Chapter 1, Time does not disperse.

It is said that before a person dies, the brain generates many peculiar dreams; could this be the case now

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Of course, there are many regrets, and this is a life that can only be bound and dragged forward by the chariot of existence, unable to pause and catch its breath

As soon as these words were spoken, Li Zhan was stunned on the spot! A strange expression appeared on his face as he anxiously looked around. Upon seeing the gazes of those students, he was uncertain where this matter had originated, but it was indeed his enormous secret. He knew that his reputation was not good, and that students and the faculty sometimes discussed him privately in the office. Of course, he could find ways to deal with the students, but where had this astonishing truth come from?

Moments later, his grim face unexpectedly broke into a smile, but it sent chills down the spines of everyone in the class. "Cheng Ran, you must take responsibility for what you have said! I do not want an apology from you; I want you to reflect on this in front of the entire school at graduation! Moreover, you must write this incident into your record! In the future... do not blame me!"

Li Zhan was very satisfied with the results achieved, but the overall ranking of this mock high school entrance exam class had declined, and he was actually in a gloomy mood. Today, when the scores were read aloud in class, he intended to target some individuals, and by unfortunate coincidence, Cheng Ran happened to walk in at that moment!

Cheng Ran opened his mouth, "Eighty-two ... ..."

In that moment, it seemed as if the entire world had come to a standstill, and even Li Zhan was taken aback

Had she known that her life would end in such a manner, Cheng Ran assured herself that she would indulge in a few more meals before that time, her stomach filled with the wine from exhausting social engagements, for it would be quite unseemly to die like a starving ghost

Even the troublemakers in class cannot help but feel admiration at this moment

Cheng Ran's unique temperament at this moment, along with his unprecedented retort, caught Li off guard, making him feel as though he was not facing his student, but rather another unfamiliar soul

Some astute students in the class couldn't help but shake their heads in silence, realizing that experience still holds its value; Cheng Ran has fallen into Li Zhan's trap!

Cheng Ran recalled that the full score for the middle school Chinese exam was 150 points, and one had to achieve at least 90 points to barely pass. He quickly flipped through the paper and saw that the final essay had only the red mark "17". Overall, it could be said that he had completely failed in terms of scoring on the exam.

Cheng Ran must be out of her mind; this was the first thought that crossed the minds of the entire class. No. 1 High School is the best school in Shanhai City, and its high school division is a provincial key institution. Every year, the cutoff score hovers around 600 points. The top students from the seven best schools in the city aspire to enter, but it is like crossing a narrow bridge. Given that Cheng Ran usually scores over 400 points, even with a perfect score of 50 points in physical education, her total score does not reach 500. How could she possibly expect to reach the high school admission threshold in just one month?

Cheng Ran's eyes were very clear, filled with a smile, and even in his dreams, he wanted to make it difficult for Li to step down.

But countless people were also shocked; how did Cheng Ran know such a secret matter

In such a drinking session, he fought continuously for three days and three nights, with a total sleep time of less than five hours in between. Finally, at the last moment, he felt blood rushing to his head, and the world turned red

So that many years later, everyone still remembers the terror of the three years in junior high under his rule, with a deep-seated hatred.

His teaching rod is made of fine bamboo twigs typically used for brooms, and when waved, it creates a gust of wind; he has always been ruthless and merciless in his actions.

Here! Chinese, 82, intellectually disabled! Mathematics, 89, low ability! English, 120, Physics and Chemistry, 90, Ideological and Political Education, you scored 41 out of a full score of 100, total score—glorious 420! Class ranking—over a hundred from the bottom! With this level of intelligence, do you still want to get into our provincial key high school? I suggest you hurry up and buy a cart after graduating from middle school to haul coal for others!

At that moment, the class bell suddenly rang

He looked at Li Zhan, and he seemed completely different, sneering, "Let me correct you on one point, my total score just now was 422 points, not 420 points. Teacher Li, you said that with this score in the mock exam, I wouldn't be able to get into any school and would only be able to go work in coal mining... So could you tell us, what was your score in the high school entrance examination back in your day?"

Thus, he became even more relentless, striding onto the podium like a proud rooster, spreading open the attendance sheet on the lectern, and using a finger to sift through it, "Come, come, come! Let us take a look at your overall scores and ranking in this mock exam, Cheng Ran..."

We spent many carefree days together, but after university, we went our separate ways, each pursuing our own paths, lost in the vastness of the crowd.

At this moment, Li stood with one hand on his waist, sporting a center-parted hairstyle, wearing an expression that seemed to say, "I see you want to ascend to the heavens," biting his lip and glaring at Cheng Ran. His other hand waved aimlessly in the air, clearly indicating that the piece of chalk that had just been thrown came from his hand, which was comparable to that of a master from the Tang Sect.

In the dream, he is still so arrogant

An unidentified object struck his forehead with extreme speed and precise guidance, producing a crisp sound of "pop!" as it collided with the flesh and the underlying bone, ricocheting to the side

In just a fleeting moment, his face turned ashen, and his voice trembled with a hint of challenged dignity, "Do you still dare to retaliate?"

Li was still not satisfied; he wanted to deliver a heavy blow to Cheng Ran's personal dignity. He slammed a test paper onto Cheng Ran's desk, speaking in a sarcastic tone, "You fell asleep when your score was announced! Come on, read it out loud for the whole class! What score did you get on this final mock exam before graduation?"

There was once a girl in a class who had good grades. After he hinted at it, her parents still did not give him gifts, so he resorted to various forms of sarcastic ridicule and insults, which led to a sharp decline in her academic performance, ultimately leaving her unable to emerge from the shadow.

The reason for this nickname is that during that era, he boldly accepted gifts from the parents of his students, and he was extremely petty, arranging those who had given him gifts and were close to him in the best positions

Yu Xiao touched half of her face, staring at Cheng Ran with her mouth agape in sheer terror. It was one thing to doze off, doodle, or joke around during class, but this was the butcher's lesson!

Since it is a dream, it does not matter to oneself

Is that so? Cheng Ran's elegant face smiled, "Of course it can't be compared, because at that time, you were expelled."

Cheng Ran lowered his head to look at his exam paper; he saw that it was marked as a Chinese language exam, and the score was 82

He remembers that the previous drinking party spanned half the city, starting from a private restaurant, moving to the 80th floor of the Jin Mao Tower, and finally arriving at the seafood stall by the riverside, with the final showdown at Haoledi. As one side finishes their song, the next takes the stage, with various characters engaging in drinking games, causing the sun and moon to lose their light. At times, it was his superior whispering in his ear, "Xiao Cheng, you have to step up, this project hinges on this one shot!" At other times, it was the voice of a subordinate saying, "Lao Cheng, I can't go on anymore, I still need you to save the day..."

This is not about boasting or daydreaming. What a pity, what a pity, Cheng Ran has been driven to the brink, driven mad by Li Zhan.

The feeling of being challenged by everyone as graduation approaches, as if even the most insignificant individuals dare to confront oneself

"Wait a moment! I won't mention those major sections in front, but this time the reading comprehension in the mock exam is so easy that it practically gives points. Out of a total score of 40, you only got 10 points..." Li sneered coldly, "I could probably call a rickshaw driver from the roadside to do it, and he would score higher than you!"

It seems that if I do not speak up, this butcher Li will not let it go

Perhaps it was the frightening degree of reality in the dream, or perhaps the influence of Li Zhan's tyranny over the years had also taken effect in the dream, or maybe it was a desire to verify something; Cheng Ran opened his hand in front of him

I want you to read it out loud

As the book "Whoosh" came rushing in with great force, Cheng Ran, who had suffered from this kind of loss many times before, raised his hand. The hefty "Chinese Language" book flew close and with a loud bang! It was as if Peter Pan had been swatted away by the Hulk, flying from one end of the classroom to the other, ultimately crashing down amidst a pile of books.

This is not merely a matter of psychological torment; it is tantamount to a personal attack. If Cheng Ran is made to reflect on this in front of the entire school and it is recorded in his file, this stain will follow him for the rest of his life, making it nearly impossible for him to gain admission to a good university or secure a good job. Li Zhan, this is an attempt to take Cheng Ran's life!

Cheng Ran's family belongs to the type of parents he refers to as "unwilling to invest in their own children, not even willing to spend the cost of building a good relationship with the teachers, so I have no obligation to help you manage your child." Therefore, Li Zhan has naturally never looked favorably upon Cheng Ran.

Cheng Ran nodded, "Alright! It's up to you."

He pointed at Cheng Ran again, "You have a heart as venomous as a snake!"

During today's class meeting on Friday, Butcher Li, in a fit of anger, distributed the test papers one by one while announcing the scores, looking for typical cases to criticize. After reading Cheng Ran's name twice without any response, he finally realized that Cheng Ran was asleep

Are you mourning? Read each item separately! Louder!" Li Zhan said

You were able to enter a prestigious school even after being expelled... How can you say that I cannot earn my place honorably?

Cheng Ran, stand up for me!

But everyone knows that today, a history has been born

Li Zhan's entire face was already overcast with dark clouds, as he looked at Cheng Ran, a completely unfamiliar expression, as if his dark side had been exposed, leaving his face pale and torn.

There is no need for an apology, as I do not wish to accept false compliments. Today, you not only humiliated me but also many others in the class... Since even someone who has been expelled like you can become a teacher, then I, who have just been humiliated by you repeatedly, can also become your teacher. How about you call me 'teacher' then?

Cheng Ran opened his eyes at the desk, and the bright and warm sunlight was penetrating through the leaves of the tall old locust tree outside the third floor, shining on his face

I never expected to dream about it; perhaps the intensity of work has led me to reminisce about the past.

Commanding respect throughout the entire school

On ordinary days, Li Zhan's demeanor is quite domineering; at this moment, his expression reflected throughout the entire class, and everyone immediately understood that what Cheng Ran had said was most likely true.

The classmates in the class are eager to laugh, yet at this moment, they are so suppressed that they cannot do so. Everyone can empathize with how tragic it must be for Cheng Ran at this moment.

Li Zhan rushed off the stage, waving the slender bamboo stick in his hand that made everyone feel a tightening in the soles of their feet, "Show your hands!"

The people at the banquet were all dumbfounded, and in the end, they rushed forward, shouting his name and slapping his face. These voices accompanied by a sense of dizziness made him remember that he had only one last thought at that moment, "This can't be the kind of sudden death mentioned in the news, can it"

"Then continue reading, what score did you get for your essay? How much for the essay..." As he spoke, Li interrupted Cheng Ran before he could respond, casting a sidelong glance and taking the lead to read aloud, "Essay... Topic: 'Envisioning My Future'... Score: 17 points! You really have some self-awareness, knowing that you have no future!"

Li Zhan naturally let out a sound from between his teeth, "My achievements back in the day are certainly beyond your comparison"

Those who have not given gifts, or those who believe you are speaking ill of them behind their backs, or those who simply do not like you, will find various excuses to trouble you, create difficulties, and belittle you.

Next to him, his deskmate was staring intently, and he suddenly remembered that it was Yu Xiao, one of his childhood friends from the same courtyard. They not only attended the same class in middle school but were also deskmates, known back then as the two famous "barking heads".

Ultimately, this is still a dream

In fact, this matter came to light after Cheng Ran started working, as many dissatisfied students heard about it from those who had grievances against Li Zhan. Students who had been psychologically affected back then recounted Li Zhan's dark history, revealing that he had been expelled for fighting off-campus and later used connections to return to school under a different name. Upon learning this, all the students condemned him for misleading others, and thinking of his usual demeanor only added to their frustration. It is a pity that no one has confronted him with his past achievements to slap him in the face for his arrogance.

Multiple choice questions: 30 points. Fill-in-the-blank questions: 25 points. Reading comprehension questions: 10 points

Thus, the students privately gave him the fitting nickname - "The Butcher"

Cheng Ran extended his hand and patted Yu Xiao's face in front of the entire class, smiling, "You rascal."

Here we go again!

He raised his head and saw himself in a middle school classroom. The overall appearance of the classroom was somewhat worn, with the walls covered in scratches and patches of peeling paint. Directly in front of him, on the podium, was his former middle school homeroom teacher, Li Zhan, who was famously known as the "Butcher".

Moreover, the most unfortunate aspect is that the results of this mock high school entrance examination have been released, and their class's ranking in the city has declined compared to previous years. This directly impacts Li Zhan's interests, as the final high school entrance examination results are tied to his bonus. For Li the Butcher, if his interests are affected, it becomes a serious matter.

Even in her dreams, Cheng Ran still thought of leaving a glimmer of hope. However, at this moment, Li Zhan's relentless advances finally pushed Cheng Ran to the brink, and a surge of repressed anger from her middle school days erupted within her.

This attitude nearly made Li spit out blood.

Is it that Zhuang Zhou dreamed of becoming a butterfly, or that the butterfly dreamed of becoming Zhuang Zhou

His voice clearly became much more flustered, "Who did you hear that from, which nonsense are you listening to? From which office did you hear such ridiculous talk? Those who spread such matters in private are simply venomous!"

Now, the entire classroom is filled with a chilling atmosphere akin to that of an ice cave

The entire class, as if granted a general amnesty, could not wait to scatter like birds and beasts

What if I pass the exam? What if I win five million tomorrow? Where in this world are there so many daydreams for you to indulge in? Li Zhan, in a flash, seized upon Cheng Ran's words. He suddenly calmed down, his voice carrying a chilling clarity, his smile resembling a mask affixed to a corpse. "Stop talking nonsense. How about we make a bet... If you pass the exam, I will apologize to you. If you do not pass, you will publicly reflect on your slander against the teacher in front of the entire school before graduation. I will withhold your graduation certificate, and once you have done that, I will return it to you!" The voice carried a chilling clarity, the smile resembling a mask affixed to a corpse. "Stop talking nonsense. How about we make a bet... If you pass the exam, I will apologize to you. If you do not pass, you will publicly reflect on your slander against the teacher in front of the entire school before graduation. I will withhold your graduation certificate, and once you have done that, I will return it to you!"

He felt that his deskmate's face was very familiar, but he couldn't recall it for a moment

Beside him, Li Zhan observed his silence and buried head, revealing a hint of satisfaction

Cheng Ran felt a bit dizzy, as if he had not yet awakened from a long dream

This is the first time in history since Li Zhan's rule that someone dared to fight back, and it is precisely Cheng Ran, who usually appears the most mild-mannered, that has taken this action

This is the dream of a fleeting moment of brilliance ... ? ... But why would I let myself dream of that annoying butcher Li?

The slender bamboo stick emitted several sharp sounds as it sliced through the air, causing him to flinch repeatedly, which made the entire class grin widely. The intense, searing pain that connected his hand to his heart made Cheng Ran gasp in shock, and he began to waver in his belief that all of this was just a dream

Cheng Ran turned his head, and the window reflected his shadow. Among those overlapping images, he could vaguely discern his current self: dressed in a clean white shirt, with short and neat hair, and a rebellious tuft of hair at the back of his head that had been tousled from sleep. His body was slender and tall. This was clearly the appearance of a fifteen or sixteen-year-old.

Li Zhan's expression, combined with this mocking tone, finally brought about laughter this time

You wretched creature! Are you planning to rebel? As expected, the stack of books in front of the first row of desks was completely cleared. The students in the front row had no time to protest, and Li Zhan swiftly grabbed a hefty book and hurled it at Cheng Ran.

The air was filled with a powdery gray scent, reminiscent of post-battle Normandy, far more brutal than the landing at Incheon. Cheng Ran lifted her head, and her deskmate was staring at her with an incredulous expression, head tilted and eyes wide open, as if watching a horror film