Chapter 9

A few days later, the results of the college entrance examination were released. To everyone’s surprise, Song Haowen scored the highest in the province in the science category, becoming the provincial top scholar. This news created a sensation, and not only did leaders from the commune and the county education bureau visit to congratulate him with red envelopes, but even the county party secretary personally came to commend him.

Song Haowen became a celebrity overnight. Relatives took turns treating him, and wherever he went, people pointed and greeted him. While he felt a bit proud, there was also a tinge of regret because the lucrative hunting activities were temporarily on hold.

On the second day of the exam results being released, the director of the county admissions office visited Song Haowen’s home, accompanied by two admissions officers from the top-ranked university in the capital. After understanding their purpose, Song Haowen immediately agreed to enroll in the university in the capital and chose the physics major he had studied in his previous life.

The admissions officers from the university in the capital were pleased to see Song Haowen’s choice. They envisioned a future where a scientific star would rise in the country’s sky. Encouraged by this thought, they provided detailed information about the enrollment process.

In reality, Song Haowen chose the university in the capital just to fulfill a dream from his previous life. Choosing the physics major was not to become a scientist but because he had studied those foundational courses before. This way, his university life would be very relaxed and enjoyable. If the admissions officers at the prestigious university knew his intentions, they might be infuriated.

A few more days passed, and the official admission notice from the university in the capital arrived. Song Haowen took the notice to Zhao Sheng Middle School to express gratitude to his teachers. His class teacher, Chinese teacher Dong Xing, physics teacher Sun Xiaomei, and other teachers congratulated him. Principal Li even invited Song Haowen to share his study experiences with the entire school.

Even if Song Haowen had the confidence to face thick walls, he didn’t have the courage to go on stage and share his study experiences with his junior schoolmates. Politely, he declined Principal Li’s invitation.

After returning home from school, Song Haowen went to help on the construction site. With everyone’s concerted efforts, the small building took shape in just a few days, and they began installing the cement floor. Song Haowen estimated that in another ten days or so, the new building would be mostly complete, and he could move in for a few days before the start of the school year.

In the evening, his youngest sister, Song Huifang, rushed over in a hurry, gasping for breath. She grabbed Song Haowen and hurriedly pulled him along. Although he had some doubts, he followed his younger sister. While running, she explained, and when he understood, anger surged within him.

It turned out that Zheng Yishui, the son of the brigade leader Zheng Donghe, wanted to pursue a romantic relationship with Song Haowen’s second sister, Song Huihua. After being rejected by Song Huihua, he persisted, coming over every day, causing her great annoyance.

At noon, after drinking too much alcohol, Zheng Yishui saw Song Huihua passing by and, unable to control himself, went forward to hug and forcibly kiss her, completely disregarding the fact that her younger sister, Song Huifang, was present.

Seeing the disrespect, Song Huihua fought back. However, she was no match for Zheng Yishui’s strength, even with her younger sister’s help. Realizing the situation was not good, she asked her younger sister to get help. Fortunately, the house was not far away, and in a short time, her younger sister brought Song Haowen.

Song Haowen witnessed Zheng Yishui forcibly pinning Song Huihua to the ground, his dirty mouth pressing random kisses on her struggling face. Instantly, rage consumed him, and he rushed over to beat Zheng Yishui, causing him to howl in pain.

Song Haowen’s martial arts skills were formidable, far beyond what Zheng Yishui could withstand. In no time, Zheng Yishui’s face swelled like a pig’s head, and he suffered multiple fractures. Song Huifang clapped and cheered on the side, not only encouraging the beating but also kicking a few times herself. Song Huihua, being more rational, feared that a fight might lead to fatal consequences and quickly pulled Song Haowen away, scolding Zheng Yishui, who now looked disfigured, and sent him away.

Back home, Song Huifang explained the incident to her family, and their parents were furious. Their father vowed to confront Zheng Yishui every time they met.

Too embarrassed to return home in his current state, Zheng Yishui hid at a good friend’s house for a few days. Feeling aggrieved, he waited until his injuries improved slightly and gathered dozens of delinquent friends to cause trouble at Song Haowen’s construction site.

Seeing Zheng Yishui still had the audacity to come, Song Haowen couldn’t help but sneer and walked up alone.

Emboldened by the crowd, Zheng Yishui became more aggressive, using coarse language and hurling insults at Song Haowen. In the end, he made two demands: either Song Huihua agreed to be his girlfriend, in which case they could put the past behind them; or Song Haowen allowed him to beat him severely, while also compensating him 10,000 yuan for the medical expenses and nutrition expenses from the last time.

The commune members on the construction site were unaware of the situation. When they learned the truth from Song Haowen’s mother, Li Ying, they sided with Song Haowen, criticizing Zheng Yishui for his unreasonable behavior. Song Haowen’s family firmly rejected Zheng Yishui’s extortion demands.

Feeling that his face was at stake, Zheng Yishui, unable to resort to physical violence in front of everyone, shouted, “Song Haowen, if you don’t agree to my conditions today, I won’t stop. Last time, it was an accident that I fell victim to your tricks. If you have the guts, come outside with me, and we’ll settle it with a fight.”

Song Haowen’s parents were anxious when they heard about the situation and strongly forbade their son from going out to confront Zheng Yishui. The fellow construction workers and commune members also advised Song Haowen, saying that it wasn’t worth engaging with a troublemaker for someone like a provincial top scholar. They emphasized that it would not only tarnish his reputation, but it might also jeopardize his chances of going to university if he got injured.

If it were a situation from his previous life, Song Haowen would have tried to resolve the issue peacefully, considering that dealing with Zheng Yishui alone would have been a simple task. However, times had changed. Not to mention dealing with Zheng Yishui, even facing dozens of delinquents, Song Haowen believed he could handle it. Moreover, if he didn’t teach them a lesson now, what would happen to his family when he went to university?

Considering this, Song Haowen reassured his parents, saying, “In broad daylight, even if he dares, he won’t be able to do anything to me. Besides, I’ve practiced some martial arts at school. Don’t worry; I’ve got this.”

However, his parents found it hard to believe. Trying to calm them, Song Haowen said, “I’m confident that nothing will happen. You can rest assured.”

Still concerned, his parents insisted on not allowing him to go alone. The father, Song Huai Sheng, even suggested going with him. Song Haowen declined, saying, “I don’t need anyone’s help.”

Realizing that he was determined, Song Haowen’s parents reluctantly agreed. When no one was paying attention, Song Haowen swiftly approached Zheng Yishui and shouted, “Let’s go!” He took the lead, running towards the distant riverbank.

Zheng Yishui, initially taken aback by Song Haowen’s boldness, quickly regained his composure. He waved his hand, and the gang of troublemakers followed suit, chasing after Song Haowen with loud commotion.