I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Chapter 56: Cunning

The Seventh Young Master’s study.

It turns out that exams can be lighthearted and pressure-free—if you’re the proctor.

Having recently endured the monthly exam himself, Zheng Fa stood at the front of the study, experiencing a unique sense of satisfaction. It felt like the tables had turned; the dragon-slaying youth had finally become the oppressor.

Before him were three low tables, with Gao Yuan, the Seventh Young Master, and Little Sister Zheng Shan seated behind them.

Each wore a distinct expression.

Gao Yuan radiated nervous determination, clearly ready to tackle the challenge head-on. The Seventh Young Master, however, was fidgety, glancing around uneasily as if unused to such a setting. Meanwhile, Little Sister Zheng Shan, far from nervous, squirmed in her seat with wide, curious eyes as she took in the unfamiliar study.

Administering this surprise exam wasn’t purely for fun—though it wasn’t entirely devoid of entertainment value.

Since the Madam had tied the Seventh Young Master’s success in entering the Immortal Sect to Zheng Fa’s future, he had no choice but to bolster the Young Master’s knowledge of talismans. With only two months to prepare, a crash course was the only option.

To describe his current study habits? Let’s just say his sleep quality while reading was exceptional.

In Zheng Fa’s eyes, the Seventh Young Master wasn’t stupid, but over a decade of indulgence and laziness had eroded his ability to concentrate. Asking him to buckle down like Gao Yuan was asking too much of the pampered heir.

This exam aimed to make the Young Master confront his own inadequacies, motivating him through shame to strive harder—much like teachers who start a new school term with a sudden, difficult test to jolt students out of vacation mode and remind them of their mediocrity.

Standing by the window, Zheng Fa observed the Seventh Young Master.

The morning sun shone brightly, and the maids had retreated indoors to escape the heat, leaving the courtyard quiet. The Young Master’s expression, however, was even more restless than the weather. He looked around anxiously, the classic look of a struggling student entering an exam room—a blend of dread and resignation.

His eyes flitted to Gao Yuan first, his brow furrowing as he seemed to acknowledge Gao Yuan’s superior preparation, which only heightened his anxiety. Then his gaze landed on Zheng Shan, and his expression brightened significantly.

Zheng Fa could read his thoughts like an open book: No matter how bad I do, I won’t be worse than a six-year-old. At least I’ll rank second among the three.

How naive.

Zheng Fa had deliberately brought Zheng Shan along for this exam to deliver the final blow.

He knew her capabilities well. Among the three, the worst performer was undoubtedly the Seventh Young Master.

Gao Yuan was the best—he had some foundational knowledge and progressed quickly after starting with Elementary Mathematics. He was already tackling more advanced material.

Zheng Shan, though inexperienced, was eager and quick-witted, with a natural curiosity that helped her learn efficiently.

The Seventh Young Master, in contrast, was older, distracted, and entirely unaccustomed to disciplined study. His laziness often made it difficult for him to absorb even basic concepts.

Zheng Fa distributed the test papers and announced, “You have one hour. Begin.”

The three dove into their exams. Gao Yuan and the Seventh Young Master used calligraphy brushes, while Zheng Shan, untrained in formal writing, used a charcoal pencil Zheng Fa had crafted for her.

For a while, the study was silent, save for the sound of Zheng Fa’s soft footsteps as he paced.

But the Seventh Young Master’s focus didn’t last long. After the time it took for one incense stick to burn, Zheng Fa noticed him sneaking glances around.

One look at his test paper revealed the problem:

Good news: He had completed the questions he knew.

Bad news: There weren’t many of those.

Summary: Completely stumped.

The Young Master’s unease was palpable as he eyed his "competitors."

Gao Yuan’s intense concentration clearly unnerved him. Zheng Shan’s furious scribbling, however, shattered what little confidence he had left.

He stared at the vast emptiness on his test paper, as if willing answers to sprout like crops from the ground.

Just as despair deepened on his face, a soft cough drew his attention.

Zheng Fa squinted as he saw Zheng Shan stealthily lift her chubby left hand. To ensure the Young Master could see her answers clearly, she even slid her paper slightly toward him.

To block Zheng Fa’s view, she shifted her tiny frame to one side, leaning her entire body to the left in an exaggerated gesture of innocence.

Zheng Fa shook his head, amused. Ever since the incident with Wang Gui, Zheng Shan had developed a fondness for the Young Master, and now she was trying to help him cheat.

The Seventh Young Master gawked at her actions, his face a storm of conflict. Zheng Fa could almost hear the dilemma raging in his mind: What’s worse—losing to a six-year-old, or cheating off a six-year-old?

After a while, the Young Master’s head tilted ever so slightly, his peripheral vision likely scanning Zheng Shan’s answers.

Zheng Fa didn’t expose their antics, instead offering the Seventh Young Master a pitying smile.

...

Predictably, the results were a disaster. The Young Master learned that the true worst-case scenario wasn’t merely copying from a six-year-old—it was copying and still losing to her.

Watching the Young Master slump in defeat, his face a picture of despair, Zheng Fa gestured for Gao Yuan and Zheng Shan to leave. Once they were gone, he sat beside the Young Master.

“Am I stupid, Zheng Fa?” the Young Master asked suddenly.

“You’re very smart,” Zheng Fa replied honestly. To him, the problem wasn’t intelligence.

After a brief reassurance, Zheng Fa began his sales pitch. “You just need a better learning method.”

The Young Master, unconvinced, muttered, “I couldn’t even beat your six-year-old sister. How can I ever master talismans?”

“Actually, I have a secret technique. It doesn’t require learning math and can still improve your skills.”

“Another secret technique? I probably can’t learn it. I’m not interested,” the Young Master replied sulkily.

“This one is just for you. No one else will learn it.”

“Really?” His eyes lit up.

“Absolutely. They wouldn’t understand it anyway—it’s talisman-specific.” Zheng Fa’s tone was gentle and encouraging.

Hearing this, the Young Master’s bruised ego began to heal. “Is it easy to learn?”

“Very easy. With just two months of my special training, your talisman skills will improve dramatically!”

“No math?”

“Guaranteed!”

“Alright, I’ll do it! I knew you cared about me the most, Zheng Fa!” Enthusiastic once more, the Young Master asked, “What’s this technique called?”

“Sea of Problems—oh, I mean, Sea of Diagrams.”

“Sea of what?” Confused, the Young Master muttered, “I’ve only ever heard of the sea of suffering…”

Zheng Fa paused before nodding. “Young Master, your understanding is remarkable despite the misheard name!”

“That doesn’t sound like a compliment.” The Young Master squinted at him suspiciously. “Are you plotting something after being scared by my mother?”

“Of course not! This is my ultimate method, just for you!” Zheng Fa declared confidently.

Truly, no one knows their child better than a mother.

The Seventh Young Master, for all his faults, could be unexpectedly sharp at the most inconvenient times.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!