As I went down for breakfast, my mother seemed a bit annoyed. "Where were you running off to last night? You weren't anywhere upstairs or downstairs."

Eating, I replied, "I was late because of school matters. Starting today, we're entering a period of closed management for military training; I might not be allowed home for a month."

My father chimed in, "It's mandatory to stay at school for military training, that much is true. But I'm warning you now: I have an old childhood friend who is a director there. I've already treated him to a meal, and he promised to keep an eye on your every move. If you cause trouble fighting or messing around with girls at school, be careful I don't beat your backside raw when I get back."

I put down my chopsticks. "Dad, look at how badly you think of your own son. Do I look like the type to start fights? And messing around with girls? I'm currently swamped upstairs and downstairs; what time do I have for that?"

My father poked my forehead. "You little rascal, you said that yourself! If I find out you got into a fight with someone or had anything happen with another female classmate, you'll kneel for three days and three nights when you get home and write a one-million-character self-criticism."

I quickly protested, "Dad, isn't that too harsh? I'm your real son!"

"You dare talk back? Then kneel for six days and six nights and write a two-million-character self-criticism."

"Dad!"

"Twelve days and twelve nights..."

"Stop! Six days is fine! I'm going to school." I figured I should shut up and leave quickly; any longer and even a year of kneeling might not be enough to atone.

Entering the dorm, I first looked around. Sure enough, Li Qi had lied to me—everything inside was fine, there hadn't been any fire at all. Xu Hu and Chen Chao were still sound asleep, so I yanked both of them out of their quilts.

"It's time. If you don't get up now, you'll be going to military training stark naked."

Chen Chao rubbed his eyes. "Little White Dragon, why didn't you come back last night? It turns out those two guys are from the film studio. They came to the school to shoot a movie. Seeing how genuinely emotional Big Water Buffalo and I were, they gave us three hundred yuan to act out a scene where the dorm caught fire. We'll show you the finished film when it's done."

While changing into my military training uniform, I said, "Big Water Buffalo looks terrible when he cries, that old man. You two can sleep; I’m heading to the field."

Chen Chao glanced at the time. "Oh no, we're going to be late! Big Water Buffalo, Big Water Buffalo! Get up quick..."

The sports field at Long Teng University was enormous; even tens of thousands of people standing on it looked like a drop in the ocean. Today's main task was the pre-war mobilization, followed by forming squads for the start of training. Some departments were heading to military bases for in-depth training, but for us in Finance, a superficial run-through was enough since we weren't focused on sports.

The sun was vicious, making people sweat relentlessly. It was only eight or nine in the morning, which made one dread how unbearable even the simplest training would be later.

"Zhao Qian, Student Zhao Qian, please report to the Principal's Office after hearing this announcement." My name suddenly cut through the loud speakers blaring the rousing mobilization speech.

I was puzzled. I didn't know the principal, so why would he summon me? Still, I hurried off; having my name broadcast repeatedly couldn't be a good thing.

Other than knowing the exact location of the library, I genuinely didn't know where the Principal's Office was. Luckily, some senior students were walking around campus. I approached them to ask, but every one of them looked at me strangely when they answered. After walking away, I concentrated and eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Was that the guy who went to the 'Three Golden Flowers' dorm yesterday?"

"Yeah. I heard Li Qi even visited his dorm. It’s highly likely she was looking for him too."

"Who is he? How is he so awesome, linking up with the Four Flowers right away? Is he some rich young master's son?"

"Doesn't look like it. I've never heard of anyone like him. I bet he's one of those guys who lives off women. People like that disgust me."

"You're just jealous, aren't you? Don't be disingenuous. I heard a lot of posts attacking him appeared on the forum last night. The Four Flowers' followers are currently tearing him down to worthlessness."

Damn it! So that's what happened. Why is my luck so terrible? I'm being tricked by those two guys, beaten by another guy, and now cursed by my classmates. Let them try experiencing this feeling if they dare.

I knocked and entered the Principal's Office. The principal was an old man in his fifties. To my surprise, he warmly stood up to greet me and politely invited me to sit.

"Principal, I’ll just stand, thank you. What did you call me here for?"

"Oh, you are Student Zhao Qian, right? It's nothing major. I reviewed your admission scores; they were excellent. For a student admitted through social channels, it's practically a miracle. Your appearance doesn't match your age at all—do you have a secret?"

Was the principal going to ask me for longevity tips? Should I tell him to drink snake blood and date girls frequently? "Principal, actually, my ID card and household registration age are fake. I am actually 19. My mother came up with this idea because she wants me to marry and have children sooner."

The principal didn't quite believe it, but thankfully, he didn't press the issue further. "It's this: someone requested a leave of absence for you; you don't need to attend military training."

"What? Principal, I didn't ask for leave. Who was so kind?"

The principal said mysteriously, "You'll meet her shortly. Go on, there’s a car waiting for you at the school gate."

I ran out of campus and immediately spotted a black sedan. It was her. I pulled open the door and spoke crossly, "Why did you ask for leave on my behalf?"

Li Qi giggled. "It's so hot outside; I was afraid you’d get tanned."

Li Qi's face was still severely swollen, looking quite frightening. I felt a pang of concern. "Let me accompany you to the hospital. Don't act like last night anymore in the future; you're such a pretty girl, what have you become?"

Li Qi laughed. "No way. When I woke up this morning and looked in the mirror, I nearly jumped out of my skin, thinking I’d seen a ghost. Looks like I’ll need to take leave for a few days to recover too. Can you come keep me company when you have time?"

Since I didn't have to do military training, I had plenty of time over the next month, so I nodded and instructed the driver to go to Huashi General Hospital. It was a good chance to check on Cai Jingjing's condition.

Li Qi told the driver to wait outside, then took my hand as we walked toward the hospital. "Zhao Qian, I saw the note you left. Thank you. You are so good to me. In front of you, I feel like a little girl who doesn't have to worry about anything else."

I replied, "I'm not just good to you; I'm like this with all the girls."

Li Qi didn't speak, keeping her head down to hide her face, following silently behind me. I took her straight to Hua Qingqing. Coincidentally, Zhu Da, Cai Bao'er, and the others were already in her office.

"Who is this?" Zhu Da asked.

"My classmate. How is Jingjing's condition?" I asked Hua Qingqing.

Hua Qingqing said, "Other tests are complete. I've arranged for someone to take her downstairs for X-rays, and we'll review them once they're back. And this is...?"

I pulled Li Qi forward. "Her face is swollen. Can you give her an anti-inflammatory shot to reduce the swelling?"

Hua Qingqing looked her up and down. "You’re Qi Qi? How did you get like this!"

Li Qi said shyly, "Sorry you recognized me. I had an accidental fall last night."

Hua Qingqing pulled Li Qi over, examining her thoroughly. "Don't lie. Does falling cause bruises on your front and your back? Did you get into a fight?"