The older you get, the faster time flies.

In the blink of an eye.

Half a year had passed.

Lin Zichen still felt like it was only yesterday that he had come to Shanhai Middle School to register, but before he knew it, it was already the second semester of his first year.

For him, middle school life wasn’t much different from elementary or kindergarten.

His deskmate was still Shen Qinghan.

In class, he still openly read his own books.

After school, he still trained his body behind his parents’ backs.

The only difference was that after getting a phone, when he was bored at night, he often searched online for explanatory videos to learn new skills.

Cooking, photography, driving, swimming, wilderness survival and all kinds of sports—if it was online and seemed useful, he would learn it.

After all, with the support of Innate Wisdom, he could learn anything quickly, so he had to make good use of his time and not waste it.

During this time, in order to light up the title Middle School Tyrant in his first year, Lin Zichen actively showcased himself at school.

In the past semester, he placed first in the school in every exam, without exception.

He also found time to participate in various national middle school competitions.

Math, physics, chemistry, computer programming—he took part in them all.

And every single time, he won an award.

Gold, silver, bronze, first prize, second prize, third prize or even ranked first, second or third—he had them all.

If he wanted, he could have won all gold medals, all first prizes, all first places.

But if he did that, he wouldn’t just be the city’s little genius, but a super genius that shocked the entire country.

At that point, he would draw overwhelming attention and his peaceful life would be shattered. He could no longer quietly improve.

That wasn’t the life he wanted.

The only reason he was so eager to show off now was simply to light up the Middle School Tyrant title as soon as possible.

So, it was enough for him to just stay at the top of the school.

Anything beyond that wasn’t necessary.

* * *

Lin Zichen had just arrived at school when his homeroom teacher came to him, saying the school wanted him to give a study-sharing session that afternoon.

In the past semester, his performance had been so astonishing that both teachers and students were curious how he studied.

The school leaders had long wanted him to give this sharing session.

“Alright, I understand.”

Lin Zichen nodded and went back to reading.

Seeing this, the teacher didn’t disturb him further.

But Shen Qinghan, his deskmate, poked him with a smile and said, “Xiao Chen, you’re going to be the center of attention again this afternoon. Aren’t you happy?”

“It’s fine,” Lin Zichen said with a smile.

At first, being in the spotlight felt enjoyable, like he was destined for greatness.

But as it happened again and again, it lost its appeal.

“Xiao Chen, you may think it’s no big deal, but your fangirls won’t think so. This afternoon the lecture hall will definitely be packed with them and I probably won’t even get a seat.”

Just imagining it made Shen Qinghan feel overwhelmed.

Because Lin Zichen was not only handsome but also had excellent grades, in just half a year at Shanhai Middle School, he had already captured the hearts of many fangirls.

From first-years to third-years, many girls admired him.

In just six months, he had received over a hundred love letters.

“Don’t worry, I’ll have the principal save you a front-row seat.”

Lin Zichen casually replied while reading his book.

Hearing this, Shen Qinghan’s heart immediately filled with joy.

They didn’t chat for long and soon went back to their own things.

Lin Zichen quietly read.

Shen Qinghan diligently worked through practice tests to improve her grades.

The honors class curriculum was far too advanced for her.

Not only were there many subjects, but the problems were difficult and she struggled a lot.

To keep up with the class, she had to spend extra time studying, even using breaks to practice questions at her desk.

“Xiao Chen, I can’t solve this question, I don’t even understand the answer. Teach me.”

Shen Qinghan placed a physics test in front of Lin Zichen, pointing to the last problem on force analysis.

Lin Zichen glanced at it, then quickly moved over with pen and paper, sitting shoulder to shoulder with her to teach her.

Seeing them so close, the girls in class couldn’t hide their envy, jealous of how good Shen Qinghan’s relationship with Lin Zichen was.

* * *

Time passed quickly.

Before long, it was time for the study-sharing session that afternoon.

When Lin Zichen arrived at the lecture hall, it was just as Shen Qinghan predicted—the place was packed with his fangirls.

But what caught his attention wasn’t them, but the ten students sitting in the front row.

He recognized their faces, having seen them on the school’s honor board before—they were the top students of the third year.

He was genuinely surprised that even third-year prodigies came to hear a first-year student’s study-sharing session.

Normally, no one would believe it.

‘Looks like I’ve already become the king of academics in this school. Next, if I can also dominate sports, I should be able to light up the Middle School Tyrant title.’

Thinking this, Lin Zichen couldn’t help but feel excited, eager to show his skills at next month’s sports meet.

Soon, the study-sharing session began.

The ten prodigies in the front row listened carefully, not wanting to miss a single detail.

Shen Qinghan, also in the front row, was focused on taking notes.

Many girls sitting farther back envied her for being Lin Zichen’s childhood friend, able to sit in the front row thanks to his favor.

* * *

A month later.

Shanhai Middle School held its 70th annual sports meet.

The timing was strange.

It was scheduled in April of the second semester, rather than December of the first semester.

And it wasn’t grand, lasting only one day.

It was clear that Shanhai Middle School didn’t put much emphasis on the event.

Even so, Lin Zichen was thrilled.

Because if he dominated the sports meet, he would likely light up the Middle School Tyrant title and complete the achievement Dominate Compulsory Education, thus gaining the biological attribute Survival of the Fittest.

“Students who registered for events, please check in at each station, otherwise it will count as forfeiting!”

The referee, a PE teacher, shouted through a megaphone on the field.

Hearing this, Lin Zichen immediately went to check in.

He had signed up for all individual events: the 100m sprint for speed, the running high jump for jumping ability and the shot put for strength.

“Junior Zichen, you must win the gold medal!”

“Junior Zichen, when you run the 100 meters, I’ll be waiting at the finish line for you!”

“Junior Zichen, good luck!”

While waiting in line, several third-year senior girls cheerfully called out to him.

He politely smiled and nodded back.

The girls, thrilled by his smile, covered their mouths and squealed.

A boy standing behind Lin Zichen watched with jealousy.

He was a third-year student, a member of the school martial arts team, extremely athletic, often representing the school in competitions.

Normally, he wouldn’t bother with something as childish as the sports meet.

But when he heard Lin Zichen was participating, he deliberately signed up to target him.

Because the girl he liked had become one of Lin Zichen’s fangirls, something he couldn’t accept.

‘Hah, I may not be as handsome as you, or as good in academics, but my athletic talent won’t lose to you. Just watch how I crush you on the field and take first place!’

The boy stared at Lin Zichen’s back, full of thoughts, eager to crush him in the upcoming events.