Chapter 29: What Bad Luck Befell Me Today

“R-reporting, Instructor, I’ve finished running.” Chen Fan, terrified of running overtime, had pushed himself with all his might for those two laps. By the time he stood before the instructor, his legs were so weak he could barely stand.

The instructor glanced at his wristwatch. “Not bad, you’re within the time limit. Get back in formation.”

“Yes, Instructor.” Chen Fan stomped his foot, almost losing his balance, and only managed to straighten himself after swaying left and right to find his center of gravity.

He slipped back into the group, hands braced on his knees as he gulped for air. “This is absurd, I’m exhausted. If only I could use that ability during the day—then I’d be unbeatable.”

“All personnel, begin training.” Before the elder could reply, the whistle signaling the end of rest blared. Chen Fan’s hands slid up his knees as he forced himself upright.

“Take your positions. Eighth form, Reverse Arm Lock.”

“Huh? Farewell My Concubine?” Chen Fan’s hearing was so gone he couldn’t even make out the command.

“That student—still not rested? Do you need to run another two laps to wake yourself up?”

Catching the instructor’s eye as he slacked off, Chen Fan shook his head vigorously. He never wanted to run laps again in this lifetime. Hastily, he mimicked the moves of those beside him, hoping to muddle through.

“Good, continue. Ninth form, Feint Step, Rib Chop.” The instructor’s gaze shifted away. Chen Fan seized the chance to stifle a yawn.

...

“At last... it’s finally over. Thank heaven for granting me a second chance at life.” As the long-awaited end-of-session whistle sounded, Chen Fan gazed at the setting sun. Energy surged through his body, as though the fatigue from the previous night had been completely swept away.

Such vitality was even stronger than when he’d drawn the werewolf card before.

[Your package has arrived at the West Gate Rookie Express Station, number 0723. Please collect it before 8 PM, or it will be returned. For proxy pickup, please leave a text message.]

“Ah, my bed curtain is finally here. The delivery was fast. Now I won’t have to worry about those two jokers asking why my bed glows at night.” Chen Fan, light on his feet, decided to head back to the dorm for a hot shower before going out again.

He asked cheerfully, “Is Wei Youlong not in the dorm again?”

Lai Guangyi, holding a cup of instant noodles—still the chicken and mushroom flavor, with half a noodle strand hanging from his mouth—replied, “Yeah, he left about ten minutes ago. The smell of his cologne nearly made me lose my appetite.”

“Too much instant noodles isn’t good for you. Try eating proper meals at the cafeteria,” Chen Fan said, glancing at the meager portion in the lunchbox.

“I’ll go to the cafeteria once I finish the groceries I brought. The dishes there are so expensive—I barely dare to eat any meat,” Lai Guangyi chuckled, draining the soup to the last drop.

“If you’re having trouble, let us know. We’ll help however we can. I’m off for a shower.” Chen Fan looked at the towering stack of instant noodle cups behind Lai Guangyi, unsure how long it would take to finish them.

“Alright.” Lai Guangyi replied, burying himself back in his noodles.

“Hey, why are there so many flyers on the table?” Chen Fan emerged from his shower with a hairstyle like a Super Saiyan, steam still rising from his body, his words puffing out in little clouds.

Xu Changhui appeared out of nowhere. “Most are from the student union; some are business promotions. I saw a fried chicken shop’s ad—five bucks for a pair of wings, not bad, might give it a try.”

Chen Fan only focused on the first part, picking up a flyer thick as a book. “The student union printed this many flyers? Are there really that many departments?”

After flipping through them all, he sighed, “There really are. Add them all up and there’s nearly a hundred, a complete mess.”

Xu Changhui shrugged. “That’s why they say, ‘No university without a student union.’ Any department catch your eye, Fan?”

“Not sure. I’ll see which one will take me when I pass by.”

Chen Fan had never joined a student union before. In high school, the student union was just for odd jobs, running errands, moving documents—nothing remarkable.

Lai Guangyi cut in, “Let’s not talk about that now. We have course selection tomorrow. I’ve never heard of this computer-based selection—how does it even work, Fan, do you know?”

Chen Fan was just as lost. All his classes before had been assigned by the school. Only in university did things change—now you picked your own courses, set your own holidays, and if you failed to graduate by thirty, it was your own problem.

“Let’s wait for the school’s instructions. I’m not sure either—it’s my first time. Once I figure it out, I’ll teach you.”

“Thanks, bro.” Lai Guangyi made a fist in salute.

Xu Changhui chimed in, “Teach me too, okay? I’m worried I won’t understand it either.”

“No problem. I’ll go pick up my package first. Once tonight’s notice comes, we’ll look over it together.” With his phone, Chen Fan headed out.

...

“Brother, nothing beats the drinks here. Cheers!” Shorty Qiang raised his glass and drained it in one go.

“Heh, the night markets on Old Street are lively, but they lack a certain vibe. Here, it’s nice and cool, and everywhere you look—young girls. Feels like I’m eighteen again,” Bald Hui said, his real interest in the scenery, eyes roaming over the passing female students.

“Hui, you’re forever eighteen! Cheers!” Shorty Qiang showered him with flattery.

Bald Hui waved him off. “You’ve been with me for five or six years now, collected enough protection fees to buy three properties—you're a veteran. No need for formalities, cheers to you too.”

“It’s a pity we didn’t catch that punk last time. Otherwise, I’d have given him a good beating.”

Though a few days had passed, Shorty Qiang still brooded over it. He remembered the guy’s face, but in a city this size, finding someone was nearly impossible.

“No one’s dared mess with us for ages. That kid was lucky to run fast. If I’d caught him, a wheelchair would be getting off easy.” Bald Hui polished his shiny head and sipped his drink leisurely.

“He looked like a student. Could be he’s around here,” Shorty Qiang said, swallowing another mouthful of liquor, still unable to let it go.

“If fate brings us together again, I’ll gift him a pair of crutches. You’re the only one who knows his face. No need to turn the city upside down—come on, drink up.” Bald Hui knocked the table, and the two clinked glasses.

...

“It’s a rare chance to eat outside campus—let’s see how the food out here compares,” Chen Fan thought. He didn't rush back, having already eaten at the cafeteria before heading out, but now, hunger was back and he wanted to top up on nutrition.

There were plenty of stir-fry shops outside, most with prices in the teens, affordable for students. Chen Fan chose a lavishly decorated barbecue joint and sat down.

His seat was by the entrance. Out of habit, he glanced inside—and to his surprise, spotted a familiar face.

“Damn, it’s that jinx—Wei Youlong is here too.”

Chen Fan had no interest in watching Wei Youlong’s awkward attempts at sweet talk. His gaze was all on Xu Ying. She wasn’t especially pretty, but her chest was practically spilling onto the table—downright intimidating.

When they stood up, Chen Fan quickly turned his head away, not wanting Wei Youlong to spot him and start mocking him again.

“When will I ever get a girlfriend?” Chen Fan thought, full of mixed emotions as he gnawed on his kebab, staring wistfully at his left hand.