Chapter 25: The Disappointed Zhang Siqi

"Lin Yi, I really never imagined you were such an outstanding person," Zhang Siqi remarked, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

In class, Lin Yi had always been one of the unremarkable, average students. Zhang Siqi had never had much interaction with him; their relationship was limited to that of ordinary classmates. It was beyond her wildest expectations that this very person would become the top scorer in the college entrance examination and a rising star in the music scene. Life was truly incredible.

"It’s luck, just pure luck," Lin Yi replied quietly. He truly was lucky; heaven had granted him a rebirth, complete with the vivid memories of his previous life. Although he lacked a magical ring or a system, he was quite content.

Xu Xiaotang rolled her eyes. Could this guy say anything other than "it’s just luck"? It was luck this, luck that all day long. Why didn't his luck ever rub off on her?

"Lin Yi, you are truly modest," Zhang Siqi replied with a radiant smile, the words of her best friend echoing in her mind: *Hey, did you know that Lin Yi likes you?* Perhaps, she thought, she could try dating him.

"Not at all, I’m just stating the facts."

Xu Xiaotang, standing to the side, couldn't take it anymore. She huffed, "Lin Yi, just say yes! Can you stop being so modest?" If she could, she would have liked to kick him—would it kill him not to be so humble?

*What?* Lin Yi looked puzzled. Was he being... modest? He was just speaking the truth. Was there something wrong with being modest?

"I'm afraid that if I say yes, I'll offend you," Lin Yi replied earnestly, looking at Xu Xiaotang.

Xu Xiaotang was speechless with frustration, glaring at him in an indignant rage. She replayed his words in her mind. It seemed like he had a point. *No, wait!* He had no point at all! This was sophistry—pure nonsense!

Gao Liwei, standing nearby, was fuming. Ever since Lin Yi sat down, he had been hogging all the spotlight. Gao couldn't even get a word in edgewise. Furthermore, the way Zhang Siqi looked at Lin Yi had changed. Could he tolerate this? Absolutely not! He had to change the subject; he couldn't let them keep talking about Lin Yi.

"Siqi, which university do you plan to apply to?" Gao Liwei asked, feigning curiosity.

Zhang Siqi pondered for a moment. Instead of answering Gao, she looked at Lin Yi and asked with interest, "Lin Yi, what about you? Are you applying to Bei University or Qinghua?"

Gao Liwei clenched his fists under the table. At this moment, he wished he could make Lin Yi disappear immediately. At the same time, a sense of resentment and anger toward Zhang Siqi grew in his heart. *Stupid woman, once I get you and have my fill, I’ll dump you immediately!*

"Neither Bei University nor Qinghua," Lin Yi replied with a faint smile.

Bei University and Qinghua were the institutions every student yearned for. In his previous life, at this age, he had also dreamt of such schools. But in this life, he wasn't particularly enthusiastic about these top-tier institutions. He only wanted to spend more time with his parents and make up for the regrets of his past life.

"Not Bei University or Qinghua? Then what school are you choosing?" Xu Xiaotang asked curiously.

"Xiang University," Lin Yi said slowly.

*Xiang University?!* Xu Xiaotang, Zhang Siqi, and even Gao Liwei stared at him in disbelief. *Xiang University? With Lin Yi's scores?*

*Is Lin Yi a fool? He’s not going to Qinghua or Bei, but choosing Xiang University? Is his brain filled with water?* Gao Liwei mocked him internally. If he had those scores, he would definitely go to Qinghua or Bei! Why would anyone go to Xiang University? It was a pity his own scores weren't high enough. How infuriating! This bastard was wasting such a golden opportunity! Jealousy, envy, and schadenfreude swirled within him.

"Are you really applying to Xiang University, Lin Yi? You know, Qinghua and Bei are much better than Xiang University. You should think about it carefully. Besides, have you discussed this with your parents?" Zhang Siqi asked, her emotions complex. She had expected him to apply to those top schools. His choice left her feeling somewhat disappointed.

"I’ve already talked to them. They told me to make my own decision." Lin Yi had indeed spoken with his parents a few days prior. At first, they had been firmly against his choice. *Why skip Qinghua or Bei for Xiang? Are you crazy?* But after a night of discussion, their resolve had wavered, and by the second night, they had decided to let him choose for himself.

"I see," Zhang Siqi said, casting a disappointed glance at Lin Yi. She fell silent, no longer interested in conversing with him. She didn't want to stay in the province; she wanted to leave and head to the bustling city of Beijing. Although her grades weren't enough for Bei University or Qinghua, they were more than sufficient for other universities in the capital.

Watching this, Gao Liwei was ecstatic. *Good lad, you’ve managed to ruin your own chances without me even lifting a finger!* This was perfect; he had one less formidable rival to worry about.

"Lin Yi, why do you want to stay at Xiang University?" Xu Xiaotang asked, genuinely feeling it was a pity he wasn't applying to the top schools. *Bei University and Qinghua!* Those weren't places just anyone could get into. The people there were either the pride of their families or from wealthy, powerful backgrounds.

"Xiang University is close to Haiyuan City. It’s convenient for coming and going, and easier to visit home during the holidays."

"Oh. But there are planes from Beijing to Xiang Province, too. It doesn't take many hours. You could go to college in Beijing and just fly back. You’re not short on money, anyway," Xu Xiaotang urged.

"Hmm."

"Lin Yi, you still haven't sung 'Your Answer' for me. Come on, sing it a cappella!" The topic of university seemed a bit heavy, so Xu Xiaotang looked for a new subject.

"Alright," Lin Yi agreed. Xu Xiaotang had asked several times, and he couldn't keep refusing her.

*Perhaps the world is just like this,*
*And I am still on the road.*
*With no one to confide in,*
*Perhaps I can only remain silent.*
*Tears moisten my eyes,*
*Yet I am unwilling to be weak.*
*Looking down, waiting for the daylight,*
*Accepting all the mockery,*
*Facing the wind to embrace the rainbow,*
*Walking forward bravely,*
*That light of dawn...*

"Lin Yi, you sing so well! Why don't you debut as a singer and become a big star?" Xu Xiaotang asked, resting her chin on her hands.

"Big stars are surrounded by people wherever they go. I don't really like that," Lin Yi explained with a smile.

"Fair enough."

*Ring, ring, ring!*

"Hello, where are you now?" Li Xue’s voice came through the phone.

"I'm on the train, heading to Nanjing, Jiangsu for a trip."

"Nanjing, Jiangsu? That’s perfect!" Li Xue said, his voice brimming with joy. "Give me a call when you arrive."

"Director Li, is there some good news?" Lin Yi asked curiously.

"Heh, you'll know when you get here."

*Beep, beep, beep!*

Looking at the disconnected call, Lin Yi stared out the window, wondering what kind of good news could make Li Xue so happy.

"Lin Yi, Director Li Xue actually called you?"

"Yeah."

"What did he call you for?"

"I don't know. He just said to call him when I arrive."

Xu Xiaotang hesitated, looking at Lin Yi, before shyly saying, "Um, Lin Yi."

"Yes?"

"Can you help me get a signed photo of Hu Ge?"

"If I run into him, I'll give it a try."

"Lin Yi, could you help me get one, too?" Zhang Siqi asked, her face flushing red.

"Sure."