Chapter 2, what you have given is a token of your sincerity

As Jiang Xi returned to the private room, she overheard Jiang Xinshu on the phone, his expression exceptionally serious and earnest. She immediately realized that he was speaking with his father

Old Jiang knows that I am fulfilling my promise to the fish and has agreed to support it

At that moment, Li Jie’s wrist communicator vibrated. He raised his wrist to signal Jiang Xinshu and answered the call. In the projected ten-inch virtual image, several voices were shouting chaotically. Suddenly, a face occupied most of the projection, desperately shouting: "Li Jie, when are you coming back? I want to tell you something... Hey, can you all keep it down? Can't you see I'm on the phone?"

Jiang Xinshu was not dissatisfied with the rejection, as it was not surprising at all; he simply felt it was a pity. "Even if one lacks motivation, it does not mean one has to stay at home."

Friends can be like Jiang Xinshu, but there are also those like Chen Shang. Chen Shang is a person of strong emotions, and therefore does not like Jiang Xinshu, which leads him to think negatively about everything. Because he is a friend of Li Jie, he often considers everything on Li Jie's behalf, and his enthusiasm often makes Li Jie wonder if Chen Shang is perhaps his long-lost biological brother

Chen Shang was momentarily taken aback, hesitated for two seconds, adjusted his glasses, and nodded, saying: "It is indeed inappropriate, it is indeed inappropriate..."

You want, Old Jiang to support me, should I turn back and take the first recommended quota from the Academy of Zhao Zhi and Liang?

The Youhua Academy is a symbol of the cultivation of talent related to warfare in Yanhuang Nation for over 200 years. Those who emerge from here, such as top talents like Chen Shang, have no issues in seeking employment; the only pressure comes from positions with high competitive entry points

Lianxi Jie also thinks that I am so kind that it seems I live to do good deeds? Li Jie smiled wryly, feeling helpless; this label made it difficult for him to explain himself, so he could only half-jokingly say: "Who told my dad to always educate me that being overly negative by completely refusing to try out of fear of making mistakes and getting hurt is wrong, and that the significance of having good judgment lies in making better choices?" Lianxi Jie asked, "How long do I need to deprogram myself before it takes effect?"

Jiang Xi took off her sunglasses and hung them on the collar of her chest. In a moment, the glasses underwent material reorganization in the hazy light, their form rapidly contracting, ultimately transforming into a black gemstone, as if it had been fixed at the collar in front of the deep ditch all along. "The City of Light has three spots at Youhua Academy; you should go."

When Li Jie turned around, Jiang Xi, who was originally by the railing on the second floor, had already left. Seeing the joy on Chen Shang's face, he felt secretly ashamed for not being able to speak candidly, because Jiang Xinshu was a strong-willed person. The conversation in the private room had spread, and it was about slapping his face

A knowing smile appeared at the corner of Jiang Xizui's mouth as he raised his glass and said, "Yes, yes—you're not that kind of person; neither is he"

The people sitting around several tables turned their gaze away upon seeing the cup of ice water in Li Jie’s hand

This remark caused Li Jie to be momentarily taken aback, but he quickly turned around with a smile, as if he had suddenly understood.

Jiang Xin adjusted his collar with an air of feigned composure. "How could I possibly be coerced by anyone?" After saying this, a teasing smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as he looked at Jiang Xi and retorted, "You have always admired him; how could you think that Li Jie would do such a thing at this moment?"

Li Jie believes he can wait for good news. Chen Shang's accumulation of knowledge in evolutionary genetics is among the best in the academy. Originally, the academy intended to recommend him to the relevant research departments of the military, but Chen Shang felt that without background support, he had no chance of securing a spot in the better research departments. It would be better to leverage the prestige of being a top student at Youhua Academy to gain experience in semi-commercial enterprises related to books. If he develops well in the future, he could receive invitations from research departments, which is a greater opportunity than starting from the grassroots level in the research department.

As they walked out of the college gate, Li Jie invited him to have lunch together. Chen Shang hurriedly shook his head, as if he were facing a monster. "I can't handle the commotion at your place right now; why don't you come eat with me instead"

The Ninth World War lasted for eight years, ultimately culminating in the establishment of a world government led by the Yanhuang Nation. After centuries of devastation from nuclear weapons in repeated world wars, only ten cities capable of supporting large populations remained in the world, eight of which were located in the Yanhuang Nation

It is unfortunate that Li Jie, due to personal feelings, acted recklessly. Many friends from the academy, including Zhao Zhi, have pleaded on his behalf, and I believe that taking extreme measures is a poor strategy. I choose to abstain, which not only allows me to reconcile with Zhao Zhi but also earns me the favorable evaluations of many valuable friends, facilitating my efforts to gather valuable support during my internship. As for this practical competition, under the circumstances where Zhao Zhi has also abstained, the three of us are truly the first in a meaningful sense. I choose to abstain, which not only allows me to reconcile with Zhao Zhi but also earns me the favorable evaluations of many valuable friends, facilitating my efforts to gather valuable support during my internship. As for this practical competition, under the circumstances where Zhao Zhi has also abstained, the three of us are truly the first in a meaningful sense

Chen Shang raised his right fist and waved it vigorously. "Wait for my good news!"

Jiang Xi protects Jiang Xin Shu until graduation, after which she will venture into her own future. Li Jie has long been aware of this; he slightly lowered his head, leaned close to Jiang Xi's ear, and gently said, "Take care, Sister Xi."

After a while, when the communication finally ended, Jiang Xinshu wiped the fine layer of sweat from his forehead and face, feeling a sense of relief. Jiang Xi, puzzled, asked: "Li Jie did not abstain, yet you chose to abstain... What black history does he have on you?"

Hello, I haven't finished using the data card! Please take it back quickly

It has already become a habit. Li Jie answered affirmatively. If asked why he has been able to persist since childhood, the greatest reason should be—he enjoys the feeling that he might become better every day.

As Jiang Xinshu spoke to this point, his voice took on a heavier tone, nodding repeatedly. Although it was a voice communication without any visual component, it felt as if his father were right in front of him. "The situation arose suddenly, and there was no time to consult my father in advance. I hope my father can provide his insights... Yes, yes, yes, indeed..."

They are also friends. During their practice sessions, he praised Jiang Xi's pair of swords. At that time, she mentioned that when Jiang Xin graduated, she would need a more suitable pair and would give this pair to him as a graduation gift. After that, Li Jie did not bring it up again and did not think about it at all, but unexpectedly, Jiang Xi had always remembered it.

Slow down, watch where you're going! I am serving the dishes here! I just spilled soup all over the place and haven't cleaned it up yet, do you still want to ruin a few more plates?

Li Jie pushed open the large door of his home, as if entering another world. The noise that had been blocked by the door suddenly rushed towards him, instantly flooding his ears and filling his mind.

Thank you, but I do not have any plans for work yet

"Very soon." The other end was too noisy, and Li interrupted the communication after finishing the explanation

Jiang Xinshu furrowed her brows in confusion and said, "Taking in so many people, aren't you bothered by the noise?"

Jiang Xi is a talent of the combat type, and in the past, she often practiced sparring at the academy. Li Jie knows that she holds him in high regard, but... he can only say with a face full of apology: "I know Sister Xi means well, but I just don't have any thoughts on it."

Ah? This, this... I simply cannot believe it! Jiang Xinshu actually has a relationship with someone? My goodness, my goodness... I suddenly don't recognize him anymore!" Chen Shang was as astonished as if he had discovered a new continent, adjusting his glasses that had become a mix of colors over the years, and excitedly said: "That guy is impressive; if it really comes to a fight, the outcome is hard to predict! Now that you have secured the first place and the library, the school will definitely recommend you for the Peace Guardian program. It would be a pity if you didn't go..."

He left first. Chen Shang went on his way, and Li Jie shouted at him: "May you achieve success this afternoon!"

Jiang Xinshu smiled as he took a sip of wine, recalling the beautiful figure with long hair swaying in the wind, and for a moment felt a pang in his heart. Li Jie should have been a different person; he had changed a lot due to the departure of the fish. "I have an idea, counting you in."

Jiang Xinshu stared at him with a smile that was not quite a smile, pointing at the glass of ice water on the table. "Only by holding it can you leave safely"

Jiang Xi still had her back to him, remaining silent. After a while, she gently nodded her head.

People are coming and going inside the room, and there are groups of three to five sitting there, chatting and eating sunflower seeds... The crux of the matter is, aren't there just too many people?

Chen Shang saw Li Jie come out, and he stood up in surprise and joy. Because of Jiang Xi, he did not call out. When Li Jie walked down the stairs, he hurriedly stepped forward, patted him on the arm, and said with a happy smile: "It's great that nothing happened! Have you thought it over and agreed not to participate tomorrow as Jiang Xin suggested?"

Li looked perplexedly at many unfamiliar faces

"Of course, I have always been very anxious." Li Jie understood very well that Jiang Xinshu detested the feeling of being seen through, as it meant being manipulated at will, which is why he cared about his emotions

A tall, stout man wearing an apron shouted loudly while carrying a large basin of vegetables, carefully avoiding the soup spilled on the ground, as well as a banana peel discarded by someone, and a half-faced, dirty teddy bear... He made his way cautiously towards the dining hall.

Jiang Xi sat down opposite him with a gentle motion, feeling puzzled by Jiang Xinshu's incessant chatter; he originally only needed to report the certain victory expected tomorrow

Li Jie let out a long sigh of relief, and as he picked up the ice water, Jiang Xin, who was paying attention to his actions, smiled and said, "It seems it's not as calm and collected as the library suggests"

This time is certainly well done

The cushion is flying

Are we just leaving like this? Huh?

"There is joy in noise, and there is enjoyment in silence." Li Jie smiled and waved goodbye, and upon opening the door, he saw a graceful figure leaning against the railing. "Sister Xi."

Jiang Xi silently gazed at Li Jie for a long while, then suddenly turned around, facing away from him, and said: "Do not slack off in your training; in such a world, it is crucial to have the strength to protect oneself"

Li Jie quietly fell silent for a moment, then suddenly withdrew, sheathed the pair of short swords, and walked straight away

Yes, Father, the decision to forgo the practical combat competition tomorrow is not made out of emotion. Whether it is Zhao Zhi or myself, our chances of defeating Li Jie do not exceed fifty percent. I remember you once said that without sufficient confidence, one should not take risks with a gambler's mentality. It is essential to remain constantly aware that personal honor and disgrace are responsibilities towards the family and many others; this is the key to bearing great responsibilities. Therefore, my approach to resolving this is to make Li Jie give up.

"The day after tomorrow, I will leave Yanhuang City and head to Shuangyue," Jiang Xi said without continuing on that topic. As she spoke her farewell, a pair of short swords suddenly appeared in her hand, intricately hollowed out and in a sky-blue color. With a flick of her wrist, the two short swords spun around her arm and gracefully landed in Li Jie’s hands. "A parting gift."

Holding that pair of familiar short swords and gazing at Jiang Xi's silhouette, Li Jie thought about how long it would be until they met again after this farewell. With the swords in hand, he rested both hands on the railing, and at first glance, it seemed as if he were embracing Jiang Xi from behind, yet in reality, he maintained a certain distance from her back.

I heard that you have taken in quite a few people? Jiang Xi's voice was somewhat hesitant; meddling in others' private affairs was generally not advisable, yet she still spoke up. There are not many friends in this world worth helping unilaterally; you are too kind-hearted.