Six years of elementary school passed in a flash.

In the blink of an eye, Lin Zichen and Shen Qinghan graduated from Sunshine Elementary.

At the graduation ceremony, both families gathered to take photos, just like when the children graduated from kindergarten.

The only difference was that Lin Zichen and Shen Qinghan had grown a lot over six years.

Their babyish faces had faded, replaced with the vigor and spirit of youth.

“Hanhan, how can you grow prettier every year? You’re so beautiful now that my heart melts.”

Zhang Wanxin looked lovingly at Shen Qinghan, who now stood taller than her shoulder.

Though not her own daughter, she had long treated her like one.

Lin Yansheng sighed beside her, “Kids grow so fast. Sixth grade, only twelve years old and almost as tall as adults already.”

He was mostly talking about Lin Zichen.

Lin Zichen now stood at around 1.6 meters tall, nearly matching Zhang Wanxin in height.

Not bad for just finishing elementary school.

By the time he finished high school, he would be well over 1.8 meters.

Back in Lin Yansheng’s time, that would’ve made him one of the tallest in the class.

On the other side, Shen Jianye and Xu Meng also marveled at how fast the kids had grown.

Xu Meng smiled, “Looking at them, it feels like yesterday they were still babies, but today they’re already little adults.”

“Yes, time flies so quickly.” Shen Jianye wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Xiao Chen, Hanhan, stand a little closer.”

Zhang Wanxin raised her camera and called to them.

Shen Qinghan pulled Lin Zichen beside her, their hands nearly touching.

“Say cheese!”

Both of them made peace signs and smiled with a mix of innocence and adolescent charm.

After dozens of shots, Zhang Wanxin finally let the childhood friends go, turning proudly to show off her photography to the others.

Happily basking in their compliments, she was full of pride.

“Xiao Chen, you’ve grown so fast. Two years ago, when we turned ten, we were the same height. Now you’re half a head taller than me.”

She stood on tiptoes to compare, finding herself shorter, a little frustrated.

Lin Zichen patted her head with a grin, “Don’t worry, in three years I’ll be a full head taller and in another three years, a head and a half.”

“Don’t be so smug. Maybe I’ll catch up in middle school, like when I was taller back in third grade.”

Lin Zichen chuckled, saying nothing, studying the now-12-year-old Shen Qinghan with a strange fatherly feeling.

The laughing baby, the babbling toddler, the bouncing little girl—all had grown into a sweet-voiced young lady.

Like a lark, lively and bright.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

Her clear eyes sparkled as she waved in front of him.

“Nothing.”

“Bet you think I’m pretty now, don’t you?”

“You really are pretty.” He nodded earnestly.

She hadn’t expected such honesty, her face turning red as she looked away, “Well, if you think so, then look all you want.”

Lin Zichen just smiled. The shy little girl had grown into a blushing young lady. Youth had truly arrived.

* * *

The graduation ceremony ended.

As always, both families went out to celebrate with dinner.

This time, however, several middle school principals had joined the private room uninvited.

It wasn’t rude or unexpected.

It was because Lin Zichen’s record was too exceptional.

He had won nearly every city award, always first place.

He was the most gifted elementary graduate in Shanhai City’s history, every middle school’s dream recruit.

Lin Yansheng and Zhang Wanxin were swayed by the principals’ offers, each one more tempting than the last.

Finally, Zhang Wanxin asked gently, “Xiao Chen, which school do you want for middle school?”

“I don’t care. I’ll go wherever Hanhan goes.”

His words left Shen Jianye and Xu Meng stunned.

Shen Qinghan had excellent grades, but not top-tier. Some schools were a stretch.

Yet, with Lin Zichen, she suddenly had her pick.

“This should be Xiao Chen’s choice,” Xu Meng said, passing it back, “Our daughter shouldn’t bear that pressure.”

“It’s fine,” Zhang Wanxin smiled, “Xiao Chen will only go where Hanhan goes. Let her decide.”

“Xin-auntie… I don’t know,” Shen Qinghan admitted, finally pushing the choice back, “Xiao Chen, you choose.”

Seeing their reluctance, Lin Zichen decided.

He looked at the Shanhai Middle School principal, “Principal Chen, I have one request: Hanhan and I must be in the same class. Is that possible?”

“Of course!” the principal beamed. He would’ve made a special class for them if needed.

Geniuses were priceless.

Once Lin Zichen made his choice, the other principals left gracefully, not disturbing the celebration.

Even the Shanhai principal soon excused himself.

As the parents toasted, Lin Zichen checked his achievement progress.

[Achievement: Dominate Compulsory Education]

[Reward: Gain Biological Attribute — Survival of the Fittest]

[Title: Kindergarten Boss (Unlocked), Elementary School Leader (Unlocked), Middle School Tyrant (Locked)]

Finally, elementary school was over.

Middle school was here.

All he needed was to unlock the title [Middle School Tyrant] and he would gain the long-awaited attribute [Survival of the Fittest].

He felt excitement surge, determined to crush all competition as soon as he entered middle school and claim his reward.