In the living room, Charles Thompson let out a sigh of relief when he saw the lights go out.

He felt a bit sorry for his son, but thinking about the upcoming college entrance exam, he decided he should buy some good things for his son to help him build up his strength during this period.

……

He went to bed late that night, so he was a bit late getting to school the next day.

Morning self-study had already ended. William Clark was chatting with Evelyn Brooks, and when he saw David Thompson arrive, William Clark winked at him.

David Thompson looked puzzled and sat down, saying, “What are you winking for? I haven’t even asked you when you started hitting on Chen…”

Before he could finish, William Clark covered his mouth. Evelyn Brooks, who had just been chatting happily, rolled her eyes and turned away, ignoring William Clark.

William Clark looked frustrated and lowered his voice, saying fiercely, “It took me a lot of effort to comfort her, and you just had to ruin it!”

“Heh, what? Are you really thinking about a sunset romance?”

With the college entrance exam approaching, most high school romances end after the exam, so David Thompson didn’t think much of William Clark’s chances.

Although Evelyn Brooks wasn’t a top beauty, once she got to college and dressed up a bit, she’d be considered a goddess in most people’s eyes. By then, William Clark probably wouldn’t stand a chance.

William Clark wasn’t surprised by this and said proudly, “It’s fine, I’ve already talked it over with Evelyn Brooks. We’re both going to apply to schools in the capital. We’ll be in the same city, so we won’t be far apart.”

“Oh! So you really did get together? You’ve even made plans for the future—impressive!”

David Thompson was genuinely surprised. Something felt off. In his previous life, Evelyn Brooks did go to school in the capital, but William Clark clearly went to Shanghai. How come now he’s planning to go to the capital?

William Clark ignored David Thompson and said happily, “Don’t be jealous. I think you’ve got a shot too. You weren’t here this morning, but Sarah Young looked back several times. I know she was definitely looking for you.”

“Get lost!”

David Thompson rolled his eyes. This guy was really gossipy.

As for what Sarah Young was thinking, he couldn’t be bothered to figure it out right now. After all, there were less than two months left until the college entrance exam.

He remembered that Sarah Young got into Renmin University, and he himself would definitely stay in Jiangbei. He was familiar with Pingchuan, and by then, separated by a thousand miles, any thoughts would just be castles in the air.

Thinking about this made David Thompson a bit sad again. Hannah Quinn went to Beijing Normal University, which was also a thousand miles away from him.

It seemed that his budding romance would end before it even started. On the other hand, Sarah Young and Hannah Quinn would be quite close to each other, so they could visit each other from time to time. But he was sure the two of them wouldn’t actually do that.

While he was lost in thought, Sarah Young suddenly turned around and asked, “David Thompson, which university are you planning to apply to?”

David Thompson’s cheek twitched. Ignoring William Clark’s winks, he replied calmly, “Depends. If I do well, I’ll apply to Jiangbei University. If not, I’ll go for Jiangbei Agricultural University.”

In his previous life, he went to Jiangbei Agricultural University, a second-tier school with average majors. After graduation, he didn’t work in his field but spent seven or eight years in sales.

As for Jiangbei University, it was a 211 school. Originally, David Thompson didn’t dare to think about it, but last night, while reviewing, he actually found two questions similar to those on the college entrance exam.

David Thompson was surprised to find that his memory seemed to have improved a lot. He could recall quite a few questions from the exam more than ten years ago, which was unbelievable.

But since he’d already been reborn, it wasn’t strange to get a little extra benefit.

Having found similar questions, David Thompson naturally wanted more. He didn’t care much about the school’s reputation, but if he could get into a good university, it would make his parents proud.

Another advantage was that Jiangbei University was also in Pingchuan, just across the street from the agricultural university. He was just as familiar with it and had often gone there in his previous life to check out the pretty girls.

Sarah Young seemed a bit disappointed by David Thompson’s answer. After hesitating for a moment, she said, “Why haven’t you thought about going to the capital? Whether it’s for jobs or prospects, it’s better than Jiangbei.”

“Beijing is too far, not convenient. Pingchuan is great, close to home, and I can visit my parents whenever I want.”

Sarah Young didn’t say anything more, turned around, and lowered her head to read.

William Clark didn’t quite understand David Thompson and whispered, “Dongzi, going to the capital would be great. We could look out for each other. Besides, I think Sarah Young likes you… Didn’t you catch what she meant just now?”

“Does it make a difference whether I get it or not? The capital isn’t for me, and even if I go, it won’t be now.” David Thompson kept his head down, reading, not paying attention to William Clark’s thoughtful look.

As for Sarah Young, she was just a girl with a crush. In a while, she’d realize he wasn’t her type.

And Hannah Quinn—David Thompson didn’t want to think about it. He couldn’t ask her not to go to the capital; their relationship wasn’t at that level.

In his previous life, they didn’t end up together—that was fate. If it didn’t work out in this life, that was fate too.

David Thompson didn’t used to believe in fate, but now he knew that some things, you just have to believe.

Chapter 10: The First Pot of Gold

2004, April 13th, Tuesday.

David Thompson woke up before four o’clock. He waited until Fiona Cole left before getting up to wash and hurried off to Dongping Market.

The truck he’d arranged for yesterday afternoon was waiting at a side entrance to the market. David Thompson greeted the driver, and after a brief chat, Old Walker arrived as well.

“Dongzi, the goods are all ready. Take a look yourself. If everything’s fine, we’ll weigh them.”

David Thompson didn’t stand on ceremony. This was his first transaction, and whether or not he knew the people involved, he had to check everything carefully. If he got cheated, it would be a big problem.