Chapter 14: My Youth Has Returned Once More

Throughout the entire college application process, homeroom teacher Old Tong’s attention revolved almost exclusively around a few top students in the class. They were all from prestigious schools, and their choices for universities were the most agonizing and time-consuming.

After Lu Fan made Xiao Yao cry for the second time, he found the room too noisy and went with Wang Zihao to wait by the stairs. More than half an hour passed, and only after the last student had submitted their form did Lu Fan and Wang Zihao hand theirs to Old Tong.

Old Tong took a look and immediately lost his temper.

“What? You actually listed Jiangnan University? And Jiangcheng Institute of Technology? Don’t you know your estimated scores? How dare you apply to these two schools?”

“Jiangnan University is the best university in Jiangnan Province, a Double First-Class institution, almost on par with Tsinghua and Peking University. Jiangcheng Institute of Technology is a key engineering school in Jiangnan Province, famous nationwide for its engineering programs.”

“Every year, so many students apply that it’s nearly impossible to get in. Our classmate Miao Kai scored an estimated 560 points, second in the class, and even I didn’t let him apply to Jiangnan University. You two... you really infuriate me.”

Lu Fan smiled. “Teacher, neither of us chose the key majors at these two universities. I applied for the newly established Psychology program at Jiangnan University, and Wang Zihao chose Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Both are quite obscure majors.”

“New programs are even less advisable—you have no prior reference, and no one knows how high their admission standards might be. This is a gamble. Didn’t I tell you from the start to be conservative?”

“Teacher, we just wanted to take a chance. If it succeeds, everyone’s happy; if it fails, no one can blame anyone else.”

Old Tong opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but found no words.

He sighed helplessly. “I should have watched you fill out the form. You never follow the usual path. Your scores easily qualify you for a second-tier university, but with this reckless approach, you might not get into your first choice and might end up at a junior college. Such a waste.”

“And you, Wang Zihao—was it you who egged Lu Fan on? Jiangcheng Institute of Technology? I’ll call your father later. If you don’t get into university, be ready to spend next year reviewing!”

Wang Zihao lowered his head, silent; underachievers have no say.

The conversation between Lu Fan and the homeroom teacher soon attracted the attention of nearby classmates. They listened quietly, equally astonished.

Jiangnan University was an almost untouchable pinnacle.

How could Lu Fan dare?

But because Lu Fan was tall and burly and had a rather poor reputation at school, no one dared to mock or ridicule him openly.

Xiao Yao remained silent, her gaze complicated as she looked at Lu Fan—because she herself had applied for the Chinese Language and Literature program at Jiangnan University.

Her estimated score was 580, above the historical admission cutoff, so she was confident.

As the crowd dispersed, Xiao Yao quietly followed behind and caught up with the two at the school gate.

“Wang Zihao, you go over there. I need to talk to Lu Fan.”

Wang Zihao let out two strange noises, shot Lu Fan a glance, and ran into the convenience store.

“What do you mean by this, Lu Fan?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why did you apply to Jiangnan University just because I did?”

“I know. After the exam, you confessed to me and I rejected you. You got a bit despondent, but you can’t mess with your own future like that.”

“I’ve told you: high school is just a brief journey. We’re too young and immature to make decisions for our lives. In college, you’ll have a brighter future and find your own love.”

Lu Fan finally realized who the “Fleeting Years” in his QQ was.

He quickly stopped her. “I understand, Xiao Yao. Go ahead and find your love at university! I promise I won’t bother you anymore.”

“Even if you wanted to, you won’t get the chance. I’m going to Jiangnan University; you don’t even know which school will accept you.”

Lu Fan glared at her. “Looking for a fight? You’re just going on and on to see me embarrassed?”

“You’ve become so strange... I won’t talk to you anymore.”

Xiao Yao pushed her bike a few meters away before riding off.

Wang Zihao returned with two sodas. “What were you two talking about? Why didn’t you chase after her? She was walking slowly, probably waiting for you!”

“I’m letting her be!”

“Heh, you two have fought before, but never for more than a couple of days before you made up with your apologies. Just wait; won’t be longer than a week. After the acceptance letters arrive, there’ll be a class reunion. You two will be back to normal then.”

Lu Fan sighed. “Was I really such a jerk before?”

“Heh, you’re pretty mild compared to most. Come on, let’s go play CS. I’ve told you before, what’s so great about girls? A big sniper rifle is way more fun!”

Wang Zihao took on the role of a wise mentor.

They hadn’t eaten lunch, playing at the internet café until afternoon. Lu Fan stretched his sore shoulders as he stepped outside.

Memories of the game still fresh, his reflexes kept up.

After spending half the day at school and another half at the internet café with Wang Zihao, shouting curses filled with crude language, he felt rejuvenated.

His old temperament returned naturally, no need to force it.

That was good—before this, at over sixty years old, he had been weighed down by weariness and awkwardness. It was better to be lively, more like a young man.

A few children nearby were playing soccer. The ball rolled to his feet. After a moment’s thought, he gave it a powerful kick. The ball arced through the air into a nearby shop.

Crash! Glass shattered everywhere.

He glanced at the stunned children, tossed them ten yuan, and ran off.

Hearing the children’s cries and a woman’s loud scolding from afar, he suddenly felt exhilarated.

He realized being too young wasn’t always good!

Back home, he tossed his backpack aside and saw Bai Shuang sitting on the sofa watching Blue Mouse and Big Face Cat.

“Bai Shuang, check the kitchen and bring me something to eat.”

Bai Shuang replied, “We had fried dough sticks and rice porridge this morning. Mom came home at noon, but seeing you hadn’t returned, she only made food for the two of us. It’s all gone now.”

“What can you cook?”

“I can make scrambled eggs! And noodles.”

“Good, then make me scrambled eggs and a bowl of noodles. I didn’t eat lunch and I’m starving.”

“Okay, wait for me. Mom says I cook really well.”

Bai Shuang lingered on the TV for a moment, then slipped on her slippers and ran to the kitchen.

After a while, she brought out a plate of scrambled eggs and a bowl of scallion noodles.

Lu Fan patted her head as a reward.

“You’re so good. Later, I’ll buy you a rainbow lollipop.”

After eating, Bai Shuang voluntarily cleared the dishes and washed them clean.

Lu Fan couldn’t help but think, truly, children from poor families grow up fast.

Looking toward the kitchen, Bai Shuang’s height was just about even with the stove—just over 1.2 meters.

Curious, he asked, “How did you cook the food just now?”

“I stood on a stool! Brother, you’re so dumb!”