“Han Tao.” Wang Qiqi looked at the person as if he had discovered some secret affair. “Did I not tell you who he was?”

Shi Man shook her head. “No, if I had known, why would I have stopped him at the door.”

No? Wang Qiqi tried to recall; it seemed she hadn't mentioned it. She nodded toward the manual. “He’s the expert, the owner of this manual?” Shi Man exclaimed in surprise.

Wang Qiqi nodded. “Yes, that’s him. Does he not match?”

Shi Man nodded. “I thought the owner of this book would be a bookworm, like someone wearing thick glasses, carrying a massive schoolbag, and clutching a thick stack of books.” That’s what a top student with excellent grades should look like. “Isn’t that exactly how the perpetual first-place student from the science class is?”

Wang Qiqi was reminded by Shi Man and could vividly picture him—the impression was so deep that even after not seeing him for over a decade, she’d remember his attire. What was most peculiar was that in winter, he always wore the same clothes. Don't mistake it for poverty; his family was quite well-off. He simply liked buying several identical sets of clothes, creating the illusion that he was always wearing the same outfit. “Not every master is like him, nor is every master as stingy as he is.”

Shi Man thought so too. The perennial winner at their own school was far from so generous. Forget sharing his notes; he would even prevaricate when asked a simple question. Truly incomparable.

“His coming to my house for dinner will count as payment for my tutoring,” Wang Qiqi murmured. “Otherwise, he wouldn’t come. Actually, once you get to know him, you’ll realize he’s a pretty decent person.”

Originally, after eating at Wang Qiqi’s, Han Tao would go home to study after answering a few of her questions. But in recent days, he would stay to do his own homework. He wouldn't leave until past eleven. Of course, before leaving, he would check if the gas was turned off and the doors and windows were secured for Wang Qiqi. Furthermore, the two weren't just burying their heads in their own studies; they would chat occasionally, which is how Wang Qiqi discovered he was quite witty.

As Wang Qiqi spoke, Shi Man rested her chin on her hand, listening intently. She sensed that Qiqi held Han Tao in remarkably high regard in her words, something she had rarely done when commenting on someone before. “That kid is much better than a certain someone.” At least, he seemed grounded.

Han Tao took a few steamed buns and sat beside Wang Qiqi, pulling out his books from his schoolbag with one hand. “How was the first day of class? Are you adjusting?”

Wang Qiqi shook her head. “Not really. I always feel like I have to get up before I’ve slept comfortably, and I can’t nap in the afternoon. I get so sleepy after lunch.” Wang Qiqi complained. “But the worst part is running into that person.” Ugh, what an unlucky day.

Han Tao hummed. “The one who called you that time, rambling incoherently?”

Wang Qiqi nodded. “That’s him. My mood was already sour first thing in the morning, and then I saw him.” Wang Qiqi didn't want to dwell on that person’s matters. She pulled out a notebook. “Brother, I don’t quite get these few problems.”

Although the teacher had explained them once, Wang Qiqi felt the teacher’s line of reasoning complicated the solution pathway too much, so she hadn't paid close attention to the lecture. After all, she could ask her tutor when she got home tonight.

Shi Man leaned over to look at the questions Wang Qiqi wanted to ask about. “Didn’t the teacher just explain this? But I was utterly confused too; I didn't get it at all.” The initial steps were easy, but she lost the thread further down.

“Then we can listen together.” Wang Qiqi thought, if I don’t get it, the chances of you, a half-baked student, understanding are slim.

Han Tao took the exercise book Wang Qiqi handed over and glanced at it briefly. “Actually, I think it can be done this way…”

After hearing Han Tao’s explanation, Shi Man couldn’t help but utter, “Oh, so it can be done like this,” nodding frequently, and occasionally interjecting with her own thoughts on how it might be approached.

Following Han Tao’s clarification, Shi Man gained immense respect for his capabilities. “That’s amazing! After hearing your explanation, I finally understand.” While he wasn't just better than the teacher, he was many times better. The most crucial point was that she could voice her own ideas while he explained, without worrying about being ridiculed by other classmates.

“Of course, he’s a top student from the Affiliated High School, so much better than our school’s perennial champion.” Wang Qiqi had expected that person to finally recall who Han Tao was, but she hadn't made the connection yet.

Shi Man truly hadn't connected this Han Tao with the 'God of Exams' Han Tao in her mind. The rumored Han Tao was hardly this approachable. When she heard Wang Qiqi say that, her mouth dropped open so wide she felt her heart couldn't take it. “Ahhh, I’m going to faint, I’m going to faint!” Heavens, if her classmates knew that the Han Tao, the God of Exams, was tutoring her and solving problems for her, they would be insanely jealous.

Wang Qiqi watched the person who had suddenly understood, laughing rather uncharitably beside her. Han Tao found it quite bewildering. “What’s wrong with your friend?” Why was she so agitated after hearing he was Han Tao from the Affiliated High School? Then she said she was going to faint—Han Tao truly didn't grasp the reason.

“You are quite famous across various schools.” It was unavoidable, having won an award in the National Olympiad in Mathematics and consistently held the top position among so many talented students at the Affiliated High School—in many people’s eyes, he was a genius. Even teachers from various schools, regardless of their tone when evaluating Han Tao, offered nothing but praise. Yet, Wang Qiqi hadn't expected the man himself to be unaware of his widespread fame.

Famous? Han Tao couldn't figure it out, but he didn't dwell on it. “Is that all settled? I need to go study.” He’d rather spend the time considering that on his studies. Tutoring those few children really cut into his time for reviewing his own lessons and reading extracurricular books.

Seeing how composed he was, Wang Qiqi could only pout. If it weren’t for the fact that she occasionally inserted modern terms from the future into their conversations, only to be met with his blank expression, Wang Qiqi might actually believe he was transmigrated or reborn. Of course, perhaps his composure was merely a mask of deep cunning, a matter Wang Qiqi preferred not to bother with.

As for Shi Man, after screaming for a while, she turned to shake Wang Qiqi. “Your neighbor is Han Tao, why didn't you tell me sooner? Otherwise, we could have asked him for help earlier.” Her math scores would surely be much better. “Never mind that, I plan to report to your house every day from now on. I need to ask Han Tao questions constantly.” Such a brilliant top student was right next door; why waste money on tutoring classes? In Shi Man’s opinion, no tutor, no matter how good, could explain things as well as Han Tao.

Wang Qiqi felt dizzy from being shaken, but she understood the core point of Shi Man’s words. “Han Tao has to tutor other people; he won’t necessarily be home every day.”

“It’s fine, I can wait for Han Tao to come back at your place. Don't worry, I’ll cover my living expenses,” Shi Man declared, gaining even more confidence in persuading her parents.

Living expenses? “Forget it. My family isn't poor. Just let me go back home every day,” Wang Qiqi countered. Living there every day, constantly hearing Shi Man’s loud outbursts, would drive her crazy.

Just as Shi Man was about to retort about Qiqi’s statement, Wang Qiqi shushed her firmly. “If you shout again, Han Tao won’t come here to study anymore, and I’ll hold you accountable then.”

Startled by Wang Qiqi’s warning and noticing the hint of impatience on Han Tao’s face, Shi Man immediately quieted down. “Reading, reading.” She couldn't scare the tutor away. If he truly got annoyed and stopped coming, or if he avoided her presence when she was there, she would cry.

Han Tao stayed to study at Wang Qiqi’s place partly to tutor her, and partly because he found the environment quiet. However, Shi Man’s shrieks had made him slightly impatient. He was just about to pack his bag to go home and study when he heard Wang Qiqi’s threat to her friend, and the girl fell completely silent. Han Tao decided to stay.

The house became exceptionally quiet for a time, save for the occasional sound of reciting or writing, and, of course, the occasional bark of the dog. It was truly silent.

After writing down the final digit on her assignment sheet, Shi Man habitually checked her wristwatch from her pencil case. She froze. No way—it was only eleven? That was too fast! She usually worked on homework until this time even at home, and that was without going to the supermarket earlier or listening to Han Tao explain problems. But then again, she hadn't spent much time on math today.

Wang Qiqi had also completed the required memorization for geography and history set for the day. “I’m going to make a snack. Should it be shaomai or tangyuan?”

“Tangyuan.”

“Shaomai.” Two different voices spoke, and then they exchanged a look.

“Shaomai.”

“Tangyuan.”

Wang Qiqi looked at the two people who had changed their minds and disagreed again. “Let’s have tangyuan. Whoever is faster, once we finish eating, we can rest. Oh, right, Han Tao, call me when you go running tomorrow.”

“Alright, but will you be able to wake up?” Han Tao asked doubtfully. Hadn't that person just complained about waking up too early and not getting enough rest? How could she wake up for exercise tomorrow?

“I can. I’m just not used to it yet. I got too used to the leisurely life at home. Exercising in the morning is a good chance to memorize some material.” Wang Qiqi said, leaning out as she dropped the tangyuan into the pot. “Little Man, you should also wake up early tomorrow. We can exercise and then memorize some notes.”

Shi Man shook her head, vetoing Qiqi’s suggestion. “I’m working hard enough. Morning time is precious; sleep as long as you can.”

Seeing Shi Man reject her proposal again, Wang Qiqi didn't press the issue. In reality, if one went to sleep by twelve, waking up at six to exercise would still allow for sufficient sleep.

While the momentum was strong, Bubu was pushing another chapter for his book. Bubu didn't know when the next push would come. Second update at 8 PM. [The Space in the Necklace] Go get rich by wearing a necklace [Happiness is Simple] Rebirth can also be simply happy. [Rebirth of 1976] Carrying a bun to find a husband RS