Qianning: Where Tycoons and Troublemakers Thrive.
This was a local proverb passed down in Qianning. It meant the town had no shortage of wealthy, powerful people—and just as many idle delinquents.
This didn’t imply poor security. Quite the opposite: Qianning was one of the safest areas around. Loafers wouldn’t harass people randomly. You never knew if your target’s extended family worked within the system.
Thugs generally avoided school students. Even delinquent pupils trying to join them were often turned away. Partly from a shred of conscience. But more crucially, in a place packed with tycoons and officials, those in gray areas had to tread carefully. One misstep, and they’d be scapegoated.
Bai Ling had once been ambushed by delinquents. That was retaliation after she threatened corrupt interests and humiliated them. It proved useless. Instead, it sparked a trace of suppressed anger in Senior Bailin. She resorted to forces outside the system.
True power works silently. Yet it achieves earth-shattering results.
"Genius is ninety-nine percent sweat and one percent inspiration," the teacher declared. "That’s why they reach the unimaginable."
Students listened intently. At Qianning High School, the first day of a new semester focused on spiritual motivation, not lessons. Liming, the model student, paid full attention—causing no trouble.
Notably, before classes began, Liming’s title of vice-class monitor had been replaced. He became class monitor of Class 9, Grade 1. Unexpectedly, the vice role fell to Zhangqianxing—the smooth-talking, well-connected one. This surprised Liming.
"Hey, Ming," Zhangqianxing whispered. "Without that one percent inspiration, all the sweat in the world won’t make you successful~~"
"Shut up. We’re in class. Respect the teacher."
"Maa~, relax. It’s the first day—adjustment period. Teachers here turn a blind eye to minor things. That’s Qianning High’s unwritten rule."
Liming’s deskmate and best friend, Zhangqianxing, had mediocre grades. Yet he’d snagged vice-monitor. Grades weren’t everything, but they mattered for officers. This guy used complex connections to land the role…
Just thinking about working with this unreliable guy made Liming feel deep helplessness. He knew his best friend slacked off constantly. If one sentence solved a problem, he’d never say a second. Using favors to pay debts was routine.
Liming glanced sideways. Sure enough, Zhangqianxing was secretly winking at a pretty girl, making her blush furiously.
It was a July morning. Gentle, bright sunlight streamed through the window. Zhangqianxing’s seductive, upturned eyes were always on the prowl. In one morning, his eloquent speech and gentlemanly manners charmed many flustered girls.
Liming could only chuckle. He felt sure Zhangqianxing’s habit of changing girlfriends like clothes would land him in big trouble someday.
But… not everyone fell for looks.
Liming’s gaze drifted to the fourth row by the window. Today, Zhangqianxing had met his match with that girl. She’d loudly scolded him to stay away—and nearly kicked him. This made his best friend stare long in the mirror after using the restroom, doubting his handsome face.
Liming remembered: on the class roster, her name was Liqianying. The undisputed class beauty of Class 9, Grade 1. Some, like Zhangqianxing, claimed she could challenge Senior Bailin.
Liming just smiled it off. She was indeed very pretty. But anyone could see her aura paled beside Senior Bailin’s.
Unlike the unserious Zhangqianxing, Liming dealt with Liqianying fairly and impartially. Filling out home addresses, phone numbers, guardian info—all those trivial details. Thanks to Liming’s gentle patience, he checked each classmate one by one, winning everyone’s goodwill.
People recognize those who sincerely work for others. Even the aloof, ill-tempered Liqianying became approachable with Liming. Not like with Zhangqianxing, who used work as an excuse to flirt.
"...In short, you’ve moved from middle school to high school. You’re not kids anymore. Be bold! Strive for excellence! Heavy studies await. The proficiency test and college entrance exam lie ahead—waiting for you to conquer...!"
This teacher was passionate. His mouth hadn’t stopped since class began.
But Liming had no right to criticize. He himself was a passionate fool who never refused requests. He’d become this way due to inexplicable things during his middle school days working with Senior Bailin…
"Hey, Ming," Zhangqianxing murmured. "I just recalled news from yesterday. Thought you’d find it useful—but I did too."
"Can’t you just pay attention?"
"It’s about Senior Bailin~~"
"...Speak."
Class monitor Liming, who set an example, broke discipline in the very first lesson. Inwardly scolding himself, he perked up his ears.
"You know Qianning High’s Student Council oversees all student affairs. Most class officers join to coordinate duties."
"Oh? Must all officers join?"
"Not at all. Some lack the ability. The Council interviews each class, picks the top two. After probation, the vice-president or president reviews them personally. Meaning—joining means a chance to connect with Senior Bailin~~"
Liming’s calm, fair face stiffened slightly. A flicker of struggle passed through his eyes.
Watching him, Zhangqianxing grinned smugly. As best friends, he knew that expression. It meant Liming was tempted.
