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Having sorted out his future development plans, Fang Yi closed his notebook and pulled out his textbook to begin reviewing. Before his rebirth, he was already a man in his thirties; most of his high school knowledge had long been forgotten. If he didn't cram now, let alone a university, he might not even get into a vocational college.
Don't look down on vocational colleges; in the millennium, they were completely different from how they're seen now. Although enrollments expanded in 1999, vocational colleges were no longer as prestigious as before, but their admission scores were only thirty or forty points lower than second-tier university admission lines. Furthermore, the admission rate for vocational colleges was much lower than for second-tier universities, so the difficulty wasn't necessarily lower.
For Fang Yi, attending university was a must; otherwise, he would miss too much. Moreover, starting a business as a university student offered many conveniences and additional resources. So, for these last eighteen days, he'd set aside making money and focus on studying!
Hmm?
As he studied, Fang Yi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He had initially thought that after so many years, reviewing his high school knowledge would be incredibly difficult. But it wasn't. His memory seemed to have become exceptionally good, allowing him to easily recall previously learned information.
Was this a small bonus after rebirth?
Not bad! Fang Yi was pleasantly surprised. Just a moment ago, he had been prepared to spend money to "buy" his way into a school if he failed the exam. Now, it seemed, it wouldn wouldn't be necessary.
High school courses were mostly completed by the second year of high school. The entire third year, especially the second semester, was basically spent doing practice problems and reviewing. Especially with only over ten days left until the college entrance exam, teachers had already taught everything they needed to; the rest was up to the students themselves, with teachers primarily serving a supervisory role.
He spent the entire afternoon reviewing and doing practice problems. When he got tired, he would chat and joke with Zhao Wanqiu to relax his mind.
…
When the dismissal bell rang, the previously quiet Experimental First High School instantly became bustling.
"Brother Yi, wait for me, it's my turn to do cleanup duty today!" Seeing Fang Yi quickly pack his bag, Zhao Wanqiu, who was sitting in the front row, reminded him.
"Alright!" Hearing this, Fang Yi put down his bag and waited for her.
"Cough, cough!" Despite water being sprinkled on the ground, the sweeping broom still kicked up countless dust particles.
Watching Zhao Wanqiu cough while sweeping, Fang Yi frowned, walked over, snatched the broom from her hand, and gestured towards outside the classroom with his chin: "Wait outside!"
"No need, two people will finish faster!" Zhao Wanqiu shook her head.
"Go!" Fang Yi watched her silently, his tone unyielding.
Seeing his resolve, Zhao Wanqiu said nothing more and obediently walked out of the classroom. Watching her retreating back, Fang Yi thought that after the college entrance exam, he would find an opportunity to take her for a hospital check-up. Lung cancer, in its early stages, actually had a very high cure rate.
After quickly sweeping the classroom, Fang Yi carried the trash can downstairs to empty it. Coming downstairs, he immediately saw Han Ning standing quietly there, seemingly waiting for someone.
Upon seeing Fang Yi, Han Ning gently bit her lip, then slowly walked forward.
Looking for me? Fang Yi raised an eyebrow as Han Ning walked straight towards him.
"Class monitor, anything I can help you with?"
"Mhm!" Han Ning hummed in affirmation, then lowered her head slightly and whispered, "I... I agree!"
"Agree to what?" This abrupt, context-less statement confused Fang Yi.
"Agree to be your girlfriend!" Han Ning looked up, her clear eyes meeting his gaze, and answered earnestly.
Fang Yi: ???
When I slowly type out question marks, it's not because I have a problem; it's because you have a problem!
I didn't say I wanted to be your boyfriend!
Seeing him stunned rooted to the spot and speechless, Han Ning pursed her lips and softly said, "I'm going home now, see you tomorrow."
He just went to dump the trash and ended up with a girlfriend? Who the hell can he reason with about this?!
Watching her increasingly distant figure, Fang Yi couldn't help but wonder, did he like Han Ning? Perhaps his past self did. But that liking was too vague, eventually becoming just a regret when he reminisced about his youth. In his previous life, he had even forgotten what Han Ning looked like.
Today, Han Ning's actions completely shattered his preconceived notions of her; Fang Yi felt as if he was meeting her for the first time.
Getting to know her again?
Under the setting sun, Han Ning's shadow stretched long. Fang Yi smiled faintly: "It's nice to meet you, my... girlfriend!"
…
…
"Brother Yi, what did the class monitor want with you just now? Was she mad about what happened at lunch?"
After emptying the trash and returning upstairs, Zhao Wanqiu leaned in, her face full of curiosity.
Fang Yi glanced at her. "She said she wants to be my girlfriend!"
"Don't fool me, are you dreaming before it's even dark?" Zhao Wanqiu scoffed, utterly disbelieving.
Hearing this, Fang Yi put an arm around her shoulder and, while walking downstairs, smirked, "Brother Qiu, let's make a bet. If Han Ning really said she wants to be my girlfriend, how about the 50 yuan I owe you is cleared?"
"No bet!" Zhao Wanqiu immediately shook her head.
Fang Yi asked suspiciously, "Why? Didn't you say I was daydreaming?"
"No matter what, I lose out. Why would I bet?" Zhao Wanqiu scoffed, her face full of disdain.
As the two joked, they arrived at the parking area. Shen Hao stood under the sunshade, quietly waiting for them, engrossed in his ghost story book. This was Shen Hao's personality: simple and honest, a true "otaku" in modern terms.
"Let's go, Haozi!" Fang Yi patted Shen Hao's head. After scanning the bike shed, he successfully located his bicycle. Honestly, if his memory hadn't improved after rebirth, he'd be in an awkward situation right now. After all, who the heck remembers what their bicycle looked like over a decade ago?
…
The three rode their bicycles, weaving through the old street. The golden afterglow of the sunset pierced through the branches and leaves of the sycamore trees lining the road, creating patches of dappled light and shadow.
The melodious and light whistle of "Whistle" (by Flo Rida) emanated from Fang Yi's lips.
Youth, it's truly beautiful!