Shen Qian’s Diary
March 28, 2297:
"Qing, I've started writing a diary, but I'm still a decent person.
The first training camp has successfully ended. Turns out, the 'first method' that Squad Leader Chen mentioned was real combat. I fought Zheng Shaoyang and lost. Then I fought Huo Ling'er and lost again.
I suddenly realized how pathetic my combat experience was. I have to work harder.
...But how can I possibly surpass myself?
A question for the ages."
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March 29, 2297:
"The weather wasn't great today. Rumor has it that there were thunderstorms in the Forbidden Zone, causing heavy rain in Jingcheng… Poor scavengers, I have no idea how they survive.
Another day spent swimming in the vast ocean of knowledge—very fulfilling.
Mom finally woke up. Her condition is stable, but her emotions aren't. Especially after learning about the stupid thing she did, she doesn't really want to see me… Well, I don't want to see her bawling either. If she remembers this embarrassing moment in the future, she'll definitely find a way to get back at me.
Women are petty creatures. Last night, I replied to Ding Yi's message with just an 'oh,' and today she sent me 39 'ohs' in return."
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March 30, 2297:
"Today's training was still just fighting, but it ended early. A guy named Qin Kunyang got his leg broken—courtesy of Zhou Xiaoguang. He's terrifyingly strong. He only made one move, and none of us even saw it clearly.
Also, I finally confirmed the existence of 'Extraordinary Quasi-Warriors' from Chen Feng. This made me start doubting Old Man Hu's true identity. Could he be...
A security guard who graduated from a prestigious academy?
Worked out at home for three hours. I feel like my strength has increased again. Maybe next time, I can beat Zheng Shaoyang.
Visited Mom at the hospital. As soon as I stepped out, I saw a message from that damn Lao Wang inviting me to the VR arcade again. I firmly rejected him, making him feel deeply ashamed… And then I pulled an all-nighter at the VR arcade with Zhou Xu.
No choice—Zhou Xu only agreed to pay for one person (smirk).
P.S.: By the time I arrived, it was already past midnight, so technically, I still resisted temptation today."
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April 1, 2297:
"It's the weekend, but just as I fell asleep at home, Ding Yi's video call woke me up. For some reason, she only showed one of her eyes…
She complained about how dry and terrible the weather is in the North, how bad the food is, how few friends she has… and how much she misses me.
Huo Ling'er called me too. Turns out, no one showed up to the group outing she organized. She sounded like she was crying, so to comfort her, kind-hearted me had to take her to the VR arcade.
She seemed to have never played video games before. A girl's first time is always the most magical. She had a great time and even voluntarily topped up 500 credits for me.
Oh, damn. Why must they keep putting obstacles in the path of a hardworking man like me?"
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April 2, 2297:
"Mom is finally fully awake. She can eat and talk normally again. She even asked me where the 30,000 credits came from. I had to explain it all over again.
She seems very interested in Ding Yi. Wait, why is it 30,000 credits…?
Something doesn't feel right.
Meanwhile, I'm planning something big. I'm going to get certified as an 'Initial Martial Artist' at the Martial Arts Association. That way, I'll receive a massive 10,000-credit income every month—securing my status as a proud member of the Ten-Thousanders Club.
Did some research. Selling medical prescriptions is even more complicated than I thought. First, I need to be a licensed pharmacist. Then, I need thirteen different medical certifications. The entire process takes over a year… What a headache.
A small regret today—I missed Zhou Xu's call inviting me for a full-day VR session. The system forcibly disconnected me (censored). I've decided to focus on martial arts training, so I turned him down."
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April 3, 2297:
"The school gate now has a countdown sign for the final exams. Seeing it gave me a sense of urgency, so the first thing I did when I saw Wang Yangming and Zhou Xu was to scold them:
'Do not invite me to the VR arcade today!'
…Hah, what do you mean it's my turn to pay? Please, don't distract me from my studies.
During training, I finally managed to beat Zheng Shaoyang—on my own strength.
He looked so confused, wondering how I improved so quickly. His dumbfounded face was kind of cute. I almost felt bad for not telling him—it's not that he lacks talent. Too bad I'm a walking cheat."
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April 4, 2297:
"Studied.
Video-called Ding Yi's right cheek.
Took Mom for a walk.
Got forcibly disconnected (censored). Worked out."
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April 5, 2297:
"Studied.
Video-called Ding Yi's forehead.
Bought flowers for Mom on my way to the hospital. Old Shen looked awkward.
During training, I immediately surrendered to Zhou Xiaoguang. He seemed speechless, but he didn't know the truth—I was afraid the system would one-punch kill him. But if I didn't use the system, I was afraid he'd one-punch kill me.
Sigh, the mysteries of life.
Worked out."
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April 6, 2297:
"Studied.
Video-called Ding Yi's left cheek.
Voice-called Huo Ling'er… Wait, why did she call me? Oh, she wanted to invite me to the VR arcade. Never mind.
Unfortunately, I can't get too close to her. I can't betray the girl waiting for me in the northern sunshine. So, I turned her down.
…Damn it, why does this stupid system keep using forced disconnections? Watching myself grow stronger every day…
So frustrating."
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April 7, 2297:
"Ran into some armed enforcers doing security checks at school today. Turns out, some scavengers who entered Jingcheng haven't been cleared out yet. I was a little surprised—it reminded me of that time the system forcibly disconnected me to kill someone.
I wonder if I have some kind of special talent. TV dramas always exaggerate these things, but ever since that incident, I haven't had nightmares or felt any discomfort.
Today was also the first ranking update for our training camp. In these past ten days, I've fought fourteen matches—won six, lost eight. I ranked eighth.
Since I can't use the system's assassination techniques and I can't let my progress seem too fast, I'm very satisfied with this result. Staying low-key is the way to go. Otherwise, I'll end up like Zhou Xu—who once casually mentioned, 'I still have a few thousand in lucky money savings,' and now he's being milked dry by me and Lao Wang (censored)… No, just by Lao Wang. Lao Wang is the real villain.
Oh, right. The ranking reward is a 'Tiger Bone Elixir'—a potion that strengthens muscles and tendons. Apparently, it's worth 2,000 credits and enhances potential. But for someone progressing as fast as me, it's pretty useless. I'm debating whether to sell it…
Ugh, why did I write so much today? That's enough."
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April 8, 2297:
"Not sure if it's just my imagination, but when I woke up this morning, the Black Obsidian Spirit Stone on my chest seemed to be glowing less. I think its energy is running out.
I suspect it's related to the fact that I devoured four textbooks in just one week. I took a Chinese history practice test and only got two questions wrong…
No, this has nothing to do with the spirit stone. It's just that I finally started focusing on my studies. I really am a genius.
Mom is about to be discharged. She's also selectively forgotten all her crying and whining.
Everything's going to be just fine. Even Jesus couldn't stop me.
I said it."
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April 9, 2297:
"Today is a day worth remembering.
Because after today, I'm no longer just me. I'm me, with a respectable monthly income of 10,000 credits.