Zhou Rui didn't anticipate that while his new haircut improved his appearance, it also brought unintended consequences.
It was hard for him to focus on anything because someone in the class was always staring at him—boys, girls, even his deskmate Han Ziyin and Song Bin, who sat behind him. Before the teacher arrived, Zhou Rui had never been the center of attention in class. Even after his rebirth, though his temperament had changed, most students were preoccupied with their studies. But today, dozens of eyes seemed fixed on him.
Han Ziyin, who rarely listened to class in the past due to lack of interest, was even more distracted today—her thoughts entirely consumed by Zhou Rui.
In her eyes, Zhou Rui had always been dazzling and unique, but his new look made him even more striking.
Midway through class, Han Ziyin passed Zhou Rui a note:
"Nice new haircut."
Zhou Rui, whose focus was disrupted yet again, glanced at her and responded on a note:
"I'm in class. Please don't disturb me."
Han Ziyin's cheeks flushed red.
Song Bin, observing from behind, couldn't help but marvel at Zhou Rui. "The boss is incredible," he thought. "He can even keep the new school beauty under control."
But Song Bin was also curious. Last night, he had heard rumors about Zhou Rui and Li Wenqian from their classmates, which made him wonder who Zhou Rui's real target was.
During the break, Zhou Rui was summoned to Huang Dewei's office again.
The head teacher specifically questioned Zhou Rui's new hairstyle.
Zhou Rui solemnly swore: "I just wanted to change my look, start fresh, and focus on my studies!"
After checking Zhou Rui's haircut thoroughly and confirming that it adhered to all school regulations, Huang Dewei couldn't find a single fault and had to let him go.
---
At lunchtime in the cafeteria, Zhou Rui sat with Song Bin. While eating, Zhou Rui asked Song Bin for his bank card number so he could transfer the profits from Starry Sea to him.
Song Bin waved his hand modestly. "I'm not in a rush. You don't have to worry about me."
Zhou Rui, however, disagreed. "A deal is a deal. If you're following me, there should be benefits. I'm not the kind of person to hoard money."
He had learned from past experience that promises made when broke should still be honored when money flowed in.
The amount wasn't much, but it was enough to cover Song Bin's equipment expenses.
As for Li Wenqian, since she didn't have her own bank card, giving her cash felt inappropriate. Zhou Rui decided to hold onto her share for now.
Grateful but slightly bashful, Song Bin said, "Thanks, boss. I'll buy better equipment and practice composing with the software. You're so talented; write more songs! Maybe we can release an album, and you'll become a star!"
Zhou Rui smirked. "One step at a time. Stars can wait. Right now, I need to deal with the college entrance exams first."
Song Bin assumed Zhou Rui wanted to wait until after the exams. He had no idea Zhou Rui's real plan was to gain the [Academic Master] entry within a few days.
Meanwhile, several girls passed by, stealing glances at Zhou Rui, whispering about how handsome he looked.
Song Bin sighed enviously. "Boss, where'd you get your hair cut? I want one like yours."
Zhou Rui studied Song Bin's plain face for a moment before patting his shoulder. "Changing your hairstyle is fine, but don't copy mine."
"Why not? Yours looks amazing."
"The water runs deep. You won't be able to handle it."
Song Bin was speechless.
---
After lunch, Zhou Rui scanned the cafeteria, hoping to spot Li Wenqian, but the crowd made it impossible.
He hadn't replied to Li Wenqian's text from last night—not because he hadn't seen it but because he chose not to.
Some messages are best left unanswered. Explaining every little thing can stifle imagination.
Zhou Rui's Quote of the Day:
"What is flirting? There's an upper limit but no lower limit. That's flirting."
Just as Zhou Rui thought about Li Wenqian, Han Ziyin approached him with a food tray.
"Is this seat taken?"
Without hesitation, Zhou Rui shifted slightly to make room.
He noticed her plate was filled with mostly vegetables.
"People with good figures really do pay attention to their diet," Zhou Rui thought.
Seeing him glance at her food, Han Ziyin blushed. "What? Did I eat too much?"
Zhou Rui shook his head. "Too much vegetarian food, maybe."
She smiled shyly. "I'm just not used to the taste here, so I stick to vegetarian dishes."
Zhou Rui nodded knowingly. "I get it. Shanghainese food is sweeter and richer. The cafeteria sometimes has braised pork—it might suit your taste."
The two chatted casually, and a soft smile lingered on Han Ziyin's face.
For her, it felt precious to find someone who could talk about her hometown.
Rumors of her and Zhou Rui being a couple were spreading, but strangely, instead of anger, she felt a hint of joy.
She didn't refute the rumors. She wanted to grow closer to Zhou Rui and understand him better, even if she wasn't sure what kind of relationship they might develop.
The memory of Zhou Rui protecting her that morning, brick in hand, was etched into her heart and wouldn't fade anytime soon.
To Han Ziyin, Zhou Rui had always been radiant, even before his haircut.
At the next table, Zhang Xin clenched his fists, his lunch tray nearly bending under his grip. But no one noticed or cared.
---
After lunch, Zhou Rui checked his system progress.
Despite being distracted in class by everyone's stares, he had earned 3 experience points that morning, bringing his progress to (95/100).
The finish line was close.
If the pace remained steady, Zhou Rui estimated he could unlock the [Self-Disciplined Person] entry while doing his homework that night.
Afterward, it would be time to synthesize his long-awaited [Academic Master] entry.
Determined, Zhou Rui eliminated all distractions after lunch, fully embracing self-discipline.
In class, when Song Bin passed him a note, he ignored it. When Han Ziyin shyly offered him a White Rabbit candy, he also ignored it.
His eyes were only on the teacher.
By the time he left school, Zhou Rui was reciting ancient Chinese texts aloud as he walked home. Nothing could break his focus.
---
At home, Zhou Rui quickly made himself a bowl of instant noodles before locking himself in the study.
"Focus Time: Start!"
Math homework, physics problems, English exercises—one after another, he tackled them all.
Hours flew by, unnoticed.
Finally, as his "Focus Time" approached its limit, a notification echoed in his mind:
"Mission Entry: Self-Disciplined. Experience +1. Current Progress: (100/100). Please claim the entry."