Now that he had sorted out a plan for the future, Fang Yi closed his notebook and pulled out his textbooks to start revising.
Before his rebirth, he was already in his thirties, and most of the knowledge from high school had long faded from memory. If he didn't start cramming now, forget about a university—he might not even get into a junior college.
But people really shouldn't look down on junior colleges. In this millennium era, they were nothing like what they'd become in the future. Even though the expansion of enrollment in 1999 had dulled their shine a little, junior colleges still hovered just thirty to forty points below the second-tier university cut-off line.
What's more, the acceptance rate for junior colleges was even lower than that of second-tier universities. So in terms of difficulty, they were no easier.
For Fang Yi, going to college wasn't optional. Without it, he would miss out on far too much. Besides, starting a business as a college student came with loads of advantages—support programs, resources, even funding.
So, for the next eighteen days, he would put all money-making thoughts aside and focus solely on one thing: studying!
...Hmm?
As he read, Fang Yi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
He'd thought it would be an uphill battle to pick up all this high school knowledge again after so many years. But surprisingly, it wasn't hard at all. His memory seemed sharper than ever—like flipping through old files in a well-organized cabinet, everything was right where he'd left it.
A little bonus from being reborn?
Not bad!
Fang Yi was pleasantly surprised. Just a moment ago, he'd been mentally prepared to fork out money to bribe his way into a college if he flunked. But now? It looked like he wouldn't need to.
In truth, most of the high school curriculum was already completed by the second year. The third year was mostly dedicated to endless revision and mock exams. Especially this close to the college entrance exams, teachers had long since finished teaching new material. Everything from here on out depended on the students themselves, while teachers acted more like supervisors.
That afternoon, Fang Yi buried himself in review and problem-solving. Whenever he felt worn out, he'd banter a little with Zhao Wanqiu to lighten the mood.
…
When the school bell finally rang, the once-quiet halls of Experimental High erupted in a frenzy of noise.
"Yi-ge, wait up! I'm on cleaning duty today!"
Seeing Fang Yi packing up his bag in just a few swift motions, Zhao Wanqiu—who sat in the row ahead—called out.
"Alright."
Fang Yi paused and set down his bag, waiting for her.
Cough cough!
Even though water had been sprinkled on the floor, the sweeping still kicked up clouds of dust.
Watching Zhao Wanqiu coughing as she swept, Fang Yi frowned, walked over, and snatched the broom from her hands. He nodded toward the door. "Go wait outside."
"No need. If we clean together, it'll be done faster," Zhao Wanqiu said, shaking her head.
"Go."
Fang Yi looked at her steadily, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Seeing this, Zhao Wanqiu didn't argue further and obediently walked out of the classroom.
Watching her leave, Fang Yi silently made a decision—after the exams, he would find a chance to take her to the hospital for a check-up.
After all, in its early stages, lung cancer was highly treatable.
He quickly finished sweeping the classroom and then carried the bucket downstairs to throw out the trash.
Downstairs, he immediately spotted Han Ning standing there quietly, as if waiting for someone.
When she saw Fang Yi, she bit her lip softly and then walked toward him.
Looking for me?
Fang Yi raised an eyebrow as Han Ning walked straight up to him.
"Class rep, what's up?"
"Mhm."
Han Ning nodded, then lowered her head slightly and said in a soft voice, "I... I'll say yes."
"Yes to what?"
Fang Yi blinked, momentarily confused by her cryptic statement.
"Yes to being your girlfriend," Han Ning said, lifting her head. Her clear eyes met his with a calm, serious gaze.
Fang Yi: ???
When I slowly type out a question mark, it's not because I'm confused—it's because you are.
What the hell? When did I ever ask you to be my girlfriend?!
Seeing him frozen in place, Han Ning pressed her lips together and whispered, "I'm heading back now. See you tomorrow."
I just came down to throw out the trash, and somehow I ended up with a girlfriend—who am I supposed to talk to about this?!
Watching her figure disappear into the distance, Fang Yi couldn't help but ask himself—did he like Han Ning?
Maybe... the old him did.
But that kind of liking had always been vague, a passing spark of youth. In the end, it became a wistful memory of his school days, so faint that in his previous life, he couldn't even remember what Han Ning looked like.
But today, everything Han Ning did had completely overturned his old impression of her. It felt like he was meeting her for the first time.
Getting to know her all over again?
Bathed in the golden sunset, Han Ning's silhouette stretched long across the pavement. Fang Yi smiled faintly.
"Nice to meet you... my girlfriend."
…
…
"Yi-ge, what did the class rep want just now? Was she mad about what happened at lunch?"
Zhao Wanqiu eagerly approached him as he returned upstairs after throwing out the trash.
Fang Yi glanced at her. "She said she wants to be my girlfriend."
"Don't mess with me," Zhao Wanqiu rolled her eyes. "The sun's not even down and you're already dreaming?"
Fang Yi slung an arm around her shoulder, grinning as they headed downstairs. "Qiu-ge, let's make a bet. If Han Ning really did say she wants to be my girlfriend, then the fifty bucks I owe you—we'll call it even. Deal?"
"Nope!"
Zhao Wanqiu shook her head without hesitation.
"Why not?" Fang Yi was puzzled. "Didn't you just say I was dreaming?"
"Either way, I lose. Why should I take the bet?" Zhao Wanqiu snorted and looked at him like he was stupid.
Still chuckling and bickering, the two of them made their way to the bike shed, where Shen Hao was already waiting under the canopy, clutching his horror story collection.
That was just how Shen Hao was—quiet, a bit clueless, and definitely a homebody by future standards.
"Let's go, Hao-zi!"
Fang Yi ruffled Shen Hao's hair, scanned the parking area, and finally located his bicycle.
Honestly, if it weren't for his improved memory after being reborn, this would've been awkward—who the hell remembers what their bike looked like more than a decade ago?
…
The three of them rode their bikes through the narrow alleyways of the old town. The golden rays of sunset filtered through the leaves of plane trees on either side, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow across their path.
Fang Yi whistled the cheerful tune of Whistle, the notes dancing in the warm evening air.
Ah, youth…
How beautiful it is.