Yi Tianyu's mood was quite complicated. Wasn't sending love letters usually something little girls did? How come the bookworm received so many more love letters than him?
Just how popular was this bookworm anyway?
Xue Jiao remained unaware that her love letters were being intercepted. As she approached her senior year of high school, her academic pressure had increased significantly.
Lin Zhihua once said that people must adapt to the rules of whatever environment they're in. Even if you have a thousand or ten thousand complaints about China's exam-oriented education system, as long as you're in this environment, this is the path you must walk. And since you must walk this path, you should make every second count.
High school lasts three years for everyone, but some become first in class while others end up last.
Xue Jiao never found studying bitter or exhausting.
In her previous life, she had already thought studying was much happier than working odd jobs. Now with this second chance at life, Xue Jiao cherished every moment of learning even more.
Thus, she treasured every minute of high school. Even on her way to the cafeteria, she wore headphones listening to English audio clips.
This demeanor made her seem unapproachable to most students, who privately nicknamed her "the flower on the high peak."
As a result, even those who liked her, had crushes on her, or wanted to confess their feelings didn't dare directly approach her. They could only secretly slip her love letters.
Xue Jiao carried her meal tray to a table. At the start of sophomore year, Cheng Shuo had deposited 10,000 yuan into meal accounts for both her and Cheng Mingze.
While the food at Seventh High wasn't cheap, it wasn't excessively expensive either. With money in her account, she didn't deprive herself.
For lunch, she took one meat dish, one vegetable dish, and a soup—moderate portions she could finish completely. For many people, high school is when they have their biggest appetites in life.
Even a slender girl like Xue Jiao, who didn't seem to have an ounce of extra flesh on her, could clean her plate. Most boys went back for second helpings of rice.
Xue Jiao ate unhurriedly, with elegant manners that showed deep respect for her food.
Not far away...
"Hey hey, Gu Xue Jiao!" a girl whispered, nudging her chin toward their dining companions.
The girl beside her turned first, glancing over before saying, "She's really impressive. Completely different from how Gu Xue Jiao used to be!"
"I heard it was Cheng Mingjiao who provoked the change."
"At the start of last semester, she made a bet with Cheng Mingjiao and then became completely obsessed with studying."
"Yueyue, you were the one laughing at her for overestimating herself back then. But look at her now..."
"As if you didn't say anything too! It wasn't just me—you were mocking her as well!"
"Right, right, you all said things back then. Only Shiyun didn't join in!"
"Shiyun, tell us, who started making fun of her first?"
...
Gu Shiyun's grip tightened around her chopsticks, her fingertips turning white. After a long pause, she smiled and said, "What's past is past. I don't remember anymore."
No matter how much she detested Xue Jiao in her heart, she would never be as brainless as Cheng Mingjiao!
"Shiyun never gets involved in these things. Stop pressuring her."
"Yeah, and Shiyun has been working so hard lately—even more than before!"
"Chu Sheng has been really diligent too. Are you two trying to overtake Gu Xue Jiao?""Hahaha, speaking of Gu Xue Jiao, as long as she maintains her grades within the top ten, she’s guaranteed a spot in the top five universities when it comes to senior year recommendations!"
"That’s true. So envious."
...
Gu Shiyun kept a smile on her face, but the food was hard to swallow.
There was nothing more painful in the world than having to smile while listening to others praise your enemy!
Xue Jiao had no idea that today’s meal had provoked Gu Shiyun, nor did she know how many people were looking at her with envy.
Her drive to study this semester remained as fierce as ever, and Cheng Mingze’s countdown also added a lot of pressure on her.
——
That morning, Yi Tianyu arrived at school early.
Then, he reached into Xue Jiao’s desk and pulled out a stack of love letters—this had become his daily routine lately.
"The competition ended so long ago, why are there still so many love letters?? Don’t these people have anything better to do than write love letters all day?"
His voice was filled with frustration, helplessness, and the urge to hit someone.
Suddenly, Yi Tianyu froze: "Damn! Could it be that it’s not the same group of people???"
Just how many secret admirers did that bookworm have??
He had originally planned to toss them into the trash bag as usual, but his gaze was drawn to the writing on the envelope.
Most people didn’t write on the envelope, but this one had words on it.
It read—Because of you, I’ve come to realize that the same gender can also evoke such strong attraction.
Same gender???
"Damn! There are even girls?!"
Yi Tianyu clutched the love letter in agitation when a voice suddenly sounded behind him—
"You’re here so early?"
It was Xue Jiao!
Yi Tianyu instinctively hid what he was holding behind his back, but Xue Jiao was already baffled—he had moved too late, and she had clearly seen what it was.
Xue Jiao was speechless. What was Yi Tianyu trying to do?
She rolled her eyes and sat down in her seat, saying, "It’s just love letters, right? It’s not like I’ve never seen them before. Why are you hiding them?"
She paused, then pressed further: "Afraid I’ll be jealous?"
Yi Tianyu: "..."
Xue Jiao smiled as she took out her books. "Don’t worry, you don’t have to consider my feelings. Getting love letters isn’t a big deal—just don’t let it affect you."
She thought to herself, who would’ve guessed that someone as carefree as Yi Tianyu would actually be considerate of her, his loveless-letter-receiving desk mate?
But he could rest assured—she wasn’t the least bit envious!
Yi Tianyu: "...Okay."
He casually tossed the love letter aside, then looked at Xue Jiao as if suddenly remembering something. Excited, he sat down in his seat.
Leaning closer to Xue Jiao, he said eagerly, "Bookworm, I’ve got great news! Our basketball team made it to the quarterfinals! If we win the next match, we’ll advance to the semifinals! Hahahaha!"
Xue Jiao looked up and shifted her gaze to him, staring.
Yi Tianyu grew even more excited and continued boasting, "The main reason our team made it to the quarterfinals this year is because of a new key player—me! Last year, I wasn’t on the team, and look—our school didn’t even make it past the top eight!"
He conveniently ignored the fact that Cheng Mingze hadn’t participated last year either.
Xue Jiao kept staring at him without saying a word.
At first, Yi Tianyu was still grinning, but gradually, her gaze made him feel a little self-conscious.
He scratched his head. "What’s up, bookworm? Admiring me now? Wait till Saturday when we make it to the semifinals—then you can admire me all you want!"
Xue Jiao: "..."She looked at him, her gaze gradually changing, becoming somewhat meaningful.
For some reason, Yi Tianyu felt this look was very similar to how he usually looked at Xi Junyang—as if saying:
Look at this fool!
"Hey, what's going on?" Yi Tianyu asked cautiously, his voice tentative.
Xue Jiao looked at him, her small red lips parting slightly—
"Depression, did you forget about the midterms on Thursday and Friday? Parent-teacher conference is next Monday."
Yi Tianyu: "......" ???
He felt as if struck by a bolt of lightning out of the blue.
A bolt from the blue!
——
Preparing for the midterms on Thursday and Friday was no easy task for either Xue Jiao or Yi Tianyu.
Yi Tianyu had a basketball match on Saturday and needed to practice for an hour every noon, all while studying for the midterms.
"What should I do? What should I do?" Yi Tianyu panicked.
This past month, he had spent most of his time preparing for the basketball match, drastically reducing the time he dedicated to studying.
Could it be... that this midterm would expose his true academic level?
Shaking his head, Yi Tianyu forced himself to focus on the math test paper in front of him, pulling out scratch paper to begin working through the problems.
Beside him, several notebooks were pushed over.
The black-and-white checkered notebooks matched the color of the book covers Xue Jiao used.
Yi Tianyu blinked, looking from Xue Jiao to the notebooks and back.
"Th-this is..."
Of course, he recognized them!
These were Xue Jiao's class notes, which she usually guarded like treasures!
"Use them. The most important points are highlighted—red is most likely to be tested, followed by blue, then green. Pay attention to the regular black text too, since I can't predict the exact exam content." Xue Jiao's voice was calm. After speaking, she lowered her head and continued working on her test paper.
"Bookworm..." Yi Tianyu's mouth hung open.
Xue Jiao paused her writing briefly before saying, "I've also lost a few days this time, so I can't help you review. You'll have to study on your own."
Xue Jiao was feeling the pressure too. Ever since Chu Sheng's setback in the math competition, he had been studying as if his life depended on it.
Having always held the top spot, she didn’t want to be overtaken.
With that, she bent her head and scribbled furiously, pouring all her energy into the test paper before her.
Yi Tianyu stared dumbly at the notebooks in front of him. The neatly written notes, interspersed with clearly marked colors, made the material exceptionally easy to follow.
He blinked repeatedly, stammering after a long pause, "Bookworm... thank you..."
At that moment, his heart pounded wildly, as if something had burst free, racing uncontrollably before swiftly rushing back, leaving his heart fluttering like a startled deer.
——
During the Wednesday morning break, Xue Jiao and Yi Tianyu were both buried in their books. The classroom of Class 1 was unusually quiet, with everyone making a final sprint for the upcoming exams.
Suddenly, the school broadcast crackled to life—
"Respected teachers and dear students, we are pleased to announce some wonderful news."
Instantly, everyone in the classroom set down their pens and looked up at the speakers, puzzled.
Xue Jiao also stopped writing, though she didn’t lift her gaze.
She was just slightly curious—what kind of good news could there be at this time?
"Congratulations to Shen Yikun of the senior grade for being admitted to Nankai University through early admission. Congratulations to Qiu Yue of the senior grade for being admitted to Fudan University through early admission. Congratulations to..."
In an instant, the classroom fell silent. Nearly everyone looked up at the broadcast."Finally, congratulations to Cheng Mingze from the senior year group for his admission to Tsinghua University's Mathematics Department! Everyone, let's congratulate the above seniors! At the same time, as the college entrance exam approaches, we hope the senior year students will continue to strive and achieve outstanding results. Thank you all."
"Boom—" The classroom erupted instantly.
"Oh my—" Almost everyone gasped in astonishment.
Many among them were top students, but in the increasingly competitive battlefield of the college entrance exam, the chances of getting into Tsinghua or Peking University were slim.
Moreover, even those with consistently excellent grades could falter under pressure.
Very few dared claim they were guaranteed admission to Tsinghua or Peking.
Cheng Mingze's direct admission to Tsinghua meant he wouldn't have to cross that perilous single-plank bridge or step onto that silent battlefield.
"Cheng Mingze! That's absolutely incredible!"
"Ahhh! I'm so envious!"
"He was always amazing—he could've gotten in through the exam anyway."
"It's not the same. Wow, I admire him so much!"
"God-tier! God-tier!"
"Ugh, I'm so jealous!"
...
Xue Jiao clenched her pen tightly, her mind swirling with countless thoughts.
So, the original Cheng Mingze from the book could have such a glorious life, such achievements.
Had fate let her live as Gu Xue Jiao to fulfill her own regrets... and also to give Cheng Mingze, Cheng Shuo, and Li Sitong a new life?
Tsinghua University...
Xue Jiao felt both happy and an indescribable sense of longing.
A little over a year—410 days—until she faced the destiny of her past life again.
The college entrance exam.
She cheered for Cheng Mingze, but she would also strive for herself!
Lowering her head, she shook off her emotions and immediately returned to her studies.
Yi Tianyu, however, was momentarily dazed. If Cheng Mingze got into Tsinghua, what about the bookworm?
She had also won first prize in the math competition. With her stellar grades, she was bound to enter a top-tier university too...
He glanced sideways at Xue Jiao, but her mind was already fully immersed in studying, her head bent low as she scribbled furiously.
Yi Tianyu's chest tightened with an odd, sour feeling.
Soon, he shook his head and went back to his notes.
——
On Thursday, Qizhong High's midterm exams began.
Last month, Xue Jiao had ranked first—only two points ahead of Chu Sheng.
She sat in the first seat, Chu Sheng in the second.
"I haven’t congratulated you yet on winning first prize!" Chu Sheng smiled. He was pale, spoke softly, and carried himself with quiet refinement.
"Thank you." Xue Jiao nodded, returning the smile.
Chu Sheng looked at her seriously. "I’ll surpass you this time."
Xue Jiao: "..."
After a pause, she replied, "I’ll keep holding on."
Hadn’t they had this exact exchange before?
She mused that her growing obsession with staying at the top might stem from having such a formidable rival who constantly vowed to overtake her.
To avoid being surpassed... she supposed she was destined to become someone fixated on being number one.
Years later, Xue Jiao would often reminisce about her high school days.
In her memoirs, she mentioned this top student from the neighboring class—someone she rarely interacted with, yet who was both her rival and a kindred spirit.
During those formative years of her brilliant academic journey, the motivation from competing with him had been undeniable.
Seated in fourth place, Gu Shiyun glared coldly at them. Ever since sophomore year, the grades she once prided herself on had been overshadowed by Xue Jiao.Gu Shiyun gritted her teeth. This month, she had been burning the candle at both ends—getting up half an hour earlier and staying up half an hour later.
She would surpass Gu Xue Jiao!
She would trample her underfoot once again!
——
The two-day exams passed in a flash. On Friday, Xue Jiao and Cheng Mingze were picked up together to go home.
“I’ve been so busy with revision and exams these past two days that I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you yet,” Xue Jiao said with a smile, looking at Cheng Mingze.
The young man before her was at the peak of his vigor. Even though he was the composed male lead from the original story, his eyes and brows were brimming with joy.
“Thank you. Keep working hard—I believe in you.”
“Mhm!” Xue Jiao nodded firmly.
She would definitely give it her all.
The two arrived home, and soon after, Cheng Shuo and Li Sitong returned as well.
“Mingze, is your direct admission for the mathematics department?”
“Yes.”
“What are your plans then? Will you transfer majors after entering university?” Cheng Shuo frowned slightly. Mathematics and finance…
“Yes, I’ll transfer,” Cheng Mingze nodded.
“To what major?” Cheng Shuo asked casually.
“Computer science.”
The room fell silent.
Even Xue Jiao looked at him in surprise—
If she remembered correctly, in the original story, Cheng Mingze had studied finance, so he had quickly returned to take over Cheng Shuo’s role.
Why would he suddenly choose computer science?
Cheng Shuo was equally puzzled. “You’re not studying finance?”
The family had long agreed that Pengcheng would belong to Cheng Mingze. His education had always been preparation for taking over the company. Why was he suddenly switching to computer science?
“Dad.” Cheng Mingze suddenly stood up solemnly, facing Cheng Shuo.
His gaze was intense, his voice earnest. “I want to study computer science. I’m interested in it. I want to start a company that develops websites and games in the future.”
This was the first time Cheng Mingze had voiced this, leaving Cheng Shuo at a loss.
Pengcheng was in manufacturing, completely unrelated to what Cheng Mingze was describing. If he followed through with his plan, he would be embarking on a completely different path.
It took Cheng Shuo a long moment before he could speak, his voice hoarse. “You…”
As if knowing what he wanted to say, Cheng Mingze continued, “I used to think that after graduating, since you’re getting older, you should retire. But this year in high school, I’ve thought a lot. I want to take a different path—I want to fulfill the dreams I had as a child.”
Cheng Shuo’s voice grew even rougher. “You… still remember things from when you were little?”
“I remember. I’ve always remembered. I’ve thought about it over and over this year. I don’t want to take over Pengcheng. I want to pursue my own dreams.” Cheng Mingze’s expression was resolute.
Cheng Shuo fell silent, lost in thought.
If Cheng Mingze didn’t take over the company, and Xue Jiao clearly had no interest in it either, then once Cheng Shuo could no longer manage Pengcheng, the company would inevitably be sold or handed over to hired management. Either way, the legacy Cheng Shuo had built over a lifetime would gradually fade away.
His long-held hope that Cheng Mingze would expand Pengcheng several times over would never come to pass.
The silence stretched on so long that Li Sitong couldn’t help but speak up. “Mingze—”
Cheng Shuo waved his hand, stopping her.He seemed to lose all his strength in an instant and only said, "Mingze, you've always been sensible and never demanding. When you were little and played Snake, you told your mom that it was too simple and you'd make something more fun in the future. Back then, we didn’t take it seriously because you were young. Later, every time you played a game, you’d say you’d make better ones when you grew up. Gradually, as you got older, you stopped mentioning it. I never thought you’d never forgotten..."
Cheng Mingze nodded, his eyes showing a hint of stubbornness.
"If you want to study it, then go ahead. But you need to know—that path isn’t the one I hoped you’d take. If you want to pursue your dream, then Pengcheng can’t be your fallback in the future. Once you’ve made your choice, there’s no turning back." Cheng Shuo’s voice was firm.
Cheng Mingze also nodded seriously, without the slightest hesitation. "Dad, I won’t regret it..."
"Then go ahead and apply." After saying this, Cheng Shuo slowly walked toward his room.
The successor he had nurtured was no longer going to inherit what he had built.
For someone of his generation, this was truly a devastating blow.
"This..." Li Sitong glanced at Cheng Mingze, then at Cheng Shuo, but in the end, she said nothing and hurried after him.
Only Xue Jiao and Cheng Mingze remained in the living room. Her face was pale.
She hadn’t expected that the butterfly effect of her actions would completely alter the path Cheng Mingze was supposed to take in the future!
Xue Jiao didn’t know what would happen if Cheng Mingze studied computer science, but she knew that if he took over the company, he would lead Pengcheng to become the industry leader!
Everything was thrown into chaos!
"Brother..." Xue Jiao opened her mouth, looking lost. "Why aren’t you considering the company anymore? You’ve been learning from Dad for so many years. You’re bound to achieve great things in the future..."
Cheng Mingze smiled and walked over.
He reached out and gently ruffled Xue Jiao’s hair, then said, "Jiao Jiao, I’m happy."
Xue Jiao tilted her head, still confused.
"My dream since childhood has been computer science. Now that I’ve chosen this path, this is already my achievement."
Xue Jiao remained bewildered.
Cheng Mingze continued smiling. "Because it’s my dream. I’m walking the path toward it."
——
Xue Jiao was at a loss. She didn’t know whether diverting Cheng Mingze onto another path was right or wrong.
He seemed happy.
But he was supposed to achieve extraordinary success at Pengcheng.
Tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep, she sent a message to Lin Zhihua—
[If someone is destined to achieve great success in a certain field but chooses to pursue their dream on a different path instead, is that right or wrong?]
After sending the message, she stared blankly at the ceiling.
A moment later, Lin Zhihua replied—
[There is no right or wrong—it’s entirely their choice. Jiao Jiao, if you were destined to achieve great success in a certain field, would you give up the college entrance exam for it?]
Xue Jiao froze. Of course not!
How could she ever give up the college entrance exam?
[You wouldn’t give it up—the exam is your dream. So the person pursuing their dream isn’t wrong in the first place.]
Xue Jiao blinked, her gaze fixed on one spot for a long while before replying—
[I think I understand now. Compared to a seemingly better path, one’s passion and dreams are the most important things.]
So Cheng Mingze didn’t want to take over Pengcheng—he preferred to realize his dream because that was what would truly make him happy.In the original text, Cheng Shuo was already exhausted, and Cheng Mingze taking over Pengcheng felt more like a path he was forced onto.
Because of this, Xue Jiao didn’t cause trouble, and Cheng Shuo’s health remained good. Given another chance to choose, he resolutely and desperately walked in a different direction.
[Yes, love is more important than everything else.]
Lin Zhihua typed these words, then closed his eyes slightly.
So, Jiao Jiao, having you by my side is far more important than me sitting in Lin Corporation giving orders.
You make me... happier than Lin Corporation does.
You are more important than Lin Corporation.
Xue Jiao suddenly wrote excitedly—
[I want to achieve my dreams too! I want to attend the best school! I want to become an outstanding mathematician!]
Lin Zhihua chuckled softly and typed—
"Dreams are the guiding light on the path ahead, and passion is the energy that keeps you moving forward."
One evening during her second year of high school, Cheng Mingze chose to take a different path.
Xue Jiao also made a decision that would shape the rest of her life.
She had never walked another road, so she didn’t know if the one she chose was truly right.
But many years later, she was still glad—she had forged her own legend.
——
Monday, parent-teacher conference.
"Jiao Jiao, does Mom look good today?" Li Sitong adjusted her pretty dress.
Xue Jiao: "...You look great."
Li Sitong smiled. "My daughter is so amazing—I can’t embarrass her!"
Xue Jiao sighed. "The results aren’t even out yet! What if I’m not first?"
"That’s fine! As long as you’re near the top, Mom will be happy!" Li Sitong applied her lipstick and followed Cheng Shuo and the others to No. 7 High School.
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
Wu Wanjun lowered her voice, tugging at Gu Shiyun. "Can you outscore Gu Xue Jiao this time? I don’t know what’s gotten into your father today—he insists on going to the parent-teacher meeting. If you do worse than Gu Xue Jiao..."
She didn’t finish, but both she and Gu Shiyun understood.
Gu Shiyun clenched her jaw. "I checked my answers—my score will definitely be higher than before!"
Wu Wanjun exhaled sharply, gritting her teeth. "You must crush Gu Xue Jiao! I refuse to let Li Sitong lord it over me!"
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