After returning to the dormitory, Xu Yin took the commonly used stomach medicine of the original host. After lying in front of the desk for a while, things finally returned to normal.
At this moment, the obedient 018 finally took the initiative to go online.
018: “Feeling better?”
Xu Yin: “Much better. What’s up?”
018: “Check the bottom right corner. Do you see a shop icon?”
Xu Yin’s gaze shifted. Indeed, a white translucent small house icon was floating in the lower right corner, something that wasn’t there before.
A shop?
Curiously, he opened it, revealing a scroll with strange items arranged in two rows. Using his thoughts, he could scroll through the “goods,” ranging from healing pills to masks that changed faces immediately after wearing, but none came cheap, starting at a minimum of a thousand points.
018 said: “The shop opens after successfully passing a world. I’ve been going through the application process during the day and finally got it.”
Xu Yin inquired: “Will there be other rewards after clearing more worlds?”
018: “Hmm, indeed. But let’s talk about it after you clear them!”
Xu Yin raised an eyebrow.
018 wanted to keep the suspense, and Xu Yin didn’t spoil his excitement. After glancing at the items in the shop, he closed the page.
These items were too specialized. Unless in a dangerous situation, Xu Yin felt he wouldn’t need them.
However, the existence of the shop implied future worlds…
He pondered silently.
Due to feeling unwell, Xu Yin had to abandon the jogging task. Fortunately, he unexpectedly received a random task today. After completing push-ups and squats, earning 10 points for the day, Xu Yin finally relaxed and focused on his homework.
Evening self-study ended at 9:30 PM, and at 10:00 PM, Yan Ningchuan, Wang Feifei, and Lin Jia returned to the dorm.
Seeing Xu Yin still doing homework, Wang Feifei exclaimed, “Xu Yin, you’re still not asleep. If you’re not feeling well, don’t force yourself. Tell the teacher tomorrow.”
“Took medicine, feeling much better now,” Xu Yin replied with a smile.
In their high school, the educational approach was relaxed. Homework wasn’t excessively assigned, and students’ time wasn’t unduly pressured. As long as one managed their time well, most students, even those like Lin Jia and Wang Feifei, who weren’t keen on studying, could finish their homework before the end of night self-study.
Xu Yin, on the other hand, had been procrastinating until now—quite embarrassing, considering how long he had been away from high school academics.
Even with efforts to recall the original host’s memories and review the material, Xu Yin still left about half of the questions unanswered.
Yan Ningchuan, after putting down his things, walked over to Xu Yin’s desk, supporting himself with one hand by Xu Yin’s side.
Glancing at the empty questions on Xu Yin’s test paper, he didn’t say anything. Xu Yin raised his head, looking up at him with a helpless expression.
Yan Ningchuan smirked, pulled a chair from nearby, sat down next to Xu Yin, and whispered, “Shall we start discussing the questions?”
“Sure,” Xu Yin earnestly picked up his pen.
Lin Jia and Wang Feifei played mobile games for a while, chatted about various topics, and suddenly, Wang Feifei kicked Lin Jia and gestured with his chin towards the side near the door.
The two guys leaned in together.
Yan Ningchuan turned to face Xu Yin, pointing at the test paper, his voice low and steady.
Xu Yin nodded occasionally, and occasionally made eye contact with Yan Ningchuan.
Surprisingly harmonious.
Wang Feifei was speechless, turned around, bumped Lin Jia with his buttocks, making him give up half of the seat. After sitting down, he leaned close to Lin Jia’s ear and whispered, “Didn’t expect this, did you?”
Lin Jia nodded.
Xu Yin’s dad was summoned to the school at the end of the last semester, and the whole grade knew about the incident.
Three days later, Yan Ningchuan, Wang Feifei, and Lin Jia were called to the office.
Although Wang Feifei and Lin Jia weren’t fond of studying, they quite liked the teaching staff at Class C, especially in situations like this, where the teachers hadn’t completely given up on Xu Yin.
The principal didn’t want to confront Xu Yin’s dad directly. After some consideration, he thought transferring Xu Yin to Class 12 might be a solution.
If Xu Yin stayed in Class 7, it not only affected others but also affected himself. Additionally, in Class 12, there was Yan Ningchuan, who although not enthusiastic about studying, was still there.
However, being in the senior year, the teachers were cautious. Before making a decision, they sought the students’ opinions.
Not only did they seek the students’ opinions, but they also contacted their parents.
Could they accept Xu Yin being placed in their dorm?
Could they accept Xu Yin being placed next to Yan Ningchuan?
Despite Xu Yin’s current gloomy demeanor, according to the Class 7 homeroom teacher, he wasn’t someone who would actively seek trouble. Even with his current mindset, he might just slump on the desk and not disrupt Yan Ningchuan.
Yan Ningchuan didn’t need to do anything to Xu Yin. If his example could positively influence Xu Yin, great. If not, then… so be it.
What one could do to help was limited. How a person lived ultimately depended on themselves.
Fortunately, the parents of the three students were quite easygoing and agreed to the arrangement. Thus, the matter was settled.
On the second day of the senior year, Xu Yin presented an appearance quite different from usual.
Lin Jia whispered to Wang Feifei, “Hey, let’s go take a shower first. They’ll probably be dealing with this late into the night.”
The bathroom might be crowded later.
So, the two guys who weren’t fond of studying consciously lightened their actions, not disturbing the other two.
…
Yan Ningchuan didn’t write but guided Xu Yin’s train of thought step by step through words alone. His speech was steady, low, and soothing, resonating right next to Xu Yin’s ear.
Xu Yin listened attentively to Yan Ningchuan while solving problems, and gradually, he found himself enjoying the moment. This realization made him smile.
In the next moment, Yan Ningchuan suddenly leaned in and asked, “What are you smiling at?” The deep voice resonated directly in Xu Yin’s ear, causing a slight reaction.
He slowly turned his gaze toward Yan Ningchuan, who immediately averted his eyes in silence. Xu Yin circled his pen, smirked, and leaned in.
In Yan Ningchuan’s view, his ears visibly turned red. As Xu Yin got closer, that redness spread, and by the time Xu Yin playfully leaned towards Yan Ningchuan’s ear, the boy’s neck was already crimson.
Xu Yin’s breath was light, feather-like, brushing against Yan Ningchuan’s ear and neck. Xu Yin calmly whispered, “Classmate Yan, next time, don’t get so close when you talk to me.”
Yan Ningchuan: “…”
Xu Yin tilted his head, a sly smile on his face, “Of course, if you really insist… it’s not entirely impossible.”
However…
The consequences were obvious; Yan Ningchuan’s arms were even turning red by now. Fortunately, Lin Jia and Wang Feifei were occupied in the bathroom brushing their teeth; otherwise, they would have been shocked to see Yan Ningchuan seemingly cooked in such a short time.
Yan Ningchuan blushed to the extreme, and even his breathing became somewhat sluggish. He pursed his lips, suddenly straightened his chest, and put on a serious face, “Aren’t you going to solve these problems?”
Oh, he’s starting to act tough.
Xu Yin blinked, “I’ll keep solving.”
Yan Ningchuan continued with a stern expression, “Then don’t be distracted and quickly look at the next question!”
Xu Yin chuckled and let him off, “Alright, alright, Class Leader.”
In fact, occasionally being teased a bit by the boss, Xu Yin thought, wouldn’t be bad. He contemplated that if Yan Ningchuan dared to try it again next time, he might as well play along.
Until 11:30, Xu Yin’s biology and chemistry were nearly covered by the tutoring, thanks to Yan Ningchuan’s high efficiency. With only physics and mathematics left, realizing time was running out, Xu Yin urged Yan Ningchuan to take a shower first. Xu Yin worked on two more problems, solving the physics ones just as Yan Ningchuan finished showering. Xu Yin put down his pen, grabbed his sleepwear, and went to the bathroom.
Even though the weather was still warm, Xu Yin finished his shower by midnight, and the dormitory lights were turned off.
“Have you not finished the math yet?” Yan Ningchuan was still below, not on the bed.
“Yeah, forget it. I really don’t know how to solve the remaining problems,” Xu Yin said, “I’ll have to find time for a more systematic review later. Let’s go to bed early tonight.”
“Okay,” in the darkness, Yan Ningchuan paused and said, “I can teach you.”
Xu Yin smiled, “Sure, thank you.”
Following the usual routine, the second week of school meant mid-term exams, a test of the students’ initial learning status.
From the second day onward, Xu Yin focused all his attention on studying. He spent a considerable amount of time reviewing the knowledge points from his memory and found that the concepts from the first year were relatively easy to pick up, but it became challenging starting from the second year. Considering the original host’s experiences, it wasn’t hard to understand that after the intrusion of Wang Yuqi and Xu Ling into the Xu family during junior year, the original host’s life fell into chaos, leaving no room for academic pursuits.
Unable to do otherwise, Xu Yin had to diligently review the knowledge points from the second year.
He couldn’t disturb Yan Ningchuan too much, so he simply borrowed Yan Ningchuan’s second-year notes and absorbed the information with maximum efficiency.
Xu Yin’s own learning abilities were quite good; he had consistently been at the top of his class throughout his academic journey. Spending a week on studying, he managed to cover the second-year knowledge points comprehensively.
Busy with studying throughout the week, he couldn’t complete all the assigned tasks. Xu Yin only managed to do push-ups and squats in the dormitory every day, but even this surprised Wang Feifei and Lin Jia.
“Holy sh*t, Xu Yin, you’re living so healthily!” Wang Feifei blurted out, leaving Xu Yin amused and helpless.
As for Yan Ningchuan, every time Xu Yin exercised, he would silently gaze at him for a long time. The look in his eyes…
Xu Yin smiled knowingly.
On Friday, after the math class ended, Xu Yin went to the office to ask the teacher a question. Since the math teacher was in the restroom, Xu Yin waited for a while. The Class 7 homeroom teacher, also the previous homeroom teacher of the original host, Liu, asked with concern, “How do you feel about being in Class 12?”
“Not bad,” Xu Yin replied with a smile.
Seeing Xu Yin’s smile, Liu was momentarily taken aback. She had heard from the Class 12 homeroom teacher, Mr. Zhang, that Xu Yin seemed less gloomy and more cheerful than before. After a week of diligently attending classes, asking questions, and getting along well with classmates, especially the care from Yan Ningchuan in their dormitory, Liu confirmed that this change was real as she saw Xu Yin’s smile at this moment.
She breathed a sigh of relief and said, “That’s good, that’s good.”
It seemed that the decision to transfer classes was adjusted in time.
In the original host’s memory, Homeroom Teacher Liu was a gentle person who had tried to console the original host during the days when Xu Yin’s father treated his biological son with coldness and punishment. Liu had made efforts to communicate with Xu Yin’s father.
However, as the saying goes, the efforts of outsiders are always limited.
But even so, the original host still felt grateful to Teacher Liu. So, Xu Yin earnestly said, “Teacher Liu, really thank you.”
Teacher Liu hesitated for a moment, then smiled apologetically and waved her hand, “It’s nothing, it’s what we should do. For us teachers, it’s most important that you can successfully go to college and graduate.”
After saying this, the math teacher returned, greeting Xu Yin with a cheerful smile. Teacher Liu turned her chair back around just as Ye Xunran and Xu Ling entered, carrying their homework. They glanced at Xu Yin, who had his back turned to them, earnestly asking the teacher questions.
After asking his questions, Xu Yin left the office. Behind him came footsteps, and Ye Xunran called out, “Xu Yin!”
Xu Yin stopped, turned around, and Ye Xunran caught up with him, followed by Xu Ling.
Meeting Xu Yin’s gaze, Ye Xunran opened his mouth as if unsure what to say. Xu Yin expressionlessly signaled with his eyes, and since there was nothing more to say, he turned to leave. Just as he was about to turn around, Ye Xunran urgently said, “Xu Yin, go home and apologize to your dad!”
Xu Yin raised an eyebrow.
Ye Xunran earnestly continued, “Your dad found out you almost hit Xu Ling, and after his attitude turned bad… he really said not to come home anymore. But we’re already in our senior year, do you really want it to escalate to the point where you can’t go home? Apologize to your dad… maybe you can transfer back to Class 7.”
Xu Ling stood quietly behind him, showing no visible emotion.
Since the incident in the physical education class, many in the class had changed their attitudes toward Xu Yin, and even Qu Yi had kept his distance. Xu Ling, though resentful, was fortunate… Ye Xunran still believed in him.
As for this moment… he rolled his eyes slightly.
After hearing Ye Xunran’s words, Xu Yin found it quite astonishing… and even a bit funny.
His expression, however, led Ye Xunran to a misunderstanding. Ye Xunran encouraged, “It’s only been a week since school started. If you transfer back to Class 7 now, it’s still possible.”
After the encounter in the restroom with Xu Yin, Ye Xunran had pondered for a long time. He had expressed his resolute stance, and when Xu Ling asked him, he had said that if Xu Yin had remained calm initially, they wouldn’t have ended up like this.
Ye Xunran genuinely thought so, but he couldn’t deny that, after being ignored by Xu Yin, he found it difficult, a very uncomfortable feeling. He even had trouble seeing Xu Yin and Yan Ningchuan being so intimate.
If possible, he still wanted to try and salvage things…
Xu Yin had been misunderstood, but it was only that one time in physical education class… and there was something Lin Jia mentioned, but he couldn’t recall when it happened!
Apart from those instances, it was still ultimately Xu Yin’s fault, right? It was his bad temper that caused this.
Now that Xu Yin seemed to have reverted to his former self, Ye Xunran thought that if Xu Yin apologized and admitted fault, maybe they could reconcile?
Gently, he said, “It’s not a big deal to admit fault. I can accompany you.”
He used the tone he had used when talking to Xu Yin before, thinking that if he took the initiative to reconcile, Xu Yin might accept it. After all, their relationship used to be so good. Xu Yin wouldn’t stay angry for long.
He looked at Xu Yin expectantly, but after Xu Yin expressed his admiration, he humorously said, “Ye Xunran, hasn’t anyone told you? Don’t meddle in other people’s business. None of those things have anything to do with you. You want to accompany me to apologize? In what capacity?”
Ye Xunran was stunned.
It was quite amusing. Xu Yin tilted his head and said, “Besides, I never said I wanted to go back to Class 7.”
Ye Xunran: “What?”
Seizing the moment, Xu Ling chimed in, lips subtly curling, “Xu Yin, Xunran is doing it for your own good.”
Xu Yin shifted his gaze to Xu Ling, smiling as he said, “By the way, whether it was the incident where I almost hit you or the one where my attitude was terrible, you were the first one to report it back home, right?”
Caught off guard by Xu Yin bringing this up suddenly, Xu Ling was momentarily bewildered. When he snapped out of it, he was startled, quickly glancing at Ye Xunran. Seeing that he seemed unaware, Xu Ling secretly wiped off a bead of sweat.
In front of others, he had always maintained an image of being non-contentious, unassuming. For Xu Yin’s sake, he had even advised people in the class not to mind the situation and just let everyone live their own lives.
If Ye Xunran and the others realized that he had just spoken like that in front of them and then immediately called his dad afterward…
Xu Ling suddenly regretted this move today.
He had initially intended to use Ye Xunran to provoke Xu Yin. Normally, when Xu Yin heard Ye Xunran asking him to apologize, he would get angry, and then the two of them would become even more estranged. Unexpectedly, Xu Yin didn’t follow the expected script.
Xu Ling gritted his teeth internally.
Xu Yin observed his reaction, smiling as he continued, “Since that’s the case, could you please tell my family not to bother preparing my meals for the weekend?”
With a meaningful tone, Xu Yin added, “If you’ve faithfully conveyed all the other matters, don’t forget about this one.”
Xu Ling blurted out in frustration, “You…”
Ye Xunran subconsciously turned to look, momentarily stunned by Xu Ling’s appearance.
Realizing his mistake, Xu Ling quickly adjusted his facial expression, forcing a smile, “You… can call Dad yourself.”
Xu Yin chuckled, saying enigmatically, “Hasn’t he already blocked me? Every time something comes up recently, it’s all conveyed through you, including the instruction not to come home. Have you forgotten?”
Xu Ling was left speechless.
Ye Xunran anxiously asked, “You’re not going home? Then where are you going?”
Checking the time, Xu Yin replied, “I already said, Ye Xunran, take care of yourself and don’t meddle in others’ affairs.”
With that, he waved and walked away, leaving Xu Ling and Ye Xunran standing there, one annoyed and the other feeling lost.
Xu Yin had no idea about the subsequent reactions of Ye Xunran and Xu Ling, nor was he interested in finding out.
After finishing half a day of classes on Saturday, students who were heading home left the school premises.
Before returning to the dormitory, Xu Yin was asked by Yan Ningchuan, “Are you going home?”
“No, staying in the dorm,” Xu Yin replied honestly.
Yan Ningchuan paused and suggested, “You can come to my place.”
“No need,” Xu Yin declined with a smile. “I have some things to do this weekend – homework and reviewing lessons. A day and a half will pass quickly.”
Hearing this, Yan Ningchuan didn’t insist any further and nodded.
Indeed, Xu Yin had some tasks to complete. He felt the need to find ways to expand his sources of income. Since Wang Yuqi entered the picture, the original host had stubbornly refused to use any money from home, whether for tuition or living expenses. Instead, he managed his expenses from the meager inheritance left by his mother.
Xu Yin didn’t want to get entangled with his father on financial matters, and he genuinely preferred not using his father’s money. As a fully matured soul who had lived independently for many years, he had grown accustomed to not relying on others’ funds.
Now, with the need to utilize his mother’s legacy, Xu Yin hoped to earn his own money. Therefore, he needed to buy a computer and a tablet.
Ordering online and delivering to the school was somewhat inconvenient, so after dinner, Xu Yin grabbed his phone and keys and headed to the electronics city.
The nearest electronics city along Taohua Road in the main urban area stayed open until quite late. The main road leading there was still bustling, with a lively pedestrian shopping street ahead, a popular spot for young people.
The earlier part of the road is somewhat secluded, filled with residential houses from the old city area, and very few pedestrians pass by.
After dinner, Yan Ningchuan was dragged out by Wang Feifei, who, like Lin Jia, showed no sense of urgency for their senior year and was focused on having fun.
Fortunately, Yan Ningchuan was efficient in his studies, quickly completing assignments and handling reviews. His parents, recognizing his capability, allowed him to spend time outside, emphasizing the importance of balancing work and relaxation rather than getting overly stressed in senior year.
In reality, Yan Ningchuan wasn’t overly stressed.
Expressionless, he followed Wang Feifei as they walked along the pedestrian street.
Though still in high school, he was already eighteen, and his handsome features were evident. Standing at 1.85 meters, with a well-proportioned physique and a model-like appearance, his natural charm was accentuated by his slightly messy black hair and cool, indifferent eyes. Passersby couldn’t help but notice the alluring yet restrained aura he exuded.
Walking together, the two attracted attention along the way. Yan Ningchuan was unfazed, accompanying Wang Feifei into an arcade where the prospect of intense gaming awaited.
Wang Feifei, accustomed to the attention, enthusiastically delved into the games, commenting, “We should get Lin Jia out here too!”
Unfortunately, Lin Jia had been enrolled in a cram school by his mother and assigned a friend’s daughter as a supervisor. Unable to adapt to the situation, Lin Jia found himself stuck in the cram school, seeking solace with no response from the heavens or the earth.
Wang Feifei continued, “And we should also bring Xu Yin out. What is he doing in the dormitory?”
“I don’t know,” replied Yan Ningchuan, glancing at the darkening sky outside.
The surroundings were now enveloped in darkness.
He lowered his gaze.
What was that person in the dormitory doing?
Observing the curious glances of the girls around him, Yan Ningchuan, seemingly expressionless, sat at his seat, lost in thought, imagining the scene of that person in the dormitory, consuming instant noodles with pickles—lonely, yet resilient.
…
018: “Random mission activated.”
On his way to the electronics market, Xu Yin was intercepted halfway, following the indication on the taskbar, leading him to a familiar narrow alley where sounds of a brawl echoed.
Taskbar: [Please rescue the confused and domineering young master unexpectedly besieged by enemies. Reward Points: 40.]
Xu Yin calmly rotated his neck, wrists, and ankles.
Oh, he still had a few canteen chicken legs undigested in his stomach. If the fight got intense later, he probably wouldn’t vomit them out, right?
