Chapter 47: That Year, the Apricot Blossom Rain, I Glanced at the Task Panel

After evening self-study, Jiang Nian specifically marked it in his mind.

October 6th, the day after making up with Xu Qianqian.

Xu Qianqian: Do you have to be so girly!

Gao Zhongsheng have a slender, un-dyed, vibrant beauty. But not those who finish evening self-study—dismissal is at 9:40 p. m.

In Zhennan County, textile factories dare not work this late.

Some Gao Zhongsheng have already been shattered by this devilish schedule, lethargic all day, acne and oil on their faces, greasy hair.

Only a few look bright and polished—mostly day students... good grades, rich families... or boarders who are rich... damn it.

Rich people truly don't need to be too anxious; they focus on having fun and leveling up.

Xu Qianqian's skin is good because she really goes to bed early. Old Xu isn't always home—he randomly appears at the hospital or home—she's long since gotten used to it.

She eats at school anyway; holidays depend on circumstances.

Old Xu isn't uncaring, just using work to drown his sorrows. But since there's no woman in the house, it's naturally quiet and no one cooks.

Plus, the couple next door help out, so he doesn't need to worry too much.

The two walked home under dim yellow streetlights, one on each side.

Jiang Nian yawned, "Today I'm dead tired."

"When aren't you tired?" Xu Qianqian sneered, then couldn't help but scold with a serious face, "You just got promoted to a higher class—you still need to work harder. There's an exam at month's end."

"You make me forget—there's still that?" Jiang Nian laughed.

Looking at Xu Qianqian, who stood a head shorter under the orange streetlight, he had a dark thought: with this height, she probably never lets cold air in while sleeping, no matter how much she kicks the blanket.

"Hmph, I'm done with you!" Xu Qianqian gritted her teeth and turned to leave.

"Hey, why get so upset over two words? What's with this 'hurry-up king' thing?" Jiang Nian chased after her, then shifted topics, "Actually, I have a math problem I want to ask you..."

October 7th, 6:30 a. m., no rain.

Still wanted to take a day off.

I already went to school yesterday—why do I have to go again today?

He heard about a study god in class, matching Xu Qianqian's grades—sleeps at 10:20 p. m., wakes at 5:30 a. m., adds an hour of extra practice before leaving every day.

Unwaveringly consistent for two months. Jiang Nian sleeps; the other guy works. Jiang Nian works... the other guy's already surpassed godhood.

Brushing his teeth, facing the mirror, Jiang Nian said with serious expression.

"I can't keep sinking like this! Youth is for striving, not wasting! Tired? Who isn't tired? As long as you don't die from studying, study until you drop!"

"Bro Jiang, don't sleep anymore, wake up, class is about to start." Li Hua nudged Jiang Nian, who was slumped on his desk.

Jiang Nian sat up like a zombie, eyes glued shut. After slumping in his seat for a long while, he asked the classic question.

"What class is it now?"

"Third period. You slept through the first two English classes so hard I was afraid you'd die beside me."

Hearing this, Jiang Nian was stunned—two whole classes had passed in a daze.

"Why didn't Qian Bao call on me?"

"Who knows? Qian Bao glanced at you and kept teaching." Li Hua sighed, "Maybe she figured even if you were awake, you were doing math—better not interrupt you."

What kind of victim talk is this?

The truth is, Qian Bao can't stand seeing you improve.

After whispering for a while, Li Hua's expression turned strange.

"You mean, for studying, you're anxious all night long, exhausting yourself, and now you have moderate anxiety and severe bipolar?"

"Yes."

"Then what time did you finish your homework last night?"

Jiang Nian's expression slightly cracked, "Ten o'clock."

Li Hua froze for two seconds, then raised his hand and unleashed the Great Imprisonment Palm.

"Dismissal is at 9:40—so you didn't write a single word, huh?!"

During math class, Jiang Nian—having rested through two English classes—was now seriously paying attention to math. Gao San is so exhausting; allocating energy wisely is normal.

Ding! The system panel popped up.

Don't mess with me—I'm in class!

Jiang Nian had no choice but to glance at the virtual system task panel.

【At age thirty-eight, your gym training has finally paid off. You've lost three kilograms. Maintain your mindset—rewarding yourself appropriately is also a crucial part of your comeback.】

【Task: Indulge in spending (limited to remaining system reward currency). Reward: Triple return.】

After reading it, Jiang Nian casually closed it.

You're blocking my math problem.

He looked up—huh?!! What?! Where did we get to? Just now I was totally into it, actively interacting with the math teacher—how did...

Math, that year's apricot blossom rain—I just glanced at the task panel, and how did you change?!

So unfamiliar, cold tone.

You're a jerk.

He glanced at his desk-mate Li Hua—blank draft paper. Damn it, I wish I'd gone blind a second ago—is this what a science genius looks like?

He marked the previous problem, planning to ask Li Hua after class.

He dared not ask the math teacher—the stinking middle-aged man would just glare at him, ask what the hell he was doing in class, and if he didn't listen, why ask after class?

Then he'd grumble through the problem, his mood like Ma Su after the loss of Jieting.

Distracted in class—that's Jiang Nian's fault.

Compared to him, Li Hua is far more cost-effective—average emotional intelligence, but reliable. With him around, steady progress in math isn't a dream—at least I'll climb one small step.

As soon as class ended, Li Hua bolted.

Jiang Nian moved fast, grabbing him in one swift motion. "Got a question for you. Don't go."

"This afternoon, I'm in a rush!"

"Bladder about to burst? No worries, I'll bring the trash can over for you in a bit." Jiang Nian, ever the eager learner, added, "Worst case I'll queue in the bathroom with you later. Deal?"

"No, bro, it's PE class!" Li Hua was about to take off, struggling free as he said, "Can't talk anymore, the basketball court is almost full."

At the doorway, Ma Guojun shouted.

"Li Hua, hurry up! You sneaking off to camp?"

"Coming!"

Jiang Nian watched the two of them leave, thoughtful.

Bang bang bang!!! After the free-activity period of PE class.

Jiang Nian executed a smooth pre-crossover, blowing right past Li Hua, and slammed it off the backboard and in with a bang. Then he was back in front of Li Hua, shouting loudly.

"So, do you like PE class or what? Huh? Baby! Speak up!"

Li Hua's face fell. "Bro, what are you doing, chasing me down the whole time?"

"Tell me the solution to the third sub-question from class, and I'll head back to the classroom right now." Jiang Nian smiled. "Otherwise, I'll keep playing you until school's out."

"Fine, fine, fine, I give up." Li Hua stepped off the court, picked up a white stone nearby, found a patch of cement, and wrote out the problem.

Five minutes later, Jiang Nian had his sudden realization.

"Soga, go play your ball."

Li Hua was curious: "You're really going up there to do homework? Come play with us!"

"Nah, there are girls up there." Jiang Nian waved and went on his way.