Screech.
Lily Lin slammed on the brakes, rolled down the window, and looked at Andrew Han in astonishment.
"You're done with the admission?"
"So fast? I asked the seniors, and they said the Martial Arts Entrance Exam at Southland University takes a whole day—at least until the afternoon!"
Andrew Han quietly unfolded the Admission Notice.
Lily Lin was speechless. Her beautiful eyes blinked in confusion... Clearly, she couldn't understand how such an important admission to Southland University could be handled so casually.
This is Southland University! The top institution in the region!
A moment later.
Andrew Han said softly, "Lily... Senior, how about this? I'll call Aunt Lin and try to reschedule the afternoon train."
Lily Lin nodded, resting her hands on the window. "Alright, go ahead and call. I'll take you to the train station."
Beep beep.
Andrew Han dialed Aunt Lin's number, already understanding Yan Cangtu's approach. The difference between Upper Third Rank and Middle Third Rank was huge—easy to distinguish. The so-called martial arts equipment test was pointless.
However.
Such a straightforward and rough style was quite rare.
Aunt Lin answered the phone, and Andrew briefly explained the completion of the Martial Arts Entrance Exam. On the other end, Aunt Lin was both amused and surprised—it was all so fast.
"That's fine."
"Andrew, then just reschedule the train," Aunt Lin's gentle voice came through the phone. "Going home early is nice too—give your parents a surprise. Contact me again when school starts."
Lily Lin sat in the car, quietly watching.
Given her personality, she would never let Andrew call her mother. In her eyes, her mother was a busy chairwoman—how could she be disturbed so easily?
But her father's enthusiastic attitude yesterday made Lily Lin ponder deeply.
"What could be so special about such a delicate young man?"
Lily Lin rested her chin in her hand, studying Andrew Han carefully. "Could he really be... a one-in-ten-thousand martial arts prodigy? Even so, it wouldn't warrant such caution from Dad."
She shook her head and suddenly laughed, realizing she was overthinking.
Most likely, Dad was just being hospitable. Andrew Han was Mom's friend's son, so he was probably just looking out for Mom's feelings.
Lily Lin nodded to herself and looked at Andrew Han. "Come on, get in the car. I'll take you to the train station."
...
Jiangnan City Train Station.
There were even more passengers passing through the station than in Riverdale—businesspeople in suits and fashionable young men and women.
Andrew Han held his train ticket, standing in the bustling waiting hall, feeling as if he were in a dream.
He had waited so long for the Martial Arts Entrance Exam, investing so much emotion, viewing it as a crucial milestone since his rebirth. But now, it seemed to be just a minor test.
Moreover.
Compared to the martial arts world described by Master Miles Ning, the Academy no longer moved him.
"All the goals I once had have now been achieved."
Andrew Han thought to himself, "Next, I need to reach Second Rank as soon as possible, and become a martial artist above First Rank by the end of the year. I should also seek advice from Master on techniques and combat."
Lost in thought.
He took out his phone and opened WeChat, seeing a message from Gavin King: "Bro, got time for a meal? I'll bring Ken King along so he can apologize to you."
"Sure."
Andrew Han replied.
Less than five seconds later, Gavin King responded: "Bro, is today your Martial Arts Entrance Exam? How did it go? The Academy test should be easy for you."
Andrew Han replied as usual: "Passed. On the train back to Riverdale."
Gavin King quickly asked, "So fast? Bro, what's your train number? I'll pick you up later."
Andrew Han thought for a moment. "Alright, the train number is XXX."
He figured out Gavin King's odd behavior that day, and understood why Gavin hadn't replied to his message—clearly, he'd been scared by Master.
With Master's unpredictable temper, who wouldn't be afraid? It was perfectly reasonable.
Immediately.
Andrew Han sent a WeChat message to Master Miles Ning, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea.
...
About twenty minutes later.
Andrew Han was seated on the train, by the window.
Next to him sat a businesswoman—a young lady with short, professional hair and a slim figure. She was typing data into a spreadsheet on her laptop, her expression serious.
Rumble.
The train started, heading toward Riverdale.
Andrew Han pursed his lips in reflection, gazing at the rapidly passing scenery outside. He casually opened QQ and saw a message from Monica Zhang: a 'black cat staring' emoji, a 'hopeful puppy' sticker, and the words: How did the Martial Arts Entrance Exam go?
The message had been sent about ten minutes ago.
"Hey."
Andrew Han chuckled.
This time, returning to school, he planned to relax and enjoy his senior year. After all, he was already a prospective student of Jiangnan Academy and didn't need to worry about the college entrance exam anymore.
Even if his exam score was just double digits, it wouldn't matter.
He replied, "Very good / relaxed / relaxed."
Right after, Andrew Han took out his Admission Notice, snapped a photo, and sent it to Monica Zhang.
Just after sending the photo, his phone vibrated slightly.
A new unread message notification appeared in the top left corner of the QQ chat interface.
Andrew Han frowned, wondering who else would contact him. He casually returned to the message list—and his expression changed instantly.
LilCosmos sent a message: "Andrew, Uncle congratulates you in advance on getting into Jiangnan Academy. After Monica finishes her college entrance exam, you're welcome to visit Uncle Zhang's house. /smile /smile /smile /smile"
Gulp.
Andrew Han swallowed hard.
He put the Admission Notice back in his bag, feeling as if those four smiley faces carried a hint of hidden menace.
The businesswoman glanced at Andrew Han and also noticed the Jiangnan Academy Admission Notice. She looked at it curiously, secretly impressed, but didn't say anything—just kept typing on her laptop.
...
Outside Riverdale train station.
Gavin King waited anxiously, nervous inside. That day, when Andrew Han sent him a WeChat message, his fear of Mr. Newman kept him from replying.
He wondered.
Did Andrew Han resent him?
After quite a while, the laid-back Andrew Han finally appeared in view.
Gavin King's eyes lit up. He hurried over, rubbing his hands together and grinning, "Congratulations, bro, on getting into the Academy! Are you free today? Let me treat you to a meal and some fun."
Andrew Han smiled, "Gavin, don't be so formal. I've always appreciated your help."
He was clear about gratitude and grudges, and always kept things straight.
Given the situation that day, even without Master transmitting his voice from afar, Gavin King obviously intended to help him.
Gavin King was instantly delighted. He eagerly put his arm around Andrew Han's shoulder and chuckled, "Bro, let's have a good time today. I know a newly opened club that's really nice. Anyway, you don't need to worry about the college entrance exam, so... how about going home a little late?"
Andrew Han was taken aback, finally understanding.