Chapter 7: Rivals on the Road – The Battle for Li Yang’s Seat

Principal Sun arranged for a two-bedroom apartment in the school dormitory for Li Yang.

The living room had a fabric sofa set and a bright coffee table, with a small dining area next to it.

To the left was an open kitchen, complete with all necessary kitchenware.

The master bedroom, facing the morning sun, had a comfortable bed and a wooden wardrobe beside it.

The second bedroom had been turned into a study, neatly organized and spotless.

With just one glance, Li Yang could tell that Principal Sun had put a lot of thought into this arrangement.

When she went home to pack her things, she casually brought up the topic in conversation, and one of the female teachers inadvertently let something slip.

“The principal values you a lot.

He’s afraid you might transfer to another school!”

Li Yang, having work experience, understood the importance of “performance.”

For Director Chen and Principal Sun, she an exceptional student with a 90-point physique value was probably a crucial achievement for them.

Of course, Li Yang had no intention of transferring.

That would be a waste of energy and wouldn’t help her prepare for the upcoming practical and academic exams.

The military academy’s general assessment was only the entry ticket.

The real challenge lay in the subsequent tests.

Huangcheng No.1 High School treated her well, so there was no need to make unnecessary changes.

As it turned out, moving into the school apartment was a wise decision.

The day after the general assessment, the media from all over Huangcheng swarmed Heqing Community, trying to interview her.

When they found out she had moved, they flocked to the school instead.

But schools were centers for nurturing talent in Huaxia, and Principal Sun had enough authority to keep them out.

Not only did he block the media, but he also stopped curious students from disturbing Li Yang as she prepared for her exams.

A week later, the excitement had died down.

The media no longer fixated on her since the practical assessments were about to begin, shifting attention to the entire Donghua Province and even the whole country.

A 90-point physique value was big news in Huangcheng, but across Huaxia, many students achieved that score every year.

Li Yang didn’t attend classes that week, but Principal Sun sent her past years’ practical exam materials so she could familiarize herself and gain insight.

In the afternoons, teachers also came by to help her with academic subjects.

That week, Li Yang was busy yet fulfilled, learning a great deal.

The practical exams were conducted at the provincial level as a unified assessment.

The first batch included the top-tier military academies, Zhongdu and Zhanxing.

The second batch consisted of other elite military schools, followed by the third and fourth batches.

As long as a student met the physique value requirement, they could take multiple practical exams.

For instance, if they applied to the top-tier academies in the first batch but failed, they could try again in the second or even third batch.

The first batch of practical exams was scheduled for the day after tomorrow.

Li Yang had already packed her luggage, preparing to head to the provincial capital.

Knock, knock, knock.

There was a knock at the door.

Li Yang set down her suitcase and went to open it.

Standing outside was a tall girl in Huangcheng No.1 High School’s uniform, nearly reaching the top of the door frame.

Her short black hair was sleek and smooth, with the left side tucked behind her ear, revealing a polished black diamond earring.

“Fang, what’s the matter?”

Li Yang was surprised to see her.

It was Fang Chuyun.

She looked at Li Yang and directly extended an invitation.

“I’m heading to Donghua Province this afternoon.

Want to come along?”

Li Yang: “…”

Well, that was sudden.

Fang Chuyun continued.

“The intercity high-speed rail is slow and tiring.

If we drive, we can get there much faster.”

Li Yang had already booked a high-speed rail ticket.

In this world, the high-speed rail system was nowhere near as advanced as in her previous life probably due to the existence of the “Star Realm,” which had skewed the technological focus.

In her past life, a high-speed rail journey from Huangcheng to the provincial capital would have taken at most two hours.

Here, it required a full six hours.

Oddly enough, cars seemed to have some “black technology” enhancements, making them significantly faster.

A car ride would take only an hour to reach the provincial capital.

However, Li Yang wasn’t very familiar with Fang Chuyun and wasn’t sure of her intentions.

Of course, given that Fang Chuyun’s father worked in the military, security wouldn’t be an issue.

Ten minutes earlier…

Yu Hongyuan paced anxiously around the school.

It had been nearly a week, and he still hadn’t gathered the courage to approach Li Yang.

His mother was asking too much!

What kind of parent asks their son to be someone’s follower?!

He had an 86-point physique value, for crying out loud!

Why did she look down on him so much?!

But Yu Hongyuan only dared to complain inwardly.

After all, Yu Zhiying controlled his finances.

If she cut off his allowance, he’d be crying in the streets.

After hesitating for days, Yu Zhiying issued an ultimatum.

“Go find Li Yang and invite her to Donghua Province with you.”

Before Yu Hongyuan could argue, Yu Zhiying added,

“If you can’t even manage that, say goodbye to your allowance next month.”

Yu Hongyuan: “………………”

For the sake of his allowance, he gave in.

But he really didn’t want to face Li Yang directly, so he tried another approach.

He went to Principal Sun.

Principal Sun was busy, but when he heard Yu Hongyuan wanted to see him, he still let him in.

It wasn’t because of his family’s wealth.

It was because his physique value was excellent though four points lower than 90, he was still ranked second in the school.

Principal Sun looked at him kindly.

“Yu, what brings you here?”

Yu Hongyuan fidgeted for a long time before finally mumbling.

“Principal, I have a private car going to the provincial capital this afternoon.

The driver is a First-Class Star Guardian, so it’ll be fast and safe.

And… um… uh…”

Principal Sun didn’t understand what he was trying to say.

“That sounds great.”

Yu Hongyuan’s face turned red as he finally blurted out,

“So, um, could you maybe ask Li Yang if she’d like to come with me?”

Principal Sun: “?”

Yu Hongyuan felt like he had embarrassed himself beyond belief.

Principal Sun blinked and asked, “Why don’t you ask her yourself?”

Yu Hongyuan: “………………”

Principal Sun looked at his hesitant demeanor and his flushed face.

In an instant, he understood.

Ah, he was getting old.

He had overlooked the naïve, budding emotions of a teenage boy.

Could it be that Yu Hongyuan had a crush on Li Yang?

Very possible!

After all, Li Yang not only had an impressive 90-point physique value but was also quite good-looking.

It was only natural that she might leave a half-grown boy dizzy and infatuated.

Principal Sun cleared his throat and said, “I’ll ask Li Yang for you.”

Yu Hongyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank you, Principal!”

Principal Sun reminded him, “Remember, the exam is the priority.

You mustn’t delay Li Yang in any way!”

If it weren’t for the fact that Yu Hongyuan’s private car was trustworthy, Principal Sun wouldn’t have considered letting Li Yang go with him.

Hearing this, Yu Hongyuan felt indescribable frustration.

He had no idea what wild ideas the principal had cooked up in his head.

What truly pained him was

Once upon a time, Principal Sun had been afraid of others holding HIM back.

Now, he was the one holding others back?!

At the same time…

Just as Fang Chuyun was inviting Li Yang to travel together, Li Yang’s phone rang.

She answered, “Hello, Principal.”

Principal Sun chatted with her warmly for a few moments, confirming she had finished packing.

Then, he said, “Here’s the situation.

Yu Hongyuan is also heading to the provincial capital this afternoon.

His mother arranged a private car for him.

The driver is a First-Class Star Guardian fast and safe.

Would you like to share the ride with him?”

Li Yang: “?”

Why was Yu Hongyuan also inviting her?

Many students from Huangcheng No.1 High School were going to the provincial capital for the exams.

But they weren’t part of the first batch, so they weren’t in a hurry to leave today.

Today, only Li Yang, Fang Chuyun, and Yu Hongyuan were making the trip.

Principal Sun continued, “Ahem, Yu Hongyuan means well.

You’ll be taking the exams together in the future.

You might even end up in the same military academy.

It’s good to make friends.”

As he said the last few words, he shot a warning look at Yu Hongyuan.

Friends and nothing more.

Yu Hongyuan’s mind raced in panic.

Crap, did my mom tell Old Sun?

Does he know I was sent to be Li Yang’s sidekick?!

Li Yang paused for a moment and replied, “Principal Sun, Fang Chuyun is here with me.

She’s already invited me to go with her this afternoon.”

Principal Sun was slightly surprised, but soon beamed with joy.

“Great!

Then you should go with Fang!

You two will most likely be classmates in the future.

Both from Huangcheng No.1 High School, supporting each other will be the best!”

Principal Sun was absolutely delighted.

Look at his students so outstanding, so united, so harmonious!

Hearing this, Yu Hongyuan exploded.

“What did she say?!”

Principal Sun smiled slyly.

“Yu, you were too slow.

Li Yang has already”

Before he could finish, Yu Hongyuan activated his full 86-point physique value, disappearing from the principal’s office and sprinting straight toward the school dormitory.

Principal Sun: “…Uh.”

Ah, youth.

So full of energy.

At Li Yang’s door…

Yu Hongyuan arrived at an astonishing speed.

This time, he wasn’t doing it for his allowance.

He was fired up for battle.

Damn you, Fang Chuyun!

She actually got to Li Yang first!

Li Yang hung up the phone and turned to Fang Chuyun.

“Principal Sun said that Yu Hongyuan”

Before she could finish her sentence, Yu Hongyuan arrived, panting heavily.

“Li Yang!”

He was so exhausted he almost passed out, but he still managed to say,

“Take my car to the provincial capital!”

Fang Chuyun raised an eyebrow.

“And why should she?

Li Yang already agreed to go with me.”

“Listen to me…”

Yu Hongyuan turned to Li Yang.

“Fang Chuyun’s car is a five-year-old model.

It’s bumpy as hell.

My car, on the other hand, is the latest model, just released this year maximum comfort!”

Fang Chuyun immediately countered.

“Flashy but impractical!

My car was modified by the military!”

Yu Hongyuan: “My driver is a Star Guardian!”

Fang Chuyun: “Pfft, just First-Class?

If I wanted to, I could be a First-Class Star Guardian right now!”

Yu Hongyuan: “My driver participated in last year’s practical exam.

He’s full of experience!

He can help us review on the way!”

Fang Chuyun: “I don’t need that.

I already have exclusive first-hand intelligence.

I can share it with Li Yang on the way.”

Yu Hongyuan: “I have intel too!”

Fang Chuyun: “Mine’s better.”

Yu Hongyuan: “I spent a fortune on mine.

It’s definitely better than yours!”

The two of them bickered non-stop.

Li Yang found it highly amusing.

She wasn’t actually eighteen, but these two?

They were definitely eighteen.

Watching them argue brought back memories.

Who hadn’t been a little reckless in their youth?

After years of working life, witnessing this scene felt oddly adorable.

She could already guess why they were so eager to invite her.

It was simple curiosity.

They wanted to get closer to someone with a 90-point physique value and learn from her to improve themselves.

That was perfectly natural.

If they had no ulterior motives at all, Li Yang would’ve actually found that more suspicious.

“Um…”

Li Yang spoke up.

The two immediately fell silent, both turning to look at her.

Li Yang smiled.

“We’re all classmates.

No need to fight over this.

Why don’t we… go together?”

Yu Hongyuan: “…”

Fang Chuyun: “…”

Two seconds later

Like they were competing for first place, they both shouted in unison.

“Okay!”