Chapter 1: Wang Yanfei
6:37 AM, Eastern Continental Federation, Seventh District.
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains as the holographic AI system chimed in right on time:
"Today's temperature: 21.3°C, humidity: 46%, northwest wind at 3 levels. Your first class begins at 8:00 AM. Recommended departure: 30 minutes in advance."
Wang Yanfei sat up groggily, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The nanowalls in his room automatically adjusted to a warm morning glow, bringing a sense of soothing comfort. As he switched on the bathroom light, the mirror displayed the time along with a simple itinerary for the day:
Daily Schedule:
08:00-10:00: Mathematics Fundamentals
10:15-12:15: Social Security Studies
12:15-13:15: Lunch Break
13:15-15:15: Literature Fundamentals
15:30-16:30: Training
"Seems like an easy day." He thought while quickly freshening up. A small reminder popped up on the mirror:
"Your toothbrush is due for replacement soon."
After washing up, he put on his neat school uniform—a navy-blue blazer over a crisp white shirt. Double-checking his backpack, he ensured his student ID and transport card were in the side pocket before heading out the door.
As he stepped out of the apartment building, the aroma of breakfast stalls greeted him. The morning air was filled with the sound of sizzling oil, steam rising as vendors bustled about. Freshly fried dough sticks turned golden in the pan, and the rich scent of soy milk wafted through the air.
A familiar voice called out, "Xiao Wang, same as always?"
"Yeah, soy milk, fried dough sticks, and a tea egg." He nodded, casually tapping his student card to pay.
Leaning against the stall, he took a bite of the piping hot dough stick, sipping his warm soy milk. Around him, the city was waking up—office workers hurriedly eating stuffed flatbreads, children with backpacks running past, their faces full of anticipation for a new day.
The morning rush—ordinary yet full of life, the simple yet vibrant rhythm of the city.
On his way to the bus stop, still holding his unfinished soy milk, Wang Yanfei turned into a quiet alleyway. At the other end, a girl in the same school uniform walked toward him.
She had long, flowing hair and delicate features, carrying a clean white backpack. From the paper bag in her hand, he could see the edge of a freshly baked pastry.
Wang Yanfei froze for a moment—he recognized her. Su Yuqing. They weren't in the same class, but she was well-known. Though they had only interacted briefly during school events, her gentle demeanor had left an impression on him.
Unconsciously, his gaze flickered toward her before quickly darting away. He lowered his head, pretending to focus on his soy milk.
"Morning."
Her voice was light, like a breeze in the early dawn.
Wang Yanfei stiffened, hastily looking up and forcing an awkward smile. "M-Morning." His voice came out quieter than expected, and he could feel his ears heating up.
She simply smiled slightly, nodded, and walked past him. A faint, pleasant fragrance lingered in the air.
For a second, Wang Yanfei stood frozen in place before realizing he was just standing there like an idiot. Quickly, he hurried toward the bus stop, but his thoughts were in chaos, her voice still echoing in his mind.
Not long after, hurried footsteps approached from behind, accompanied by a familiar, teasing voice:
"Yo, Wang Yanfei, standing in the alley staring into space so early? Let me guess… it was Su Yuqing, wasn't it?"
The voice was clear and full of mischief. Without even turning around, Wang Yanfei already knew who it was—his best friend, Lin Yi.
Sure enough, Lin Yi caught up with him in a few quick strides, walking with his usual carefree ease, a signature smirk playing on his lips.
Lin Yi was the kind of guy who always stood out. His slightly tousled black hair gave him an effortlessly stylish look. Sharp features, a relaxed but confident expression—he had an easygoing aura that naturally drew people's attention. Whenever he walked past, girls would often steal a second glance.
Reaching out, Lin Yi patted Wang Yanfei's shoulder, his grin widening.
"Don't try to deny it. I saw it with my own eyes—Su Yuqing greeted you, and you looked like a deer in headlights! Your face was practically burning, man!"
"Shut up!" Wang Yanfei's face reddened further. He quickly lowered his head and picked up his pace, trying to shake off this annoying best friend.
"Oh, come on!" Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, effortlessly keeping up.
"Just admit it—you like her, don't you? Why hold back? Life's too short! Besides, with your personality, if you don't let me help, you'll never even get her number."
Wang Yanfei shot him a glare. "I don't—" He stopped mid-sentence when he saw the knowing smirk on Lin Yi's face.
"You don't? Still denying it?" Lin Yi shook his head in amusement. "I'm just saying, you two actually look pretty good together. Ever thought about that?"
"If you don't shut up, I'm leaving for real." Wang Yanfei, completely outmatched, quickened his pace toward the bus stop.
Lin Yi, of course, followed along, looking thoroughly entertained. It was clear he enjoyed teasing his friend far too much.
His voice was carefree yet carried a trace of sincerity.
"Relax, man. You've got me—chasing a girl isn't that hard. Just trust me."
The two friends bantered all the way to school. The morning classes flew by, and soon, it was lunchtime. The classroom buzzed with activity as students discussed lunch plans.
Wang Yanfei nudged Lin Yi. "What are we eating? Let's order through the school's delivery system."
"Same as always—canteen set meal, plus an extra roasted chicken leg." Lin Yi lazily leaned back in his chair, handing over his student card.
With practiced ease, Wang Yanfei opened the school's meal-ordering app, selected their food, and confirmed payment. "Done. It'll be here in ten minutes."
Sure enough, ten minutes later, a food delivery robot arrived at the classroom door, efficiently distributing meals. Grabbing their trays, the two of them left the bustling cafeteria and headed toward their "secret spot"—a quiet little area near the school's back garden, shaded by a few large trees.
Lin Yi bit into his chicken leg, then glanced at Wang Yanfei. "So, how's your Guardian Corps application going? I heard they added two new tests this year. It's supposed to be tough."
Wang Yanfei swallowed his food and replied confidently, "I'm ready. The training simulations in our career prep classes have been helpful. My physical training has always been solid—I should be fine."
There was a flicker of excitement in his voice. Joining the Guardian Corps had been his dream for as long as he could remember.
"You better make it, man." Lin Yi grinned. "I'm looking forward to seeing you in that uniform. Don't embarrass me."
He tossed his chicken bone into the trash and, wiping his hands, casually added, "Not that I have it any easier—my research institute's entrance evaluations are just as brutal."
Wang Yanfei smirked. "You? Busy? You spend half your time sleeping in class and the other half playing basketball. What's so tough about your research projects?"
Lin Yi chuckled. "That's called balance, my friend." Then, with a rare serious expression, he added, "But honestly, research isn't just about grades. Designing projects, teamwork, application simulations—it's more pressure than you think. But I like it. Engineering beats carrying sandbags all day."
Wang Yanfei gave him an appraising look. "You know, you're actually a pretty good fit for research work. Your logic and hands-on skills are solid. Even our teacher praised your last tech mod project."
Lin Yi grinned. "Of course! I'm a man of action."