Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 14：School

Jiang Fan never could have anticipated that the controlled nuclear fusion he sent to the Longke University mailbox would be classified as a national top-secret document, resulting in his account being erased.

Chu Ruoxi, noticing the frown on Jiang Fan's face, was puzzled. They had been enjoying themselves so thoroughly before, yet now he wore an expression of deep concern.

"Jiang Fan, what's wrong?" she asked.

"It's nothing," Jiang Fan replied with a faint smile.

He quickly reasoned to himself that Penguin Mail, being one of the largest Internet companies in the country, shouldn't have been hacked. Most likely, it was undergoing system upgrades or maintenance. He'd check again once he got home and, if necessary, call customer service.

Chu Ruoxi, observing Jiang Fan's sudden shift in mood, guessed that the school might be a painful place for him. Perhaps his high school years, filled with intense studying, had been difficult. After all, he had only scored 300 points on the college entrance exam.

"Jiang Fan, how about we head back?" she suggested, trying to lift his spirits.

However, Jiang Fan smiled at her, replying, "Let's take a walk instead. Who knows when we'll be able to come back to our alma mater!"

"Are you sure you're okay?" Chu Ruoxi asked, concerned he might still be upset.

"I'm fine," Jiang Fan assured her, though his gaze lingered on her eyes—clear as mountain streams.

He had always been focused on studying and research, never paying much attention to girls. But now, for the first time, he realized how captivating Chu Ruoxi was—how she could stir his heart with a mere glance.

Seeing Jiang Fan's mood lighten, Chu Ruoxi agreed to wander around the school campus. She breathed in deeply, feeling nostalgic for the past three years spent here. "I used to feel such pressure during senior year, sometimes even dreaming of test papers. I wanted it all to end quickly, but now that the day has come, I find myself reluctant to let go."

Jiang Fan followed her gaze down the main road of the school. Towering poplar trees lined both sides, and a gentle breeze made their leaves rustle softly. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The play of light and shadow resembled a moving starry sky, a sight he had never fully appreciated before. Just like how he had never noticed how enchanting Chu Ruoxi truly was.

Life, he thought, moves too quickly. When you take the time to slow down and really feel the world around you, you discover unexpected beauty.

Side by side, they strolled through the campus, their shadows growing long in the setting sun, eventually merging into one. A sense of sweetness blossomed in Chu Ruoxi's heart, but there was also an underlying sadness. She knew that with Jiang Fan's score of 300, their paths would likely never cross again. The distance between them would only continue to widen in the future.

Suddenly, an idea seemed to strike her. Turning toward Jiang Fan with a bright smile, she exclaimed, "Jiang Fan, why don't you repeat the year?"

"Repeat?" Jiang Fan was taken aback. He had never considered it. His goal now was to get accepted into Longke University, complete the task assigned by the system, and earn more scientific rewards.

Although repeating a year might help him gain admission, he knew that as a researcher, time was his most valuable resource. In a year's time, he might have implemented controlled nuclear fusion. Thus, repeating the year seemed unnecessary. If Longke University didn't respond soon, he would visit personally. Armed with the controlled nuclear fusion formula from the system, he was confident they would have no reason to refuse him—unless they didn't understand it.

Seeing Jiang Fan lost in thought, Chu Ruoxi assumed he was seriously considering her suggestion. She added, "Who knows, after repeating the year, you might even get into Huqing University, and I could be your senior!"

Her playful tone made Jiang Fan smile, and for a moment, he imagined what it would be like to see her every day at school.

But soon, he dismissed the thought. Life is precious, and so is love; if it comes to research, both can be abandoned.

"I'm not going to repeat the year," Jiang Fan said firmly.

The instant she heard his resolute response, Chu Ruoxi felt a sharp pang of disappointment, as though the budding friendship they had formed that day had been severed. If Jiang Fan didn't repeat the year, their paths would likely never cross again.

As she stood there, somewhat melancholic, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Ruoxi, is that you?"

It was their class teacher, Mr. Wang, followed by several classmates.

"Mr. Wang, hello," Chu Ruoxi greeted with a smile.

"Hello, hello! Have you received your admission letter from Huqing University yet?" Mr. Wang asked jovially.

"Not yet, but the admissions office called and said the letter was sent out, so I should be receiving it soon!" Chu Ruoxi replied.

"Good, good! Haha, I didn't expect to have taught the top student in the whole school this year. It's an honor for me too. Hahaha!" Mr. Wang beamed with pride, while the students around them looked at Chu Ruoxi with envy.

"It's all thanks to Mr. Wang's excellent guidance," Chu Ruoxi said modestly.

Mr. Wang couldn't have been more pleased with her response.

"Make sure to visit me during your breaks when you're back. That will make me happy!" he said.

"I'll always be your student, no matter where I go," Chu Ruoxi replied, her words making Mr. Wang smile even more.

Meanwhile, one of the students spotted Jiang Fan and called out, "Hey, isn't that Jiang Fan?"

"Jiang Fan? We didn't recognize you!" another student added.

It was no wonder they hadn't recognized him. In his previous school, Jiang Fan had neglected his appearance due to the intense focus on his studies. His hair was long and unruly, and he wore clothes that looked as if he didn't care about his image. Now, however, he had transformed completely—his hair was cut short, revealing a handsome face, and he was dressed neatly, looking every bit the part of a successful young man.

Mr. Wang, however, paid little attention to Jiang Fan's change. After all, he was the student who had scored 300 points on the exam, and Mr. Wang had little interest in him. He offered a casual piece of advice, saying, "Jiang Fan, while your grades weren't great, I suggest you consider attending a vocational school and learning a trade. At least you'll be able to make a living."

The students around them laughed at Mr. Wang's words, teasing, "I heard the excavator program at Sandong Lanxiang Vocational School is pretty good. After graduation, you can earn four to five thousand a month!"

"Sounds good! Haha..."

"I think that's perfect for Jiang Fan!" another student joked.

"Haha..." The group continued laughing, oblivious to the sting that Jiang Fan might feel.