NOVEL WEB Chapter 37 - Shaoyang, How Do You Feel About Your Exam Results?
Chapter 37: Shaoyang, How Do You Feel About Your Exam Results?
“Xiao Ma! I brought the medicine back,” Cao Shaoyang announced as he entered.
“Wait a moment, I’ll be right there,” Xiao Ma’s voice called from the bedroom. Moments later, she emerged, her hair damp and wrapped in a towel, wearing a strappy nightdress.
She extended her fair hand toward him. “Give me the medicine.”
Cao Shaoyang pulled the packet of Minting out of his school uniform pocket but didn’t hand it over immediately. Just as Xiao Ma reached for it, he withdrew his hand.
Before she could get angry, he quickly said, “Xiao Ma, I did buy the medicine, but I won’t let you take it. Forget about the saying ‘medicine is three parts poison’ or whether you might get pregnant. Even if you did get pregnant, wouldn’t we just keep the baby? I’d actually love for Xiaoma to give me a little baby!”
“What nonsense are you spouting!” Xiao Ma’s tone grew stern. “Do you know what it would mean if I got pregnant? Are you ready to be a father?”
“No, you’re not. You’re still a child at heart, thinking this is some exciting adventure. Xiaoma won’t allow you to behave recklessly like this.”
“Be good! Give me the medicine and don’t make me angry.”
Cao Shaoyang fell silent as her words sank in. Lately, everything had been going so smoothly for him—women outside would bend to his whims, giving and taking as he pleased. His success in “training” someone like Xin Chun Jiao had probably inflated his ego.
Even though he was confident Xiao Ma wouldn’t get pregnant and knew she’d gain some benefits from his system’s methods, Xiao Ma didn’t know that. Worse, he hadn’t considered the anxiety she might feel.
He realized he’d been living in a fantasy of his own making, failing to acknowledge Xiao Ma’s fears and autonomy. She wasn’t a puppet in his imagined perfect world—she had her own thoughts and concerns. Assuming he could make decisions for her was unfair and hurtful, possibly driving her away.
Having thought this through, Cao Shaoyang didn’t hesitate to bow his head and admit his mistake. “Xiao Ma, I’m sorry. I acted selfishly and didn’t consider your feelings. What I did last night and now was wrong. I’m sorry, Xiao Ma.”
Hearing his apology, Xiao Ma’s expression softened, and she gently patted his head. “Shaoyang, the fact that you can reflect on your actions and admit your mistakes is what matters most.”
“Xiao Ma accepts your apology. This is how my Shaoyang should behave—recognizing and correcting his mistakes.”
“Now, hand over the medicine.”
Cao Shaoyang obediently passed the medicine to her and even handed her a glass of water like a dutiful helper.
After swallowing the medicine with water, Xiao Ma placed the empty glass back in his hand. She instinctively patted her abdomen, a relieved smile spreading across her face. “And next time, don’t use such a lame excuse like forgetting to buy it. Xiao Ma sees right through your little schemes.”
Cao Shaoyang looked up, surprised. “Xiao Ma, so you knew all along? Then why last night.”
He didn’t finish, but the meaning was clear, and Xiao Ma understood.
She hugged him gently. “You’re wondering why I didn’t stop you last night and let you have your way, right?”
“Mm.” Cao Shaoyang nodded, confirming it.
Xiao Ma smiled indulgently. “Think about how excited you were last night. You were practically ready to devour Xiao Ma. How could I bear to refuse you?”
Cao Shaoyang fell silent. Then, softly, he said, “Xiao Ma, you’re the best.”
“Hehe! If you know Xiao Ma is good, then you better behave and listen. Don’t pull a stunt like this again, okay?”
“Absolutely, Xiao Ma!” Cao Shaoyang nodded firmly.
“Alright, I’m done talking. Xiao Ma needs to sleep now. I have no idea where you get all that energy from.”
“Now that your exams are over, Xiao Ma can finally relax. But after how much you wore me out today, I don’t even have the strength to cook. On your way to school, buy something to eat for yourself, alright?”
“Huh? Xiao Ma, you’re going to sleep? But sleeping on an empty stomach isn’t good for you. Don’t we still have oatmeal at home? Eat a little something before you rest.”
“I know, I won’t let myself go hungry. Don’t worry about me.”
“And hurry up and wash up. Didn’t your school say you’re supposed to go at 9 to check your answers and calculate your scores? It’s already past 8—don’t waste time.”
—
“Wow, this is delicious!”
For some reason, the snacks near the school gate always tasted better than those from other places.
At a stall run by a pancake vendor near the gate, Cao Shaoyang spent eight yuan on a jianbing guozi with two sausages and an egg. With one bite, the crispiness of the fried dough and the sweetness of the sauce filled his entire palate.
By the time he walked into the classroom, he was still savoring the memory of the jianbing guozi that he had devoured in just a few bites.
He wondered if the pancake vendor would still be there after he finished checking his answers.
Probably not. Once the wave of students passed, these stalls usually moved to busier areas. They’d only reappear after school let out, but by then, he’d definitely be gone from school.
“Shaoyang! How do you think you did on the exam?”