The sun filtered through the windows of Class 12-A, casting golden light over half-asleep students and rustling textbooks. But one figure sat upright, fully awake and sharp-eyed—Su Jie.
In just two weeks, he'd gone from a ghost in the background to a name people whispered with interest.
His side business had grown fast. At first, it was just notes—clean, organized, and packed with memory cues. But soon, Su Jie spotted a new opportunity. Students were obsessed with the latest stationery, game keychains, anime badges, trendy phone grips, and Bluetooth mini speakers. Stuff that looked cool but didn't cost much if bought in bulk.
So, he found a supplier. A friend of his mother's worked part-time at a warehouse selling returns and overstock items online. Su Jie offered to clear out small stockpiles, paid cash upfront, and started reselling.
He spent 800 yuan from his first round of note sales to buy a second-hand laptop—a basic model, but enough for typing, making designs, organizing customer lists, and learning something new on the side.
Now, his average weekly earnings stood at:
Notes (50 yuan each): ~15 buyers/week → 750 yuanTrending accessories (markup 100%): ~20–30 items/week → 600–800 yuanTotal Weekly Earnings: 1,300 to 1,600 yuan
It wasn't just pocket money anymore. It was the start of real financial independence.
That morning, their homeroom teacher, Ms. Lin, entered the classroom holding a thick folder.
She was a woman in her early thirties—elegant, sharp, with glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. She placed the folder on the podium and clapped twice.
"Alright, listen up."
The class fell silent.
"I've told you this before, but now I'll remind you seriously. The mid-semester test is two weeks away. It accounts for 30% of your internal score."
Groans echoed around the room.
She continued, unbothered, "More importantly, your final performance this year determines your eligibility for the College Entrance Exam—which will decide your fate after school. If you dream of places like Central Capital University, you better start acting like it."
Su Jie's eyes narrowed.
Central Capital University… the best school in the country. Elite in every field—engineering, business, media. Su Jie had once dreamed of it too. But life had buried that dream under layers of bullying, poverty, and hopelessness.
Not anymore.
A hand shot up.
It was Tang Rui, the class beauty. She had always been the top scorer, aloof and untouchable.
"Miss Lin," she said calmly, "can we get a breakdown of subject-wise expectations for Central Capital?"
Ms. Lin gave a rare smile. "Excellent question. You'll need above a 90% average to even be considered. That means no slacking."
Tang Rui nodded. Su Jie noticed the fire in her eyes—determined, focused.
She was aiming for Central Capital too.
Something stirred in Su Jie's chest. Admiration? Curiosity? Maybe both. But what he knew for sure was—he wanted to walk beside her. Not just from the same school, but into the same future.
—
Later that day, during lunch, Tang Rui sat alone under the shade of the cherry tree near the courtyard, reading as usual. Su Jie approached with two cold drinks and casually sat beside her.
She glanced up, but didn't move away.
"Peace offering," he said, handing her one. "It's mango milk tea. You seem like someone who appreciates subtle sweetness."
She blinked, but took it. "I'm not bribed easily."
"It's not a bribe," Su Jie smirked. "It's networking."
That made her lips twitch—just barely.
After a few minutes of silence, she spoke again. "You've changed. You don't act like Su Jie used to."
Su Jie shrugged. "Maybe pain wakes people up."
She studied him carefully. "So what are you waking up for?"
He looked toward the horizon. "Central Capital University. Coding. Business. Maybe even creating a game that blows up worldwide."
A pause.
"You?" he asked.
"I've always aimed for Central Capital," she replied softly. "It's the only place that'll challenge me."
"Then I'll see you there."
She didn't respond, but she didn't look away either.
—
That night, back home, Su Jie sat at his laptop, practicing Python tutorials and watching videos on how to make mobile games. His mind raced—not just about money or revenge—but about dreams.
He was still far behind the academic curve, but climbing.
Recent test scores:
History: 76%
Literature: 82%
Physics: 64% → still weak, but improving.
English: 88%
System 007: Progress Report
✔ Regret Recognition: Su Jie's past acknowledged and respected.✔ Personal Growth: Financial stability achieved, emotional wounds healing.★ Academic Recovery: Grades improving; eyes set on Central Capital University.★ Bond Development: Tang Rui's interest piqued — connection forming.
Overall Progress: 42% Complete
Su Jie smiled to himself.
Step by step, he was rewriting a life that had once been discarded.
This wasn't just a mission.
This was his second chance.