Age of Legends

Chapter 206 One table, two rows of people
"Finished talking?" Upon returning to school, Zhang Chen arrived at the still bustling playground, where Wang Shuowei asked him after seeing him.

Zhang Chen nodded.

"What did you two talk about?" The situation was somewhat disconnected. On the bustling playground, the sports meet was in progress, with students cheering, playing, and wandering aimlessly like they were on vacation. But Wang Shuowei knew that Zhang Chen had started a business and was discussing making something of himself. It didn't seem like he didn't plan to continue his studies. Among Wang Shuowei's friends were many people who had gone to high school and were already making money by selling DVDs.

These students are generally not interested in studying and are basically just waiting to graduate from high school. Some are even in vocational schools, but none of them are like Zhang Chen. He managed to balance his studies and made rapid progress in his ranking, even surpassing Wang Shuowei.

With your skills, you earn more than someone who has a proper education and a job! If it were an ordinary person, they would probably look down on studying and going to university.

Because in the general education system, money is hard to earn, jobs are hard to find, competition is fierce, and without a good degree, you can't even get into a big company. A good job means a respectable life, so people study to find a good job, and finding a good job is to earn more money. If you can achieve everything in one step, then the meaning of studying seems to be diminished.

Not to mention these days, with its rapid economic growth and rampant self-made success, money is everywhere. College students are desperately trying to start businesses, the media is hyping up wealth-creation myths, and people are flocking to those who have achieved economic success, taking their behavior as gospel. It's common to hear that Bill Gates, the world's richest man, graduated from Harvard University, and even if he dropped out, Microsoft recruits entirely from world-class universities!
Zhang Chen is trying to do both things well.

"Zhao Tao's courier company, how exactly it operates, the operational strategy..." Zhang Chen didn't hold back and explained it to him. Regardless of whether Wang Shuowei could understand, Zhang Chen never fooled Wang Shuowei or thought he was immature. In wartime, people his age were already generals. He had only taught him this much; how much Wang Shuowei could understand was up to him to figure out.

It's like a plot from a Hong Kong movie: I teach you a set of boxing moves, and you can learn as much as you want. But when you go out and make your way in the world, that's up to you.

After saying that, Zhang Chen asked again, "You invested money, right? How much did you invest?"

“I invested in his internet cafe shares before, and Zhao Tao even gave me a 2,000 yuan dividend last month. I don’t have much money left in the courier company, so I invested 20,000 yuan, and I asked Lao Wang for 10,000 yuan.”

Zhang Chen nodded. Zhao Tao's internet cafe profits had already made Wang Shuowei quite comfortable; he could be considered a millionaire among high school students. But perhaps the express delivery business that Zhao Tao had unintentionally invested in might bring Wang Shuowei unexpected huge profits in the future.

The two chatted as they walked back to the fifth-grade rest area on the playground. During the sports meet, each class set up its own rest area around the outside of the track. Usually, two tables were set up, with water placed around them. Some people also carried small stools to rest and chat or provide logistical support.

Zhang Chen spotted Shen Nuoyi sitting with Zheng Xue from afar.

Shen Nuoyi also saw him.

Just as I arrived at the rest area, someone suddenly darted out from the side, shouting, "Zhang Chen!"

They were a few girls from other classes; they just looked familiar.

The group of girls had just been chatting and laughing in the nearby areas, and when they saw Zhang Chen and Wang Shuowei walking over from the other side of the playground, they noticed him. Obviously, most of their previous conversation had been about Zhang Chen.

"What?" Zhang Chen looked at them.

“It’s nothing,” a girl said with great interest, this was a social butterfly’s talent. “My name is Liu Yao, do you remember me? I know Zhou Yiwei, your classmate from kindergarten! He’s at No. 4 Middle School!”

Zhang Chen could only nod and say "uh-huh," completely forgetting his kindergarten classmates; he probably wouldn't even recognize them if they met.

"Oh, right, this is Li Lu, and this is Yang Qingqing. It's nothing, just getting to know each other! Hehe!"

The three girls smiled and laughed at him, said hello, and then left.

Zhang Chen was baffled.

Of course, in his previous life at Yude, he was practically invisible—well, not exactly. At least he and Wang Shuowei were two of the most lovable characters. Naturally, no girls would approach him. He's clearly not quite used to it yet in this life.

But his classmates next to him were already teasing him, exclaiming, "Yay! Zhang Chen!" "A girl hit on him!" "He's popular!" They were all trying to brainwash him.

Zhang Chen himself was unaware, but his classmates were aware that his encouraging letter yesterday had been quite unique and caused a sensation at the sports meet. Zhuang Yanyue made no attempt to hide the fact that he had submitted the letter, and as the news spread, countless girls in the Yude School were paying attention to him, making him a hot topic. Even the younger girls in grades 10 and 11 were inquiring about him. Some even went so far as to contact people who knew Zhang Chen to identify him, further fueling the quiet attention and discussion.

Wang Shuowei was somewhat helpless. Zhang Chen returned to the sports meet today, acting like a celebrity! But what was the use? He was still Don Quixote, defeated by Shen Nuoyi!
Even though Zhang Chen was popular, he still felt a pang of jealousy. "Damn it," he thought, "we were both last or second to last, and you've jumped ahead, making me study so hard my head is spinning trying to catch up. We're both just ordinary people, so why are all the girls only looking at you and not me?!"

So what if you can write a few cheesy articles? Where's my dashing figure on the basketball court? Why don't any women pay attention to me? These shallow women!
This was just a small incident on Zhang Chen's way to the rest area. He found a green plastic stool and sat down. His classmates were still talking about how popular Zhang Chen was, while Shen Nuoyi was chatting with three girls: Zheng Xue, Xu Rui, and Huang Rong.

They were chatting about some pleasant topics, laughing and joking with Zheng Xue and the others, seemingly engrossed in the conversation. For a moment, as Shen Nuoyi told a funny story that resonated with everyone around her and they laughed, her eyes glanced at Zhang Chen, who was sitting on the plastic stool.

She met Zhang Chen's gaze briefly, then quickly looked away.

"Hey, the boys' basketball game has started! Let's go cheer them on!" Zheng Xue exclaimed excitedly.

"Okay." Shen Nuoyi stood up, and all the girls in the class followed suit, heading towards the basketball court to cheer for their classmates' players.

Wang Shuowei and Zhang Chen weren't interested in basketball, and having just strolled around most of the playground, they didn't want to move. So they sat alone on the benches in the class rest area, watching their classmates quickly leave and head to the basketball court, occasionally letting out shouts.

With the two of them alone, Wang Dan and Jiang Yutong, who had already seized the opportunity, came over.

Seeing Wang Dan's two big mouths gave Zhang Chen a headache. But there was no way to avoid them; it was obvious that the two of them had come looking for an opportunity when no one was around.

Wang Dan approached Zhang Chen and immediately said, "Zhang Chen, what were you thinking? You wrote a letter of encouragement to Shen Nuoyi, how could you let Zhuang Yanyue read it? Oh dear, wouldn't you be hurting Zhuang Yanyue's feelings by doing this!"

Seeing Wang Dan and Jiang Yutong looking on the side of Lao Zhuang, Zhang Chen was speechless.

"There is absolutely nothing between us."

"It's true that you're innocent, even if Zhuang Yanyue doesn't like you anymore! But have you ever thought about what people will say if you let her stand up for you like this? People don't care if she really likes you or not, they only know that she pursued you and you didn't agree. Honestly, you're so immature!" Wang Dan said decisively, giving Zhang Chen his final verdict.

"Okay, okay, it's my fault, I won't do it again." Zhang Chen raised his hands in surrender.

Wang Dan continued, "And look, so what if you wrote an article for Shen Nuoyi? So many of us saw it, Shen Nuoyi still completely ignores you! Who is Shen Nuoyi? What kind of person is he? What kind of skills does he have? Your little tricks are useless! You might as well be more realistic! Since Yan Yue liked you before, she might still have a tiny bit of affection for you now. You have a better chance of winning Zhuang Yan Yue back!"

"You should be content. Yan Yue only fell for you because she suddenly had a high fever! You don't even know how to cherish her. Shen Nuoyi is even more unrealistic! Pei Yan couldn't even get her, let alone you! Pei Yan from the Foreign Languages ​​Department is so handsome! Didn't you see how he was all over the newspapers? Every high school student in Rongcheng knows him!"

Wang Dan was speaking earnestly. In fact, the climax of yesterday's sports meet was quite a sight to behold, with countless people calling it melodramatic and silently watching to see if Zhang Chen could finally shake Shen Nuoyi's position.

Many people are paying attention to the two's every move, because Zhang Chen's crazy actions have made many boys feel awkward. Among them are those who secretly like Shen Nuoyi, and those who openly like her. They are the kind of guys who are too proud or embarrassed to confess to her face, but they will intentionally or unintentionally reveal their feelings to the people around them or people who know Shen Nuoyi, so that she knows. If she is also interested, they will usually get a response by exchanging glances.

Of course, there are also those who are frustrated by the lack of response and, unable to bear it any longer, simply write love letters... only to have them disappear without a trace.

Zhang Chen's shrewd move made people nervous; could it have worked?

In addition, the sports meet provided an open space for observation, but a group of people looked around like timid wives and couldn't see anything!
Shen Nuoyi remains Shen Nuoyi, doing things her own way.

Zhang Chen... well, he's a person too.

Wang Dan had just clearly seen that Zhang Chen and Shen Nuoyi were still separated by an insurmountable barrier, with no interaction whatsoever. They hadn't even taken their relationship any further.

Now that I've found an opportunity, I'm speaking out against this injustice.

Zhang Chen had no choice but to try his best to get rid of her.

After Wang Dan and Jiang Yutong finished venting and had walked quite a distance, Wang Shuowei patted Zhang Chen on the shoulder with a wry smile, "You seem to have become a laughing stock now." "It's a pity, one of you is my childhood sweetheart, and the other is my childhood friend. I'm caught in the middle, which is very difficult. I can only neither advise nor help either of you. I don't want to offend either of you. Get out of there soon; there are plenty of opportunities out there!"

……

The sports meet was drawing to a close. The main competitions had been held, and all the awards had been presented. Everyone had competed and enjoyed themselves to the fullest. Finally, the entire school gathered for the closing ceremony. Chen Qiushi announced on stage that it was a "successful sports meet, a perfect ending. I hope the students will maintain their fighting spirit and apply it to their studies and lives. Never give up!"

Amidst enthusiastic applause, the party ended, with some moving tables and others moving chairs.

Back in class, the homeroom teacher said that classes would proceed as normal tomorrow. Then we mostly dispersed and school was over.

Day students carrying books or backpacks came downstairs, forming a swarm of bees leaving their nest in front of the teaching building.

The place was bustling with people. Wang Shuowei asked, "Going home?"

"I have something else to do."

"Huh? What's up?" Wang Shuowei turned his head. "How about we go to an internet cafe for a bit?"

"I need to meet someone."

"My brother Tao, haven't you finished speaking yet?"

Zhang Chen shook his head.

"Tch!" Wang Shuowei scoffed. "I'm telling you, you've gone crazy with entrepreneurship. Are you really inspired by Bill Gates's achievements? Right now, you should be focusing on your studies. Getting into a good university will make your parents happier than making any amount of money!"

Zhang Chen glanced at him. "You just asked me to go to an internet cafe?"

"Damn it, how can my situation be the same? When we go online, we chat on QQ and make friends from all over the world. That broadens our horizons and brings some light to the boring senior year of high school!"

"..."

Since they left school together, Shen Nuoyi and Zheng Xue followed the crowd down and walked about ten meters away in the group of girls.

The discussion revolved around going home, taking a shower, doing some practice tests, and perhaps watching TV dramas, such as new TVB shows or Hong Kong and Taiwan idol dramas.

Zheng Xue then asked Shen Nuoyi, "Is your dad coming to pick you up today?"

Shen Nuoyi shook her head. "He's not coming today."

Zheng Xue then said, "Shall we go home together?"

"I'm not going back for now. I'll eat out before I go back."

"Oh, you're not having class again? What are you eating out for? Is there no one to cook at home?"

"No... I have plans with someone."

"Oh, okay." Zheng Xue didn't bother to find out who Shen Nuoyi was meeting. She and Shen Nuoyi were quite tactful in their interactions. Perhaps that's why they were able to become friends at school.

Zheng Xue believes that many things between good friends should be left unsaid. When you need me, I'll be there, but I won't pry too much or try to influence your decisions or actions. For example, when Han Zhouxuan appears, Zheng Xue won't try to take her away; when Han Zhouxuan isn't needed, she'll simply quietly step aside.

I left the school gate amidst the surging crowd.

Zhang Chen said to Wang Shuowei, "Alright, I'm going to meet the person. Go home by yourself, don't go to the internet cafe."

As they walked down, many boys joined them. Wang Shuowei was still chatting with the people next to him about games, such as Lara Croft's dual pistols in Tomb Raider, the most powerful skill in Jin Yong's Heroes of the Three Kingdoms being the level 10 Wild Fist, and how to secretly obtain all the cheat codes. They were also arguing about the plot of Fire Emblem.

Abruptly interrupted by Zhang Chen, Wang Shuowei exclaimed, "Right now?"

The people around them looked at Zhang Chen in confusion. "How come you two, who are inseparable, broke up at the school gate today?"
On the other side, almost alongside the group of boys, was a group of girls. Shen Nuoyi said to Zheng Xue, "I'll go this way."

Zheng Xue paused for a moment, then said, "Ah, okay."

Then Zhang Chen walked forward, away from the crowd, and crossed the road.

On the other side, Shen Nuoyi also said goodbye to the girls and walked across the pedestrian crossing to the other side of the road.

During this process, she attracted the attention of many people at the school gate. Today, she was wearing a light-colored T-shirt, wide-leg casual pants, and a canvas bag slung over her shoulder. She looked both innocent and pure, as well as otherworldly and refined.

The people behind were a little surprised to see Zhang Chen and Shen Nuoyi crossing the road alone.

Wang Dan and Jiang Yutong walked behind and saw this scene from afar. They exchanged a glance, their thoughts mirroring those of the others who were saying goodbye to Zhang Chen.

Hey, Zhang Chen is such a loser, it's ridiculous. When you're down on your luck, even crossing the street can be embarrassing.

Zhang Chen and Shen Nuoyi entered the noodle shop one after the other. The owner was a middle-aged, overweight man who greeted Shen Nuoyi with a warm, uncle-like smile. "Little sister, what would you like to eat?"

Zhang Chen looked at the boss with a puzzled expression. "Why didn't you ask me?"

The boss's face immediately turned disgusted. "Sit down, you order! I have everything!"

Since school had just let out, there weren't many students eating; they were among the first to arrive. Zhang Chen sat down at a table near the entrance.

Shen Nuo slung her canvas bag across her chest, shifted her waist slightly, and sat down opposite Zhang Chen.

The boss finally realized, "Oh, you're all together!" His eyes lingered on Zhang Chen for a moment.

Shen Nuoyi then said, "What do you want to eat? It's on me."

Sunset glow.

At this noodle shop's open little table, a man and a woman, like reclusive hermits, seemed out of place, yet they sat at the same small square table without any sense of incongruity.

In the thick, stagnant wind as the sycamore leaves slowly fell, the crowd surging out of the school gate seemed to slow down as well. There, like wooden stumps, stood two rows of people, all of whom recognized the two people on the other side.

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(End of this chapter)