With his father’s enterprise finally established, Zhong Yun returned his focus to his studies. In the first proficiency test after school resumed, his scores leaped forward again, bounding three places to fourth in the class, putting him in the top ten of the entire grade.

In Zhong Yun’s class and grade, the top three spots were unshakeable; even the order never changed: first was Liu Yunqi, second was Xiao Ruo, and third was Tian Hai. These three not only consistently took the top three spots in the class but also in the entire grade. These three were privately dubbed the 'Three Great Freaks' (BTs). From the first to the third year, they had always monopolized the top three positions, with no one ever breaking their stranglehold. Over time, when rankings were posted, everyone automatically filtered the top three out—no one could compete with the BTs, right?

This exam also cemented a legend in the history of No. 1 High School, as it was the last proficiency test for these third-year students. The legend of the Three Great Freaks would live on, never to be broken. Finding one genius is easy; finding three isn't impossible either. But for three geniuses to maintain such rock-steady scores—the first always first, the second always second, the third always dead last—was simply unbelievable.

After this test, the third-year students were either swamped with overwhelming tasks or leisurely drifting through school days. Teachers barely supervised, so students played games or chatted amongst themselves. Zhong Yun belonged to the leisurely group, as he had long decided which school he intended to attend. The admission process here differed from Earth; there, all students took a unified examination. Here, each school held its own entrance exams. Schools of different tiers staggered their testing times, so for safety, many students often had to rush through multiple exams. Essentially, during this final half-year, classes were no longer held. However, if you dared not show up, it would be counted as truancy, and your conduct score would drop until you cried. Exceptions were made only with proof of examination attendance. Zhong Yun’s target was Mingzhu School; their exam was scheduled for seven days later. During this time, he remained quite relaxed.

Mingzhu School was the nation’s foremost secondary education institution, boasting first-rate faculty and educational facilities, which were in no way inferior to most universities. It was practically a sacred site in the minds of middle school students and parents across the country. Every year, tens of thousands of students came to take the exam, and countless applicants arrived from other planets as well. Every year when the Mingzhu School entrance exams arrived, the population of Mingzhou City would surge. The streets would be jammed with parents and students taking the test. Those unfamiliar with the city would think some grand celebration was underway. It was truly a major event for Mingzhou.

Zhong Yun chose Mingzhu School not only because he didn't want to be separated from Tian Hai, Chen Wen, and the others, but also for other reasons. Foremost were his parents' expectations. Every parent hopes their children will achieve great things. He could never forget his mother’s expression of mingled excitement and surprise after his grades improved. He could only imagine the joy and pride his parents would feel if he got into Mingzhu School.

The road home felt distant and uncertain. During his time here, although he was merely an outsider, he had gradually accepted everything. Here, he had parents and relatives who cared for him; he had sworn brothers and friends; he had a beloved whose heart ached for him... He had developed a sense of belonging to this planet. A person doesn't live just for themselves; life is only complete with them. As for his parents on Earth, he had his older sister and younger brother there; they would take excellent care of them. He silently wished them well, vowing, One day, I will return to stand before you and fulfill my filial duties.

“What are you thinking about?” A clear, beautiful voice drew Zhong Yun back. Turning his head, he saw Liu Yunqi looking at him, her head tilted. A hint of heartache flashed in her eyes, which were as clear as flowing water. Her gentle voice was like a spring breeze caressing his heart. “Why are you crying?”

“I was missing you,” Zhong Yun wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. Seeing two circles of blush bloom on her face, which was smooth as refined jade, and a faint smile touch her lips, he continued, “I was just thinking how pitiful I would be if you weren't in the same school as me later on.”

“You just love talking nonsense.” A hint of shyness flickered in Liu Yunqi’s eyes as she lightly gave him a look. Zhong Yun accepted it all with a chuckle and didn't let her off, pressing the issue: “You still haven't told me which school you plan to attend.”

Liu Yunqi looked at him with a half-smile, her gaze meaningful. “What about Xiao Ruo? Why don't you ask her?”

“Xiao Ruo?” Zhong Yun’s expression was equally blank, as if her words had confused him. He said inexplicably, “Why would I ask her? I’m not her boyfriend.”

“You really are…” Unable to handle his retort, Liu Yunqi’s face flushed pink, her eyes glistening and hazy. She raised a fist and lightly punched him. “You’re terrible.”

The beauty’s slight indignation and shy anger were overwhelmingly moving. Zhong Yun felt as if the half of his body that she hit had gone soft.

“Shameless,” Liu Yunqi huffed, pouting. “You are not my ‘what-what’.” When saying "what-what," the flush on her cheeks deepened.

“What is ‘what-what’?” Zhong Yun leaned closer and whispered.

“I’m not talking to you anymore.” Liu Yunqi’s skin was too delicate to withstand Zhong Yun. Seeing him shamelessly leaning close, his warm breath tickling her cheek, her heart pounded and her ears grew hot. She finally relented, turning her head away.

Zhong Yun could only see the back of her head and her dark hair, and the half of her normally crystal-white ear that was now entirely red, hidden among her glossy locks. Liu Yunqi, who was usually calm and collected, as if nothing could faze her, was actually this shy—even more so than a young girl. No one would believe it if they heard. Since discovering this trait, Zhong Yun had taken to saying ambiguous things from time to time, teasing her until her face was hot and her ears burned.

At this moment, Zhong Yun dared not provoke her further, fearing she might get angry out of embarrassment. Moreover, he feared he wouldn't be able to control himself. Looking at Liu Yunqi’s timid and delicate beauty made him restless. If not for the many classmates nearby, he might have kissed her then and there.

He leaned back, resting against the chair, feeling the boundless joy churning in his heart. He felt that such days were utterly magnificent. Closing his eyes, he clearly sensed a burning gaze fixed upon him. He didn't need to look to know its owner was Xiao Ruo. Completely opposite to Liu Yunqi, Xiao Ruo appeared quiet and well-behaved on the surface, the sort of good student who spoke softly and possessed a gentle nature. But if you thought she was timid and weak, you would be wrong. She was neither. Once she set her mind on something, ten hover-cars couldn't pull her back—that’s what Xiao Fen had told him.

Ever since that intimate moment during the field trip, Xiao Ruo had somehow taken a liking to him. Anyone who wasn't blind could see her undisguised gaze. Recently, her actions had become more proactive; she always found excuses to approach him. After only a few times, the entire class noticed: the most popular campus beauty was pursuing Zhong Yun. Everyone could only sigh in resignation and admire Zhong Yun to the skies. Look at this guy; this is a man. He secured the school’s most beautiful girl, and less than a month later, another campus beauty started pursuing him. What do you call a master? This is what you call a master.

P: Asking for votes, I’m about to be caught up.