Today is Friday, also the day of the exam.
Sam went for a morning run in the park early, then came back to shower and get ready to head out.
However, this time as he was leaving, he happened to bump into his neighbor, a woman dressed in a professional suit, with her hair neatly arranged, looking charming and gentle.
“Are you heading to school so early today?”
Zoe, upon seeing Sam, showed a surprise on her face that seemed even more genuine than usual. The sunlight fell on her face, making her look exceptionally bright and captivating.
Whenever Zoe smiled, it was easy for anyone to feel their heart skip a beat.
Sam was briefly enchanted by her smile, then regained his usual cheerful expression. “Yes, I have an exam today, so I need to go a bit earlier.”
Zoe paused for a moment. “An exam… are you prepared?”
Sam nodded: “Sort of. But even if I’m not, I still have to face it… sis.” It seemed he remembered an agreement between them, and thus, he addressed her as ‘sis.’
Zoe thought for a moment, then handed a lunchbox she was holding to Sam. “Then, take this, Sam.”
“This is…”
“It’s the breakfast I brought. I often don’t get up early enough to eat at home, so I usually bring it to the office. You probably haven’t had breakfast, right? Just eat this one made by your sis.”
“Eh? That’s not necessary, I could just buy a burger or something. You shouldn’t have to do this.”
But Zoe insisted firmly that Sam accept it. She even clasped both of his hands, as if to prevent him from returning it to her.
The warm touch of her palms and the tender look in her eyes made it seem impossible to refuse, as if being shot by an arrow from a little angel with wings and wearing a diaper. One simply couldn’t resist such charm.
Even as Zoe looked at him and said softly, “It’s okay, there’s a cafeteria at the office, don’t worry about me. I just hope this lunchbox brings you good luck for your exam. Don’t you want to be taken care of by your big sis, Sam?”
Being cared for once is okay, but who could stand it all the time?
Still, Sam quickly put on a smile. “Then, thank you, sis. I’ll definitely do my best.”
Finally, Zoe smiled contentedly and released his hands. “Go for it!”
…
While riding the bus, Sam opened his lunchbox and glanced inside. The dishes were too lavish, almost wasteful for breakfast.
After pondering, Sam decided not to have it for breakfast. He planned to save it for lunch and heat it in the microwave.
So, he bought a hamburger instead and put the breakfast Zoe had given him back in his backpack.
Of course, he couldn’t help but feel a bit sentimental. If Zoe’s brother hadn’t died in that conflict, would Zoe be a more typical woman now?
But he guessed it wouldn’t matter to him anymore. She might have already been married… Strangely, why did the thought of her in that role seem even more thrilling?
Arriving at school.
The atmosphere today was noticeably tenser, with many students cramming for the exam.
Sam did nothing; he just sat calmly.
Until the exam began.
Clearly, the revision period, combined with his improved abilities, had a significant effect.
During the exam, Sam experienced an indescribable satisfaction, like a goalkeeper perfectly predicting the trajectory of a soccer ball.
Like the boss conducting a surprise inspection, and you’re the only one who’s finished your work.
This confidence in knowing the answers to the questions was exhilarating, even more so than conducting experiments.
The morning exams passed quickly, but the real challenge for Sam was in the afternoon.
Math.
Though still a bit tough for Sam, he was prepared.
He didn’t join Louis for lunch, opting for the study room instead, mainly because it had a microwave.
When Sam pushed open the door to the study room with his lunchbox.
“Uh-oh?”
A strange sound erupted.
Sam was startled, then saw a girl with utensils in hand, mouth stuffed with food, puffing her cheeks and staring at him wide-eyed like a pufferfish.
Sophie’s eyes widened.
Why did it always have to be this guy!
Every time he came, it was the worst possible moment. She disliked eating in the cafeteria with everyone, always preferring solitude, doing things her own way.
So she’d rather prepare lunch at home and eat alone quietly in the study room.
But why was Sam here?
Caught off guard, Sophie couldn’t even speak. Even chewing seemed inappropriate, and the moment turned awkward.
Sophie acutely felt like she had embarrassed herself again.
At that moment, Sam didn’t utter any mocking or sarcastic remarks. Instead, he walked over to Sophie and bent down to take a look at her lunchbox.
“Not a bad meal,” he commented.
“Hmm?”
Sophie blinked, puzzled.
After his remark, Sam turned away and headed to the microwave with his own lunchbox.
After a bit, she finished her food and turned to see Sam by the microwave, engrossed in his phone, seemingly oblivious to her presence.
What was this about? Was he here to eat as well?
Was this a deliberately orchestrated coincidence, knowing she would be here?
Never mind, it’s none of her business. She had already been too accommodating last time. Hmph.
Lost in her thoughts, Sophie noticed Sam had finished heating his lunch and sat opposite her, browsing short videos on his phone while eating, completely ignoring her presence.
As if she were invisible.
Though this was what Sophie preferred, for some reason, she felt uncomfortable.
It just felt weird.
Finally, after finishing his meal, Sam closed his lunchbox and turned to Sophie.
“How did the exam go?”
“Huh?”
Sophie frowned at him. People are strange sometimes, desiring to break an awkward silence, yet acting reluctantly when the other person initiates conversation.
Sam smiled at Sophie.
“No offense, just a reminder. You have an exam this afternoon, make sure to check everything thoroughly. Sometimes, a big failure stems from a small oversight.”
After saying this, Sam stood up, grabbed his backpack, leaving Sophie eating and utterly confused.
It took her a while to grasp what had just happened.
A poor student advising a top performer to check her work?
He must be crazy, that’s not how you strike up a conversation!
Sophie managed a weak smile: “Alright, thanks.”
Sam nodded, his expression neutral.
“No problem, it’s only right.”
If Sam’s comment was an attempt at flirting, it was terribly basic.
But what was his real intention… His hand slipped into his pocket, touching the item that would be crucial today.
Sophie, today, you’ll unknowingly be my tool.
