No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

While Noelle was still in a daze, Alfred's excited shout rang beside her.

"Holy crap, Nelly, your results were hidden! Amazing, congratulations in advance!"

Noelle's mind went blank for a moment. She instinctively turned to Cedric beside her. "Does that mean I did really well?"

"Really well? You did exceptionally well!" Cedric replied.

Alfred quickly snapped a photo and prepared to post it on social media. "A girl I know just had her exam results hidden! Everyone, drop whatever you're doing and join me in congratulating this hardworking genius!" Cedric smiled faintly. "Congratulations."

His expression was calm, almost as if he had expected nothing less from Noelle's results.

Upon hearing his praise, Noelle finally broke into a wide, bright smile. It was only then that she truly understood what getting her results blocked meant.

She had really done it. Yole University was certainly within reach!

Unable to contain herself, Noelle jumped up, joining Alfred in excited shouts. Then, she turned to hug Cedric tightly, her cheeks flushed as she exclaimed, "I did it!"

Cedric's body stiffened, but his gaze remained as gentle as ever. "Yes, you did."

Noelle suddenly lowered her head, letting go of him casually and turning to look for Alfred instead. She hoped her earlier actions hadn't caught Cedric's attention.

To her, that brief hug was already enough. In her darkest, most desperate times, he had appeared by her side like a guiding light on a stormy night.

Cedric watched her as she playfully bickered with Alfred, a hint of a relieved smile crossing his face. It was a peculiar feeling, as though the little sapling he'd carefully nurtured had finally grown up.

Not long after, Noelle received a call from her homeroom teacher. "Noelle, we've seen your results here at school. Congratulations, you're the top scorer in the entire city!"

"Top scorer? Really?"

"Really! Although the scores haven't

been officially released, we can see

them internally. Your implent

innoveldrama

this time has truly amazed us all. Congratulations!"

Noelle couldn't stop smiling at this news. When she looked up, she saw Cedric walking over with a cake..At that moment, she realized that this was her happiest since her rebirth.

en

"Noelle, come to school tomorrow. We'll discuss your preferred major, and the school wants to make a promotional poster for you." "Alright."

After ending the call, Noelle glanced at the cake. The words 'Top of Honor Roll' were written on it.

She smiled softly. "When did you prepare this?"

"This morning. I had someone deliver it ahead of time," Cedric replied, placing the cake before her and carefully putting a party hat on her.

The two were very close. Standing before him, Noelle suddenly realized just how tall Cedric was. From her angle, all she could see were his shirt buttons.

His fingers brushed against her hair, and his Adam's apple bobbed a few times involuntarily.

Cedric awkwardly stepped back, his expression slightly unnatural. "All set."

Alfred lit the candle in the center of the cake and said, "Make a wish and blow out the candle!"

After looking at the cake, Noelle

closed her eyes. To her surprise, the first image that popped into her mind was Cedric. She couldn't help but make an impossible wish. When she opened her eyes, she quietly blew out the candle.

Cedric's voice was deep and steady. "Congratulations on the start of your new life."

Alfred leaned in with a teasing grin. "Let's do a little interview. What wish did you just make, Nelly?"

Feeling a little embarrassed, Noelle coughed lightly and replied, "Wishes don't come true if you say them out loud."