Chapter Five: Li Yunxi's Persistence

Li Yunxi watched as Zhou Xuan suddenly accelerated, disappearing from sight before he could even catch up. Stamping his foot in frustration, he stopped a nearby student who was playing soccer, “Hey, do you know the name of the student who was just running?”

The student happened to be from Zhou Xuan’s class. “Mr. Li, that’s Zhou Xuan. We’re from Class Six.”

“How are Zhou Xuan’s grades?” Li Yunxi wondered, realizing that if Zhou Xuan had both athletic talent and excellent grades, he might not be interested in pursuing sports.

“Pretty bad, I guess. He ranked 250th in the last monthly exam.”

Two hundred and fiftieth—among more than 380 students in the six classes of the ninth grade. There was little hope for him to get into County No. 1 High School.

Li Yunxi mulled over this, a smile spreading across his face. He thought, “If his athletic scores improve and his grades go up a bit, No. 1 High is sure to accept him.”

“Alright, thank you.” After thanking the student, Li Yunxi hurried toward the cafeteria.

He was determined to have Zhou Xuan train with him and become a sports specialty student. One day, he would lead Zhou Xuan to win glory at the high school athletic meet, letting his old classmate see that his students could also take first place.

Of course, Zhou Xuan had no inkling of Li Yunxi’s ambitions.

Having just run ten kilometers using the Microcosmic Orbit breathing technique, or rather, having practiced a form of cultivation, Zhou Xuan had consumed a great deal of energy.

He bought a bowl of noodles, then grabbed a basket of soup dumplings and two boiled eggs. Under the curious and surprised gaze of the cafeteria worker, he sat down and began to eat with relish.

“Excuse me, may I sit here?” Zhou Xuan looked up to see Li Yunxi, holding his own bowl of noodles, standing across from him and speaking kindly.

“Sure, sit wherever you like.” Zhou Xuan found it odd—cafeteria seats were open to all, so why ask? This teacher, who looked a bit like a mouse, was acting strangely.

He shrugged it off and continued eating.

Li Yunxi watched Zhou Xuan devour his noodles with some exasperation. Did he really have no presence at all? “Zhou Xuan, you ran very well today. You did twenty-five laps at a pace of five minutes per kilometer this morning. That’s impressive.”

Zhou Xuan glanced at Li Yunxi in surprise, wondering why the teacher would ask about this. “I was just jogging casually. I didn’t even realize I’d run that long. By the way, may I ask who you are?”

Li Yunxi was a little speechless. He could understand if students didn’t recognize their teachers, especially since he hadn’t known Zhou Xuan was so talented in sports. But as the PE teacher for Class Six, it was odd that Zhou Xuan didn’t know him.

Of course, Li Yunxi didn’t know Zhou Xuan had just been reborn. Decades later, he only vaguely remembered his homeroom teacher, let alone the subject teachers.

“I’m your class’s PE teacher, Li Yunxi.”

“Oh, Mr. Li, sorry, I didn’t recognize you.” Zhou Xuan apologized sheepishly.

Li Yunxi chuckled, “No worries. I only just found out we have such a gifted long-distance runner in our class.”

Zhou Xuan could guess Li Yunxi’s intentions, but he had no interest in specializing in athletics. He aspired to be a top student, after all.

“You flatter me, Mr. Li. Marathon runners average about three minutes per kilometer. My five-minute pace is slow.”

“You can’t say that. You’re only fifteen or sixteen—your potential is far from tapped. Judging by your form today, I’d say you’ve already broken through your physical limits. In time, you’ll only get faster and reach a new peak.”

Zhou Xuan was surprised Li Yunxi had noticed he’d pushed past his limits. He had to admit, this PE teacher had a good eye.

After finishing his noodles, Zhou Xuan ordered another bowl. The cafeteria worker looked at him as if he were a starving ghost.

“Mr. Li, I didn’t expect you to notice. If you’d treat me to breakfast this morning, I’d listen to whatever you have to say.” Zhou Xuan was doing everything he could to save money.

Li Yunxi waved his hand generously, “That’s nothing. Eat as much as you want—my treat. You can even get some to go.”

“Haha, if you’re so kind, Mr. Li, I won’t stand on ceremony.” Zhou Xuan hadn’t expected Li Yunxi to be so agreeable, and felt much more at ease.

“I think you already know why I’m looking for you. With your talent in sports, it would be a shame not to develop it.”

“Mr. Li, you must be joking. No. 1 High is a high school, not a university. Do they even recruit student-athletes?” From Zhou Xuan’s understanding, high schools didn’t admit students based on athletic ability; everything depended on test scores, unless you paid a hefty admission fee.

Li Yunxi smiled, “Besides those who test into No. 1 High, other students can pay an admission fee, but if you’re outstanding in sports, the fee is much lower.”

“Is that so? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

“Hehe, every year, about half of No. 1 High’s students are admitted by exam; the other half enter by paying the fee. Among them, a few get in for their athletic achievements.”

Zhou Xuan did know that half of County No. 1 High’s students got in by testing, half by paying. But not all those who paid were poor students. Students from other counties and the city couldn’t take the local entrance exam, so County No. 1 High became their last resort after City No. 1 and City No. 3 High. The better your grades, the less you had to pay.

Li Yunxi meant well, but Zhou Xuan wasn’t about to waste time on athletics. “Mr. Li, I appreciate your offer, but I’m not switching to sports. I plan to gain admission fair and square.”

Li Yunxi was surprised by Zhou Xuan’s answer. “Zhou Xuan, with your current grades, isn’t it unlikely you’ll get into No. 1 High?”

Zhou Xuan wasn’t surprised Li Yunxi knew his grades. Since he knew Zhou Xuan’s name, he’d surely asked around about his academic record.

“There’s still a year left. It’s entirely possible for me to improve my grades. I was in the top ten back in seventh grade, you know.” As he spoke, Zhou Xuan ordered yet another bowl of noodles. The cook looked at him as if he were some kind of monster.

Li Yunxi also regarded Zhou Xuan as a curiosity. Zhou Xuan’s lack of enthusiasm left him at a loss, but he was unwilling to give up on such a promising student.

Watching Zhou Xuan eat so voraciously, Li Yunxi was struck by an idea. “Zhou Xuan, don’t be so absolute. What if you don’t do well in the entrance exam? It’s always good to have a backup plan.”

“I’d rather not. There’s no real benefit, and it would just take time away from studying.” Zhou Xuan remained unmoved.

“In that case, how about this—I’ll give you fifty yuan a month, and there’s prize money if you compete,” Li Yunxi persisted, not believing a high school student could turn down money.

“Heh, Mr. Li, I don’t think that’s necessary. You’re a PE teacher—why do you care so much about the school sports meet? As far as I know, only college sports competitions have any real influence.”