Chapter 127: The High School Entrance Examination

That evening, Dong Zhijun announced his final decision to the senior management: they would continue to nurture the Morning Star duo, striving to turn them into province-wide basketball stars within three years.

This was no simple task. It meant that for a long time to come, Qianyang would pour a massive amount of resources into them.

When Fang Ping received the news, she was thrilled. She had more confidence in those two young lads than anyone else.

Meanwhile, Ming Han and Yuhang were accompanying Daxu in his cozy sanctuary: the Changxiang Internet Cafe.

With less than a month left before the high school entrance exams, the "Jinhua Trio" had come to the cafe to blow off some steam. If their homeroom teacher knew, he would likely be so infuriated he’d cough up a bucket of blood.

Watching his two brothers join him in conquering the virtual dungeons, Daxu wore a satisfied grin. "You two just don't pull all-nighters enough, and you don't smoke enough either, which is why your tolerance is so pathetic. A tiny storm on the internet and you're already acting all timid?"

Ming Han and Yuhang had snuck out of evening study hall precisely because they couldn't stand the relentless bombardment of attention they were receiving.

Just after Ming Han stepped out of the restroom, a girl sprinted toward him. "Ming Han, I support you!"

Ming Han, still relishing the relief of having just finished his business, was instantly bewildered. "Uh... thanks!"

As soon as Ming Han sat down in the study hall, a crowd gathered outside the classroom, pointing and whispering at him.

One boy, dressed quite flamboyantly, was even holding a sign that read: "Han-Han, I’ll love you for ten thousand years."

He was also gesturing with heart shapes...

In that moment, Ming Han felt his scalp go numb.

Ten minutes before the end of the first study hall session, Ming Han dragged Yuhang straight to the internet cafe.

Let us lose ourselves in the virtual world!

After two hours of running dungeons with Daxu, Ming Han felt his head throbbing, but his spirit was much more relaxed.

The internet is another world, a place where you can be uninhibited and treat yourself as the most powerful master of all.

"Ming Han, you're just avoiding reality!"

Ming Han shrugged. "I reckon things are a mess over at Fang's end. Whether I can even continue to work there is a question now."

Ming Han knew he was still under contract. The harshest punishment the company could deal him was to put him on the shelf.

Deep down, Ming Han didn't really care. The money Su Yan had given him was enough to last him a while, and this lifestyle was truly exhausting.

"It's just, Yuhang, I might be dragging you down with me this time."

Yuhang laughed. "Haha! Anyway, I’ve already paid back the money I borrowed for my grandfather's medical bills. It doesn't matter! Besides, watching you beat the living daylights out of Zhuang Tonghe was so satisfying!"

Yuhang pulled out his MP4 player. "If I don't watch the video of Zhuang Tonghe getting his comeuppance a few times at night, I can't even sleep."

They had both prepared for the worst.

Just then, Fang Ping called Yuhang...

Fang Ping told Yuhang about the company's decision, adding that they would be given the next month off to focus entirely on preparing for the high school entrance exams.

"Yuhang, this is just a small interlude in your journey of growth. Don't take it too much to heart."

Yuhang laughed. "Sister Fang, I'm very happy that the company hasn't given up on our duo. Since the company has such great confidence in us, we certainly won't let them down."

Fang Ping sometimes truly admired Yuhang's ability to handle people and situations; he was remarkably mature. In this regard, even Ming Han couldn't compare. As partners, their personalities and approaches seemed like a match made in heaven.

After hanging up, Yuhang told Ming Han the news.

Ming Han didn't seem particularly excited. "I'd already decided to spend the summer break after the exams fighting dungeons with Daxu."

Daxu nodded like a chick pecking at grain. "Yuhang, your news has effectively snuffed out a future e-sports genius."

Yuhang scoffed. "What's the use of an e-sports genius? Can it make money?"

Back then, the most famous ID in the game was a Berserker named "Xuxu Baobao," but he hadn't made any profit from the game at all.

It was an era before Douyu, Huya, or any of the full-time streamers!

Daxu glanced at Yuhang. "How vulgar, only caring about money. Can you not sully my great gaming career with your evil money, please?"

Watching Daxu's high-and-mighty act, Yuhang really wanted to punch him. Just last night, because he didn't have money for internet fees, this guy had shouted without a shred of dignity, "Big brother, Daddy, lend me some money!"

And now he was saying money was evil? Heh...

June, the nightmare season for students nationwide.

Early June, the college entrance exams!

Ming Han and the others had benefited from this and were given time off.

The night before the college exams, Ming Han sent his best wishes to Su Lei.

"May the spring breeze carry my blessings...
May the summer sun ignite my wishes...
Wishing Senior Su Lei a top-tier result!"

It must be said, Ming Han's text message had that classic "Space-style" format of the time, a precursor to the "WeChat-style" messages of later years.

Three minutes later, Su Lei replied with an emoticon—a round face with cold sweat—along with two words: "Too cringe!"

Ming Han felt a pang of heartache. Can you give me a little respect? I spent a long time thinking of those parallel structures...

Of course, there was really nothing to worry about when it came to Su Lei. Her academic scores had never dipped below the first-tier simulation line, and with her arts scores added on top, placing in the top twenty in the province wouldn't be a problem.

After the exams, Su Lei packed her bags and happily set off on a trip.

"Little Junior, keep it up!" This was the text message Su Lei sent to Ming Han.

Ming Han was unsatisfied. That was way too perfunctory! No metaphors, no personification, no parallel structure?

June 24th, the night before the high school entrance exams!

Chen Li was still silently reciting classical Chinese, looking very nervous.

Given Chen Li's family background, getting into the City No. 1 High School through the back door wouldn't be hard. But Chen Li wanted to work hard and get in alongside that boy.

Ming Han joked, "Chen Li, do you want me to skip the last math problem so we end up with similar scores?"

That would indeed be very romantic, just like in a novel.

The girl would cry in the corner, "I'm sorry, I didn't do well and can't go to the same school as you."

The boy would affectionately ruffle her hair and say, "Silly girl, I didn't do the last few math problems either."

Daxu, seeing Ming Han romanticizing the situation, blurted out, "And then Chen Li gets into City No. 1 High, while you stay at Jinhua to spend a wonderful high school career with me."

Yeah! That was definitely a possibility.

Thinking about the prospect of accidentally spending another three years as classmates with a weirdo like Daxu, Ming Han felt a chill run down his spine.

"How terrifying!"

But then, realizing he wouldn't have anyone by his side to brag to or complain with, Ming Han felt like something would be missing.

Daxu was still his reckless self, talking about how he was going to stay behind to inherit the seniors of the high school division.

Chen Li sensed Ming Han's sorrow, stood on her tiptoes, and whispered in his ear, "Ming Han, I'll be there!"

"Yeah! Good luck."

It was a touching conversation, just like in a teen drama.

Daxu glanced over. "Ming Han, the seniors at City No. 1 High are yours to inherit."

The entire atmosphere was instantly shattered...

Chen Li turned and walked away.