Zhou Cheng’s words carried a double meaning – he hadn’t just prepared for the advanced studies final exam. This included what Zhou Guobin said about promotion.

Facing two exam proctors alone, he thought about how he was walking the same path Xiaolan had taken two years ago. Despite being so intelligent and capable of living a materially abundant life without taking college entrance exams or attending university, she still chose to continue her studies… The key point wasn’t about obtaining any particular degree, but rather the benefits that came from studying itself.

Zhou Cheng’s every pen stroke was filled with certainty. Smart people learn everything quickly.

Two academy leaders specifically came to the window to observe Zhou Cheng. Seeing him earnestly answering questions, they quietly left.

Only after walking far enough did one of them speak:

“After Zhou Cheng completes his advanced studies this time, he’ll be promoted to one rank, right?”

Moving up another rank – he’s currently a company commander with a Major’s rank, wouldn’t that make him regiment-level?

The other person nodded, “Have you heard that rumor? The higher-ups intend to select and establish role models from the younger generation. If that’s the case-“

“He’s too young, only 23 years old. Jokingly speaking, he’s not even old enough to marry – he’s just a wet-behind-the-ears kid!”

Whether he was truly inexperienced remained unknown.

Sure, he was young, but what could anyone say when he worked so hard and had such good luck?

The two academy leaders continued their discussion as they walked away.

A lingering sigh hung in the air: “Today’s young people are something…”

This remarkable young man had no idea he was being discussed by the two academy leaders. No matter how exceptional he might become later, right now he still had to obediently complete his exam papers – a one-rank promotion was standard procedure, but a two-rank promotion would mark him as a true role model.

However, things had to be taken one step at a time. Zhou Guobin had analyzed it with Zhou Cheng – there were no skipping steps. The most conventional approach would be for Zhou Cheng to complete his advanced studies early and receive his first promotion.

When the rest of his cohort completed their two-year advanced studies, some would naturally be promoted. That would be the time for Zhou Cheng’s second promotion – and there you have it, a two-rank advancement!

“Stop asking if we have confidence in beating Jonathan’s group, or I’ll kill myself!”

Xia Xiaolan wanted to print this phrase on her shirt.

Richard’s group was under too much pressure, and she had to provide psychological support. External interference needed to be minimized.

There wasn’t any time to rest. Having already wasted half their time and having to start over, they could only use up more of their break time. The late nights and pressure had caused Daisy to break out in acne, making her so self-conscious that she walked with her head down, worried about disgusting others.

Fortunately, her group members – including the image-indifferent Xia Xiaolan and Richard and Lyle who treated her like a brother – never cared about her appearance.

Daisy envied Xia Xiaolan’s skin. Xia Xiaolan could only advise Daisy to eat less fried food, more vegetables and fruits, and foods like oatmeal, hoping it would help.

“Dietary adjustments require long-term persistence.”

This was opposite to Daisy’s usual eating habits. Asking young people to eat less meat and more vegetables seemed cruel!

But looking at Xia Xiaolan’s clear skin, Daisy decided to give her method a try.

Under this intense pressure, Xia Xiaolan led Richard’s group in completing the main building model for the plaza. Looking at their hard work displayed before them, fat Lyle rubbed his eyes:

“Will Professor McCarthy like it?”

Xia Xiaolan replied seriously: “It doesn’t matter if Professor McCarthy likes it or not. This is our design, and as long as our supporting data is correct and our structural and material choices pass calculation verification, Professor McCarthy must give us an A!”

“That’s right! This time, we can’t let Professor McCarthy’s intimidating presence affect us. Hey, guys, we’re completing a client’s commission!” Richard spoke, though it wasn’t clear if he was truly confident or just trying to convince himself.

Regardless, Professor McCarthy’s class was that afternoon, and they had no time to prepare new assignments.

At lunch that day, even Xia Xiaolan’s appetite was affected. When she and the three others appeared in the cafeteria, they received various concerned greetings… It wasn’t that Xia Xiaolan couldn’t eat, but these greetings seriously disrupted her meal.

In the classroom, she continued receiving concern from classmates. Heidi came to thank her, saying she had bet a week’s living expenses.

“Thank you so much.”

Xia Xiaolan chuckled: “No need to thank me. If you don’t have money for food next week, I’m willing to lend you some to get through. Don’t worry, we’re classmates – I won’t charge you interest.”

Heidi glanced at the model made by Xia Xiaolan’s group, “You’re so cute!”

The Dark Lord would arrive soon, and their abilities would be put to the test. Heidi was mocking Xia Xiaolan’s defiant attitude.

Ning Xue was also examining their group’s model, wondering what kind of building it was supposed to be, as it didn’t quite look like a typical high-rise.

Xia Xiaolan stopped engaging with them. The four-person group encouraged each other with eye contact, ignoring external opinions.

Tap tap tap… tap tap…

The Dark Lord’s walking rhythm seemed a bit quick today.

Who knew if it was the lightness of a good mood, impatience, or perhaps the excited anticipation of tormenting students?

McCarthy pushed open the door and his nose twitched:

“I hear someone made a bet.”

Sure enough, the Dark Lord knew about the wager.

Richard’s trio instinctively shrank their necks – a conditioned reflex from living under the Dark Lord’s authority for so long.

Heidi, however, was full of confidence. “Yes, Professor, we made a professional course wager, betting that the entire study group could get an A grade from you at the end of the term. Of course, the exchange student’s goal is even higher – she wants an A+!”

McCarthy looked at Heidi, then at the other students, especially at Xia Xiaolan who had declared she wanted an A+.

Would Professor McCarthy offer encouragement?

If he were that sweet, he wouldn’t be known as the Dark Lord.

“The whole group getting an A, and someone wanting an A+? I didn’t realize the A’s in my possession had become so worthless. Enough pointless talk – let me check your assignments!”