The Slacker Academic Always Gets Caught (SLACKER)
Tests, tests, tests—the teacher’s magic weapon.
Scores, scores, scores—the student’s lifeline.
Starting over, Chi Ning was utterly carefree.
He really wanted to just scribble something casually, but for a senior high school student from 2001, the answers came instantly with just a glance at the test paper. There was no room for improvisation—his hand finished writing before his brain even needed to engage.
Slacking off had never been so effortless.
Half-hearted efforts somehow led to success.
The final day of the monthly exams.
After finishing their last subject, the top students of Class 1 gathered together, sighing in frustration.
"This test was a bit too easy. I saw God Chi hand in his paper after just 40 minutes."
"True. I submitted mine at the 60-minute mark. What about you?"
"I was a bit earlier—around 50-something minutes."
The one who had turned in their paper after 60 minutes was instantly crushed.
Under the shocked gazes of students from other classes, they clicked their tongues and discussed, "When we fill out the exam feedback survey after the monthly tests, let's write 'too easy' in the difficulty section."
Other students: ???
Seriously, do the competition class elites have no regard for us mere mortals?
As if any of you competition-class kids are even taking the college entrance exams—just get your guaranteed admissions and stop rubbing it in our faces.
Damn it.
God Chi, at least, was considerate. He would never dream of writing "too easy" on the feedback survey.
Same competition class, yet worlds apart.
Meanwhile, the vastly different Chi Ning was enjoying his last school-sponsored dinner in the bamboo grove.
Qin Heng, for some reason, had learned a trick—he brought a small container of food and heated it by pouring boiling water over the metal box, making the meat inside fragrant and warm.
Between Qin Heng’s contribution and the school’s meal, it added up to five dishes and a soup, a feast comparable to a proper restaurant.
Chi Ning patted his stomach.
Good thing he’d been diligently following his teacher’s combat training lately—otherwise, his abs would’ve disappeared under all this food.
The power of modern cuisine was terrifying.
Qin Heng dropped a subtle hint: "The exams are over."
Where’s my gift?
Chi Ning: "Oh. I’ll give it to you at home."
Qin Heng’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his expression darkening.
What kind of gift had to be given at home?
"Not going to Tea River Parlor to study today?"
Chi Ning: "Nope."
He was too full. If he went to Tea River Parlor and had dessert, he was afraid he’d balloon up like Harry Potter’s aunt.
"I need to use the lab." Chi Ning paused, then added with amusement, "And check on the shrimp you’re raising."
Perfect.
Both edible and entertaining.
Quite the mood.
Qin Heng assumed using the lab would be like a school experiment—done in 20-30 minutes, followed by writing a report in the study.
But in reality, Chi Ning beelined straight for the workstation the moment he entered.
After Qin Heng finished two practice tests upstairs, over two hours had passed, and Chi Ning still hadn’t mentioned the gift.
Burning with curiosity, he peeked down the stairs.
Chi Ning was wearing an ill-fitting white lab coat and goggles, completely absorbed in his work at the clean bench, looking more professional than the scientists on TV.
Disturbing him now? Forget asking about the gift—getting it at all would be a miracle.
Best to know his place.
Qin Heng returned to his desk and resumed studying.
Recently, more students in Class 18 had started taking academics seriously, but their skill levels varied wildly, giving their teachers headaches.
Yet Qin Heng realized that even with just junior high-level knowledge, he was now the most academically advanced in Class 18.
Zhang Qiuwen, who was being force-fed lessons by the Suit Thug Teacher, ranked second.
In order to support students who genuinely wanted to improve, the teachers of Class 18 initiated a targeted assistance program.
Every day during class, they would walk around the classroom with their hands behind their backs, much like rural officials conducting inspections, delivering tailored guidance to each student—saving as many as they could.
Qin Heng lowered his gaze.
Most of the students who suddenly wanted to give studying a try had been moved by Chi Ning’s words at the start of the semester, while a few others had been inspired by his own efforts.
It seemed like everyone had suddenly had an epiphany, realizing that the most readily attainable chance to turn their lives around was right before their eyes.
Chi Ning reached out and pushed open a small crack in the heavy door of perception that had been blocking the view of Class 18.
Creak.
Chi Ning held a stack of A4 papers and pushed open the study door with his schoolbag in hand.
This was exhausting. In his past life, he could work for three months straight without feeling tired, but now he was already drowsy after less than three hours.
He yawned, muttering wearily, "My bones have gotten lazy from resting too much."
Chi Ning set the data down on the empty desk and curled up on the corner sofa, squinting at Qin Heng. "Any problems you don’t understand? I’ll explain them now."
Qin Heng replied, "Yes."
Chi Ning patted the spot beside him. "Come here."
Soon, the seat beside him sank slightly as the small beanbag chair dipped under Qin Heng’s weight.
Chi Ning glanced at the problems. Most of the difficulties stemmed from encountering unfamiliar concepts. "It’s normal not to know this yet."
His voice was drowsy and muffled as he spoke. "Let me explain this concept to you. Once you get it, you’ll understand everything… First, let the unknown be x, then…"
After rambling through the explanation, Chi Ning turned to gauge Qin Heng’s reaction. "Got it?"
Qin Heng gave a low hum of acknowledgment.
"You’re learning much faster than I expected. At this rate, we might even have time for a full review after finishing the material."
Chi Ning tilted his head, leaning against the back of the sofa as he murmured, "Maybe you could even aim for Capital A University. With your physical fitness, you could study defense."
When Chi Ning was sleepy, his voice became especially soft. At this moment, Qin Heng’s original goal of applying to Port South Finance was shaken to its core. He felt like he’d agree to anything if Chi Ning asked in that voice.
Chi Ning let out a brief "Ah," forcing his eyes open as he rummaged through his bag and pulled out a carefully wrapped box. "A gift. The food was so good, and I didn’t know how else to thank you. I made this myself."
Qin Heng took it. The box was wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with an elegant ribbon—it looked expensive at first glance.
Handmade… What could it be?
"Can I open it?"
"Sure." Chi Ning closed his eyes. "Go ahead. You can use it right away."
Qin Heng untied the ribbon and carefully opened the box, finding a stack of A4 papers neatly arranged inside.
The first sheet read: High School Math Unit 1: Summary of Key Concepts and Practice Problems.
The second sheet: High School Math Unit 2…
Every page was handwritten—the concepts noted by page number, and the problems seemed to be personally devised by Chi Ning.
Qin Heng: "…"
It really was handmade, and undeniably thoughtful.
He smiled helplessly as he gently rubbed the thin paper between his fingers.
…
Just as Chi Ning was about to fall asleep, he suddenly felt warmth by his ear. A soft breath carried Qin Heng’s voice into his eardrum:
"Do you also want to go to the same university as me? Otherwise, you wouldn’t have spent time writing this for me."
Qin Heng paused, coaxing as he asked, "Right?"
Chi Ning let out a soft "Mhm." "Yeah."
Qin Heng stiffened slightly. He had wanted to hear Chi Ning admit it, but now that he’d actually said it so earnestly, Qin Heng suddenly felt embarrassed.
When Chi Ning didn’t get a response, he opened his eyes and looked at Qin Heng. "Hm?"
Qin Heng thought: How can Chi Ning be this adorable? Even a single syllable hummed from his nose feels like it has tiny hooks that kept scratching at my heart.
He stammered, "I—I will get into Hongnan University."
Chi Ning lifted his chin. "Of course. Look who's teaching you."
Qin Heng's Adam's apple bobbed as he praised in a low, husky voice, "With Teacher Chi teaching, it's guaranteed."
Chi Ning took a slight breath, inexplicably tense.
Strange. Qin Heng seemed to be standing too close.
He nudged Qin Heng's calf with his toe. "Go back to writing. I'm tired and want to go home."
That light kick nearly took half of Qin Heng's life. He stood frozen for a long moment.
Chi Ning was just wearing black cotton socks—it was only a gentle nudge...
Damn it. He must be sick in the head.
Time flew by in senior year.
On the day monthly exam results were posted, Chi Ning stood before the bulletin board for the first time ever.
Li Qiuhe found it odd. "God Chi, looking for your name?"
"Yeah."
"You're facing the wrong way. First place starts from the right." Li Qiuhe pointed to the highest, most prominent spot. "You're definitely there."
"Not looking for mine." Chi Ning scanned the list rapidly.
Most names in Yang City had three characters. Qin Heng's two-character name stood out conspicuously among them.
928th place.
Higher than expected.
There were just over 1,050 students in their grade. Qin Heng had jumped out of the bottom 100.
In less than a month.
Having only just finished middle school material.
Qin Heng was truly brilliant.
Chi Ning withdrew his gaze. As he turned, his eyes met Qin Heng's.
Qin Heng smiled. "I thought I'd only move up 50 spots. You made it sound so serious before."
"Early progress comes easier." Chi Ning solemnly administered an "avoid complacency" warning.
"It gets harder later."
He gave an example: "Look at me—I can't advance an inch now."
Qin Heng: ...
Ranked first—where else was there to go?
After a long pause, he said, "Right."
Chi Ning pointed at him accusingly. "You'd agree to anything—no principles at all."
He laughed at himself first then was unable to suppress a little skip forward.
No high score of his own had ever made him this happy.
Was this the joy of teaching?
Chi Ning turned back with a smile. "Keep working hard, student Qin Heng. I'll be waiting for your thank-you banquet in July."
The boy's eyes reflected the hues of dusk, like a beautiful clear spring.
Qin Heng felt he might drown in them. After a pause, he unconsciously raised a hand toward Chi Ning, then thought better of it mid-motion and touched his ear instead.
He strained to keep his voice steady. "Sure. I'll cook a whole table then."
Imagining the scene, Chi Ning smiled in anticipation.
He wasn't sure whether he looked forward more to the food or to Qin Heng getting into Hongnan.
Maybe both.
"Qin Heng," Chi Ning called.
Qin Heng looked straight at him. "Hmm?"
Chi Ning blinked mischievously. "Heard things are going smoothly with my dad. Thanks for taking me eavesdropping at the birthday party—using that..."
He drew out the words. "Dealer's tool from Boss Xu."
Dealer—gaming field staff.
Chi Ning waited leisurely for Qin Heng's reaction. He wasn't angry, just curious why Qin Heng had kept this from him.
It didn't seem like something that needed hiding.
Qin Heng's spine stiffened. So much time had passed.
How did Chi Ning find out? He seems to particularly hate being lied to—does this count?
Probably not. He had just withheld the truth back then, not outright deceived.
"I..." Qin Heng was about to speak when Zhang Qiuwen suddenly popped up from the side and hollering like a monkey from Mount Emei.
"Bro! The S University Teacher you hired is freaking amazing! I ranked 950th! If I keep studying like this, I might actually get into college, bro!"
"And little sis—"
Zhang Qiuwen's voice cut off abruptly the moment his eyes met Chi Ning's, his words twisting mid-sentence.
"L-little Elementary School God's notes are really something, huh!"
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