章 113: Family Tensions and Hidden Agendas

The cacophony of teenage voices filled the school cafeteria as Feng Ruoxi and her best friend, Xia Xingxing, huddled over their lunch trays. The air was thick with anxiety, the looming college entrance exams casting a long shadow over the students' conversations.

"I have to pass," Xingxing declared, her eyes shining with determination. "I want to go to college, study medicine, and get a big house for my mother."

Ruoxi smiled warmly at her friend's ambition. "Then we should study hard, right?"

Their discussion about study arrangements was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a young man who casually sat down next to them, his tray of food in hand. The cafeteria erupted in hushed whispers.

Ruoxi's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"

Jiang Bin, known throughout the school as both the smartest and most handsome student, flashed a charming smile. "I'd like to study with you two for the exams if you don't mind."