Chapter 659: Journey

Yin Nest City, St. George Secondary School.

“Hey, Steven! Have a drink to perk you up! The graduation exam is just a few days away…”

Vidi came over with two paper cups filled with hot cocoa and placed them in front of Wu Ming’s seat.

He now looked a head taller, wearing a casual jacket, and exuding a youthful charm.

“Alright!”

Without looking up, Wu Ming continued taking notes and calculations. After a moment, he picked up the hot cocoa and took a small sip.

Three years had passed, and his current body was now thirteen years old. Yet he looked like a teenager of fifteen or sixteen—handsome, sun-kissed features, bright golden curls, and slightly pursed lips that conveyed a sense of determination and reliability.

“The analytical work is finally mostly done…”

He dropped his pen, stretched comfortably with satisfaction, clearly in a good mood. “The fourth layer of Da Luo Jing has also been completed. Theoretically, this grants power equivalent to a fourth-level Taoist priest… Of course, due to differences in the world, the manifestations might vary, but the essence is absolutely the same.”

“Graduation exam?”

After tidying up the papers, he looked at Vidi with a smile. “Are you worried about that? If you don’t pass, don’t forget what I said before—I’ll fund you, and you can work for me.”

Over the past three years, Neville’s small business had experienced significant growth, bringing Wu Ming a steady cash flow. Not to mention that some truly high-quality antiques were stored in warehouses, waiting for their value to appreciate.

Meanwhile, James’s career had also been highly successful. The Strongs had now moved into the affluent district. Their affluent lifestyle solidified Wu Ming’s position within this small group.

“This…”

It was clear that Vidi had given this matter some thought. He quickly reacted and punched Wu Ming lightly. “Are you trying to jinx me into failing? I’m determined to get into Binford Business University, unlike you…”

He glanced at Wu Ming’s chest. “Haven’t you already secured an early admission offer from that school? As long as you pass the graduation exam?”

“Yes… The principal personally discussed it with me, and I’ve already accepted.”

On Wu Ming’s uniform chest was a uniquely designed school badge, with an additional crown pattern compared to regular students. This marked him as the head of the Business Society. With the seniors graduating, no one could compete for this position anymore. Everything had naturally gone smoothly.

“I have an idea!”

Wu Ming interlaced his fingers. “After this high school exam, let’s go on a graduation trip together?”

“A trip? With whom?”

Vidi asked excitedly.

“Of course with Alice, Philip, and others… And maybe also my two younger siblings. If you have any good friends, you can bring them along too…”

One should act according to their position.

Previously, with his childish image, Wu Ming had no intention of leaving Yin Nest City.

But now, having graduated from secondary school, society generally considered him an adult. Even by legal standards, at fourteen, one was expected to take on responsibilities and obligations while enjoying rights.

Wu Ming now looked about fifteen. Philip and the others were generally one or two years older. There would be no problem going out for fun.

“Okay, I’ll tell them right away!”

Vidi readily agreed, his face showing a pleading expression like a puppy wagging its tail.

“You have something else?”

Wu Ming rolled his eyes, already suspecting what Vidi was about to say.

“It’s about the Business Society credits for this semester… You absolutely have to help me!”

Vidi almost cried. Although he had a talent for business, his academic performance was terrible. At least the math-related subjects were manageable, but he had failed many literature courses. The shortage of credits immediately led him to turn to Wu Ming.

“I can issue a few tasks for you to earn credits… But you still need to retake a few core courses. Otherwise, it’ll be a disaster if you really can’t graduate…”

Wu Ming looked at his friend, genuinely not wanting to see him fail.

“Don’t worry, Professor Fortan may be a stubborn old man, but his family isn’t! And Professor Stephanie, her daughter should have received her favorite piano…”

Vidi winked, looked around, and whispered.

“You…”

Wu Ming rolled his eyes again. “Thankfully, you didn’t go into politics, or you’d surely become the biggest corrupt official in the kingdom’s history!”

…

“Senior, good day!”

“President, good day!”

As Wu Ming walked out of the campus, many acquaintances, and even strangers, greeted him with smiles.

After all, the shiny badge on his chest represented great authority, and he held considerable prestige within the student body.

“Master, please get in the car!”

Outside the school gate, a driver had already been waiting. Upon seeing Wu Ming, he immediately opened the car door with his white-gloved hand.

“Dave, didn’t I tell you not to come pick me up anymore?”

Wu Ming frowned slightly as he got into the car.

“It’s the madam’s orders!”

Dave chuckled and replied.

“Then stop by the elementary section as well, to pick up my younger siblings!”

Wu Ming closed his eyes and soon fell silent.

The engine roared, and the car sped off, soon arriving at the familiar entrance of St. George Elementary School.

It was now dismissal time. Streams of students poured out of the gates, most from modest backgrounds, evident from their clothing.

Even in uniforms, some students managed to add flair. In contrast, most wore simple attire.

Angelina stood out among them.

She wore a golden wristwatch, a crystal butterfly hairpin, and a heart-shaped pendant below her delicate neck. Her skirt was cut short, revealing her white thighs. Surrounded by female classmates, she walked out like a princess.

However, upon seeing the car and Wu Ming inside, her face stiffened, and she froze on the spot.

“Call Brandon over. Get in the car!”

Wu Ming opened his eyes slightly and said indifferently.

“I understand!”

Angelina’s face immediately turned cold as she waved goodbye to her female classmates.

Her several close friends clearly had no intention of leaving, quickly gathering around. “It’s Angelina’s older brother, Senior Steven, right? I’m Kana!”

…

They had long known that Angelina not only came from a wealthy family but also had an extremely capable older brother who was a prominent figure in the high school section and the head of a major club.

For them, aspiring to attend St. George Secondary School in the future, being able to connect with such a person or even just meet this legendary figure was a great opportunity.

But this was precisely what Angelina dreaded.

As they grew older, she and Brandon had come to understand how painful it was to live in the shadow of an overly talented and exceptional older brother.

“We’re back!”

The affluent district of Yin Nest City was extremely luxurious. At the community entrance, there were even armed guards on duty.

Especially these guards were armed with real guns, and their disciplined and well-trained demeanor gave a strong sense of security.

Mrs. Strong was already waiting in the living room, dressed in a black sheer dress with a pearl necklace around her neck, exuding the elegance of a noble lady.

“You’re back?”

She first looked at Wu Ming, her eyes filled with tenderness. Then, seeing Brandon and Angelina, her beautiful brows furrowed. “How did the diagnostic test go today?”

“Not well!”

Both Angelina and Brandon had gloomy expressions, clearly indicating their unsatisfactory results.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Strong put down her delicate teacup, her eyes narrowing. Wu Ming immediately knew that the monthly routine was about to begin.

“Why can’t you two learn from your brother?”

“Brandon, Angelina! You’ve already repeated a grade for a year! James was even considering transferring you to a private school, but now it seems you still can’t handle the elementary school curriculum, let alone the heavy workload there…”

Mrs. Strong sighed. “What a pity. Steven is graduating this year, otherwise, as the head of the Business Society, he could have given you a lot of help once you entered the school. Another opportunity has been missed!”

“The better! Not being in the same school!”

Brandon grunted and ran upstairs, slamming the door behind him.

“This child… How did he become like this?”

Mrs. Strong gently touched her forehead, showing deep regret. “Steven, the graduation exam is nothing for you. Have you decided on a university yet?”

“Binford Business University. They’ve already sent me an invitation through the school recommendation!”

With this, he was essentially guaranteed admission after passing the exam.

“Yes, Binford Business University ranks ninth among southern city universities and is also the alma mater of many great businessmen and financiers. It suits you perfectly!”

Hearing this, Mrs. Strong’s face lit up with satisfaction. “After graduation, you can immediately take over your father’s business or make other investments. I’ve always had full confidence in your abilities, Steven. You’ll have to take care of your two younger siblings in the future!”

“Don’t worry, I will!”

Since he had reincarnated here, there naturally came responsibilities. At the very least, Wu Ming had no intention of shirking his material obligations.

“I’m not eating dinner!”

At this point, Angelina could no longer contain herself and ran out the gate.

“This child…”

Mrs. Strong sighed helplessly, causing Wu Ming’s lips to twitch slightly.

“There’s another thing. This summer vacation, I plan to go on a trip with some friends!”

“Okay, have fun!”

To his request, Mrs. Strong readily agreed happily. “I trust you completely.”