Chapter 4: Unlocking the Power of Influence

At six in the morning, the sky in Jiangcheng was still dark.

Although Lin Hui had recently been discharged from the hospital, she woke up early to prepare breakfast for Chen Xiao before heading to the community to set up a stall.

Setting up a stall to sell small commodities didn't provide stable income, but even earning 5 or 10 yuan a day was considered good.

After having breakfast at home, Chen Xiao rode his bicycle to school. He used to drive to work, and 500 meters felt too far. Now, even in such cold weather, he had to cover several kilometers on a bicycle.

Chen Xiao found it a little dumbfounding.

Today was the first city-wide exam, and it presented the best opportunity for Chen Xiao to increase his influence points. He was determined to perform well.

As he entered the classroom, someone stopped him.

"Chen Xiao!"

Shen Wei trotted over. "Chen Xiao, I wanted to find you after class yesterday, but you had already left."

Shen Wei had her hair in a ponytail, her face flushed, and her bright, deep eyes shimmered.

It had to be said that in this era without makeup or beauty standards, girls still looked beautiful, and Shen Wei had become the school's "face value."

Shen Wei was also a top student in the class, consistently ranking first in exams. Coupled with her good looks and wealthy family background, she was the envy of many students.

Chen Xiao stopped and chatted with the seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl, who seemed like a little loli to him even though he had been reborn. He hadn't quite adjusted to the situation and wasn't sure what tone to use.

"You were looking for me?"

Shen Wei said a little embarrassedly, "It's about the question you wrote on the blackboard today. I didn't fully understand the second solution process. Could you explain it to me again?"

Chen Xiao glanced at the head teacher, Teacher Liao, the math teacher on the podium. If the teacher was present, why would she ask him?

Chen Xiao stayed silent.

In fact, the second solution to yesterday's question was quite simple. However, in 1999, when the education system hadn't yet been overwhelmed by rote learning and test cramming, many students genuinely found it challenging.

Chen Xiao took out paper and a pen and began to explain, "Actually, the key point of the second solution lies in determining whether there is a real root after setting up the equation. Then, you need to check..."

"You use the arc length ratio to calculate the central angle of the two arcs, set up the equation accordingly, and then determine the real root... That's how you solve the next problem..."

Chen Xiao explained it in detail, and Shen Wei immediately understood!

Shen Wei nodded repeatedly, wearing a satisfied smile. "I get it now! Thank you, Chen Xiao."

[Influence +1, cumulative influence 10.]

Wow! Talking to people can also increase my influence points!

This feeling is amazing! Chen Xiao thought about starting a study group in the class and giving lectures to everyone every day.

On the side, Su Qiao, who was drinking Gao Lego, watched Chen Xiao explain the problem to Shen Wei. She felt unhappy and coldly remarked, "It's just one question. Don't overdo it."

Chen Xiao didn't argue. After all, he was in his thirties now. There was no point in getting angry with a child.

On the other hand, the struggling student in the class had developed a good relationship with Chen Xiao. When he found out that they were actually in the same exam room, the deputy monitor, Jiang Wei, became very excited.

Jiang Wei patted Chen Xiao's shoulder and said, "I saw that. I'll sit next to you, and you'll help me with the multiple-choice questions! I'll treat you to some internet surfing later!"

Jiang Wei's father was a foreman. Although his father had high hopes for his studies, Jiang Wei was already thinking about the end of high school and a good summer vacation.

Chen Xiao wanted to tell him which books to read. He should ask his dad to buy a few more apartments. In ten years, he would be better off than 99% of the class.

Seeing Chen Xiao remain silent, Jiang Wei became anxious. "My good buddy, as long as I don't come in last, I'll be satisfied. Otherwise, it won't make any difference for me!"

With such a classmate, Chen Xiao needed to maintain a good relationship.

Chen Xiao proposed a condition, "You'll cover my food expenses for one month."

Jiang Wei was overjoyed. "No problem! It's a small thing!"

[Influence +2, cumulative influence 11.]

Nice! Helping Jiang Wei increased my influence points!

Jiang Wei had just taken his seat when Deng Chao, the second-to-last student in the class, also gave Chen Xiao a meaningful look. "Xiaozi, you know my science is the most difficult. I need some guidance. I'll inform my parents and see if they can reward you. How much do you want?"

Deng Chao gritted his teeth and continued, "My dad gave me 200 yuan for living expenses this month. If I can improve, I'll give you 50 yuan!"

And here comes another great opportunity!

However, Jiang Wei was the deputy squad leader, and Deng Chao was second-to-last. Both of them needed to show improvement. This...

"Wow, Xiaozi! I'm in the same exam room as you. I beg you to bring me some luck."

This was Zhang Yi, the third-to-last student. He casually put his arm around Chen Xiao's shoulder.

Alright, Chen Xiao had already made up his mind. Zhang Yi would definitely be the top student this time.

Zhang Yi was even happier when he saw Jiang Wei and Deng Chao. "The three of us are still alive today. Thank goodness you guys came to take the exam, or else I'd be at the bottom."

The bell rang, signaling the start of the exam.

The first round of exams followed the format of the national college entrance examination. Chinese in the morning, mathematics in the afternoon, and comprehensive English the following morning.

In Chinese, Chen Xiao did decently on the exam. Although he couldn't match his previous life's extensive practice with poems and reading comprehension, his excellent physical memory made it less challenging.

Mathematics was Chen Xiao's strongest subject. The original two-hour exam took Chen Xiao only 40 minutes to complete, and he was confident he could score over 140 points.

When the invigilator saw Chen Xiao flip over his test paper, the invigilator frowned, assuming that this poor student wasn't taking the test seriously and was just looking around.

"Focus on your test. Don't look around," the invigilator scolded.

Chen Xiao asked, "Can I submit my papers in advance?"

The invigilator was annoyed. How could this poor student not take the exam seriously and still mess around?

"Stay here until the end if you can't finish! Papers can only be handed in half an hour before the end of the exam!" the invigilator replied sharply.

However, when the invigilator looked at Chen Xiao's test paper, he was stunned!

The answers were densely written on the test paper.

The invigilator was also a math teacher. He glanced at the steps Chen Xiao used to solve the major problem.

The thought process is correct!

What was even more astonishing was that Chen Xiao used two different methods to solve the last two major problems.

Normally, there wouldn't be more than 20 students in the school who could solve those last two major problems!

This student was truly remarkable!

The invigilator was in awe.

[Influence +1, cumulative influence 12.]

Chen Xiao was moved! It increased his influence points!

Indeed, the invigilator regained composure and said, "When you're finished, check your answers and make sure you've filled in the answer sheet."

Done!

The exam was finished in just 40 minutes?

All thirty students in the examination room looked at Chen Xiao in disbelief.

[Influence +3, cumulative influence 15.]

Great! If this continues, I'll soon accumulate 20 influence points and unlock the first technology point.

There was still half an hour left until the end of the exam. Chen Xiao handed in his papers early and, in passing, made small slips with the answers to the multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, and the first two major problems. He discreetly gave them to Jiang Wei and Deng Chao. The wave of influence spread throughout the class.

[Influence +1, cumulative influence 16.]