Chapter 5: Appearing on Television (Votes and Favorites Requested)

"Zhang Chu? You finished so quickly?"
A middle-aged man with thick glasses squeezed his way through the crowd, gripping Zhang Chu's arm with an expression full of nervous anxiety.

"Mr. Tao!"

It was truly astonishing for Zhang Chu to see his homeroom teacher from high school, whom he hadn't set eyes on since graduation in his past life, suddenly appear before him.

By now, Tao Zhixin was drenched in sweat, his shirt soaked through, and he panted, "Didn't I tell you to check your answers several times? Even if you're done, don't rush to hand in your paper. Why won't you listen?"

Though Zhang Chu's grades had always been average in their class, Tao Zhixin treated everyone equally, never differentiating among his students, and now his tone was laced with both frustration and genuine concern.

This was hardly the place for conversation. Under the watchful eyes of onlookers, Tao Zhixin pulled Zhang Chu aside into the shade of a nearby tree, where they spoke quietly.

"I just heard you say you could score 135 this time. Is that for real? You're not just bragging, are you?"

With confidence, Zhang Chu patted his chest. "Don't worry, Mr. Tao. 135 is a conservative estimate. Who knows, maybe this time you'll have a student admitted to Tsinghua or Peking University."

Tao Zhixin, oblivious to the fact that his student now possessed the soul of a man over thirty, looked troubled. "I've taught you for three years. Do you think I don't know your abilities? If the news airs your big talk just now, you might become a laughingstock."

"I've just been hiding my abilities all along—silent until a thunderclap. Mr. Tao, I still have the math exam this afternoon. I need to go home for lunch."

Rubbing his stomach, Zhang Chu was grateful his home wasn't far away, and that his parents, ever laid-back, hadn't bothered to come see him off for the exams.

"Go on, then. Eat and rest well. Make sure you're sharp for the math test. Be careful of the tricks in the questions, and don't hand in your paper early this time. You can catch a lot of mistakes in half an hour."

Normally, Zhang Chu would have found Tao Zhixin unbearably nagging, but now, he realized how rare it was to have someone truly care about him—a truth only apparent after facing the world.

Jiangcheng No. 2 High School's exam site wasn't far from Zhang Chu's home—just three blocks away. Lush trees lined the streets, casting cool shadows and shielding passersby from the sun's glare.

Zhang Chu stopped in front of a bookstore called "Hanlin Pavilion," swung his backpack into his hand, and called out, "Old man, I'm back from the exam!"

The bookstore wasn't particularly large, but it exuded a cozy, cultured atmosphere.

There was a wide variety of books, always something for every taste, and a chic little Vector Café next door—a cup of coffee and a good book, perfect for unwinding after a hectic day.

Inside, there weren't any student textbooks or guides; most of the works were niche, giving off the vibe of an independent bookstore, with a noticeable emphasis on science fiction.

Hearing Zhang Chu's voice, a middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses emerged from behind the counter. "Brat, you're back, so what? Why shout so loud?"

"Old man, is lunch ready? I've got math this afternoon!"

Looking at his father in his prime, Zhang Chu felt a surge of emotion. After graduating from a no-name university and failing to find work, he had returned to Jiangcheng to live off his parents, running the bookstore with his father, Zhang Bowen.

Thanks to robust copyright protection and a renewed reading craze, their bookstore was just about profitable.

Zhang Bowen, the picture of a refined gentleman, came over to take his son's backpack, not bothering to ask about the exam, only saying, "Your mother’s already got lunch prepared. Let’s go upstairs to eat."

Their home was above the bookstore. To buy this place, Zhang Bowen and his wife had taken out quite a loan, but it had turned out to be a wise investment; the value of the storefront had soared.

If they ever decided to sell, they'd easily pocket hundreds of thousands, but they had no intention of letting it go.

Upstairs in the kitchen, Chu Lan was bustling about in her apron. Hearing the door, she turned to see her son grinning mischievously.

"It's not even half past eleven. Why are you home so soon?"

As an elementary school teacher, Chu Lan was well aware of the exam schedule. Waving her spatula, she looked ready to give Zhang Chu a piece of her mind.

"Mom, today's test was a breeze. I finished early and came out."

Hurrying to her side, Zhang Chu massaged her shoulders, buttering her up. "Smells amazing, Mom. Your cooking just gets better and better!"

"Get out of here! Don't think a few sweet words will fool me. Daring to hand in your exam early—are you itching for trouble?"

She rapped Zhang Chu on the head for emphasis, looking every bit the fierce mother.

"Ouch! I still have math this afternoon—what if you knock me silly?"

Chu Lan crossed her arms sternly. "Oh, so you remember you have another exam? I've never seen someone as reckless as you. Old Zhang, come teach your son a lesson—handing in the college entrance exam early, outrageous!"

A little intimidated by his wife, Zhang Bowen chimed in from the side, "Your mother's right. Everyone else wishes they had more time. You, on the other hand, finish early."

"Mom! The food's burning!"

Sensing the impending interrogation, Zhang Chu quickly changed the subject.

Sure enough, Chu Lan immediately turned to lower the gas flame, leaving father and son staring at each other.

"My favorites—braised lion’s head and spicy shredded pork. Mom, you’re the best."

At the table, Zhang Chu showered his mother with praise as he ate, which delighted her.

"Flatterer. You’re never this eloquent otherwise," Zhang Bowen teased, glancing at the TV—and suddenly froze.

"I made you some mung bean soup. It's so hot during exams—drink more," Chu Lan said, shooting her husband a look before ladling soup into Zhang Chu’s bowl, becoming the picture of a doting mother.

"Hey, brat, is that you on TV?" Zhang Bowen pointed at the screen. Jiangcheng Channel Two was a local favorite, covering community stories more relevant than national news.

Chu Lan followed his finger and saw her son confidently speaking in front of a camera. Beaming, she said, "Look at my son—so handsome on TV, just like me!"

"Don't just admire his looks—listen to what he's saying!"

Unlike his parents, Zhang Chu was overjoyed. His efforts had finally paid off—he was on TV!