As the evening breeze blew, Kent felt much more awake and walked out of the police station. He couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Li, how did you know I was in trouble?"
Li Wanfeng, with a touch of frustration, replied, "As your guardian, I have to make some time to keep an eye on you. Otherwise, I'd be too irresponsible." He added, "You're a senior in high school now, shouldn't you focus on studying instead of causing trouble all the time? Is it fun?"
Kent shrugged but didn't answer. While he knew there was no real scolding in Li Wanfeng's tone, it still made him think about the injustices his past self had suffered at school. This was a world where power was everything, and the weak couldn't expect peace or safety.
"Alright, I won't lecture you anymore. My time's valuable, I don't want to waste it on you," Li Wanfeng said, shaking his head.
"Anyway, thank you for this, Uncle Li," Kent said, sincerely grateful.
"It's nothing," Li Wanfeng suddenly called out to him. "Where are you going?"
Kent was heading toward the sidewalk.
He smiled. "Just living my own life. I've learned a good lesson this time, don't worry, I won't trouble you again."
Li Wanfeng frowned. Though he got regular updates about Kent's situation, he was growing more and more puzzled by him. Kent, who had just been rescued by someone with such powerful status, seemed completely uninterested in the mystery surrounding his guardian. He didn't even ask about it.
"Kent, if you want a better life, you could come live with me," Li Wanfeng suggested.
Kent smiled gently, "No need, Uncle Li. I'm actually doing fine on my own. There's no need to trouble anyone." He laughed lightly, adding, "Besides, doesn't growing up mean becoming independent?"
Li Wanfeng was stunned. He didn't understand this at all. He lived in a large mansion with countless wealth and a noble status, yet Kent, a commoner, had refused his offer without a second thought. It was beyond comprehension.
"Well, don't you want to ask what my relationship with your parents is, and why I'm your guardian?" Li Wanfeng asked, not giving up.
Kent inwardly scoffed. As someone who had crossed over to this world, he'd seen all kinds of melodramatic plots. There was no need to stir up any sentimental drama about this. Plus, his feelings for his past self's parents were quite indifferent, and he didn't want to delve into their matters. It would feel awkward if he acted like he was moved by it.
"Uncle Li, goodbye. If there's a chance, we'll talk more. It's getting late, and I want to head back. You heard my stomach, right?" Kent smiled lightly, pointing to his protesting stomach. "I need to calm it down. After all, if one person eats well, the whole family is well-fed. It's actually a good thing."
He waved and left without a second glance.
Li Wanfeng stood by his luxurious car, stunned. Even with his rich life experience, he couldn't understand Kent's thinking. Usually, wouldn't people want to improve their lives? Following him would bring huge improvements, maybe even making Kent a rich heir. Why had Kent refused without hesitation?
His bodyguards behind him were equally dumbfounded. They all dreamed of a better life, but here, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was turned down by Kent without a second thought. What was going on?
"Damn, this kid's brain must be messed up," one of the bodyguards muttered.
"From today on, cancel the surveillance on this kid," Li Wanfeng said after thinking for a moment. "He's got his own ideas, and we don't need to worry about him anymore. After he graduates, I'll give him a business card, and if he needs any help, he can contact me. Make sure to note this down and remind me later."
The sound of the car horn echoed as Li Wanfeng's car drove off.
Kent didn't look back and walked towards the direction of Saint Stone High, with Garfield, his hungry cat, following him.
...
Due to a shortage of resources, the major mines were located outside the city, making it difficult to extract and transport minerals into the city. As a result, there were fewer car owners in Micro Light City. It wasn't that they couldn't make luxury cars, but there was simply too little fuel. The streets weren't that wide, and there weren't many cars on the road.
Similarly, electricity resources were scarce, and although millions of people lived in Micro Light City, the lights at night were dim, and even streetlights were in short supply.
Kent entered a self-service restaurant by the roadside, paid fifty credit points, and had a hearty meal with Garfield. The restaurant owner was visibly regretful. Had he known the cat would eat so much, he would never have allowed pets inside.
After filling up, Kent hailed a taxi and headed back to Saint Stone High.
Saint Stone High was a semi-closed school. Those who could afford it didn't need to stay in the dorms, and Kent was a boarding student who only went home on weekends.
Looking at the plaza at night, he saw many students walking around with their beasts. In the center of the plaza was a stage where people were using their beasts to duel, drawing the attention of many students.
Kent looked at the unfamiliar environment and the vibrant nightlife, feeling a sense of comfort. This was what campus life was supposed to be like—colorful and full of excitement.
Unfortunately, his previous academic life had been consumed by books and exams. Looking back, it seemed rather dull and uneventful.
Suddenly, a graceful figure in a green dress caught his eye. Her long hair fluttered in the wind, and her beautiful eyes sparkled, like a fairy descending from the heavens.
"It's Zhao Mengxi."
Kent nodded slightly. She was indeed a natural beauty, like the rarest flower in the world.
However, what did this have to do with him?
Zhao Mengxi seemed to notice him too. She furrowed her brows slightly, her bright eyes flashing with curiosity.
As they walked past each other, Zhao Mengxi suddenly called out to him.
"Excuse me... Kent?" Her voice was melodious.
"It's me," Kent was surprised. He hadn't expected her to speak to him first. "Is there something you need?"
"No... It's nothing," Zhao Mengxi said quickly, a little embarrassed. "I just wanted to ask... what rank is your beast, and what level is it?"
Zhao Mengxi remembered the fight she had seen earlier that day outside the school. She was still amazed that a pet cat could be so powerful. It was truly unbelievable.