Chapter 28: The School Beauty’s Note

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Ji Feng's stellar performance in English class left the room in awe, earning him newfound respect from his peers. His strength had spoken for itself.

Yet, amid the admiring glances, a few remained scornful.

"Hmph! So what if he speaks English well? He's terrible at everything else. The college entrance exam isn't just about talking!" Xu Mo sneered. "Even if he gets into college, can he afford it?"

Hu Xuehui shared his disdain. "You liar, Ji Feng. When we were together, you said your English was awful and your grades were bad. Now I see you were deceiving me!" Though she'd dumped him, the thought that a "poor boy" had fooled her stung. Not out of love, but pride—she felt insulted. *But college? With his family's situation? Dream on.*

Ji Feng was oblivious to their thoughts. Even if he knew, he'd shrug them off. Long used to mockery, he'd learned to ignore the sneers.

The English class boosted his confidence in the Intelligent Brain and his training. He resolved to master the super agent system as quickly as possible. Only then would he have the strength to rise above.

"Nice job, man!" Zhang Lei slapped Ji Feng's shoulder after class. "Your English is so smooth, even translators can't touch you! When did you get this good? I had no idea!"

Ji Feng grinned. "I just watch foreign channels on TV and picked it up."

"That's a solid method. I'll tell Xiaolei. Too bad I don't care for English, or I'd try it!" Zhang Lei said.

Ji Feng smiled, keeping silent. He couldn't reveal the Intelligent Brain's role. Even if someone believed him, the risk of becoming a lab rat was too high. He vowed to keep it secret.

Just then, a classmate passed him a note. The handwriting was delicate, elegant, and unmistakably feminine: *Ji Feng, I didn't expect your spoken English to be so good. Keep it up, and getting into your dream university won't be hard. You've got this!*

Ji Feng paused, wondering who'd written it. He was introverted, barely interacting with girls. Besides Hu Xuehui, the only girl he knew well was Tong Lei, a recent friend.

*Tong Lei?* His heart skipped. *Could it be her?*

He considered showing the note to Zhang Lei to confirm her handwriting but dropped the idea, fearing teasing. Instead, he wrote back: *What's the point of English? I've missed too many classes these past two years. Even if I memorize everything, I can't apply it. College feels out of reach.*

Without asking the sender's identity, he folded the note and passed it forward.

Soon, another note returned: *Don't give up. Your speaking skills show you're a strong learner. Maybe your grades suffered from bad methods or other reasons. If you're okay with it, we can discuss your study challenges together!*

Still unsigned, the elegant script was soothing to read.

Ji Feng hesitated, then wrote: *Sure, if you're free, let's stay after school to talk.*

He watched as the note passed forward, row by row, until it reached a delicate, pale hand—Tong Lei's.

He froze. *She* wanted to discuss studying with *him*? Impossible. Tong Lei was a top student, always first or second in their grade. With Mangshi County No. 2 Middle School's admission rates, she was a shoo-in for a top university. Why would she need to discuss study methods with him?

Then it clicked. Maybe she was impressed by his English and wanted tips. Other subjects? She didn't need his help there.

"I'll just tell her I practiced with foreign TV channels," Ji Feng decided, recalling a book on learning methods that praised the approach.

That afternoon, he dove back into his books. His morning spotlight only fueled his confidence, not arrogance.

Time flew, and soon it was time to leave. Unsure if Tong Lei would stay, Ji Feng didn't dwell on it. He started packing his schoolbag to head home but decided against bringing books. Reading at night might disturb his mother's rest. His plan: study by day, train with the Intelligent Brain by night to master the super agent system and boost his grades.

While hesitating, several minutes passed, and most students left.

A faint, fresh fragrance filled the air. Ji Feng looked up—and there was Tong Lei, her smile radiant, outshining every flower in bloom.