After dinner, Shen Yuqing sat on the sofa to relax. Song Wangzhuo’s cooking skills were unexpectedly good, and he had eaten way too much.
Song Wangzhuo washed the dishes, tidied up the kitchen, then brought out a bottle of mineral water. Shen Yuqing waved his hand, signaling he didn’t want any.
At this point, he didn’t even feel like drinking water.
Song Wangzhuo set the bottle down on the table.
Shen Yuqing glanced at the clock on the wall unnoticed, it was already past eight. After resting for a while, he asked, “Should we start tutoring now?”
They still hadn’t gotten to the main task.
Song Wangzhuo hummed in agreement. If they studied until nine-thirty, it wouldn’t be too late when he headed home.
Shen Yuqing stood up. “What did the teacher cover today?”
He had skipped class in the morning and slept through the afternoon, absorbing absolutely nothing.
Song Wangzhuo replied, “The teacher mainly focused on review.”
The new curriculum had ended the previous week, and from now on, it was all revision. After next week’s sports meet, they’d enter an intense review phase. The exams were in early June, followed by a two-week practical activity.
Though called a “practical activity,” it was essentially a competition where second-year students were taken to some remote mountainous area, and through an elimination system, the top ten outstanding students would be selected earning not only credits but also prize money.
This event was exclusive to second-year students, and Shen Yuqing had the luck of transmigrating right at this critical moment.
He had heard about it from Lin Sui a few days earlier.
The practical activity was divided into two parts, with all second-year students from the entire academy participating.
The first part involved “battling” within their own departments to secure a spot, while the second part pitted the final 200 qualifiers against each other 200 to 100, then the last 100 competing for the top ten spots.
These were just the general rules. The specifics changed every year, and the exact details wouldn’t be revealed until the day itself.
Honestly, Shen Yuqing was quite eager to try it out.
It sounded like a real-life version of Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds—definitely exciting. His goal wasn’t too ambitious; just making it into the top 100 would be enough.
But with so many participants, it wouldn’t be easy.
Shen Yuqing lowered his head to solve a couple of problems before he couldn’t resist asking, “Everyone’s been talking about the practical activity lately. What do you think?”
Song Wangzhuo answered, “Top ten.”
Shen Yuqing looked up, surprised by how straightforward he was.
Song Wangzhuo met his gaze, catching the flicker of astonishment on his face. “Why that expression?”
Shen Yuqing shrugged. “I just didn’t expect you to say it so bluntly. I thought you’d…”
“You thought I’d say something like, ‘I don’t have any particular thoughts’?” A hint of amusement surfaced in Song Wangzhuo’s eyes.
Shen Yuqing nodded. “Yeah, I thought you’d be more laid-back.”
Song Wangzhuo explained, “The top ten get a substantial cash prize.”
The name “practical activity” was actually a later revision. Originally, it had a much harsher title: “Survival Challenge.”
When Silino was first established, the federal government wasn’t very stable, and many regions were plagued by constant warfare. To prepare for the worst, the Silino government issued a decree: every Silino student had to participate in at least one Survival Challenge.
Before coming here, Song Wangzhuo had thoroughly researched Silino’s history, naturally paying attention to the trajectories of past winners of the practical activity.
The top ten students not only get full tuition waivers but also receive substantial bonuses. More importantly, they gain access to additional resources.
Moreover, after graduation, having this achievement on their resumes would give them a competitive edge.
Song Wangzhuo had already mapped out his future path.
With no background to speak of hailing from an unnamed planet identified only by a code he knew that to survive in Silino, he had to establish his advantage early on.
Shen Yuqing nodded. “True. If you secure a spot in the top ten, you probably won’t need to work part-time for years. You can focus on your studies.”
This initiative wasn’t just important to Silino. With the political climate stable in recent years, business tycoons looking to boost their influence had also begun collaborating with the academy.
To put it plainly, the academy had secured sponsors generous ones at that, who gave without hesitation.
Last year, each winner reportedly received a seven-figure bonus. Just thinking about it was exhilarating!
Song Wangzhuo nodded and asked, “What about you?”
“Me?” Shen Yuqing replied. “I’d be happy just making it into the top two hundred.”
Song Wangzhuo gave a quiet “Mm” in response.
At half past nine, their tutoring session ended. Glancing outside, Song Wangzhuo said, “I’ll walk you down.”
“No need,” Shen Yuqing declined.
Song Wangzhuo paused. “I’m going for a night run anyway.”
Shen Yuqing let out an “Oh” and didn’t argue further. Yet once downstairs, the supposed jogger escorted him all the way to the neighborhood gate.
“Aren’t you going for a run?” Shen Yuqing said. “Go ahead. I’m heading back now.”
Song Wangzhuo nodded. “Alright.”
Shen Yuqing waved. “Take care of your foot. See you tomorrow. Bye.”
Song Wangzhuo murmured an acknowledgment. “See you.”
As Shen Yuqing disappeared into the night, Song Wangzhuo watched until his figure vanished around the corner before turning back into the complex, starting a slow jog around the grounds.
On the seventh floor, a figure stood by the window, coldly observing the movement below.
“Young Master, Chairman Song called to ask if you’re returning home this weekend,” a servant reminded softly.
Song Lejin replied without turning, “No.”
Once the servant left to relay the answer, Song Lejin shut his eyes, drawing a slow, deep breath yet his mind churned violently.
So that’s how it is. That’s how it is!
His gaze locked onto a figure below, sharp as a poisoned arrow, as if he could strike the runner dead on the spot.
No wonder Shen Yuqing had been frequenting this place. He’d only mentioned having a friend here, and it had never crossed Song Lejin’s mind until this accidental glimpse finally unraveled his long-standing doubts.
No wonder he’d never found any rental records for Song Wangzhuo. From the very beginning, it hadn’t been his own lease!
Song Lejin took several more steadying breaths before regaining control of his composure.
Sinking onto the sofa, his mind raced, picking apart inconsistencies.
He remembered clearly Shen Yuqing and Song Wangzhuo had never gotten along. How could they possibly be on such cordial terms now? Unless…
Song Lejin’s expression darkened further.
When Shen Yuqing returned home, he saw the workout room brightly lit. As he approached, he spotted Pei Yiyan exercising under Xiao Zhao’s supervision.
Seriously? Working out this late at night? What’s the point?
Shen Yuqing couldn’t fathom what was going through Pei Yiyan’s mind.
Noticing his arrival, Xiao Zhao made exaggerated facial expressions at him, which only deepened Shen Yuqing’s confusion.
“Little Master Pei, the young master is back,” Xiao Zhao announced.
Pei Yiyan ignored them, continuing his arm and shoulder exercises on the machine. His clothes were soaked with sweat, his muscles bulging clearly, he’d been at it for quite some time.
Shen Yuqing signaled for Xiao Zhao to leave with a glance, then leaned against the equipment. “I know you’re eager for rehabilitation, but there’s no need to push yourself this hard.”
Pei Yiyan remained silent but finally released the handles, leaning back on the seat to catch his breath.
Shen Yuqing studied him. “Weren’t you supposed to wait for me to take you out for a walk? In this state, do you really think you can go anywhere?”
“Unnecessary,” Pei Yiyan replied tersely.
Neither agreeing nor refusing just this vague response. What did he mean by “unnecessary”?
After a moment’s thought, Shen Yuqing said, “Well, it is quite late tonight. I’ll take you out tomorrow during daylight hours instead.”
Pei Yiyan turned his head slowly toward him. “What difference does day or night make to me?”
Shen Yuqing gave him a long look, sensing something off about Pei Yiyan’s demeanor. Still, he offered comfort: “Of course it makes a difference. Sunlight improves mood. Didn’t the doctors say the blood clot in your brain has dissolved? With enough sunshine, your vision might suddenly return.”
Pei Yiyan’s rehabilitation had actually progressed remarkably well. When Shen Yuqing first arrived in this world, the man’s legs had been stiff and uncooperative during walks. Now his movements were fluid if not for the white cane required by his blindness, no one would guess he had any disabilities at home.
Shen Yuqing’s gaze drifted to Pei Yiyan’s scent gland. After the eyes and legs healed, that would be the final hurdle.
Pei Yiyan tilted his head slightly, blocking Shen Yuqing’s view of his gland.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Shen Yuqing rubbed his face self-consciously despite knowing Pei Yiyan couldn’t see the action. Before the other could speak, he changed the subject: “Oh right, the college is holding sports games next week really lively events. I’ll have Wu Yi take you.”
“Are you participating?” Pei Yiyan asked. Shen Yuqing had never mentioned it before.
“No, I’d rather sleep than bother with that. But it’s a good chance for you to experience some excitement instead of being cooped up here all day.”
Pei Yiyan didn’t respond immediately. “We’ll see when the time comes,” he finally said.
When Shen Yuqing extended the invitation, Pei Yiyan had felt a flicker of anticipation. It had been years since he’d encountered such lively gatherings. Though busy lately, he might make time if Shen Yuqing were competing in any events.
Shen Yuqing yawned. “Alright then, stop exercising. I’m going to shower.” As he walked toward the door, Pei Yiyan called for Xiao Zhao to assist him instead.
Pei Yiyan pressed his lips together. Never mind. If Shen Yuqing insisted later, he’d find time to go. Just to watch.
