Chapter 154: Chen Li Has Changed

Lin Zhengming never expected that he would take a hit during his very first encounter with Ming Han.

Originally, he had wanted to make a dazzling entrance, letting Ming Han know just how influential and beloved he was in the school. Instead, he had almost ended up saddled with the reputation of someone who looked down on the impoverished.

Especially that guy named Wang Zhimin, who was simply unbearable. Sniffling and weeping as if he were too poor to afford a single meal. Yet, upon later inquiry, his family turned out to be a famously wealthy aquaculture tycoon, outrageously rich.

Although he hadn't managed to put Ming Han in his place, as the vice president of the student council, he was not in a hurry. There would be plenty of time in the future; he certainly wouldn't let Ming Han breeze through high school in peace.

This world was ruled by the rich—it had been that way since ancient times!

Right now, the most important task was to capture Chen Li's heart. Cultivating a relationship had been difficult when they were at different schools, but now that they were senior and junior schoolmates, many things would be much easier to handle.

Though his hair was a bit sparse, he was a man of substance. A girl with such refined taste as Chen Li would definitely appreciate his charm.

Whenever he had free time, he could drop by Class 2 of the freshman year, invite Chen Li to a musical, go for a round of golf, or soak in a hot spring. Their relationship would naturally heat up.

He was aware of the close relationship between Chen Li and Ming Han. But when they were in middle school, Chen Li had still been young and naive, easily fooled by Ming Han's handsome appearance. Lin Zhengming believed that as Chen Li matured, she would surely realize that looks were fleeting clouds. Only someone like him, who could appreciate the moon and compose poetry, was truly a high-quality boyfriend.

During evening self-study that day, he arrived at Chen Li's classroom, ready to chat with her about life and aspirations.

The sudden appearance of the vice president in Class 2 of the freshman year made everyone in the class feel immensely honored.

The class monitor hurried out to greet him, "Greetings, Mr. Vice President. Are there any major activities you need to assign to our class?"

Lin Zhengming’s lackeys glanced sideways at the monitor. Heh! Calling him simply "President" right away; quite a smart one!

With his hands behind his back, Lin Zhengming paced slowly. "Your class performed quite well during this military training. Highly commendable."

The monitor nodded excitedly, "It's all thanks to the President's strict supervision."

Heh! What a bootlicker. Although the student council was responsible for the evaluations, Lin Zhengming, as the vice president, hadn't set foot on the sports ground even once.

"Well... I'm looking for that girl in your class named Chen Li."

The Class 2 monitor understood instantly! Although the freshman year had just begun, the top beauties of each class were already renowned. Chen Li, Deng Qingqing, Shangguan Yun'er...

So the vice president was making a move to pursue Chen Li! Even though Vice President Lin's hair was a bit thin, he still looked presentable enough. The main point was that his family was wealthy. Winning over a girl would be effortless.

"Chen Li is a great girl," the monitor praised, "though rumor has it she's very close to Ming Han from Class 8."

Lin Zhengming didn't care. What qualifications did someone whose family ran a restaurant have to pursue Chen Li?

"They're just ordinary friends," Lin Zhengming said, not wanting others to think Chen Li was already taken.

The monitor nodded, "I figured as much! Aside from being handsome, excelling in his studies, playing basketball well, and making a name for himself at a young age... what other merits does Ming Han possibly have?"

The Class 2 monitor rattled off dozens of Ming Han's merits in one breath, concluding with "what other merits?", making Lin Zhengming suddenly feel like the monitor was an undercover agent sent by Ming Han.

After the monitor went inside and called Chen Li out, Chen Li did not appear overly excited upon seeing Lin Zhengming; she merely offered a polite smile and a nod.

Lin Zhengming's heart shattered instantly! That bastard Ming Han had definitely brainwashed his dear Chen Li. In the past, Chen Li used to call him Big Brother Zhengming. Back then, she was five and he was six—such beautiful, innocent times! Every time they played house, she would always insist on playing the daughter, while he was her most loyal and adorable big yellow dog!

"Xiao Li, long time no see. You've lost weight!" This was the opening line Lin Zhengming had brewed for a long time, mixed with a hint of heartache amidst his concern.

Chen Li smiled, as vibrant as a flower, "Big Brother Zhengming, you've gained weight." With that, she stared blankly at Lin Zhengming's hair for a moment, and added, "You seem even more overworked than before."

Heh! What a tactful way to put it. Chen Li, you've definitely been contaminated by that kid Ming Han; your speaking style is identical to his.

"Xiao Li, you must be exhausted from this week of military training?" Lin Zhengming wanted to divert Chen Li's attention away from his hair. "After it ends, I'll take you out for a grand feast."

Chen Li nodded, "Alright!"

Haha! He was one step closer to success. Lin Zhengming had everything planned out: a romantic candlelit dinner, an elegant ambiance, soothing violin melodies, delicious steaks, coupled with a touch of red wine—perfect!

"Let's go eat barbecue. I want to eat kidney," Chen Li said.

Hearing those words felt like a bolt from the blue to Lin Zhengming. Oh no, this wasn't the elegant and noble Chen Li he knew. What on earth were barbecue and kidneys? Was that something people of their status ate? How utterly disgusting!

Ming Han, we cannot coexist under the same sky. What have you turned my dear Xiao Li into? My heart truly aches!

"Big Brother Zhengming, kidneys are really delicious. And according to Ming Han, eating kidneys can make your hair grow thicker," Chen Li said, looking at that moment like a devoted little disciple of Ming Han.

Lin Zhengming's heart grew heavy and tired. He told Chen Li, "I'm a bit tired today, let's chat another day!"

He turned away sorrowfully, walking at a slow pace, his entire being seemingly drained of vitality and spirit.

Xiao Li, you've changed!

...

The week of military training was coming to an end. The moment to part ways with the instructors finally arrived.

Many girls had red-rimmed eyes. Although they had only spent a week together, everyone had grown very fond of Instructor Bai.

Instructor Bai was strict, but he cared deeply for everyone and would share many interesting stories. Most importantly, he was handsome.

Instructor Bai was the most popular instructor across the entire grade level. Whenever they sang military songs, hordes of female students would come to watch. They whispered among themselves, "Even though Instructor Bai is a bit tone-deaf when singing military songs, at least he's handsome and pleasing to the eye."

When Wang Zhimin heard this, he found it unbearable. Back when he was tone-deaf, everyone had not been nearly as friendly to him.

He was certain that if the girls in his class had been holding eggs at the time, they would have hurled them at him without a second thought.

"Ming Han, don't you think No. 1 High School is actually quite realistic?"

Recalling Lin Zhengming's words and the experiences of Little Red Brother, Ming Han sighed deeply with emotion, "Indeed!"

"Back in junior high, top academic students were the most respected and cherished creatures around. Many girls used to surround me, asking me to explain problems to them. Everyone would even praise me for being cute. Now? Forget it. Everyone is a top student; nobody needs problems explained anymore. When I asked many girls what kind of person I am, they actually all tacitly agreed to call me a nice guy. Heh!"

Ming Han patted Lin Zhengming's shoulder, "I wasn't as lucky as you. Whenever I make a joke, they just say, 'You're so bad!'"

The boastful intent was oozing from every word!

"Our friendship is over!"