Chapter 47: A Record of Zero

Walking along the statue-lined pathway, Feng Qi dragged his luggage toward the school gate.

During breakfast, Lin Ran and Mu Qing had offered to see him off, but he declined.

After all, this wasn't some tearful farewell—just a brief parting. He didn't think it necessary for them to make a big deal out of it by coming to the gate.

By the time he arrived, the vehicles picking up students were already parked outside.

Each school bus had the name of its corresponding institution displayed on its windshield. The drivers stood by their buses, waiting for their respective students to board.

It didn't take Feng Qi long to spot his ride—a grizzled driver with a scruffy beard, messy hair, and a cigarette dangling from his lips. Without hesitation, Feng Qi walked toward him.

When the driver noticed him approaching, he stubbed out his cigarette and opened the bus door.

"Hop on. Since it's just you, we can head out right away," the driver said casually.

Feng Qi nodded, placing his luggage in the storage compartment before stepping onto the bus and taking a seat.

The driver climbed into the driver's seat, pressed the ignition button, and the vehicle roared to life. As the bus doors and luggage hatch closed, it slowly pulled away from Star City Academy.

On the way back, the driver, seemingly eager for conversation, broke the silence.

"So, how many?"

"How many what?" Feng Qi asked, confused.

"How many girlfriends did you get?" the driver clarified with a smirk.

Realizing what the driver meant, Feng Qi sighed in exasperation.

"Uncle, I went there to observe and learn, not to... uh... breed."

"So that means your record's at zero?" the driver teased, shaking his head.

"What a disgrace to our Star City High School! The students we send out for these observation programs are the crème de la crème. I remember the guy from the last batch—his record was two. The one before that? Three. But you? Tsk, tsk, shameful."

Feng Qi: …

"Honestly, you were just unlucky to get assigned to Star City Academy. I've got a buddy who drives the route to Winterfell Academy. The students he takes there always come back with records of at least three. That place is way more open-minded," the driver continued with a conspiratorial tone.

Feng Qi: …

Seeing that Feng Qi wasn't responding, the driver carried on, undeterred.

"Now that your observation program is over, have you decided which academy to apply to? If not, I'd recommend Winterfell Academy.

"Their teaching environment is like the law of the jungle—survival of the fittest. If you're good enough, you can have several girlfriends. Of course, the girls can have multiple boyfriends too. As long as your body can handle it..."

Mid-sentence, the driver paused, his tone turning somber.

"Wait, don't tell me... is there something wrong with you? Is that why your record's at zero?"

A vein throbbed on Feng Qi's forehead.

Something wrong with me? There's something wrong with you and your entire family!

Noticing that Feng Qi still wasn't biting, the driver changed the subject, launching into a series of juicy gossip stories.

From a teacher at a neighboring school caught cheating with a mistress, to the teacher's wife staging a dramatic confrontation at the school gates, to a certain "Old Wang" being caught red-handed with someone else's wife and ending up naked on a window ledge—it seemed no scandal was too minor for the driver's repertoire.

At first, Feng Qi remained stone-faced, but the driver's enthusiasm was contagious. Before long, Feng Qi found himself engaged in the conversation, chiming in with increasing interest.

Even while chatting, the driver's signature road-rage antics were on full display.

He rolled down the window to hurl curses at other drivers, honked relentlessly, and executed hair-raising overtakes, turning the journey into a live-action version of Fast & Furious.

If not for Feng Qi's strong constitution, he was sure he would've lost his breakfast halfway through the ride.

By the time they pulled into the gates of Star City High School, Feng Qi was left feeling both exhilarated and a little regretful.

If not for having arrived, he would've gladly stayed on the bus to hear how the teacher's wife had outsmarted the mistress in the gossip story.

At the school entrance, several teachers were already waiting.

As Feng Qi stepped off the bus, Wang Jinsheng took a few strides forward, patting him on the shoulder with a smile.

"So, how was it? Star City Academy's learning environment didn't disappoint, right?"

"I suspect the so-called random drawing was rigged by you, Old Wang. I've been abducted over there, haven't I?" Feng Qi responded with mock indignation.

Hearing this, Wang Jinsheng paused, realization dawning on his face as his expression subtly shifted.

"You… got the direct admission offer?"

"It wasn't that hard. After all, I am your student," Feng Qi replied with a grin.

"You brat! Come on, spill it. How'd you pull it off?" Wang Jinsheng's face lit up with a broad smile, betraying his excitement.

Feng Qi had always been his pride and joy—a student he'd poured his heart into. Hearing about Feng Qi's early acceptance into Star City Academy filled him with genuine happiness.

"Didn't Shi-gong tell you about it?" Feng Qi asked curiously.

"Shi-gong? You mean Bai Fusheng?"

"Yeah. He told me he taught you before and said you were the most outstanding student he's ever had."

Wang Jinsheng's face flushed with embarrassment as he scratched his head.

"White Teacher and I haven't been in touch for a long time. Back then, I insisted on becoming a teacher instead of following his advice to join Tiger Soul Research Institute. We had quite a few disagreements. But I think his anger should've subsided by now. Once you and your class graduate, I plan to visit him and apologize."

Feng Qi nodded, understanding. With a smile, he added, "Old Wang, what about that idea I proposed earlier? Have you given it any thought?"

"I think you're right. Once you all graduate, I'll finally pursue my own dreams," Wang Jinsheng replied with a laugh, his tone filled with determination.

"Alright, enough talk for now. Go put your luggage away in the dormitory and head to the classroom to meet your classmates. Share your experiences from Star City Academy with them," he added.

Feng Qi nodded again, dragging his luggage toward the dormitory building.

Walking along the familiar marble pathway, he soon arrived at his dorm. After unpacking, he headed straight for the classroom.

With only five days left until graduation exams, his classmates were busy studying.

"Cough!"

The light sound caught everyone's attention, and all eyes turned to Feng Qi.

"Ah, look who's back—our little genius!"

"I heard from Mo Fei that you planned on bringing back a baby in two weeks. Where's the kid, huh? I'm ready to be an uncle, hahaha!"

"Come on, tell us! How's Star City Academy? I'm planning to apply there."

A chorus of voices rang out, filling the room with a lively energy.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Feng Qi couldn't help but smile.

The familiar camaraderie made him feel at ease.

Under Wang Jinsheng's guidance, they had grown together over six years, fostering bonds of mutual support and solidarity.

Though they might eventually part ways, this time spent together was precious and would remain a cherished memory.

Taking his seat, Feng Qi began to answer their questions, sharing details about Star City Academy.

He spoke of the delicious buffet meals, the tranquil and elegant campus, the luxurious single-occupancy dorms, and more.

As he described his experiences, many of his classmates' faces lit up with longing expressions.

Of course, there were those who remained unimpressed. His best friend, Mo Fei, shrugged indifferently and remarked:

"I'm not interested in cultivation. To me, flesh is weak, and mechanical ascension is the real future. It's just that humanity hasn't yet found the proper instruction manual for technological development. I firmly believe that in the fight against domain creatures, technology will lead the way."