Seventeen shadow guards rushed to protect Su Lang. However, many of them were incapacitated, having been poisoned alongside him, leaving only seven fit to fight.

The attacking adversaries numbered over twenty. Though individually weaker than the shadow guards, their numerical advantage posed a significant threat, leading to a fierce clash and heavy casualties on Su Lang’s side.

The chaos of the battle sent guests fleeing in all directions. Amidst the turmoil, Yang Jingwan, unable to move swiftly, was suddenly enveloped by a strong arm pulling her to safety.

“How did I do?” asked a familiar voice.

“Are you asking about in the room or at the wedding?” Yang Jingwan retorted.

“I’m talking about the wedding, of course.”

“Well, in that case, it was decent, meeting my expectations.”

The remark unsettled Yang Jingwan, implying dissatisfaction in other areas.

“I… I lack experience. As I gain more, I’m sure I’ll satisfy you,” she admitted shyly, her voice barely above a whisper. Yet, Wang Haoran’s sharp hearing caught every word.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Wang Haoran replied with a smile.

Yang Jingwan blushed deeply, lowering her head, momentarily speechless.

…

In the days that followed, the wedding’s chaos receded. Tragically, Su Lang perished in the conflict, along with his loyal subordinates. Thus ended the era of the notorious War God.

Wang Haoran, returning to school, turned his attention back to his studies. The blackboard ominously displayed: “12 days until the college entrance exam.”

Having expended considerable effort on the War God incident, Wang Haoran had taken numerous leaves. With the exam looming, he devoted himself to his studies. Though Wang Xiang and Zhen Li could pull strings to secure his admission to Qingling University, Wang Haoran preferred to gain entry on merit, avoiding the embarrassment of using a backdoor route.

Striving for perfection as a villain, Wang Haoran naturally chose the direct path. The following days saw him intensely reviewing his coursework.

The college entrance exams came swiftly. The two testing days passed in a blur. Exiting the exam hall after the final English test, Wang Haoran exuded confidence—freedom at last.

During the subsequent break, he awaited his results. Unthreatened by the protagonist Fang Heng and his money-making ventures, Wang Haoran embraced a leisurely lifestyle, indulging in nightly revelries.

Yet, he discovered a dangerous complacency growing within him, as he envisioned a peaceful life with the female leads by his side. Remembering his nature as a villain, he dismissed such idyllic thoughts, realizing that he couldn’t afford to relax.

…

Half a month elapsed, and the results were announced. Wang Haoran achieved 691 points, a score sufficient for admission to any university in Yan Country.

Upon learning of Wang Haoran’s impressive results, Wang Xiang and Zhen Li ordered a Bugatti Veyron as a congratulatory gift. However, the luxury car’s delivery would take time, leaving Wang Haoran without it for now.

In addition to the supercar, Wang Haoran received another reward: a villa valued at 50 million near Qingling University, courtesy of Tang Bingyun. This affluent figure, not one to skimp on generosity, aimed to express her appreciation for Wang Haoran’s academic excellence.

A few days later, students began filling their college applications. Some had clear choices, while others, like Xu Muyan, remained undecided.

Xu Muyan, glancing over at her deskmate Wen Jing’s completed application, was taken aback.

“Jingjing, you barely meet the admission threshold for Qingling University. Aren’t you worried about not getting in? You might have to settle for a second-tier university!” Xu Muyan cautioned.

“I’m not worried. I’ll give it a try and see what happens,” Wen Jing replied nonchalantly.

“You’re so carefree…” Xu Muyan remarked.

“Hehe,” giggled Wen Jing, hiding the fact that someone had assured her entrance at Qingling University despite her borderline score.

“Yanyan, have you decided yet?” Wen Jing asked Xu Muyan.

“No, not yet,” Xu Muyan replied, showing her apprehension.

“With 689 points, you should aim for a top school in the capital. What’s there to hesitate about?” Wen Jing queried.

“It’s too far…” Xu Muyan murmured, before whispering, “Jingjing, can you discreetly find out which school Wang Haoran is applying to? I’d like to use that as a reference.”

“Oh…” Wen Jing immediately grasped Xu Muyan’s dilemma.

After a moment of ‘oh’, Xu Muyan urged, “Check for me, will you? But don’t mention that I asked.”

“Okay, I’ll handle it,” Wen Jing agreed, heading over to Wang Haoran’s desk.

Ignoring Xu Muyan’s request for discretion, Wen Jing directly asked, “Yanyan wants to know which school you’re applying for. What should I tell her?”

“Be honest. Let her make her own decision,” Wang Haoran shrugged, content with the ample attention he was getting from other female leads and having made no real progress with Xu Muyan.

Wen Jing nodded and relayed the information back.

“Why Qingling University with such a good score…” Xu Muyan was baffled.

“Maybe he thinks the capital is too far,” Wen Jing suggested casually, then asked, “What will you do now?”

“I…” Xu Muyan hesitated.

Though she yearned to attend a prestigious school in the capital, in pursuit of her dreams, Wang Haoran’s choice complicated matters. Moving to the capital meant she and he would drift apart…