Chapter 17: Aspirations Soar Above the Clouds
Chapter 17: Aspirations Soar Above the Clouds
As Han Shu took action, the eyes of the students, both male and female, immediately focused on him, knowing that something interesting was about to happen. Several of them showed expressions of excited anticipation.
Han Shu approached Chen Chuan's desk and smiled, saying, "Chen Chuan, it's been a while. I haven't heard any news from you lately. What have you been up to?"
Ding Jiao clicked his tongue.
Chen Chuan remained calm and said, "What else could it be? After graduating, I need to find a place to go."
Han Shu made a sound of acknowledgment. He glanced at Chen Chuan and tentatively asked, "I don't know if you plan to stay in Yangzhi City or..."
Chen Chuan said, "I'll stay in Yangzhi City."
Han Shu feigned surprise and said, "With your grades, you're not going to an elite university? You should try taking the external exams. Look at me; my grades aren't as good as yours, so I can only stay in Yangzhi City."
Ding Jiao couldn't stand his attitude and spoke up directly, "Enough, Han Laosan. Who doesn't know you got into Ink Orchid Group? Stop showing off!"
Chen Chuan said, "I also want to take the external exams, but I don't have enough money. Even if someone is willing to sponsor me, I still need a recommender. Besides, it's not easy to stay in Central City."
"Yeah, yeah," other classmates in the class echoed, resonating with his words.
Strictly speaking, those who could attend City First High were from families that were neither well-off nor struggling. However, wanting to study in Central City was still a luxury.
After the Algae Revolution, massive Central Cities were established worldwide, becoming the gathering places of major companies and giants. The level of biotechnology in these cities far surpassed that of surrounding areas, creating two distinct worlds. Without a certain social status and connections, one couldn't even dream of studying there, let alone staying there.
For example, the three classmates who obtained recommendation slots this time were actually needed more by First High to ensure their enrollment in Central City. In truth, without a certain family background and social status, obtaining a slot was useless as others wouldn't accept them.
At this moment, Han Shu noticed the advertisement paper next to Chen Chuan. He was surprised and said, "What's this? Let me take a look." He picked it up and immediately showed excitement on his face as if he had seen through certain matters. He shook the paper and said, "Chen Chuan, don't tell me you're planning to learn martial arts?"
Chen Chuan didn't deny it and smiled at him, saying, "Learning martial arts is pretty good."
"You're really going to learn martial arts?" Han Shu's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but laugh, "Martial arts gym? Becoming a martial artist? You really do have... ambitions. Haha."
The classmates looked at Chen Chuan with strange gazes.
Nationwide, learning martial arts in gyms was also a path for the lower class, but most students from First High didn't see it this way.
In their eyes, those who came out of martial arts gyms were mostly delinquents. Eight or nine out of ten would join gangs and engage in illegal activities. If they were lucky, they'd participate in arena fights, but they'd end up with a body full of injuries. Some became stunt performers, but most only did minor roles, serving as stand-ins for others. They earned a decent amount of money, but the injury rate was extremely high, and almost none could make a name for themselves.
In their eyes, this was equivalent to the lowest social class. Seeing that Chen Chuan usually had such good grades, they found it incomprehensible.
Ding Jiao suddenly became anxious, knocked on the table, and stood up, saying, "Han Laosan, what are you talking about? Chen Chuan's aunt's husband is from the Patrol Bureau. If he's going somewhere, it'll be the Patrol Bureau, not some martial arts club, right? Isn't that so, Chen Chuan?"
Han Shu made a sound of acknowledgment and feigned confusion, "I remember Chen Chuan also has a cousin, right? Chen Chuan, are you planning to compete with your cousin for the succession position? Isn't that inappropriate?"
"What nonsense are you spouting? You..." Ding Jiao was agitated and seemed about to curse. Seeing this, Chen Chuan immediately held him back and also stood up. He looked at Han Shu and slowly said, "Learning martial arts is what I like. If someone does what they enjoy without harming others, what's the problem with that?"
Han Shu felt uncomfortable under his calm gaze and noticed that Chen Chuan had grown taller. He couldn't help but take a step back and felt a bit uneasy. He said with a hint of sarcasm, "Nothing, it's great. It suits you well, so I wish you success."
Chen Chuan acknowledged with a sound.
Han Shu thought he was just being stubborn, humphed, and left under Ding Jiao's glare.
"Brother Han, over here." Han Shu had only taken a few steps when a classmate eagerly waved him over.
Han Shu immediately felt like he had regained his rhythm. He nodded and went to sit at their table. The classmate who called him said, "Brother Han, why bother with them? You're now an employee of Ink Orchid Group. Even municipal staff would treat you politely. Some people are just making a fuss now, but they'll understand the difference once they're outside."
Han Shu nodded. Now that he had joined Ink Orchid, he had a future, but Chen Chuan could only wander the streets or perform stunts. Was there a comparison?
He pretended to be generous and said, "I actually feel bad for him. After all, he used to have such good grades, and it's a waste of all the books he read. Forget it, let's not talk about it. It's rare to have classmates together, so let's just enjoy ourselves."
Amidst the bustling atmosphere, with almost everyone from the class present, the class president took the opportunity to make some small talk. As the students began to eat and drink, the atmosphere livened up once more.
Ding Jiao, noticing no one was paying attention to them, whispered, "Bro, are you really planning to learn martial arts? Are you lying to him?"
Chen Chuan patted his shoulder and replied, "I like learning martial arts, but it's not just about joining the Martial Arts Club..."
As they spoke, the surrounding voices gradually quieted down. A delicate-featured girl entered from outside, her hair in a single ponytail, wearing a blue and white short jacket with a matching collar, and a black ankle-length skirt. She was followed by an attendant and two bodyguards.
The girl's stride exuded an aura, and as she entered, the students instinctively fell silent, their eyes occasionally glancing at her. A few girls timidly greeted her, to which she responded with a quick glance and a slight nod.
Ding Jiao also noticed the girl and gestured to Chen Chuan, "Hey, Meng Shu is here. Why don't you go talk to her? I heard her family is from Central City. With your relationship..."
Ignoring everyone else, the girl approached Chen Chuan's table. With a cold gaze, she said, "Chen Chuan, I need to talk to you. Come outside for a moment."
Her words carried an undeniable tone, causing Ding Jiao to immediately stop talking. The only one who remained natural was Chen Chuan. He said, "I'm chatting with an old classmate. Why don't you bring a chair and sit here?"
Ding Jiao looked around and quickly stood up, saying, "You guys chat, you guys chat..." Then, he whispered to Chen Chuan, "It's all up to you now."
The girl glanced to the side, and the students sitting nearby quickly stood up, moving away to keep their distance.
Her attendant brought over a chair that no one had sat on before. He carefully wiped it with a handkerchief, pushed it to the table, and gestured for her to sit.
The girl walked up and smoothed her skirt with both hands from behind, then sat down with perfect posture.
Under the starry night sky, the two sat facing each other, separated by a table that divided them equally, like a symmetrical painting.
The surrounding people, driven by curiosity, stood with ears perked, eager to listen in. Ding Jiao, especially, positioned himself nearby, leaning forward and half-lying on the table, afraid to miss even half a word.
Chen Chuan picked up a drink and gestured to the girl, asking, "Would you like a drink?"
Seeing that she wasn't paying attention, he poured himself a cup. The girl watched him and said, "I know you got into Wu Yi Academy."
Wu Yi Academy? Wu Yi?
Chen Chuan got into Wu Yi?
These words caused a stir among the students. Ding Jiao froze for a second, then exclaimed in surprise, "Wu Yi? You're amazing, Chuan!"
Han Shu quickly turned around, staring at Chen Chuan in disbelief. He desperately hoped for a different answer from Chen Chuan.
Chen Chuan thought for a moment. This news must have come from the Patrol Bureau. Since it was out, he didn't deny it. "Your information is correct. I can't hide it from you."
Han Shu's expression became slightly stiff. At that moment, excited chatter erupted from the students.
"So Chen Chuan's martial arts training is about this kind of fighting. I mean, with such good grades, how could he become a thug?"
"Yeah, that's Wu Yi we're talking about. He's really something. This time, our class can finally hold its head high."
"By the way, does anyone have Chen Chuan's phone number?"
Learning martial arts and learning to fight are different. Getting into Wu Yi Academy, as long as you don't do poorly, often leads to government positions and various high-level executive roles in companies. Not to mention the networking opportunities, which are beyond the reach of ordinary people. And having a Wu Yi classmate to boast about is a matter of pride.
The girl ignored the commotion around her and spoke in a calm tone, "That place isn't suitable for you. Your future should be in company management, as a senior executive, commissioner, or estate manager, using your brains, not fighting."
Chen Chuan took a leisurely sip of soda and said, "I think it suits me well."
The girl looked at him and said, "You've always been excellent, so getting into Wu Yi Academy doesn't surprise me. But you won't pass the second examination there. This experience will not only fail to help your future but will also be harmful."
Chen Chuan merely smiled.
The girl took out an exquisite name card and said, "I'm returning to Central City by the end of August. Come find me with this card then." After saying this, she stood up and left without greeting anyone else. Her attendant and two robust bodyguards immediately followed.
Chen Chuan didn't look at the name card. Instead, he rested his arms behind his head and leaned back comfortably. His gaze turned upwards, as if the vast night sky were embracing him. The bustling voices around them seemed to fade away, and in a place hidden from view, the Second Self stood behind him, smiling. "The real fun in this is beyond your understanding."
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(End of Part)
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