Jiang Ling held her breath and walked to the wall, gently pressing her ear against it.

As their conversation became clearer, Jiang Ling's eyes widened as she listened, until she could barely cover her mouth to stop herself from screaming.

After a long while, the two voices gradually faded away. Jiang Ling leaned against the wall, panting heavily. Her back was already soaked with sweat, and a lot of her hair was stuck to her face, making her look particularly disheveled.

Jiang Ling tried to calm herself down. She changed her clothes and, trying to appear composed, pushed open the bedroom door.

The red glow of the setting sun bathed everything in a warm yellow light.

As soon as Jiang Ling arrived at Qingzhou Academy, she saw Jiang Suihe come out. From the corners of Jiang Suihe's eyes and brows, Jiang Ling seemed to see something.

Jiang Ling walked silently to Jiang Suihe's side, took Jiang Suihe's hand, and walked towards the inn. The mother and daughter remained silent the whole way.

The inn wasn't far from Qingzhou Academy, and soon the mother and daughter returned to their room.

"Mother...I...I..." Jiang Suihe bit her lip, her expression extremely tense.

Jiang Ling frowned as she looked at Jiang Suihe. Even if she hadn't done well on the exam, she shouldn't have this expression.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Ling asked, looking at Jiang Suihe.

Jiang Suihe hesitated, clutching the hem of her clothes. After a long time, she remained silent. Jiang Ling thought for a moment and handed Jiang Suihe a pen and a piece of paper, then gently tapped the paper without making a sound.

Jiang Suihe understood and immediately picked up a pen and began writing non-stop.

When Jiang Ling saw what Jiang Suihe had finished writing, she immediately showed a panicked expression.