'One had to wonder if Gong Yuanxiu would still be smiling when the top scorer's name was announced.'
But whether or not he could maintain his smile later, Gong Yuanxiu was beaming right now, the very picture of self-satisfaction.
Just then, a constable cried out in delight, "Found it! The exam from the South Examination Hall, Earth-character section, number three hundred seventy-nine."
Gong Yuanxiu hurried forward, his movements so nimble they were a world apart from the man moments ago who was drenched in sweat and seemed to struggle with every step.
"Let me, let me. This is our new top scorer's exam paper. I will unseal it myself."
Gong Yuanxiu eagerly took the paper and went to a nearby desk. At this point, a few other magistrates, also curious about the top scorer's identity, gathered around.
