Outside the corridor.
Andrew Han chatted with Roy Zhang for quite a while. It wasn't until Monica Zhang called to urge him that Roy Zhang finally left, casting a deep look at Andrew before departing.
"Ahem."
Andrew Han looked speechless. "What was all that about?"
Students in the corridor were either cheering and playing around, or indulging themselves freely. There was even a couple boldly holding hands in broad daylight.
The lively atmosphere helped Andrew Han relax a little.
Just as he was about to return to his classroom, his phone suddenly vibrated. It was a call from his uncle, George Han. Andrew paused in surprise and quickly answered.
Andrew Han had always been close with his uncle.
He guessed his uncle was probably calling to ask questions. After all, he was now a third-rank martial arts student and had already entered the academy—something even his older cousin, Helen Han, knew about. But he couldn't just say it outright; it wasn't something he'd call his uncle specifically to announce.
After coming into contact with the Martial Arts World, Andrew Han no longer felt this was an achievement worth showing off.
"Hello, Uncle," he greeted first. "Uncle, I wanted to surprise you."
George Han's deep, hearty laughter came through the phone. "Andrew, I've known for a while that you've received Riverdale University's acceptance letter. Switching to martial arts isn't a bad thing. It's fine to keep it from your dad, but why hide it from your uncle too?"
Andrew pursed his lips and walked to the corner at the end of the corridor. "Uncle, it's just that I've been training so intensely lately that I forgot to share the good news with you."
That was the truth.
In recent days, he had to endure Miles Ning's rigorous training, search for Graywhite Aura, practice stance work, and train the Furious Rainfall technique. There was simply too much to do, leaving no time to think about sharing good news with his family.
"Haha, it's alright," George Han continued with a laugh. "Andrew, tomorrow at noon I'll treat you to lunch, just you and your two cousins. If your aunt is free, she'll join us too. I'll send you the address later."
Andrew quickly asked, "Will my parents be there too?"
George Han chuckled and said casually, "Don't tell your parents yet. This lunch is just for you, to celebrate your achievement."
Andrew agreed, chatted for a bit, and then hung up the phone.
Shortly afterward, Andrew received an unread text message with tomorrow's address. It seemed to be a hotel in Suhe City.
Andrew glanced around and returned to his classroom.
"Hmm."
It's time to find my master and continue practicing my techniques.
Andrew looked at the Senior Class 7 classroom with lingering affection, then left with his backpack.
Gradually, his personality changed—he became more assertive and direct, rarely indecisive or conflicted.
At its root.
It was his communication with Mr. Stone, and as Miles Ning's disciple—the only hope for the sect's legacy—Andrew now had a clearer understanding of his own role.
——
Night fell.
In a villa district by the Yunton River.
In the living room of a duplex villa of about 200 square meters, George Han's face was brimming with excitement. He clenched his right fist and occasionally slapped it against his left palm.
"Good!"
Andrew is really something—he actually got into the university!
George Han's usual composure was gone, replaced only by undisguised joy and relief—his cheeks even flushed with happiness.
He was happy—truly happy.
He and his younger brother had grown up in poor conditions and never had the chance to attend university. Their dreams of higher education were placed on the next generation.
It was a heartfelt hope—a pure wish.
I always thought it would be great if Andrew got into a good university, but he quietly got accepted to Southland University.
George Han took out his phone and murmured to himself, flipping through two photos on the screen: 'Southland University Admission Notice' and 'College Entrance Exam Scores.' A thoughtful look flashed in his eyes.
Moments later.