A Dire Revenge

Chapter 18

Tang Lin's days had become a meticulous juggling act, a delicate balance between her professional obligations and the unyielding pursuit of academic excellence. Mornings ushered her into the bustling routine of the office, the click-clack of keyboards accompanying her as she delved into her tasks with unwavering focus.

As twilight descended, Tang Lin's transition from the office to her academic endeavors was seamless. Her evenings transformed her home into a sanctuary of learning, the fragrance of brewing tea mingling with the anticipation of a night's intellectual pursuit. Amongst the textbooks and notes strewn across her study table, a comically oversized mug stood, adorned with the words "Coffee: Survival Juice," adding a touch of whimsy to the serious ambiance.

The examination's approaching shadow acted as a catalyst, intensifying her dedication. The nights became a battleground for her ambitions, the glow of a lamp illuminating her fervent study sessions. Amidst the labyrinth of scholarship applications and challenging concepts, Tang Lin found solace in brief moments of levity. A Bluetooth speaker softly played soothing melodies, punctuating the silence and offering respite from the weighty academic atmosphere.

On the eve of the examination, as Tang Lin immersed herself in the world of academia, occasional whimsical scenarios flitted through her mind. A mental image of sneaking a snack into the examination hall or accidentally toppling a stack of papers while submitting her script brought a fleeting smile to her lips amid the intense concentration.

With the first light of dawn breaking through her window, Tang Lin found herself roused from a few hours of restless sleep. Determination gleamed in her eyes, tinged with a trace of weariness. Her morning routine, usually a tranquil affair, now held an air of quiet intensity, yet she found moments to infuse it with a touch of light-heartedness.

As she fortified herself with breakfast, she chuckled softly at the absurdity of her comically oversized mug. It offered a brief moment of levity, a reminder to not let the gravity of the impending examination overshadow the joy in simple things.

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**Fudan University - Examination Day**

The atmosphere in the sprawling examination hall at Fudan University was charged with the anticipatory buzz of students diligently poring over their notes. Tang Lin, determined and focused, strode into the hall, exuding an air of casual confidence. Her attire, a comfortable yet stylish ensemble of loose trousers and an oversized top, was complemented by the nonchalant elegance of a braided hairstyle.

As she entered, the rhythmic hum of students engrossed in last-minute revision faded into a sudden silence. The attention of the entire hall seemed to gravitate towards Tang Lin, her tote bag slung over her shoulder, containing a carefully curated selection of books. Despite the sudden scrutiny, she carried herself with an air of indifference and purpose, making her way to an empty seat.

Whispers bubbled like a murmuring brook among a group of girls who had taken notice of Tang Lin's arrival. One of them, with an air of disdain, remarked, "Does she even belong here? She looks out of place." Another, more audibly critical, added, "Her outfit is utterly gauche, and those sneakers are rather frugal. Is she trying to make a statement?" Their unkind words seemed to echo in the hall, followed by stifled laughter that spread like wildfire among the students.

The invigilator, a stalwart figure amidst the chaos, called for order, demanding the removal of unauthorized items as the examination was about to commence. The room finally settled into an eerie silence as the four subjects—Mathematics, English, Science, and Chinese Language—loomed over the students, their weight palpable in the charged air.

Amidst the intensity of the examination, pens scratched feverishly against paper, and nervous glances darted between the questions and the clock. Tang Lin, however, approached her paper with an air of serene determination. Her focused gaze scanned the questions before confidently marking her answers, her pen gliding across the page with purpose.

Surprisingly, halfway through the allocated time, Tang Lin calmly rose from her seat, an act that drew perplexed stares from her fellow test-takers. The invigilator's attempt to restore order was futile as whispers and speculations followed Tang Lin's swift departure from the examination hall. Retrieving her bag, she swiftly exited the premises, leaving a wake of curious gazes and muttered questions in her wake.

The subsequent hours in the hall were fraught with a mixture of frantic scribbling and anxious contemplation. When the invigilator emerged with the examination scripts in hand, a wave of relief and disappointment washed over the students. Many had struggled to complete the test within the allotted time frame, their expressions ranging from frustration to resignation.

In the midst of the post-examination chaos, a voice piped up, breaking through the collective murmurs, "What about that girl who left early?" Laughter erupted anew, mingled with assumptions and jests about Tang Lin's sudden exit. The speculation buzzed through the dispersing crowd, the enigmatic departure of Tang Lin becoming the subject of intrigued conversations and lively debates.

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