Chapter 97: Fast Forward Through Time

The golden warmth of summer quietly faded as time wove itself into the rhythm of Jia Lan's campus life. It had now been a few months since her first meeting with Zhao Cheng, and the peaceful days in the capital, though bustling around her, remained a cocoon of quiet ambition for Jia Lan.

While others sank into the comfort of routine, Jia Lan sprinted through time like someone chasing the sunrise. Unlike her peers, who leisurely enjoyed the pace of university life, Jia Lan had already made up her mind—she would not waste years. She wanted to graduate early, enjoy life, and find the serenity that was missing from her previous one . She want to graduate early so she can enjoy and laze around early and no one can stop her from that .

She shared her decision with Professor Chen, who was at first stunned by her determination. But seeing her consistent results, flawless accent, and how she respectfully yet clearly articulated her thoughts during translation classes, he nodded solemnly. "Then let's see how far you can go, Jia Lan."

He personally handed her a stack of translation work complex documents needing a refined touch. It wasn't just for academic credit, but paid work. Jia Lan accepted it with gratitude and a spark in her eyes. Her skill and system-enhanced memory made the task manageable, and within a few weeks, she had delivered professional-level work, gaining her some side income and deep respect from her professor.

At home in the courtyard, Aunt Li noticed Jia Lan's late nights. She didn't pry but often left warm bowls of black sesame soup or freshly steamed mantou on her desk. She came up with new recipes that good for health and nourishing.When Jia Lan looked up from her papers, her eyes softened seeing the food unspoken warmth that reminded her she was never truly alone.

Her days passed like beads sliding down a thread each distinct, each purposeful.

System Check-In Rewards during these months are from small trinkets to something big included:

A "Memory Enhancement Pill" – taken discreetly, it sharpened her comprehension and retention.

Tailored woolen coats and elegant boots as the chill approached.

Luxurious facial masks and herbal teas that kept her glowing despite stress.

Daily infusions of cash—sometimes 10 yuan, sometimes 50 enough to add comfort but never too flashy.

Chocolate imported from Germany, which she savored only during her lowest energy days.

A Speed Reading Skill Book, silently improving her ability to cover dense materials quickly.

Jia Lan didn't brag or share her edge. She simply worked, studied, smiled, and lived. Her world was calm, almost untouched by the bustling youth culture around her. Even the curious glances from Zhao Cheng, whom she saw occasionally across the campus lawn or outside the library, didn't distract her. He often wanted to strike up a conversation, but she was either mid-task, buried in her planner, or leaving with her notes hugged to her chest.

Still, he admired her from afar.

Zhao Cheng, too, was busy. Since their first talk, he had looked out for her, but it soon became clear: she was like a train running on her own tracks steady, focused, unstoppable.

Time moved swiftly and so jia lan .

Autumn came with golden leaves and announcements for early year-end exams. While others hesitated, Jia Lan submitted her application for the first-year final examination. The whole department murmured in disbelief. Some even laughed gently, not out of mockery but sheer surprise.

Who took such a bold step two months into college?

But Jia Lan didn't care.

She studied in the courtyard under the osmanthus tree, her notes pinned with polished stones. She practiced translations until she could recite entire passages in both Chinese and English fluently.

She passed the exam with full marks.

Not only was her name posted on the department board, but Principal Wu himself took interest. "A rare gem," he said to Professor Chen. "Keep an eye on this one."

Her parents, hearing the news via a long evening call, burst with pride. Mother Jia immediately asked Father Jia to help pack a care package. Within a week, Jia Lan received a bulky parcel filled with warm socks, a box of sweet-sour plum candy, her mother's handwritten notes, a handmade hair scarf, and large amount of money tucked inside an embroidered envelope so that jia lan don't have to worry about anything.

Winter crawled in slowly after that, and Jia Lan despite the cold continued with her plans. After only a short break and encouragement from her professor, she signed up for the second-year examination. The university tried to gently caution her against burnout, but her scores and focus left them little room for argument.

This time, her peers were no longer doubtful. They were curious. Some admired her. Some whispered about her brilliance. Bai Xue, her envious dorm mate in the same major, tried to downplay her efforts but couldn't hide her sour expression.

"She's not even part of any club, doesn't socialize how did she pass again?" Bai Xue asked during lunch.

"Because she studies like a machine," Tang Hui said, munching on her lotus seed bun. "If I had even half her self-control, I'd be a genius."

Jia Lan heard none of this. She was too busy taking the exam.

And again, she passed with top marks.

Professor Chen clapped her on the back in the staff lounge. "Remarkable," he muttered, shaking his head with a smile. "In all my years of teaching…"

Zhao Cheng passed her once near the academic building that evening, watching her walk with the exam result sheet in her hands, her coat cinched tight with a scarf looped delicately around her neck. She looked like she belonged in another realm entirely. He hesitated, smiled faintly, but said nothing.

The system rewarded her again.

This time, a Winter Warmth Pack – thick pajamas, thermal slippers, ginger tea, and a scarf matching her coat. The simple sight of those soft comforts made her exhale in contentment. That night, snowflakes began to drift down from the capital sky, catching on her lashes as she stood in the courtyard for her evening walk.

As she sipped her tea and looked up, she thought:

"If I can just keep this pace a little longer… I'll truly be free to have a comfortable retirement early ."

Jia lan has planned her life for comfort , calm and family ,she won't allow anyone to disturb this .