As for the old eunuch Butcher Tu, he was probably still waiting obediently over in River City. Compared to Morgan Yang, Evan Lin barely gave Butcher Tu a second thought.
After breakfast, Evan Lin invited Ken Feng and Hank Chu to go for a run. Ken got a phone call and didn’t get up, but Hank was straightforward and went jogging with Evan around the big dam outside the small county town.
"What did Amelia Jiao say to you last night? Nothing happened when you walked back together?" Evan Lin grinned at Hank Chu.
The injuries on his face had already healed up. The Nourishing Spirit Pill did way more than just patch him up.
Hank Chu might not feel much now, but as the days go by and the pill’s effects sink in, his physical stats are going to skyrocket.
"She said she wants to try dating me." Hank Chu gave a bitter smile, looking a bit conflicted.
"Did you say yes?" Evan Lin asked calmly.
Back before they rebuilt this dam, Evan Lin would come here alone to lie down and daydream. Hank Chu and Ken would be off flying kites. Sometimes, all three would just sit there in silence, letting time slip through their fingers.
"No." Hank Chu shook his head. "I’ll admit I still like her, but when I saw her laughing with Max Ma and the others by the lake at Whitewood Hills Resort, I realized the girl I liked was already just a memory."
Hank Chu gave a wry smile. "Basically, I still like her—but not the person she is now. I like the girl who sat next to me in junior high."
Last night she confessed—she likes the person I am now. But the person I am now is really just the upgraded version basking in your glow.
Evan Lin nodded. He didn’t plan to meddle in Hank Chu’s choices—just like Ken Feng chasing after Mandy Yu again. Evan might not approve, but he wouldn’t say much. He’d only step in if Ken got hurt.
Whatever you decide, I’ve got your back.
Evan Lin’s words genuinely moved Hank Chu.
Evan, sometimes I wonder if you’re still the same old Evan. You seem so badass now, but I can’t quite say what’s different. Hank Chu stopped and looked at Evan Lin.
Changed or not, with you and Ken, I’ll always be the same Evan Lin. Evan patted Hank Chu’s shoulder and grinned.
Around noon, before Joy Zheng got home, Evan Lin ordered food from outside so she wouldn’t need to cook.
During lunch, Joy Zheng mentioned Flora Huang. Flora had asked her that morning if Evan could tutor Ivy Deng in math over the break, if he had time.
If this had come up before, it would’ve sounded like a joke. But now Evan Lin’s a math Olympiad champion and the center of attention.
Still, Evan Lin turned her down—he wasn’t interested in getting mixed up in all that drama.
Later, Ken Feng called and said that when he got home last night, his dad Frank Feng almost beat him up. But once Frank found out Evan Lin was the one who took down the Oceanport crowd, he didn’t say a word and let Ken go.
Ken couldn’t help but complain—his own dad gave Evan Lin more face than his own son. He sounded pretty salty, but Evan just laughed it off.
Lately, every night Joy Zheng would go out. Her cram school students, with finals coming up, were told to self-study at home.
Whenever Joy Zheng wasn’t around, Evan Lin played homework tutor. Elementary math was a breeze for him, so it barely took any time. The kids weren’t scared of him—they chattered away, full of energy.
Ken said the Oceanport rich kids hadn’t dared go back to the resort lately. They just hid out in Whitewood Grand Hotel, too embarrassed to show their faces after last time.
That day, Whitewood Elementary School’s finals ran all day.
In the morning, before heading out, Joy Zheng hesitated but finally said they’d be having dinner at Whitewood Grand Restaurant tonight.
When she said it, Evan Lin could tell Joy Zheng’s expression was a little off.
But Evan Lin didn’t overthink it. Whatever comes his way, he’ll handle it head-on.
That afternoon, Evan Lin invited Hank Chu and Ken Feng to stroll through Whitewood No. 2 Junior High. The school was on break and almost empty. The gate guard wouldn’t let them in at first, but when he recognized Evan Lin from the news and the honor roll, he called Evan’s name in excitement and let them through.
Evan Lin was a little surprised at first, but after a few steps he spotted his photo and achievements on the Glory List board—Whitewood No. 2 Junior High had even named him Honorary Senior Alumnus. Ken Feng whistled in awe, totally jealous.
The school was still the same old place. As Evan Lin walked around, flashes of junior high memories came back—his deskmate Chloe Cheng and her family had left him with a serious psychological shadow, but now all that had blown away like dust in the wind.
Around five in the afternoon, Evan Lin got home. Joy Zheng wasn’t back yet, so he washed a few pieces of fruit and ate quietly.
At about six, Joy Zheng rolled up on her old bike.
As soon as she parked, Joy Zheng stepped inside, saw Evan Lin, and said seriously, “Evan, tonight’s dinner really matters. I hope you can make a decision.”
No matter what you choose, Mom will support you.
Joy Zheng’s face was unusually serious.
For a whole month, she’d been stuck between a rock and a hard place over this decision, but in the end she decided to let Evan Lin choose for himself.
Evan Lin was her son, and Zheng blood ran in his veins too. If he joined the Zheng clan, his future would be a whole lot smoother.
Whatever happened next, Evan Lin would face it head-on.
The evening sun dipped low as Evan Lin got ready for the dinner that could change everything.
He glanced at the clock, took a deep breath, and waited for whatever fate had in store.
Tonight’s dinner wasn’t just a meal—it was a crossroads.
Evan Lin’s eyes flashed with determination. No matter what the Zheng clan tried, he’d walk his own path.
He washed up, changed clothes, and steeled himself for whatever was coming.
On the way out, he looked at his mother—Joy Zheng’s face was calm, but her eyes showed a thousand worries.
Evan Lin smiled, reassuring her with a nod.
Whatever happened tonight, he’d make the choice himself—and carry it all, no matter the cost.
The road ahead was his to walk. Evan Lin strode out into the night, ready for anything.