Chapter 55: You Two Need to Work Hard

Turning around, Wang Yan chatted occasionally with his classmates, grilled skewers, drank beer, and enjoyed himself thoroughly.

[1] Turning back, Wang Yan occasionally chatted with classmates, skewered meat, drank wine, and enjoyed himself.

They were all students, with no complicated motives; they didn’t need his guidance and had a blast on their own.

[2] They were all students, with no complicated thoughts; no guidance needed—they had fun on their own.

Lin Jiamao on the right and Zhao Ye, along with a few others nearby, were talking, but their attention always remained on Wang Yan.

[3] To his right, Lin Jiamu and Zhao Ye chatted with others nearby, but their attention never left Wang Yan.

She had seen clearly how Wang Yan patted her head and rubbed her back.

[4] She had seen clearly how Wang Yan patted her head and back.

She just didn’t feel good about it inside.

[5] Her feelings about it were simply not good.

Seizing a moment when no one was talking to her, Lin Jiamao leaned right over and pressed herself against Wang Yan.

[6] When no one was talking to her, Lin Jiamu leaned right over and pressed against Wang Yan.

She and Fang Yin had the same thought: “You ordered so much—do you have enough money? If not, I’ve got some.”

[7] She and Fang Yin had the same thought: “You ordered so much—do you have enough money? If not, I’ve got some.”

Saying this, she pulled out a wad of cash from her pocket and tried to shove it into Wang Yan’s hands.

[8] Saying this, she pulled out a handful of cash and tried to shove it into Wang Yan’s hands.

Wang Yan shook his head helplessly, slipped his right hand into his pocket, and pulled out another thousand yuan from his inventory.

[9] Wang Yan sighed and shook his head, slipped his right hand into his pocket, and pulled another thousand yuan from his space.

“I’ve got enough, don’t worry. If I run short, I’ll ask you—just eat your fill.” He patted Lin Jiamao’s shoulder and said.

[10] “Enough. Don’t worry. If I need more, I’ll ask you. Just eat.” He patted Lin Jiamu’s shoulder.

“Alright then, let’s drink!”

[11] “Fine, then let’s drink.”

She clinked her glass against Wang Yan’s and downed it in one gulp.

[12] She clinked glasses with Wang Yan and downed it in one gulp.

Then he pretended to be choked, covering his mouth and coughing loudly.

[13] Then she feigned choking, covering her mouth and coughing loudly.

Wang Yan sighed and patted her back: “Enough already—I can tell real coughing from fake.”

[14] Wang Yan patted her back helplessly. “Enough already. Do you think I can’t tell real cough from fake?”

Caught out, Lin Jiamao looked up awkwardly and gave Wang Yan a silly, sheepish grin.

[15] Realizing she was caught, Lin Jiamu looked up, embarrassed, and gave Wang Yan a silly “hehe” grin.

Zhao Ye was constantly watching Lin Jiamao—he saw her pull out money.

[16] Zhao Ye was always watching Lin Jiamu—he saw her pull out the money.

He wasn’t stupid; he knew exactly why. Even though seeing them so close made him uneasy, he still rummaged through his pockets, slid cash under the table, and handed it over.

[17] He wasn’t stupid—he knew why. Even though seeing them so close made him uneasy, he still fumbled for cash under the table and slid it over.

He said nothing, just stared steadily at Wang Yan.

[18] He said nothing, just stared fixedly at Wang Yan.

Wang Yan was already the center of attention, and others noticed this gesture, turning to look.

[19] Wang Yan was already the center of attention; others noticed the motion and turned to look.

Wang Yan patted Zhao Ye’s hand holding the cash and said, “Appreciate it.”

[20] Wang Yan patted Zhao Ye’s hand holding the cash. “You’re thoughtful.”

Then Wang Yan stood up, pulled out over a thousand yuan, and waved it in the air with a rustling sound. He couldn’t avoid showing off now—this had to be settled.

[21] Then Wang Yan stood up, pulled out over a thousand yuan, and waved it in the air with a rustling sound. He had no choice but to show off—this couldn’t be ignored.

“Come on, everyone take a look—relax now? Eat as much as you want, drink freely!”

[22] “Come on, everyone, take a look—relaxed now? Eat boldly, drink freely.”

He slapped the money down on the table and opened a bottle of wine: “To thank you all for your concern, let me treat you.”

[23] He slapped the cash on the table, opened a bottle of wine, and said, “To thank you all for your concern, I’ll treat you.”

After saying that, he immediately downed a whole bottle amid the classmates' cheers.

[24] After saying that, he drank it all in one go amid the classmates' cheers.

“Come on, let’s raise a glass to our monitor—thank you, monitor!”

[25] “Come on, let’s raise a glass to our monitor—thank you, monitor!”

Someone suggested it, everyone agreed, stood up, and drank another toast with Wang Yan.

[26] Someone suggested it; everyone echoed, stood up, and drank another round with Wang Yan.

This time, everyone was at ease, and the atmosphere grew even livelier.

[27] This time, no one worried—the atmosphere grew even livelier.

Other diners didn’t comment on the commotion; though they thought the students in uniforms were a bit wild, they remembered their own youth wasn’t much better. Everyone smiled knowingly, and the conversation inevitably drifted into nostalgic memories.

[28] Other diners said nothing about the commotion; though they thought the students in uniforms were a bit wild, they themselves hadn’t been much better back then. Everyone smiled knowingly, and conversation inevitably drifted to memories of their own youth.

“Hey, monitor, I still have my guitar—could you play another piece?” said the classmate who had sung “No Place to Hide.”

[29] “Hey, monitor, I still have my guitar—how about another song?” said the male classmate who’d sung “No Place to Hide.”

Hearing this, others thought it was a great idea—Wang Yan’s skills were impressive, and they all got excited.

[30] Hearing this, others agreed—it was great. Wang Yan’s skills were genuinely good, and everyone got excited.

Enthusiasts didn’t give him a chance to refuse; they immediately clapped and cheered: “Good! Everyone, clap!”

[31] The eager ones didn’t give him a chance to refuse—they clapped and cheered immediately: “Good! Everyone, clap!”

The guitar was already handed to him—what was there to hesitate about? He might as well play along a little.

[32] The guitar was already in front of him—what’s the point of refusing? He might as well play along a little.

Wang Yan stood up, slung the guitar over his shoulder: “Alright, I’ll play a little to liven things up.”

[33] Wang Yan stood, slung the guitar over his shoulder, and said, “Alright, I’ll play something to liven things up.”

Other diners, noticing Wang Yan with his guitar, instinctively paused to listen.

[34] Other diners, noticing Wang Yan with his guitar, instinctively leaned in to listen.

Brother Li stopped grilling—he’d known Wang Yan for months and had no idea the kid could do this. He moved the skewers to the side of the grill, opened a bottle, took a big swig, and took a breather.

[35] Old Li stopped grilling—he’d known the kid for months and never knew he could do this. He moved the skewers to one side of the grill, opened a bottle, took a big swig, and took a breather.

Wang Yan grinned and said: “It’s another song I wrote myself—‘Fly Higher.’”

[36] Wang Yan grinned and said, “Another one I wrote—‘Soaring Higher.’”

As he spoke, he strummed the guitar.

[37] As he spoke, he strummed the guitar.

His slightly smoky voice rang out.

[38] With a slightly smoky voice, he began to sing.

“Life is like a great river,”

[39] “Life is like a great river”

“Sometimes calm, sometimes wild,”

[40] “Sometimes calm, sometimes wild”

……

[41] …

“This mysterious life cuts like a sharp blade,”

[42] “This mysterious life cuts like a blade”

……

[43] …

“Fly higher!”

[44] “Soaring higher”

When he finished, everyone’s spirits soared.

[45] When he finished, everyone’s spirits rose.

“Monitor, you’re awesome!” the classmates shouted loudly.

[46] “Monitor’s awesome!” the classmates shouted.

The other diners and Brother Li all gave him thumbs-up.

[47] Other diners and Old Li all gave him thumbs-up.

Wang Yan opened another bottle, raised it in a circle, and everyone raised their glasses in a toast, drinking together.

[48] Wang Yan opened another bottle, gestured around the circle, and everyone raised their glasses in a toast, drinking together.

Ignoring the admiration in Fang Yin and Lin Jiamao’s eyes, Wang Yan sat back down and resumed chatting with others.

[49] Ignoring the admiration in Fang Yin and Lin Jiamu’s eyes, Wang Yan sat down and resumed chatting with others.

The meal lasted three or four hours; most of those who drank were drunk.

[50] The meal lasted three or four hours; most of those who drank were now dazed.

Wang Yan didn’t trust them to go home alone—something could happen on the way.

[51] Wang Yan didn’t trust them to go home like this—something could happen on the way, and he’d be blamed.

So he led the drunken group, walking along the street, joking and fooling around, letting sweat help sober them up.

[52] So he led the drunken group down the street, joking and roughhousing, letting sweat help sober them up.

Originally they planned to go to Beihai, but how could this bunch even get there? That’d be asking for trouble.

[53] They’d planned to go to Beihai, but how could they go like this? That’d be asking for trouble.

When they were a bit more alert, those living nearby were sent home together; those farther away were given rides by taxi.

[54] When they were a bit better, those living nearby went home together. For those farther away, Wang Yan called cars to take them back.

In the end, only Wang Yan, Fang Yin, and Lin Jiamao remained.

[55] In the end, only Wang Yan, Fang Yin, and Lin Jiamu remained.

Zhao Ye had wanted to stay too, but Lin Jiamao drunkenly made up an excuse to shoo him away.

[56] Zhao Ye had wanted to stay too, but Lin Jiamu pretended to be drunk and shooed him away.

“Let’s go—I’ll take you both home.”

[57] “Let’s go—I’ll take you both home.”

Both of them opened their mouths but held back.

[58] Both opened their mouths but held back.

Ignoring them, Wang Yan called a taxi, asked for their addresses, and dropped them off at their homes.

[59] Ignoring them, Wang Yan hailed a cab, asked for their addresses, and took them home.

In the car, Wang Yan said: “Don’t overthink it—your priority right now is studying.”

[60] In the car, Wang Yan said, “Don’t overthink it. Your priority is studying.”

At these words, Fang Yin and Lin Jiamao both turned to look at Wang Yan, then at each other.

[61] At these words, Fang Yin and Lin Jiamu both turned to look at Wang Yan, then at each other.

“Wang Yan, which university do you want to apply to?” Fang Yin asked.

[62] “Wang Yan, which university do you want to get into?” Fang Yin asked.

“Tsinghua.”

[63] “Tsinghua.”

Lin Jiamao said: “But your grades...”

[64] Lin Jiamu said, “But your grades…”

“We still have over a year—take it slow. You two need to work hard too.”

[65] “We still have over a year. Take it slow. You two need to work hard too.”

“Yeah,” they both replied in unison.

[66] “Mm.” They replied in unison.

The driver’s thoughts weren’t mentioned.

[67] The driver’s thoughts were left unmentioned.

After dropping them off, Wang Yan returned home, tidied up, and slept peacefully.

[68] After dropping them off, Wang Yan returned home, tidied up, and slept peacefully.

Since then, Fang Yin and Lin Jiamao clearly became more diligent, and their grades rose steadily.

[69] From then on, Fang Yin and Lin Jiamu clearly became more diligent, their grades rising steadily.

Zhao Ye, besides his daily training, also started studying harder.

[70] Zhao Ye, besides his daily training, also began studying hard.

He had no choice—Wang Yan was decisive, and the class atmosphere was clear. Over time, he realized he couldn’t compete with Wang Yan and gradually became a true friend, letting go of other thoughts.

[71] He had no choice—Wang Yan was firm and decisive, and the class atmosphere was clear. Over time, he realized he couldn’t match Wang Yan, and gradually, he became a true friend, his other thoughts fading away.

Chen Xun and Qiao Ran still didn’t give up, constantly observing Fang Yin and trying various tactics.

[72] Chen Xun and Qiao Ran still didn’t give up, constantly observing Fang Yin, analyzing her every move.

Unfortunately, the flowers were indifferent—Fang Yin paid them absolutely no mind.

[73] Unfortunately, the flowers fell without mercy—Fang Yin paid them no mind at all.

Somehow, they heard Fang Yin wanted to go to Tsinghua, so they both became determined to go too, vowing to compete with her.

[74] Somehow, they heard Fang Yin wanted Tsinghua, so they were determined to go too, vowing to match her no matter what.

Wang Yan understood their feelings—youthful infatuation. What’s unattainable always seems best; perhaps Fang Yin had become their obsession.

[75] Wang Yan understood their feelings—youthful infatuation. What’s unattainable always seems best; perhaps Fang Yin had become their obsession.

Sometimes Wang Yan thought back to his own past crush and couldn’t help but miss her: “I wish I’d just pursued her back then.”

[76] Sometimes Wang Yan thought of his own past crush and couldn’t help longing: “If only I’d pursued her back then.”

Later, Wang Yan met his former crush. How to describe the feeling? It just wasn’t quite right.

[77] Later, Wang Yan met his former crush. How to describe it? It just wasn’t quite right.

The beautiful one was always the one from back then—the girl she was then.

[78] The beautiful one was always the one from back then—the one she was then.

Wang Yan’s life became quiet and ordinary: earning money daily and taking care of the welfare home.

[79] Wang Yan’s life became quiet—earning some money daily, and caring for the welfare home.

He regularly bought nutritious food, clothes, and medicine for the elderly and children, easing their burdens significantly.

[80] He’d buy daily necessities—nutritional supplements, clothes, medicines for the elderly and children—lightening their burden considerably.

Even this worried the head of the home; Wang Yan dared not go too far, fearing the old man’s concern, so he decided to wait until college.

[81] Even this worried the old director; Wang Yan dared not overdo it, fearing her concern, so he’d wait until college.

The rest was studying—his grades improved steadily.

[82] The rest was studying—his grades rose steadily.

Once he caught up on the basics, his learning ability ensured rapid progress.

[83] Once he made up the basics, his learning ability ensured rapid progress.

Beijing’s admission scores were relatively lower—about 30–40 points below other regions; around 620–630 would be enough.

[84] Beijing’s admission cutoff was relatively lower—about 30–40 points less; 620–630 would be enough.

As long as Wang Yan maintained his performance, admission was practically guaranteed.

[85] As long as Wang Yan maintained his performance, admission was all but guaranteed.

Notably, not all wealthy students were as self-centered as Chen Xun—there were still quiet, humble ones in the class.

[86] Notably, not all wealthy kids were as self-centered as Chen Xun—there were still quiet, unassuming students in the class.

During the New Year’s Eve party, a student from a well-off family brought a camera and recorded the entire celebration, including Wang Yan’s performance.

[87] At the New Year’s Eve party, a well-off student brought a camera and recorded the entire celebration—including Wang Yan’s singing.

He thought Wang Yan sang well, edited the clip, and posted it online—it got a great response.

[88] He thought Wang Yan sang well, edited the clip, posted it online, and got a good response.

Someone took notice and came to the school looking for Wang Yan a few days later.

[89] Someone took notice of Wang Yan and came to the school a few days later.

Wang Yan had sung just for fun—he had no interest in becoming a star, so he declined outright.

[90] Wang Yan sang for fun, had zero interest in becoming a star, and refused outright.

In the end, he kept the songwriting credits and sold both songs.

[91] In the end, he kept the songwriting credits and sold both songs.

That day, PE class.

[92] That day, PE class.

“Hey, Wang Yan, you know about the Beijing High School Sports League coming up?” During a break, Su Kai drank some water and sat beside Wang Yan.

[93] “Hey, Wang Yan, you know about the Beijing High School League in two days?” During a break, Su Kai drank some water and sat beside Wang Yan.

“Yeah, Zhao Ye’s been nagging me about it for ages. What’s up?” Wang Yan nodded toward him.

[94] “Yeah, Zhao Ye’s been nagging me about it. What’s up?” Wang Yan nodded toward him.

“I was thinking you should join too?”

[95] “I was thinking you should join too?”

After organizing his thoughts, Su Kai said: “You know we’re all sports students. This league is prestigious—if we do well, we’ll all get second-class athlete certificates, which give bonus points on the college entrance exam.”

[96] Su Kai organized his words: “You know we’re all sports students. This league’s official enough—if we do well, everyone gets a Level 2 certificate, which adds points to the college entrance exam.”

“Other schools are strong too—we’re not confident, so we want you on the team as insurance. If we succeed, we’ll treat you to dinner.”

[97] “Other schools are strong—we’re not sure of ourselves, so we want you on the team for insurance. If we succeed, we’ll treat you to dinner.”

“No problem—I play anyway, so no need for dinner.”

[98] “No problem. No need to treat me—I play anyway.”

“But I’m worried...”

[99] “But I’m worried…”

“Don’t worry—I’ve been consistently reliable. Even if I did mess up, would one dinner fix it?”

[100] “Relax. My grades are always stable—I won’t hold you back. And even if I did, one meal would fix it?”

Seeing Su Kai fall silent, Wang Yan comforted him: “Don’t waste thought on useless things. After all this time, you should know—I never make empty promises.”

Then Wang Yan changed the subject: “By the way, Zhao Ye, are you playing?”

“Of course I am. The school team only has sixteen people. If a few freshmen don’t play, that’s exactly you and me.”

“Good. You can get your Level Two certificate this time. Put some effort into your studies. You’ve got one year left—don’t spend your days sleeping.”

“No way, class monitor. My grades have improved too,” Zhao Ye said with a grin.

Wang Yan grunted but didn’t answer.

Since seeing Wang Yan violently dunk, Chen Xun had stopped playing basketball.

At that moment, Lin Jiamao and Fang Ni ran over, carrying water: “Come on, come on, drink up, drink up.”

“You’ve been talking for so long—what were you discussing?” Fang Ni, now familiar, perhaps wanted to know everything about Wang Yan—anyway, she was always eager for news.

“The Beijing High School League.”

“Are you going?” Lin Jiamao asked happily.

“Of course.”

“Then we’ll come to cheer for you!” Lin Jiamao loved watching Wang Yan play basketball.

“Oh wow, thank you so much!” Su Kai added. “Remember, bring lots of girls.”

“Haha, yes, definitely bring lots!”

The other students resting also laughed and agreed.

This tournament was large-scale, with dozens of teams competing—intense rivalry.

In his first game, Wang Yan took on two defenders and slammed a power dunk—after that, he became a target.

Under deliberate targeting, he dared not go all out, forced to hold back.

He wouldn’t push hard against them, afraid of injuring these kids.

Of course, no one dared play dirty—after all, the last one who tried that was still in the hospital.

But targeting couldn’t last forever. Too few defenders couldn’t stop him; too many would ruin the game. With only five players on the court, sending three to guard Wang Yan? All they could do was annoy him occasionally and limit his rhythm.

Wang Yan relied on his physical strength and quick reflexes. Once they lost sight of him, he led the entire team in steals, rebounds, and blocks.

When he got the ball, he didn’t show off—it was pointless. If he had an opening, he shot; if not, he passed.

At first, Su Kai and the others might have had low shooting percentages, but since the ball kept coming to them, their rhythm soon returned.

They swept through the tournament—champions belonged to the Experimental High School.

The school leadership was delighted—after all, it was honor. Experimental High hadn’t won a championship in years; this comeback meant the current administrators had earned credit: well-rounded development in morality, intellect, physique, aesthetics, and labor—done excellently.

The outcome pleased everyone: the school gained honor, leaders earned recognition, players received certificates and bonus points.

After the college entrance exam, Su Kai left. Many others left too. The school grew empty.

Perhaps, sending off a cohort every three years, the teachers had grown used to it.

But what they grew used to wasn’t the separations themselves—it was the sadness that came with each one. Even though they knew many would never return.

The teachers, hearts heavy yet smiling, wished the graduates bright futures.

The college entrance exam was over. Summer vacation had arrived.

Fang Ni and Lin Jiamao kept coming to find Wang Yan.

Zhao Ye also popped by occasionally as a third wheel.

Wang Yan didn’t mind—let them come. He didn’t care whether he was a third wheel or not.

Thus, they all learned where Wang Yan lived—and thus, they learned his origins in this world.

In the end, his mother had comforted him again. They meant well. Wang Yan could only shake his head with a wry smile.

One day, Wang Yan took the three of them, carrying a pile of supplies, to the welfare home.

As soon as they entered, a child shouted: “Wang Yan’s here! Wang Yan’s here!”

That shout triggered chaos—children poured out from all directions.

Those on crutches, those wheeled out by other kids, deaf-mute children who sensed movement and knew what was coming, children with deformities limping awkwardly...

Wang Yan helplessly ruffled the head of the shouting child: “Xiao Ming, I’ve told you a hundred times—don’t scream like that.”

He addressed the children: “Go back and sit down. I’m handing out treats.”

Then he repeated it in sign language. Over time, to communicate with the deaf-mute children, he’d learned sign language—slowly, not yet to the level of hand seals.

He picked up a chubby little girl with big blinking eyes: “Tongtong, don’t run so fast next time. I’ve told you a hundred times and you never listen.”

Tongtong mumbled: “I want to see you sooner, Brother.”

“Alright, alright. Brother understands. Next time I’ll come quietly and be the first one you see, okay?”

Tongtong nodded and buried her face against Wang Yan’s chest.

Wang Yan greeted the elderly people sunbathing in the courtyard, saying hello to each one.

At that moment, the old director strode out with brisk steps: “Knew it was you, little brat. Every time you come, it’s chaos.”

“Who else is so popular?” Wang Yan didn’t mind the nickname—within the director’s memory, Wang Yan had always been that mischievous kid since childhood.

“Get out, get out. Give them less candy.”

He gestured toward the stunned group behind Wang Yan: “Your classmates?”

The group snapped back to reality—mainly because the children had shocked them. They quickly bowed to the director: “Grandpa, hello. We’re Wang Yan’s classmates.”

“Hmm, hello, hello.”

“I’ve got some business. I won’t chat long. Let Yan show you around.”

With that, he gave Wang Yan a nod of approval and left.

Wang Yan shook his head, half-laughing, half-sighing: “Come on, the kids are waiting.”

Without waiting for their hesitant words, he carried the little girl ahead.

They entered a large activity room. The children stood or sat, waiting patiently.

Seeing Wang Yan enter, they burst into chatter.

He set Tongtong down and shouted: “Quiet! Everyone quiet! No treats for those who don’t settle down.”

This worked better than anything—the room instantly calmed. Dozens of wide eyes fixed on the four... and the items behind them.

Wang Yan told Zhao Ye and the other two to bring out the supplies, then called over several older children to help distribute them.

After handing out the treats, Wang Yan and Zhao Ye’s group played games with the children.

Of course, the games were designed so everyone could join—otherwise, the little ones would be heartbroken.