Chapter 445

Emily Blair clicked her tongue in annoyance. Tristan Davis approached with a scowl. “What’s with that look? I’m giving you a ride to the exam and you’re still not happy?”
She wagged a finger in his direction. “You’re seeing things. I’m fine.”
Tristan kept pace beside her, eyeing her expression closely before finally muttering, “Whatever. You’ve got the entrance exam today, so I’ll let it slide.”
Emily had already scoped out the campus the day before and knew the route well. She led Tristan onto the subway, and they arrived at the university in no time.
Though it was still early, the subway was already crowded with students, all up early for the big day. Emily had to look around for a bit before she found a carriage with a few empty seats.
She settled onto a bench and began double-checking everything in her pencil case, making sure she had everything she needed.
Tristan sat next to her with his arms crossed, throwing her a sideways glance. “Give it a rest, will you? That’s the third time you’ve checked, and everything’s there.”
Ignoring him, Emily finished her checklist before finally looking up.
Tristan leaned in, his striking eyes fixed on her. “Emily, I’m surprised. Usually you act so tough, but even you get nervous for the entrance exam?”
She shot him a glare and smacked his head lightly with her pencil case. “Back off. Don’t sit so close.”
Tristan yelped, rubbing the spot where she hit him. “Hey, I’m just trying to be supportive! And seriously, do you have to hit me every time?”
Emily scoffed and folded her arms. “Please. Even if your granddad were stressed, I wouldn’t be.”
Her past experience had left her with some baggage, which was why she checked things obsessively. But when it came to the entrance exam itself, she was confident absolutely sure of herself.
Tristan just laughed. “You know, my granddad might actually be nervous right now.”
She shot him a look. “You’re ridiculous. And stop making a scene—I don’t like people staring.”
Ever since they’d boarded the subway, other passengers kept sneaking glances at them, eyes lingering on her and Tristan. After his outburst, the stares became less subtle.
Tristan just grinned, arms still folded. “What can I say? It’s not my fault I’m this good- looking.”
Emily rolled her eyes and edged further away from him.
He grabbed the sleeve of her jacket. “What, you disagree?”
She replied dryly, “Sure, whatever you say. Now let go.”
She brushed his hand off and scooted even farther away.
A faint smile tugged at Tristan’s lips, but when he glanced at the passengers who’d been staring, his expression cooled. The onlookers quickly dropped their gazes.
By the time they reached the exam center, the gates were flooded with students and parents.
At the entrance, Emily turned to him. “Alright, I’m heading in. You should get going.” “Sure.”
Suddenly, Tristan reached out and ruffled her hair, completely messing up her carefully styled look.
Before she could protest, he pulled his hand back and chuckled. “Don’t be mad. I’m giving you a bit of my genius luck. Everyone I pat on the head aces their exams, you know.”
A few students and parents nearby glanced over, surprised and a little dazzled by the scene.
Emily’s brow twitched. She wanted to snap at him, but today of all days, she needed to stay calm and collected.
So she just muttered, “Go away.”
She turned toward the doors, only for Tristan to grab her arm one last time.