Yang Mo stood at the entrance of Jinghai People's High School, his eyes scanning the familiar yet distant surroundings. Memories flooded his mind as he wondered what had become of the people he once knew. Were they still the same? Had they changed?
Shaking off his thoughts, he made his way toward his classroom. Luckily, he still remembered his seat. Upon entering the empty room, he took a deep breath, sat down, and pulled out his books. His mind replayed the cruel words of the Lynn family—that he was nothing without them. That he would never succeed without their backing.
A cold determination flashed in his eyes. He would prove them wrong.
With the knowledge he had gained in the spirit space, getting into Qingbei University would be challenging but not impossible. More than anything, he wanted to surpass Lin Chuan. That guy had ranked tenth in the city in the last exam, but Yang Mo was determined to outshine him this time.
"Yang Mo, why are you here so early?"
A soft, melodious voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned his head and was momentarily embarrassed.
The girl who had spoken was his front-seat classmate, but…he couldn't recall her name.
In his past life, she had rarely interacted with male students, preferring to stay within her small group of close friends. But now, as she gazed at him with a slight frown, her fair face tinted red with displeasure, he realized he had made a grave mistake.
He should have remembered her.
Ling Yinluo.
She pouted, placing her books on her desk before turning away, clearly upset.
At that moment, Yang Mo was about to apologize when a loud voice broke through the tension.
"Damn, Yang Mo, why are you here so early today?"
A chubby boy barged in, tossing his bag onto the desk before plopping down beside him. Guo Fat, Yang Mo's seatmate for the past three years, came from a wealthy family, though his grades were less than stellar.
"Is it so strange for me to be early?" Yang Mo raised an eyebrow.
"Of course! Weren't you always running in at the last minute? And sometimes, you were even late!"
Yang Mo rubbed his chin. It was true. The Lynn family's villa was far from school, and without pocket money, he had no choice but to walk. It often resulted in him being late.
"Well, I won't be late anymore. The college entrance exam is coming up. What about you, Guo Fat? Any plans?" he asked.
Guo Fat sighed, shaking his head. "You know my scores. There's an 80% chance I won't make it. I'll probably rely on connections to get into a college."
Yang Mo frowned. "You can still buy your way into university? Isn't that heavily monitored?"
Guo Fat laughed. "Money makes the world go round, buddy."
Yang Mo rolled his eyes but couldn't help but chuckle.
"By the way, Guo Fat, let me ask you something." Yang Mo lowered his voice, motioning for his friend to come closer. "What's the name of the girl sitting in front of me?"
"WHAT? YOU DON'T KNOW LING YINLUO'S NAME?"
Guo Fat's exclamation echoed through the classroom.
Yang Mo winced. The entire class turned to look, including Ling Yinluo, who shot him an icy glare before huffing and turning away.
"I told you to keep it down!" Yang Mo muttered, rubbing his temples.
"Sorry, but dude, how do you not know her? She's our school's top student and campus belle!" Guo Fat said incredulously.
Yang Mo sighed. "Fine, I know now. Just read your book."
"I feel bad. Lunch is on me," Guo Fat offered.
"Great! I'll have the most expensive one. With a chicken leg."
"Deal."
That afternoon, a sleek Bentley pulled up outside the school.
A noble-looking woman stepped out, followed by a striking young woman in sunglasses. Even with her face partially covered, her presence drew the attention of bystanders. She was none other than the famous singer, Lin Ruan.
"Are you sure this is the school?" Joy Fong wrinkled her nose, glancing around in distaste. Compared to Lin Chuan's prestigious academy, this place was utterly mediocre.
"I think so. He mentioned it before," Lin Ruan replied casually.
Spotting a teacher walking toward the entrance, Joy Fong hurriedly approached.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for a student named Lin Mo. Is he enrolled here?"
The teacher, He Hong, frowned. "We do have a student named Yang Mo. Are you sure you have the right person?"
"Yes, yes! That's him!" Joy Fong nodded quickly.
He Hong eyed them suspiciously. "You claim to be his family, yet you don't even know where he studies?"
Joy Fong stiffened.
"I'm his mother! And this is his sister! We just want to talk to him!" she insisted.
"Yang Mo's mother?" He Hong raised a brow. "I find that hard to believe. He always comes to school in worn-out clothes, looking like he barely eats enough. Meanwhile, you're dressed in luxury. How could you be related?"
Joy Fong's face turned red with shame.
Just then, Lin Ruan removed her sunglasses, revealing her stunning features.
He Hong's eyes widened. "Lin Ruan?!"
Lin Ruan nodded. "Now do you believe me?"
Although skeptical, He Hong led them inside.
Inside the classroom, students were in the middle of a study session when the door suddenly swung open.
Gasps and murmurs spread as the elegant woman and the glamorous singer stepped in.
"Wow, she's so pretty! Is she a celebrity?"
"Look at that bracelet! That has to be pure emerald!"
"Yang Mo, come outside for a moment."
He Hong's voice snapped the students out of their whispers.
Yang Mo sighed, getting up reluctantly. He didn't want this unnecessary drama to disrupt the class.
Outside, Joy Fong's eyes welled with tears as she reached for his hand, but Yang Mo pulled away.
"I don't know you," he said coldly.
Joy Fong froze. "M-Mo, I'm your mother!"
"Teacher He, do I look like I belong to the same family as them?" Yang Mo gestured to his simple clothing and then to their extravagant outfits.
He Hong nodded. "Indeed. Since Yang Mo has denied knowing you, please leave."
"Mo!" Joy Fong pleaded. But before she could step closer, security arrived, escorting them out.
Back in the car, Lin Ruan clenched her fists. "What a joke! He doesn't even acknowledge us? Does he know how many people wish they could be connected to me?"
"Forget him! Let him suffer on his own!" she huffed, glaring at the school gate as they drove away, seemingly oblivious to the fact that it was the Lynn family that had abandoned Yang Mo first.