Escaping from Director Sun’s clutches, Li Zheng still wasn’t in a hurry to leave the school.
He still needed to try a few more things when it came to relaxation. At the very least, he had to experience every type of relaxation possible within the school.
He began to imagine.
If, all of a sudden, there was a long vacation with no pressure at all—what would he do in that situation?
For himself, he’d probably read the kinds of books he never had the time or patience for before.
Hmm, reading—it was a common form of relaxation for the masses.
Even better, it could improve his essay grades.
Two birds with one stone.
Perfect.
As a school that waved the banner of “holistic education,” Yinghu High School also had a library.
Though it wasn’t large, it offered mainstream periodicals and best-selling novels.
Li Zheng didn’t stop. Racing against the clock, he returned to the main teaching building and ran east along the corridor toward the library.
The school library had been converted from a classroom—half of it was bookshelves, the other half long tables. The remaining wall space was filled with racks of magazines and newspapers.
When Li Zheng entered, there was only one person sitting at the long table.
Great. Very quiet.
As he handed over his student card, he looked at the sole reader.
It was a girl reading a magazine, seemingly 《Science Fiction World》.
At that moment, the girl seemed to sense something as well. She slowly lowered the magazine, revealing a pair of don’t-mess-with-me eyes.
Lin Yujing!
Her again!
“Mm…”
Lin Yujing quickly raised the magazine to cover her face and retracted her head.
Li Zheng felt a little embarrassed.
He definitely wasn’t following her on purpose.
It was just... too much of a coincidence.
Why was it that everywhere he went, she was already there?
Why hadn’t he bumped into her before?
Suddenly, his eyes widened.
！
In the past, he had only focused on studying and never did anything “extra.”
But today, he was wholeheartedly trying to relax.
And each time he arrived at a place he considered ideal for relaxation—he ran into Lin Yujing.
What did that suggest?
It suggested he had picked the right spots.
Top students should relax this way.
It could even be said that the reason he hadn’t performed as well as Lin Yujing in his studies was precisely because he didn’t prioritize rest—he had forced himself to study too hard.
Lin Yujing was probably upset because her secret learning method had been discovered.
Honestly... shame on him. He’d had his epiphany too late.
After handing in his student card, Li Zheng rubbed his hands together and walked to the magazine rack to start browsing.
【Detected relaxation activity: Reading】
【Vitality recovery rate: 1.6, daily cap: 40 minutes.】
【Rate cannot be increased.】
Li Zheng forced a smile. Though this recovery rate was a bit underwhelming, it was still acceptable.
Now came the question of which magazine to choose.
《Popular Photography》, 《Traveler》—these could cultivate taste.
《Bosom Friend》, 《Story Club》—these could cultivate taste and improve essay-writing skills.
Was there even a question?
Just as he was about to grab a copy of 《Bosom Friend》, he spotted the September issue of 《Science Fiction World》.
He couldn’t help but glance again at Lin Yujing.
She had the latest October issue of 《Science Fiction World》 in her hands.
Looked like she kept up with every issue.
Strange. Very strange.
Why would a girl like science fiction?
Shouldn’t she be into those melancholic, sentimental youth novels?
From all the previous incidents, Li Zheng had come to realize that every action Lin Yujing took was calculated and purposeful—each one in service of learning.
Her choice of 《Science Fiction World》 was certainly no coincidence.
！
Li Zheng had another epiphany.
Science fiction novels weren’t just packed with science knowledge—they also expanded imagination and broadened thinking.
Wasn’t that exactly what one needed to solve hard problems?
Moreover, science fiction novels also helped improve essay-writing skills.
Even scarier—science fiction wasn’t just about fiction. It included physics, chemistry, math, history, geography, politics—even philosophy, sociology, and psychology.
Even in university, even out in society, this kind of knowledge would be useful.
Lin Yujing, you sly little fox!
No wonder the last big question always widened the score gap between us.
Without thinking, Li Zheng reached out and yanked the September issue of 《Science Fiction World》 off the shelf. He couldn’t wait—he sat down at the seat near the door and opened it right away.
*Bang!*
Lin Yujing suddenly slammed her magazine on the table.
She stared at Li Zheng with resentment, as if even her final sanctuary had been violated.
Li Zheng did, indeed, feel a bit guilty.
Whether it was the quiet time in the pavilion or her choice of reading material—she probably spent a long time developing these learning techniques.
And here he was, blatantly copying them at a glance and using them straight away. It was honestly a bit shameless.
Hmm. He couldn’t just freeload off her like this.
Time to give her something genuinely valuable as compensation.
Li Zheng quickly put down the magazine and pulled out a test paper from his backpack.
“The last question—I have a simpler method here.”
Li Zheng held the paper, a little heartbroken to part with it, but resolutely laid it out flat.
“Come on, I’ll teach you. Just this once, alright?”
“Ahhh!!”
Lin Yujing let out a desperate cry, grabbed her bag, and fled the room.
A moment later, Li Zheng sighed.
Seemed she still felt she’d suffered a greater loss and wouldn’t accept his offering.
At least come and take a look at my solution before deciding if you still want to be mad...
But oh well, that’s women for you—so emotional.
And being emotional was bad for studying.
Li Zheng couldn’t help glancing at the October issue of 《Science Fiction World》 that she had left behind.
See that? See that?
Now she’s the one losing out.
Li Zheng quickly stood up and jogged over to snatch her copy as well.
At the library entrance, the old man managing the place suddenly asked,
“Student, do you two know each other?”
“Same class.”
Li Zheng replied, holding both magazines and sitting back down in his original seat.
“She didn’t even take her student card.”
The old man put on his reading glasses and examined the card Lin Yujing had left behind.
“Grade 11, Class 4—Lin Yujing... is Class 4 still under Chunmei’s care?”
“Yeah, Teacher Hu Chunmei.”
Li Zheng nodded.
“She’s still teaching?”
The old man asked curiously.
“Finished her surgery?”
“Surgery?”
“Oh… nothing…”
The old man quickly waved it off.
“When you leave, mind bringing her student card with you.”
“No, let her come back to get it herself.”
Li Zheng shook his head.
“It’s safe here with you anyway.”
“Heh.”
The old man took off his reading glasses and shook the student card with a grin.
“Young man, being surrounded by so many girls your age every day—this is the time of your life, you know. I couldn’t go back even if I wanted to. Don’t say your teacher didn’t give you the chance!”
Li Zheng paused, eyeing the old man warily.
Thin face, full head of silver hair, looked like an old academic.
Righteous in appearance.
But the things he said... such corrupting words.
So wicked.
A person like this—you absolutely must not get chatty with him, or your mind might get twisted.
Li Zheng gave no response and continued reading.
“Hey, just chat with me for a bit, won’t you? I sit here all day and no one ever talks to me.”
The old man said, picking up Li Zheng’s student ID and holding it at arm’s length to read it.
“Li Zheng… hmm, the name fits the man…”
Li Zheng stayed silent.
But the old man went right on, annoyingly nosy.
“Li Zheng, my boy—what do you kids do these days, aside from studying?”
No reply.