Let's keep an eye on it. If a fire really starts, just make sure it doesn't spread to our house!

From July 7 to July 9, 1979, Hua Country held its third National College Entrance Examination since reinstating the examination system.

Song Ning took the exam for the second time in her life.

For all three days, Gu Zheng accompanied her, taking her to the exam venue and picking her up afterward.

He had everything ready: a hat, a water bottle, a palm-leaf fan, and fruit.

Song Ning did not resist. She accepted all his arrangements and even said sweetly, "Thank you, Cousin!"

Yet hearing that still left Gu Zheng feeling uneasy.

Although she smiled at him, he always felt there was something keeping them apart.

It was like... she was only being polite!

On the afternoon of July 9, she came out after finishing her last exam.

Gu Zheng, Han Xiao, and Yang Qi were all waiting outside the exam venue.

They planned to take Song Ning to the State-Run Restaurant that evening for a proper celebration.

Whatever else might be said, they had all seen how hard she had worked over the past month.

Now that the exams were finally over, it was time for her to relax.

Their operation to round up the suspects had also reached a stopping point, so everyone could get together...

It would also be a chance to grow closer and mend the distance that had crept into their relationship.

Song Ning came out beaming.

It looked as though she had done well.

To their surprise, however, she turned them down.

"Thank you, Cousin! Studying for the exams has worn me out lately! I just want a good night's sleep!"

Gu Zheng could only grumble inwardly. These days, she called him Cousin whether anyone else was around or not! It certainly rolled off her tongue!

Still, he could hardly refuse.

As Gu Zheng