Her parents froze.
Gu Jin looked at them, her lips curving into a small smile. "Because I ranked first."
Silence filled the room for a second.
Then—
"What?! FIRST?!" Mrs. Gu practically shouted.
Mr. Gu blinked. "Did you just say… first place?"
Gu Jin nodded. "Yes."
For a moment, they just stared at her. Then, the entire family exploded with joy.
Mrs. Gu grabbed Gu Jin's hands, her eyes sparkling. "My daughter is a genius! I knew it!"
Mr. Gu laughed heartily. "That's my girl! You made us proud, Jin'er!"
Gu Jihu clapped his hands. "I knew you'd win!"
Gu Jichun beamed. "I told you she'd pass!"
Mrs. Gu pulled Gu Jin into a tight hug. "We must celebrate! I'll call the chef to prepare a feast!"
Mr. Gu grinned. "I'll inform our friends! They should all know that my daughter is the top alchemist of her generation!"
Gu Jin chuckled softly as she watched her family celebrate.
"Should we go for a celebration banquet?" Gu Jichun proposed.
Gu Jin shook her head,
