Chapter 23: The Second Position Strategy & Unexpected Encounters
Lin Yan walked through the quiet streets of the city, thinking.
"I don't need first place," he muttered to himself. "If I can just get second… that's still good. There are 300 scholarships. And I have no family backing me, no legendary martial arts clan, nothing to defend my spot. Better to play it smart."
He flexed his fingers and grimaced. "Maybe I'll pretend to be slightly injured, take a small loss in the final fight… second place. Safe, smart, less headache."
Star's Chaos
Star, floating nearby as usual, buzzed angrily.
"Master! Pretending injury? Are you serious? That violates at least 14 ethical protocols and 3 personal safety protocols!"
Lin Yan rolled his eyes. "Star… relax. I'm not actually dying, just… you know, adding a touch of drama."
Star let out a long, drawn-out beep that sounded suspiciously like a sigh.
"Drama?! MASTER, YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO FOCUS ON SURVIVAL, NOT DRAMA! THIS IS A SCHOLARSHIP EXAM, NOT A THEATER PERFORMANCE!"
Lin Yan smirked. "Star, if I wanted a theater performance, I'd hire you as the dramatic assistant."
Meeting Bing
As he walked, Lin Yan spotted Bing. She was casually walking home, head down, looking completely exhausted but glowing from the exam day.
Bing noticed him. Her eyes widened. "Lin Yan! I… I was so surprised by your performance on the stage!"
Lin Yan felt his cheeks warm. He smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks… it's… been a long time since you visited my place."
Bing raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "Do you still have… food at home, or did you survive on space noodles this whole week?"
Lin Yan chuckled. "Yes, I still have food. Not just noodles."
At Lin Yan's House
By the time they reached Lin Yan's small rented room, it was cozy and cluttered—the kind of space only someone who survives on their own could call home.
Bing immediately made herself comfortable, opening the fridge, poking at ingredients, and humming while cooking something simple but delicious. Lin Yan, meanwhile, was sitting awkwardly, watching her move, thinking: "She's… amazing. And somehow, still my Bing."
Once the meal was ready, they ate together in silence for a few minutes, both enjoying the warmth of a normal moment.
Game Night… With Awkward Fun
After eating, they decided to play a video game Star had somehow projected into the room.
Lin Yan was terrible. Bing was relentless. Star was yelling in his head about cheating mechanics, strategy, and how Lin Yan's reflexes were "subpar for survival standards."
Lin Yan groaned. "Star! Stop screaming in my brain!"
Star beeped indignantly. "I AM NOT SCREAMING! I AM PROVIDING COMMENTARY!"
Bing laughed so hard she nearly dropped her controller. "Lin Yan… you really are hopeless at this game."
He shrugged, smiling. "I know. But I win in other ways."
The Tension Builds
Their laughter faded into a softer quiet. Hands brushed during the game, a glance lingered too long, and suddenly Lin Yan realized: he wasn't just enjoying the game. He was enjoying her.
Bing caught his hand. "Lin Yan…"
Before he could respond, Star's internal panic echoed:
"MASTER! ROMANTIC INTERACTION DETECTED! THIS IS HIGHLY ILLEGAL IN TERMS OF YOUR SCHOLARSHIP STRATEGY!"
Lin Yan muttered under his breath: "Star… shut up."
Bing leaned closer. Their foreheads touched. Lin Yan's heart raced.
Moments stretched. They laughed quietly, holding hands, the tension soft but undeniable.
Ending Scene
The chapter ended with Lin Yan realizing something: winning second place in the exam was nothing compared to winning her trust—and her laugh.
Star sighed loudly in his head: "Master… I've lost all authority. You are hopeless."
Lin Yan grinned. "Yeah, but she's happy. That's all that matters."