After careful consideration, observing how both the group of black-clad figures and the brocade-clothed woman desperately sought the ancient jade, Zhang Fan concluded that this jade must be connected to some secret or hidden treasure, and likely related to cultivators.
With this thought, Zhang Fan decided to pursue this secret. He believed that finding other cultivators or their remnants on Earth might aid his own cultivation.
"Next time I encounter that woman, I'll capture her and demand answers," Zhang Fan thought to himself. She was so desperate to obtain it, she must know its secrets.
Zhang Fan had a feeling she wouldn't give up so easily.
After a moment's thought, Zhang Fan dismissed the matter and lay down to rest.
...
The next day, after preparing the necessary items for school, Zhang Fan, along with his somewhat bewildered cousin, headed to Donghai City's largest department store, 'Mall of Spring', to buy her some clothes. Her previous attire was indeed rather shabby compared to her peers.
"Pick anything you like today, cousin will buy it all for you," Zhang Fan declared heartily, patting his chest at the entrance of the Mall of Spring.
Only then did Zhao Qingqing realize Zhang Fan had brought her to buy clothes, and she was overjoyed. After all, which girl didn't love beautiful clothes?
"Mhm," Zhao Qingqing nodded excitedly. She knew that Zhang Fan was now considered a minor tycoon, so she didn't intend to be polite.
The two of them entered the mall with great anticipation.
Four hours later, they emerged from the mall. Zhang Fan was laden with bags, all filled with Zhao Qingqing's new clothes. Today, Zhang Fan finally witnessed a woman's dedication to shopping.
Upon returning home, Zhang Fan felt unexpectedly tired. After dinner, he quickly fell asleep.
...
September 1st, 2011, Thursday, Weather: Sunny.
Today was the day Donghai No. 7 Middle School began its term. As one of the top five middle schools in Donghai City in terms of hardware, software, and other facilities, the opening day was naturally bustling.
The closer they got to the school, the more the festive atmosphere was palpable. The long-lost campus aura made Zhang Fan feel a sense of anticipation. Despite a thousand years of cultivation, he still cherished the memories of his student life. Even though he had been saddened for a long time in his previous life due to Qin Luoshui's transfer, he still deeply missed the busy yet fulfilling days of his final year of high school.
Watching the various luxury cars driving into the campus, Zhang Fan couldn't help but sigh. Donghai No. 7 Middle School truly had quite a few rich second-generation students.
Perhaps in the past, he might have felt a bit envious of those rich kids who spent money like water, flaunting their wealth without restraint in their million-dollar cars.
But now, Zhang Fan's perspective was much calmer. He knew that if he desired them, he could easily obtain all of this.
His pursuits were different now. While others might chase a lifetime of wealth and splendor, Zhang Fan sought the supreme Heavenly Dao, the destiny that governed all.
...
Upon entering the campus, Zhang Fan parted ways with his cousin Zhao Qingqing, and they headed towards their respective classrooms.
Walking along the familiar yet strange path, surrounded by boys and girls coming and going, their faces alight with carefree smiles, Zhang Fan felt an ineffable emotion—was it joy or melancholy?
Before he even reached his classroom, he heard the lively chatter emanating from within. His keen hearing picked up most of the students' conversations, which revolved around where they went during the summer vacation or gossip about who broke up with whom.
Zhang Fan merely smiled faintly at these remarks and walked into the classroom. A few familiar classmates greeted him, and he responded in kind. He glanced at his seat, picked up his schoolbag, and headed towards his spot.
"Zhang Fan, how was your summer vacation?" asked Zhuo Tairan, Zhang Fan's deskmate. He was tall and thin, with fair skin and a row of neat white teeth that showed when he smiled, exuding youthful vitality. He was precisely the type of boy most high school girls liked.
He appeared harmless, but Zhang Fan knew this fellow was quite the ladies' man. Coupled with his family's wealth, he had dated many junior schoolgirls.
However, the one thing Zhang Fan admired was that he remained good friends with all his ex-girlfriends. This was truly remarkable and beyond the ability of ordinary people.
Zhuo Tairan and Zhang Fan were poles apart. Zhuo Tairan enjoyed lively play, while Zhang Fan preferred quiet study. Yet, these two, despite their differences, were the best of friends, sitting together from freshman to senior year.
"It was excellent," Zhang Fan replied, looking at Zhuo Tairan, a smile playing on his lips. He said it with a knowing tone.
Zhuo Tairan looked at Zhang Fan, his expression peculiar. After staring at Zhang Fan for a while and finding no apparent anomaly, he spoke, "Don't you know Qin Luoshui transferred schools?"
Zhang Fan nodded, his gaze distant. "Of course, I know. Her mother even forced us to break up and told our homeroom teacher that I harassed Luoshui, which is why she transferred with her. The homeroom teacher is about to come looking for trouble with me."
"Damn, you know all this and you're still so calm? You worked so hard to win Qin Luoshui over, how can you be so over it so quickly?" Zhuo Tairan exclaimed, surprised by Zhang Fan's unusually placid reaction to everything.
Something was off. Abnormal situations often hid underlying causes.
"What do you plan to do then? A girl as outstanding as Qin Luoshui, transferred to another school, won't she be snatched up by those ravenous wolves? Aren't you worried?" Zhuo Tairan asked.
"Don't worry, no one dares to touch her," Zhang Fan said calmly.
"That's true. Given Qin Luoshui's family background, if she doesn't want to, very few people would dare to force her," Zhuo Tairan nodded, then sighed. "But since Qin Luoshui's mother is against you, your chances are probably slim. What a shame."
Zhang Fan said nothing more. In his previous life, he had indeed faced immense pressure from such opposition. But in this life, no one could stop him!
No one!
...
They chatted about a few other topics. Before long, the homeroom teacher arrived.
Zhang Fan's homeroom teacher was a middle-aged man in his forties named Ran Longfu. He always wore gold-rimmed glasses, was slightly overweight, and had a rather old-fashioned dressing style, giving him an air of a pedantic scholar. Because he often wore shirts that revealed a thick patch of chest hair, he had earned the nickname "Chest Hair Bro."
"Chest Hair Bro" was a teacher who loved to lecture. He could call a student to his office for even the slightest matter and go on and on for a long time, wasting time and affecting one's mood. Many students detested this trait.
However, as a mathematics teacher, he taught exceptionally well, explaining concepts clearly and accessibly. The average math scores of his classes were always among the highest in their grade, a fact Zhang Fan deeply admired.
Therefore, overall, "Chest Hair Bro" was a mathematics teacher whom students both loved and hated.
The first day of school should have been a joyous occasion, but when "Chest Hair Bro" walked into the classroom, everyone wisely quieted down. They noticed that "Chest Hair Bro" seemed to be in a bad mood today.