Chapter Ten: So-Called Achievements Are Nothing!

It wasn’t that Jiang Yu had investigated Xia Qinghan’s background. Rather, the Xia family of Jiangbei was so renowned that everyone knew of them. Their main focus was commerce—Xia Corporation’s enterprises spanned the entire country, forming a conglomerate that encompassed dining, real estate, trade, and tourism. Even when everyone was still young, Old Master Xia was at his peak, frequently appearing on television for interviews.

Conservative estimates put the Xia family’s total assets into the tens of billions, ranking them among the world’s top ten on the Forbes list for years. Back in the economic boom of the 80s and 90s, figures of such stature could converse directly with those in power. Jiangbei’s rise as a leading economic hub in China over the years owed much to the Xia family’s behind-the-scenes influence.

In a sense, as a gesture of gratitude for the Xia family’s contributions, the higher-ups tacitly allowed the emergence of a forty-eight-year-old Major General from the Xia clan. In return, the Xia family once publicly pledged at a press conference never to invest overseas—effectively tying this massive economic entity to China and preventing a vast outflow of capital.

What piqued Jiang Yu’s curiosity was that an heir of the Xia family would attend a humble school like Yun City No. 1 High, rather than studying abroad to gain access to more advanced education and ideas.

“Old Master Xia—his name is Xia Liuyuan, isn’t it? Seems that back in the Republic era, when warlords ruled the land, I was wandering the world and met him once. Back then, he was just a teenager. Who would have thought that, all these years later, he would use his own ability to unite the Xia clan into a vast family, forging one of the nation’s top twenty economic powers?”

With a faint smile, Jiang Yu let his thoughts return.

Even if the Xia family were as exalted as a president, it had nothing to do with him. If they crossed him, a single sword would suffice. In Jiang Yu’s eyes, all beings were equal. Whether you were a ruler or a commoner, in the face of absolute power, what difference was there between you and an ant on the ground?

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As everyone speculated on who would claim the top three spots in the mock exam, the bell rang for class.

Their homeroom teacher, He Bing, strode into the classroom in a crisp, professional suit and high heels, her expression cold as ever.

Everyone fell silent. Rather than endless guessing, it was better to let the teacher announce the results.

He Bing’s gaze swept over the class, finally settling on Jiang Ziyue and Jiang Shaoqi, the siblings. Her icy demeanor softened noticeably.

Yun City No. 1 High was one of the country’s top schools, famed for its university admission rate. Many humble students emerged from No. 1 High, entering the world’s most prestigious universities. Many of them, now either CEOs of listed companies or top talents in the Fortune 100, never forgot their alma mater—returning to visit and using their influence to boost its reputation.

The school’s renown continued to grow, a virtuous cycle.

He Bing, in her late twenties, was a former student herself, returning from overseas to dedicate herself to education at her old school.

She tapped the blackboard and spoke coolly, “As you all know, the ‘Three-Five’ mock test here at No. 1 High draws on the past five years of national college entrance exams and various tough problems. It’s called ‘devil training’ by outsiders.

“Because of the difficulty, our school was even interviewed by the Education Bureau. Many prestigious schools across the country have been studying our teaching philosophy and simulation approach.”

At this, everyone held their breath.

This ‘Three-Five’ test was the final mock before the college entrance exam. Rumor had it that nine professors jointly discussed and finalized the questions, tailoring them to real conditions.

Simply put, the ranking in this mock exam was almost equivalent to the college entrance exam ranking. Many famous universities, both at home and abroad, didn’t care about the college entrance exam score; they attached great importance to this mock. Everyone understood that once the results were released, the schools would scramble to recruit the top students. If you were already selected, even if you wrote only your name and handed in a blank exam for the real thing, it wouldn’t matter.

Even Jiang Shaoqi couldn’t help but breathe faster at this moment. He had turned down an offer from Peking University, planning to train in the military instead. These results should have meant little to him—but who would refuse such accolades?

He Bing glanced at Jiang Shaoqi, smiling gently. “Shaoqi, I heard you recently declined a guaranteed spot at Peking University and plan to join the army, perhaps even attend a military academy?”

Jiang Shaoqi lifted his chin, boasting, “That’s right. With my abilities, I have no doubt I’ll make major in a few years.”

All eyes in the class, with various complicated expressions, focused on him. Many girls shot him admiring glances. Even He Bing’s eyes flashed with appreciation.

Turning to Jiang Ziyue, He Bing’s smile deepened. “Ziyue, we’ve spoken in private—you’re still planning to study medicine abroad? Our country has developed rapidly in recent years, but our foundation is lacking. Apart from traditional Chinese medicine, which our ancestors passed down, we’re still far behind in Western medicine.”

Jiang Ziyue nodded with a smile. “Yes, I plan to further my studies in medicine.”

Most students at Yun City No. 1 were outstanding young people, elites of their generation, each with their own ambitions.

He Bing continued to ask a few other top students about their plans—most had lofty ideals. She nodded in satisfaction, then said, “Now, I’ll announce the results of this mock exam. Since the top universities are only offering places to the top ten, if I don’t call your name, you can check the school website.”

Everyone was on edge. A few who were close to Jiang Ziyue and her circle congratulated her in advance. “Ziyue, congratulations! Don’t forget us when you’re abroad.”

Jiang Shaoqi’s close friend clapped him on the shoulder with a grin. “Amazing, future major! Don’t forget us when you’re successful.”

Jiang Shaoqi, riding high, glanced at Jiang Yu, whose expression was calm.

“Jiang Yu, we’re both descendants of the Jiang family, but the gap between us is vast. This time, do you think you’ll be last or second to last?”

Meeting Jiang Shaoqi’s provocative gaze, Jiang Yu smiled faintly. “Your achievements mean nothing to me.”

Jiang Shaoqi sneered. “What can you do besides talk big?”

His friend chimed in mockingly, “Forget it—why waste your breath on someone so hopeless? Your lives are destined to be worlds apart.”

He Bing announced, “Tenth place: Zhang Hongyu from Class Seven, admitted to Yanda University.”

“Ninth place: Fang Yuan from Class Eleven, admitted to Tsinghua.”

“Eighth place: Xu Jie from Class Two, admitted to Tsinghua.”

As He Bing read out each name, the class fell silent. Many eyes shone with intense admiration. Geniuses indeed—their futures were bright.

“Fifth place: Chen Ya, admitted to Peking University.”

Soon it would be the top three.

Even knowing her own rank, Jiang Ziyue’s heart pounded wildly.

“Third place: Jiang Ziyue, going abroad for further study.”

The class erupted. Even if they had guessed the rankings, hearing the teacher announce them still caused a stir.

Jiang Ziyue smiled enchantingly, lifting her chin with pride.

“Second place: Jiang Shaoqi.”

Jiang Shaoqi nodded calmly, but the smile on his lips said it all. The Jiang siblings truly lived up to their reputation.

He Bing looked at Jiang Shaoqi, then suddenly pressed her lips together, her gaze drifting—deliberately or not—toward Jiang Yu. The flash of shock, curiosity, and delight in her eyes did not escape Jiang Yu’s notice.

“First place: Xia Qinghan!”

“I knew it! I was right—it’s my goddess Xia!” many boys cheered, thrilled by her dazzling aura.

Jiang Yu’s name was not among the top ranks.

He showed no reaction. After all, his dreams lay in the endless stars, not in these mundane concerns.

To his classmates, getting into a good university meant a bright future—building a career from scratch or joining a top national corporation. Years later, they would be among society’s elite, fulfilling their childhood ambitions. That was their definition of success, the pride of genius.

By then, Jiang Yu might already be standing beneath the boundless stars, looking down at these so-called achievements from on high.

When it was all over, He Bing turned to Jiang Yu and said lightly, “Jiang Yu, come with me.”

“Ha! As expected, Jiang Yu is last again—time for another lecture from the Ice Queen.”

“Every year after exams, Jiang Yu gets called to the office for a scolding. I admire his consistency—his grades never fluctuate, more stable than anything.”

Jiang Ziyue shook her head in disappointment and lost interest.

Jiang Shaoqi sneered, “A waste is a waste. If he weren’t the old man’s grandson, he’d have been kicked out of the family long ago and left to fend for himself.”

Without joy or sorrow, Jiang Yu followed He Bing, watching her shapely legs move ahead.

The Ice Queen certainly exuded a mature allure.

Soon, He Bing led Jiang Yu to the office, where several people sat, their faces grave. The room hummed with heated discussion.

“Impossible! A perfect score has never been achieved at Yun City No. 1. It must be cheating. Even those of us who wrote the exam couldn’t get full marks.”

“Exactly! As soon as the perfect score appeared, we looked into that student’s history—he’s always been last in the grade, yet now, on the hardest ‘Three-Five’ mock ever, he gets a perfect score?”

“Let’s wait—Teacher He should be bringing the student in soon.”

The principal, watching the flushed and agitated professors, could only smile wryly.