The last hour of April. Night has fallen, and the bedroom is shrouded in darkness.
Tick, tick.
The plastic clock hanging on the wall turns its second hand, producing a faint, almost imperceptible sound.
Creak, creak, creak!
Andrew Han stands in the Solar Pillar Stance. From within his body comes the sound of bones and muscles grinding together. His face flushes red, and his eyes are filled with boundless vigor.
Vital energy flows through his body like a lively stream, surging and vibrant.
"Strength, agility, flexibility... all of it is improving!"
"To possess such a profound stance technique, complemented by the Graywhite Aura—truly fortunate. Even without practicing combat moves, my physical prowess alone could overwhelm an ordinary Sixth Rank."
A faint smile curves at the corner of Andrew Han's lips.
He savors the effects of the stance, immersed in the quiet warmth of home. Ambition surges within him—there are just over thirty days until the college entrance exam, and he must give his all to reach Third Rank!
Creak, creak.
The grinding sound of muscles and bones continues, unbroken and endless.
After about half an hour, Andrew Han finally releases the Solar Pillar Stance, shakes his head, and prepares to sneak off for a shower before settling in for sleep.
But suddenly—
A flash of insight, startling and intense, bursts through his mind.
"Wait!"
"I seem to have overlooked something important. There are thirty-six days until the college entrance exam, but the martial arts assessment requires me to go to the university in advance!"
Andrew Han's expression darkens.
His face stiffens, the joy and anticipation in his eyes replaced by a heavy seriousness. Even his robust Fifth Rank body trembles slightly.
How could he be so careless, making such a glaring mistake?
Tap.
Tap.
Wearing black slippers, Andrew Han feels the weight in his heart and the exhaustion rising in his body as he moves to the desktop computer.
He boots up the computer and searches online.
The computer screen glows at a normal brightness, gentle on the eyes, but it casts Andrew Han's somber face and his unwilling gaze.
A message appears on the screen.
Specific date for the martial arts assessment: May 22.
——
The next day.
In a modest yet elegant private room of a typical restaurant near Riverdale People's Square.
A middle-aged woman with light makeup and her hair neatly styled, dressed in a black blouse, stands with a gentle smile on her lips. She sets her gray business jacket on the chair beside her.
She exudes a poised, mature elegance.
This woman is May Lin.
According to Linda Chen, May Lin founded an investment company in Greenfield City, Jiangnan Province. Although the specifics of her business and investments are unclear, she manages a capital flow of tens of billions and is recognized as an outstanding alumna of Empire Academy.
"Linda, how many years has it been? At least twenty."
May Lin sighs, taking Linda Chen's left hand, her words full of emotion: "If you hadn't reached out to the company front desk, if that receptionist hadn't been bold enough... I—I honestly can't imagine it."
Linda Chen nods, reflecting on the changes life brings.
Even in today's world, where money reigns supreme, their friendship remains untouched. For those who never lived through that era, it's hard to understand such pure, untainted bonds.
May Lin asks, "How have you been all these years?"
The air is thick with nostalgia.
Linda Chen and Aunt May Lin sit across from each other at the table, reminiscing about the past.
Andrew Han sits opposite them, watching quietly.
"I was wrong."
As he listens, frustration churns within him.
He made a mistake.
A misjudgment.
There are thirty-six days until the college entrance exam, but only twenty-one days until the martial arts assessment! That fifteen-day gap could determine whether he reaches Third Rank in time.
Thirty-six days—maybe it's possible.
Twenty-one days—his chances are slim, almost nonexistent.
"It's too short, far too short."
"If I had another three or four months, I could definitely reach Third Rank. But now, only twenty-one days remain."
Andrew Han can't help but frown.
For him, the college entrance exam is all about the martial arts assessment. Only that test truly determines whether he can enter the academy.
What a pity.
Recently, he's been training hard, barely interacting with other martial arts students. Add to that his physical and mental exhaustion, and it's no wonder his expectations were too high, leading to a misjudgment.
"Is Third Rank really out of reach?"
"I wanted to surprise my parents, to make them truly proud, but will it all end in failure? With only twenty-one days left, there's simply not enough time."
A soft sigh escapes Andrew Han. He feels a touch of regret.
At that moment—
Sitting across from him, May Lin smiles at Andrew Han and says, "Xiaodong, just call me Aunt Lin. I can see you're not in the best mood. Make sure to take care of yourself—no matter how much pressure the entrance exam brings, you have to keep a positive mindset."
As she speaks,
She smiles gently, never putting on airs as a chairwoman.
Linda Chen glances at Andrew Han, a mysterious smile flickering in her eyes. She says, "Oh, I don't know what's up with this child. He was fine last night, but since this morning, he's been so gloomy."
Hearing this,
Andrew Han apologizes and explains, "Sorry, Aunt Lin. I was just worrying about which major to choose for university."
"Xiaodong, didn't you mention last time that you're interested in archaeology and history?" Linda Chen looks at May Lin. "May, since you're here, could you help analyze which major would be best?"
Archaeology and history?
May Lin furrows her brow and shakes her head.
"Personally, I recommend choosing finance, computer science, or the internet industry. It's hard to find a job with a major in archaeology or history."
Andrew Han forces a faint smile and nods.
May Lin ponders for a moment, studying Andrew Han carefully. His troubled expression doesn't seem fake—he truly is worried about choosing a major.
Back in high school, her bond with Linda Chen was closer than sisters; now, reuniting after so many years fills her with joy.
Andrew Han is, after all, Linda Chen's son.
"Xiaodong."
May Lin straightens her black sweater and says seriously, "Though this is our first meeting, you're Linda Chen's son, which makes you my junior. So let me be frank... Archaeology isn't a good choice."
At this point,
She glances at Linda Chen and smiles, "Actually, my project here in Riverdale involves a batch of antiques and cultural relics."
Just then—
Creak.
The door opens. A male waiter enters, carrying plates of food, sets them on the table, counts the dishes, and then leaves.
May Lin waits until the waiter leaves before continuing, "Xiaodong is still a student, after all—he's too young to understand what a major in archaeology or history really means. But I do understand your dreams."
She understands.
For young people, dreams should never be belittled.
But once you enter society, cold reality often shatters most dreams.
"Riverdale is planning to build a heritage museum. Unlike a regular museum, the Riverdale Heritage Museum will commemorate and house local antique relics." May Lin says softly, "I'm here to assess whether these antique relics are authentic and to analyze the investment risks."
Linda Chen exclaims in surprise, "May, you're amazing."
May Lin nods, "I'm just here to take a look. As for the true value of these antique relics, that's not for me to judge. Professional evaluation should be left to the experts—I've invited a seasoned team specializing in antiques, and they'll arrive tomorrow."
Linda Chen nods in agreement.
Thump.
Andrew Han listens quietly, a faint smile on his face.