The exercise was over, and as per tradition, the rankings were announced on the spot.
This year was no exception.
When the Ming University students finally woke up from their dreams, gathered, and appeared on the training field, everyone looked at them differently.
It was this so-called “third-rate university,” one that couldn’t even squeeze onto the national rankings, that in this military exercise, first wiped out Central University, then annihilated B University, and finally took down the camps of five other schools, surpassing the “invincible lucky charm” Q University to seize the championship in one fell swoop!
All the previous ridicule and doubt had turned into astonishment and admiration at this moment.
After all, ever since the seven-university joint training began decades ago, never once had there been a year where all military camps were wiped out.
This was the first time!
And it was also the first time a single school had taken down five camps in one go!
Ming University had just made history.
The chief instructor announced loudly, “Now for the results: Qiming University—1,132 points; Ocean University—466 points; Trade University—254 points…”
Last year’s champion, Q University, fell to fifth place, while runner-up B University did even worse, dead last.
Thus, the top three positions were completely reshuffled.
Xiao Shan stood on stage, personally receiving the trophy from the head of the Xiping Training Base. Taking a deep breath, he turned toward the crowd and raised it high, his voice booming like thunder—
“Glory belongs to every Ming University student!”
At that moment, many eyes reddened—
“I used to think being a salted fish wasn’t so bad, but now I realize not being one is even better.”
“Only today did I understand that being a salted fish was just an excuse to hide from failure. True courage isn’t winning, it’s not running away anymore.”
“Ah! Turns out the unsalted version of me is actually this cool!”
“We’ve already taken the championship. What reason do we have to keep slacking off?”
“Because of Sister Yue, I realized how beautiful it is when someone gives their all.”
“If Sister Yue’s working that hard, what right do I have to be lazy?”
“Ming University isn’t a chicken, it’s a wild wolf. Thank you!”
“Follow Sister Yue, dominate China, break out of Asia, conquer the world!”
“……”
As for the outside commentary about Ming University’s victory, opinions were mixed—
“They just got lucky. What’s there to be proud of?”
“Must’ve stepped in something, unbelievable luck!”
“So what if they’re first? A chicken is still a chicken, it’ll never become a phoenix.”
“Winning once doesn’t make them nobles. Look at that smugness, typical nouveau riche attitude.”
“……”
“No matter what anyone says, Ming University won fair and square. Some people just can’t handle it.”
“Even criminals get second chances, why can’t Ming University improve?”
“All those who called it a chicken school, how glorious does it feel being outdone by a ‘chicken’? Insulting others just insults yourself.”
“Is it really that hard to admit someone else did well?”
“Ming University’s awesome, but Jiang Fuyue’s even more awesome.”
“One woman carried an entire university, what a legend.”
“I wonder if Q University and B University regret it now, missing out on such a brilliant, all-rounder genius like Sister Yue?”
Regret?
How could they not?!
Zhou Zhengqi’s guts were practically turning green with regret.
If he had known Jiang Fuyue was this capable, he’d have tied her to Q University’s ship if he had to!
Fine, even if she hadn’t wanted to come, he should’ve at least protected her during that lab incident instead of kicking her out to cover for Ji Xinxin!
Thinking back on all his stupid decisions, Zhou Zhengqi wanted nothing more than to slap himself across the face.
You blind fool! You mistook a pearl for a pebble!
Just then, Xiao Shan stepped down from the stage, trophy in hand. As he passed Zhou Zhengqi, he smiled kindly. “Principal Zhou, you don’t look so well. You should really take care of yourself.”
Zhou Zhengqi: “…” Was that a jab? It sounded like a jab.
The official end of military training would come tomorrow.
Instructor Hao Dazhi announced, “I promise no more surprise assemblies tonight! Everyone can finally sleep in peace!”
“Woohoo—long live the instructor!”
After dismissal, the blond guy deliberately broke away from Ocean University’s team and walked up to Jiang Fuyue.
“Hey, my name’s Lin Zhaodong,” he said.
Jiang Fuyue: “I know.”
“Then why do you keep calling me yellow hair?”
Jiang Fuyue gave his hair a glance. “Aren’t you yellow haired?”
Lin Zhaodong: “…” Speechless.
“And by the way, my name’s not ‘Hey.’”
“…Right. You’ve got good reflexes and decent aim, trained before?”
Jiang Fuyue looked him over, her eyes sharp. “What exactly do you want to say?”
“Ahem… nothing really. You’re amazing, that’s all. Add me on WeChat?”
“What for? So you can pick a fight with me?”
Blondie choked. “Cough, do I look like that kind of person?”
“Who knows?”
“……” Talking to her was like choking on air.
In the end, WeChat request denied.
Jiang Fuyue walked off, tall and straight-backed, long legs, slim waist.
Every guy she passed couldn’t help but steal a glance.
Yellow hair smacked his lips, part regret, part frustration.
Did she have to be that cool?
Then something occurred to him. He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted after her, “My hair’s natural! I didn’t dye it!”
Jiang Fuyue’s steps paused, though she didn’t turn around. But suddenly, she understood, so that’s why.
Of course. Military cadets weren’t allowed to dye their hair.
Not far away, Huo Fanjin saw everything. “That blond guy practically threw himself at her, grinning like a fool, don’t tell me… he’s into Sister Yue?”
Cen Qiaoqiao’s eyes widened. “No way! Sister Yue’s going to be my future aunt, how can we let some other pig steal her?!”
Liu Sisi looked utterly disdainful. “In his dreams.”
A loser like that… no taste.
Huo Fanjin: “?”
I was just saying, why are you two so worked up?
…
That night, Instructor Hao kept his promise—no sudden whistles. But even so, few Ming University students could actually fall asleep.
In one of the boys’ dorms—
“D*mn it, can you stop tossing and turning? How’s anyone supposed to sleep?”
“Can’t help it, got stuff on my mind. You’re awake too, aren’t you?”
“What stuff? Out with it.”
“We’re all the same, don’t just ask me. Don’t tell me you don’t have anything on your mind.”
“Cough… okay, maybe a little.”
“Then let’s talk it out,” another voice joined in. “None of us are sleeping anyway.”
“Yeah, I’m up too.”
And so, the four roommates gathered.
A: “Honestly, from the start of the semester till now, this has been the peak of my life!”
B: “You said it! Best day since I entered Ming University, hands down.”
C: “The look on those so-called elite students from B and Q University when we crushed them—d*mn, that was satisfying!”
D: “My buddy paid his way into Ocean University. Always acted all high and mighty around me. And today? He secretly messaged me asking if Ming University takes transfer students and said money’s no problem! I almost laughed out loud.”
A: “Back when I picked Ming University, I just wanted to coast like a salted fish. Guess the heavens had other plans, wouldn’t let me slack even if I wanted to!”
B: “Bro, that’s some real ‘anti-fate’ philosophy you’ve got going there.”
C: “Ahem… it’s not Heaven that won’t let you slack off, it’s Sister Yue.”
The moment Jiang Fuyue was mentioned, the atmosphere grew even more lively.
“My goddess is so cool!”
“And gorgeous.”
“And d*mn it, she’s good at everything! You guys didn’t see it! When Q University’s president mentioned Sister Yue, his face was a mix of fear and frustration.”
“Hey, brothers, I think Ming University is about to take off.”
“With Sister Yue here, it’s not a matter of if, but when.”
“So what can we do?”
“Hmm… study hard, I guess. Once we’re back, sign up for all the courses those Q University professors teach. If we can’t get in, then audit them.”
Either way, they couldn’t just sit around comfortably as “salted fish” anymore.
“You’ve got a good brain, if you put your mind to it, you’ll be fine. But what about me? I’ve always been terrible at studying. The moment a teacher starts talking, I want to fall asleep.”
“I remember you like listening to crosstalk, right? You can perform a few bits off the top of your head.”
“Hehe… I don’t drink, don’t chase girls, that’s my one hobby!”
“How about this, when we go back, you start a crosstalk club. Really develop it. Maybe one day you’ll make it to the Spring Festival Gala and become famous across the country!”
“Uh… you think that’ll work?”
“Why not?! We’ve got money, we’ve got resources, as long as we put in the effort, you think we can’t outdo those poor scholars? Don’t make me laugh!”
“That’s right! The rise of the second generation starts with us! But, uh, what should I do?”
“Just that line alone ‘the rise of the second generation starts with us’ — bro, you’ve got what it takes to be a writer.”
“What about me? What about me?”
“You? You’re tall, handsome, got a great build, even professional models can’t compare.”
Similar conversations were happening in dorms all across campus that night.
The passion of the day hadn’t faded; the joy of victory still burned strong.
That feeling of pride and vindication made them, for the first time, feel a sense of belonging to Ming University and for the first time, they wanted to do something for it.
Maybe they couldn’t shine as brightly as Jiang Fuyue, but surely they could be a small light in a dark corner, right?
…
After military training ended, Jiang Fuyue transitioned smoothly into the lab, entering seclusion mode.
She was almost never seen in the Peiya Class collective lectures.
The teachers didn’t intervene, after all, the principal had given prior notice, so they turned a blind eye.
At first, there were worries that if other students found out, they’d raise a fuss. But surprisingly, the group of rich heirs didn’t say a word: no gossip, no complaints.
When the teacher took attendance, he’d deliberately skip over Jiang Fuyue’s name, and everyone just pretended not to notice.
Strange.
But what was even stranger, the class discipline suddenly improved?
The students who used to chat, snack, or scroll on their phones during class — gone.
Those who used to nap on their desks? Still a few, but much fewer.
Even troublemakers like Li Chen and Liang Jingzhou were now paying attention, taking notes, even raising their hands to answer questions!
The old professor was nearly scared out of his wits.
He peered out the window through his thick glasses, the sun wasn’t rising from the west, was it?
He remained skeptical.
Who knew what new prank these kids were up to this time?
As the saying goes, rivers and mountains may change, but human nature does not. He didn’t believe this bunch could reform overnight, probably just plotting some new mischief and lying low for now.
Once upon a time, he had hoped these wealthy second-generation students would turn over a new leaf and become useful members of society, maybe not great pillars of the nation, but at least not troublemakers.
But every time he trusted, he was disappointed.
In his twenty-plus years at Ming University, he’d watched this once-glorious school fall from grace, decline, and rot.
He’d stopped hoping long ago.
After all, it hurts too much to hope.
He no longer believed these kids could truly change nor that good class discipline could last.
But this time… something felt different.
One day passed. Then two.
A whole month later, the students were still this well-behaved.
No skipping class. No fights.
They listened attentively, did their homework on time.
The old professor started wondering if he was dreaming. This scene only existed in fantasies.
After class one day, he called Li Chen into his office.
After a long, heartfelt preamble….
“…So, what’s the new game you kids are playing lately?”
Li Chen blinked, confused. “We barely have time to study, where would we find time for games?”
The professor adjusted his glasses. “Then… are you making some kind of bet or competing?”
“Bet on what?”
Tch, the kid still wouldn’t admit it!
“I’m telling you, this kind of thing isn’t right—”
Li Chen: “?” What did they even do wrong? Were they too well-behaved? Someone used a phone again?
D*mn! Some people just can’t be pleased!
The professor sighed. “I won’t deny that whatever stunt you’re pulling has improved class discipline but pretending is still pretending. Fake will never become real.”
Li Chen didn’t fully understand, but he remembered something from the fan-compiled ‘Goddess Yue Sayings’: Respect your teachers and value learning, it starts with me.
Mm. Respect.
So, whether or not he got the meaning, he nodded earnestly. “You’re right, professor. Absolutely right.”
The professor: “?” Was this obedient little lamb really the same Li Chen who used to curse the heavens and blow things up for fun?
He looked identical, but his personality… didn’t match.
“Uh… you are Li Chen, right?”
In the past, Li Chen would’ve rolled his eyes and said, “Yeah, that’s young master me, what about it?”
But now—
“Yes, sir. Professor, whatever you need, just say the word, I’ll do my best!”
The professor: “?” Maybe I really am dreaming.
They went in circles like that for a while, the professor suspicious and confused, Li Chen trying to make sense of it, until finally, Li Chen realized what the professor was worried about.
He thought they were pretending to study.
At that moment, Li Chen’s emotions were mixed, pride for how far they’d come, shame for what they’d been.
But all of that turned into firm conviction.
“Professor, please believe in us.”
After saying that, he left without another word.
Talk was cheap. Actions would prove everything.
And for the first time, the professor’s heart wavered.
As it turned out, maybe these kids really had changed.
From that day forward, class discipline remained excellent.
The entire Peiya Class seemed reborn.
Not just this year’s students. The next, and the next after that…
By the time this old professor retired, the Peiya Class had become Ming University’s “golden brand,” attracting countless wealthy heirs eager to join.
But that’s a story for later.
For now, the improved discipline made the professors’ lives much easier.
The biggest change came in the Q University professors’ courses.
Before military training, almost half the students skipped. Afterward, the lectures were packed to the brim—
“Ming University’s students must be on stimulants.”
Not only that, they’d become question maniacs.
As soon as class ended, they’d rush up, surround the professor, and fire off endless questions — in-class, out-of-class, simple, advanced, high school, college, everything imaginable.
The ‘Goddess Yue Sayings’ had another line: If you don’t understand, ask. When you’ve stumped the teacher, you’ve won.
Professors: “?” For this salary, I’m working way too hard.
Luckily, Ming University’s benefits kept pace: free food vouchers, frequent travel retreats, even ones where professors could bring family.
As Xiao Shan said: “If the kids want to learn, you just teach your heart out. Ming University lacks many things, but not welfare, and definitely not money!”
With Ming University being so generous, the professors couldn’t help but reciprocate, teaching with more heart and enthusiasm.
Somehow, word got out.
When Zhou Zhengqi heard about Ming University’s upgraded professor benefits, honestly, he was jealous.
He gnashed his teeth in his office. “Despicable! Too despicable!”
“So what if you have money?!”
The next day, Xiao Shan raised the bar again, adding overseas vacations to the benefits package.
Using real action to prove: Yes, having money is amazing.
Zhou Zhengqi: “…”
He couldn’t take it anymore. Within two days, he submitted a request to increase Q University’s faculty benefits.
Otherwise, all the good teachers would defect to Ming University, how could he allow that?
What, Q University losing to Ming University? What a joke!
But within six hours, his proposal was rejected.
Reason: Insufficient funds. Budget exceeded.
This time, Zhou Zhengqi was truly depressed.
He had to admit — money really does talk.
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