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In a man's life, there are four fair opportunities to change one's destiny.
The first opportunity is reincarnation. Reincarnation is a skill—some are born into wealth, starting life at the finish line, while others are born into poverty, struggling to put food on the table, running around just to survive, and still unable to afford a house by the time they die.
The second opportunity is the college entrance exam (Gaokao). The Gaokao is the only fair exam in life. Once you enter society as an adult, fairness becomes a thing of the past.
The third opportunity is marriage. Stories of Cinderella and the "phoenix man" (a man rising from humble beginnings) can still come true, though the odds are slim.
The fourth opportunity is living in turbulent times. In times of chaos, heroes emerge like rain, and there's a chance to rise to power, becoming a king or a ruler.
Of course, if a man has enough strength, he can ignore all four opportunities. Zhao Feng was one such man who chose to ignore them.
Early morning.
The first rays of sunlight broke through, illuminating the world.
Zhao Feng slung his small backpack over his shoulder and hopped onto his Phoenix bicycle, heading toward the No. 1 High School exam site. This time, luck was on his side—he was assigned to his own school's exam site, which wouldn't affect his performance in the Gaokao.
Huang Qiaoqiao was assigned to the No. 1 High School site, Jin Fugui to No. 3 High School, and Bai Jiaxin to No. 2 High School. Thankfully, Zhao Feng wasn't separated from Huang Qiaoqiao, which meant he could still prevent the tragedy from happening.
Zhao Feng pedaled furiously, the wheels of his bicycle spinning rapidly as he raced toward No. 1 High School. Suddenly, from the alleys along the way, three bicycles shot out, heading straight for him.
Crash!
The four bicycles collided, and Zhao Feng tumbled to the ground, stars dancing before his eyes. Before he could react, a flurry of fists rained down on him.
"You've got some nerve, huh? You think you're tough enough to kick Biao Ge into the latrine?"
"Shut up and grab his bag. Let's see how he's going to take the exam without his admission ticket."
"What good are good grades if you can't even get into the exam hall?"
Zhao Feng was on the verge of tears. He recognized the trio—Huang Dabiao, Li You, and Hou San. These troublemakers were academic slackers who didn't even bother taking the Gaokao. They had banded together to ambush him, proving just how petty and vindictive they were.
"Time rewind!"
Zhao Feng snapped his fingers, and the scene before him began to reverse. The streets, the pedestrians, and the vehicles all rewound, returning to three minutes earlier.
Three minutes earlier.
Zhao Feng, still on his bicycle, hadn't yet reached the intersection. He slammed on the brakes, parked his bike in front of a shopping mall, and flagged down a taxi. "Driver, No. 1 High School exam site, and step on it!"
The driver's eyes lit up as he started the car and sped off. "Don't worry, kid. You've got half an hour before the exam starts. We'll be there in ten minutes."
Zhao Feng replied, "My teacher said there might be last-minute tips. Please hurry."
The driver grinned. "You got it!"
As the taxi passed the intersection, Zhao Feng glanced toward the alley. There, Huang Dabiao and his gang were lying in wait, their eyes fixed on the street, ready to pounce on Zhao Feng.
Those bastards, Zhao Feng thought. Good thing I have this ability. Without it, I'd have lost my admission ticket and missed the exam entirely. The consequences would've been worse than failing—I'd have been absent altogether.
Just wait until after the Gaokao. I'll make you regret this.
Eight minutes later.
Zhao Feng arrived at the gates of No. 1 High School. He pulled out a five-yuan bill and handed it to the driver. "You're a pro, driver. Thanks for the speed."
The driver pushed the money back. "No need. This is a free ride for Gaokao students today. Good luck on your exam, and I hope you get into your dream university!"
Zhao Feng smiled. "Thank you, driver. May good fortune follow you."
The driver waved and drove off, disappearing into the traffic.
Zhao Feng stood at the school gate and spotted Guo Damei, his teacher, surrounded by a group of students and parents. He quickly walked over.
Guo Damei noticed Zhao Feng and smiled. "Everyone, double-check your admission tickets and IDs. Make sure you have your pencils. Leave nothing to chance."
The students checked their belongings, and everything was in order.
Guo Damei continued, "I won't say much else. Just relax and treat this like any other monthly exam. Don't stress. Your teachers and parents will be right here, waiting for your triumphant return."
The students nodded, trying to calm their nerves to avoid underperforming due to anxiety.
Zhao Feng asked anxiously, "Ms. Guo, have you seen Huang Qiaoqiao? She's not here yet."
Guo Damei glanced at her watch. "Don't worry. There's still fifteen minutes before the exam starts. How's your preparation going?"
Zhao Feng shrugged. "It's alright."
Guo Damei added, "Everyone, remember this for the Chinese exam: no matter how well or poorly you write your essay, make sure it's at least a thousand words. That'll help you score more points."
The students nodded and began murmuring among themselves.
Ten minutes before the exam.
Huang Qiaoqiao finally arrived, holding a pencil case. Beside her was a middle-aged woman in her thirties, with wavy hair, heavy makeup, and a flamboyant dress paired with high heels.
Zhao Feng frowned, his eyes narrowing. He had long known about Huang Qiaoqiao's family situation. Her father, nicknamed "Fish Buyer Qiang," ran a seafood business at the local market. Her mother had passed away when Huang Qiaoqiao was eight, and her stepmother had entered the picture when she was ten, soon giving birth to a younger brother.
The stepmother, Yan Xiaohong, appeared gentle and kind on the surface, treating Huang Qiaoqiao well enough—never withholding food or clothing—but she clearly favored her own son, leaving Huang Qiaoqiao at the bottom of the family hierarchy.
If Zhao Feng's guess was correct, this woman was Huang Qiaoqiao's stepmother. Her overly flashy appearance and heavy makeup made her seem anything but trustworthy.
Yan Xiaohong led Huang Qiaoqiao over and waved at Guo Damei. "Hello, Ms. Guo. I hope my Qiaoqiao isn't late."
Guo Damei smiled. "Not at all. She's right on time."
Huang Qiaoqiao approached Guo Damei, who took her hand and began giving her last-minute advice. Huang Qiaoqiao was Guo Damei's star student, the one she hoped would get into Tsinghua or Peking University, cementing her reputation as a top Gaokao teacher.
Zhao Feng stood silently among the students, his eyes fixed on Yan Xiaohong. He knew the stepmother would never want to see Huang Qiaoqiao succeed, let alone become a top student at a prestigious university.
Yan Xiaohong maintained her facade of a caring mother, completely unaware that Zhao Feng was watching her every move, ready to thwart any schemes she might have.
Guo Damei spent five minutes giving Huang Qiaoqiao a pep talk, finally ruffling her hair and saying, "Qiaoqiao, you're the best in the class, the most outstanding student. You have the best chance of getting into a top university. I believe in you. Just do your best, and you'll soar to great heights. Go for it!"
Huang Qiaoqiao nodded. "Thank you, teacher. I'll do my best."
As Guo Damei encouraged Huang Qiaoqiao, Yan Xiaohong's eyes flickered with a cold light, her lips twitching in a forced smile. Her expression sent a chill down Zhao Feng's spine. He knew she was up to no good.
Three minutes before the exam.
Yan Xiaohong glanced at her watch, then handed Huang Qiaoqiao a bottle of juice. "Your dad bought this for you. He said you should drink it before the exam to do your best and get into a top university. We'll celebrate with a feast when you succeed."