipation. Serena Sterling curved her lips into a smile, her eyes crescented, "Everyone, there’s no need to be nervous. Just perform normally, it’s all right. We’ve come from the depths, so we fear nothing." "Alright!" Everyone echoed in unison. At this moment, Anabelle Rathborne arrived with the T University people. Looking at Serena Sterling, Anabelle sneered ruthlessly, "I’ve heard you’ve been working hard these days. You usually slack off, cramming at the last minute. This is exactly what they say about you all; no matter how hard you try, it’s useless. Studying isn’t something that can be achieved overnight." Serena Sterling looked at Anabelle Rathborne, "It’s true that studying doesn’t happen overnight, but isn’t it too late to pick up a book now? Hard work brings good luck, see you at the joint exam." Seeing Serena Sterling’s confident demeanor, Anabelle Rathborne was disdainful, "Then you better work really hard, so you don’t end up losing too embarrassingly!" "Your T University should work harder, to avoid making a bigger joke!" Serena Sterling and Anabelle Rathborne locked eyes, sparks flying and tension surging. At this moment, a bell sounded, signaling the start of the exam. The joint exam was about to begin. Anabelle Rathborne flicked her sleeve coldly, "Let’s go!" She led the T University people away. Serena Sterling gestured and led the A University people in, marching onto the exam battlefield with pride. The joint exam formally concluded, and all the stressed-out students leaned on their desks, claiming they were as tired as dogs, finally able to catch their breath. Next came the grading, plus the calculation of scores from each school for the overall ranking. In the blink of an eye, another week passed, and all the scores were out, delivered to the hands of the school principals. The principals of each school gathered in an office, now their battlefield. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novèlfire.net Principal Tucker was surrounded once again, Old Man Warren, I heard this year Serena Sterling from A University stood up to T University’s top student and school beauty, Anabelle Rathborne. How bold is she, not afraid to make a fool of herself? That’s not all. I also heard A University put out word at the school gate, saying they aim to break into the top five this year and secure the qualification to apply to the Academy of Sciences. Old Man Warren, it’s not that we mean to criticize you, but A University has been too arrogant lately. Sure, you won the basketball championship, but this is an exam. A University has always been at the bottom, haha. Principal Tucker wasn’t angry; even his receding hairline had started to grow back recently, making him look radiant. He waved his hand, "I trust our A University students. They’ve worked hard this time, and I believe whatever they say. Today, I’ll bet my old face with you, laugh at me if I lose, but if I win, you all have to treat me to drinks." "No problem, we’ll all bet!" Someone tugged at Vice Principal Chaucer, "Old Man Chaucer, will you bet?" Vice Principal Chaucer hadn’t been in a good mood lately, but looking at the joint exam scores in his hand, he regained his high spirits. He glanced contemptuously at Principal Tucker, "Old Man Warren, exams really aren’t A University’s strength; don’t show off. But since you’re putting your face forward for me to hit, I’ll play along. I’m betting." "Alright!" Principal Tucker’s eyes lit up, "If you win, I’ll call you master every time I see you, serve you tea and water. If I win, haha, you’ll call me master every time and serve me tea and water!" Vice Principal Chaucer found it impossible for A University to win because winning meant satisfying two conditions: First, Serena Sterling defeats Anabelle Rathborne; second, A University breaks into the top five—a nearly impossible feat. Principal Tucker must be dreaming. "Alright, it’s a deal!" Vice Principal Chaucer agreed cheerfully. Everyone was eager, and this year’s joint exam was lively. Everyone joined the bet, making it quite grand, "Let’s first look at the overall score ranking and see if A University broke into the top five." All the school principals gathered around an office desk as Vice Principal Chaucer pulled out the score ranking from a sealed envelope, then revealed the school ranked first. The first place went to T University! This result was predictable, as T University had been leading the major Aethelgard universities for years, full of talent, once again taking the spotlight. Ah, Old Man Chaucer, congratulations. We congratulate you here every year, and this year is no different! Vice Principal Chaucer wore a rosy complexion, looking at Principal Tucker, "Old Man Warren, how’s that? First place is still T University." Principal Tucker smiled, "Old Man Chaucer, whether your T University is first isn’t part of our bet. I can only congratulate you." Vice Principal Chaucer was a bit annoyed to be rebuffed, "Just wait, I’ll reveal the top five now. A University’s definitely not in there!" Vice Principal Chaucer revealed the second place, not A University. Third place, still not A University. Fourth place, not A University again. Now there’s only the last spot for fifth place left. Vice Principal Chaucer was jubilant, "Old Man Chaucer, are you nervous? Look at you sweating, better grab some paper." Quickly, someone kindly brought some paper for Principal Tucker to wipe his sweat, "Old Man Warren, don’t be nervous, it’s just serving tea to Old Man Chaucer, we’ve already prepared the tea for you." Principal Tucker really was sweating nervously; all his hopes rested on this fifth place. It carried the entire expectation of A University. Principal Tucker pushed away all the "kind" people around him, "I’ll unveil this fifth place!" Principal Tucker unveiled the fifth place, shocked on the spot. Vice Principal Chaucer burst into laughter, "Old Man Warren, this fifth place isn’t A University, right? I knew you’d lose, go ahead and call me master." At this point, someone secretly nudged Vice Principal Chaucer, "Old Man Chaucer, take a look, this fifth place really is... A University!" Vice Principal Chaucer froze, quickly looking down, seeing the big, bold red ’A University’ crash into his sight. Fifth place, A University! Principal Tucker recovered from the shock, "It’s our A University, our A University. The kids really did it; Serena was right: lucky breaks come to those who work hard. Because we’ve come from the depths, we fear nothing!"