The day after tomorrow, morning.
Qu Yunxuan's living room.
Dong Xuebin and Mom had originally planned to ask Aunt Xuan to go grocery shopping in South City with them, where the vegetables and meat were cheaper. But as soon as they entered, they found Xiao Dong and his mother, Aunt Xu, sitting on the sofa chatting with Aunt Xuan. Mom did not bring it up and instead pulled over a chair to join the conversation. The Dong Family and the Xu family had a poor relationship, especially Dong Xuebin and Xiao Dong, who had never gotten along. But people in the Capital City cared about appearances, so neighbors would usually exchange a few polite pleasantries when they met.
"Xiao Ping, I heard Xiao Bin has been studying lately?"
"Yeah, the National Civil Service Exam is only half a year away. What about your Xiao Dong?"
"He's looked over some books too. As long as the next exam questions aren't too unusual, he'll definitely pass."
"Ah, your son is such a relief. Unlike our Xuebin, whose grades were never very good growing up."
Dong Xuebin gloomily held the chilled can of Coca-Cola Aunt Xuan had handed him and drank without joining their conversation. Ever since the interview ended the day before yesterday, he had known his chances were slim. The chief examiner had a prejudice against him, which meant he had almost no chance of passing. He had been in a bad mood these past two days and had barely spoken.
"Drink slowly." Qu Yunxuan pulled out a napkin and dabbed the Coke from Dong Xuebin's lips. "What are you thinking about?"
Seeing Qu Yunxuan treat Dong Xuebin so well, Xiao Dong's gaze turned venomous.
Dong Xuebin gave an awkward smile. "I was thinking about the exam."
Qu Yunxuan sighed. "Let