Gradually Intertwined Daily Life 1

On a Sunday morning in Huihe City's Sixth Middle School, there was no trace of laziness despite it being the weekend. As the dawn light filtered through the classroom windows, the Third Year, Class 1 classroom was already filled with students engrossed in their studies. Above the blackboard, the Gaokao countdown clock showed red numbers that changed silently, urging every dream-chaser forward.

The morning's cultural classes passed without incident, yet they were imbued with the unique, tense rhythm of the Third Year. The math teacher deduced complex derivative problems on the blackboard, chalk dust falling like snow; the Chinese teacher meticulously analyzed scoring points in classical Chinese readings, her voice steady and strong; the English teacher played listening comprehension materials, standard pronunciations echoing from headphones in every corner of the classroom.

Chen Mo continued to study at the efficient pace he had discovered. For topics he had already mastered through the System, he quickly scanned the textbooks and notes, identifying and filling gaps to consolidate his memory. When the teacher explained new difficult or commonly mistaken points, he listened intently, his pen flying across his notebook to record key ideas. He would occasionally pause, frowning slightly, as he processed the new information.

On the System panel, the proficiency levels for each subject slowly climbed at a visible rate. These seemingly small increases accumulated like a tireless climber, step by step, eventually gathering the strength to overcome the Gaokao.

The ten-minute break between classes quietly brought a change that shattered the usual calm. Zhao Peng, who usually chatted and laughed with the "top student clique" in the front row, now naturally stood up, walked through the aisles between desks, and sauntered over to Chen Mo and Zhang Shun's seats, a hearty smile on his face.

"Brother Mo, I played Martial Era a couple more times yesterday. I unlocked a new map, 'Secret Realm Trial.' The BOSS there has super high Qi and Blood Value, but the cultivation technique fragments it drops are really useful!" Zhao Peng spoke with the fervor of a young person for games, his topic light and casual, with no trace of forced flattery.

Zhang Shun was a bit reserved at first – after all, Zhao Peng was always a "popular figure" in class, from a wealthy family, excelling in both Martial Arts and cultural subjects, and he rarely interacted with "ordinary students in the back rows" like them. But Zhao Peng had a natural charisma that put people at ease. His eyes were sincere when he spoke, showing none of the arrogance of a spoiled rich kid. When the conversation got lively, he would even share embarrassing stories from his gaming experiences, quickly finding common ground with Zhang Shun over basketball (which Zhang Shun played for half an hour every week) and new, exciting anime. They found themselves chatting more and more.

Zhang Yuxi, sitting next to Chen Mo, was also initially surprised by Zhao Peng's change, but soon joined the conversation. Zhao Peng clearly understood how to interact with people. For the sensitive Zhang Yuxi, he avoided discussing boisterous games or basketball. Instead, he shared interesting school anecdotes or occasionally asked for help with a few liberal arts questions. Despite his family's resources, which could easily afford top tutors, he maintained a humble demeanor and spoke sincerely, making Zhang Yuxi happy to help.

Thanks to Zhao Peng's high emotional intelligence and proactive integration, the small group of three didn't feel any awkwardness with his addition. The new topics and perspectives he brought made the breaks more lively and interesting. Zhang Shun and Zhang Yuxi were secretly pleased – being able to communicate as equals with a top student, a rich kid, and a talented martial artist in the class, they felt no pressure. Instead, they felt honored and were more willing to genuinely accept Zhao Peng.

Zhao Peng also seemed to enjoy this pure classmate camaraderie, sometimes sharing "inside information" with them as a subtle form of reciprocation.

"Hey, did you guys hear? After the final exams, the city is holding the 'Third Year Martial Arts Elite Exchange Competition'!" During one break, Zhao Peng lowered his voice, speaking mysteriously with excitement in his eyes. "My dad heard it from the Martial Arts Association. The top finishers will not only get generous prize money but also bonus points on their Gaokao records, essentially an 'Specialty Student' buff!"

"Really?" Zhang Shun's eyes lit up instantly, and he quickly asked, "How much is the prize money?"

"The exact amount hasn't been announced yet, but rumor has it the champion prize is at least 100,000 yuan!" Zhao Peng gestured, his tone enticing. "More importantly, teachers from the admissions offices of several Key Martial Arts Universities will be observing secretly. If you perform well, you might even get an 'Early Admission Intent Letter' on the spot, and they'll admit you even if your Gaokao score isn't high enough!"

"That's amazing?" Zhang Yuxi covered her mouth in surprise. "But the entry requirements must be very high, right?"

"Naturally," Zhao Peng nodded, his tone becoming more serious. "It's said that the minimum requirement is at least 80 points in Qi and Blood Value, or outstanding practical performance in the school's martial arts tests. Otherwise, you won't even qualify to register."

Chen Mo sat quietly, a thought stirring within him. A martial arts exchange competition? Generous prize money? Attention from university admissions offices? This was practically a tailor-made opportunity for him! It would allow him to test the results of his recent training, gain practical combat experience, earn valuable prize money (which could be used to buy more Qi and Blood Capsules, or even improve his family's living conditions), and add leverage for the Gaokao – a win-win-win. It seemed he needed to put in more effort and strive to raise his Qi and Blood Value before the competition registration deadline next month to ensure he qualified.

As the lunch bell rang, hungry students poured out like a flood, rushing to the cafeteria. The corridor instantly filled with the clamor of footsteps and chatter. Chen Mo tidied his books and notes, stood up, and prepared to head to the cafeteria with Zhang Shun and Zhang Yuxi for their usual, uninspired but filling meal – one meat and one vegetable dish, with unlimited rice. The taste was ordinary, but it quickly replenished energy for the afternoon's studies.

"Brother Mo, wait!" Just then, Zhao Peng hurried over from the front, grabbed Chen Mo's arm, a mysterious smile on his face.

"Huh? What's up?" Chen Mo stopped, looking at him with some confusion.

Zhao Peng leaned closer and chuckled in a low voice, "Don't squeeze into the cafeteria for lunch today. My driver will bring food over later, and I asked him to bring an extra portion. Let's find a quiet place to eat together and chat about that math problem from this morning. I still haven't figured out two steps and wanted to hear your thoughts."

Chen Mo was taken aback and quickly waved his hands in refusal. "How could I possibly accept? It's too much trouble for you and your parents. I'll just eat at the cafeteria; it's convenient. We can discuss that problem during the afternoon break."

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