Louis walked alone on the way back home. It was already past 10:00 pm, and there weren't many pedestrians on the road. The city was quiet at this time, occasionally interrupted by the sound of cars whizzing by. Louis walked while kicking the stones on the road, lost in thought. What would his future be like? Would he continue as a small troublemaker, neither good nor bad, for the rest of his life? Or would he muster the courage to join the underworld? Neither of these paths was what he truly desired. Louis understood that both of these options were dead ends. The sudden emergence of this idea startled him. He shook his head, dismissing the thought from his mind. However, Louis didn't know that he was only a step away from this very idea years later.
Sometimes, a person's future can be determined by their own decisions, while at other times, it's in the hands of fate.
The following month was the most agonizing month for Jack, Eric, and others. There was no freedom, only oppression. No indulgence, only studying. Under Louis's supervision, these individuals whom the school deemed as social misfits showed significant improvement in their study. The school held an awards ceremony, highly praising these students for their transformation.
The end-of-the-semester application was finally coming to a close. The day before the exams, Louis gathered all the students and inquired about their progress in studying. Everyone remained silent, hanging their heads low. They all understood that making up for three years of neglecting their studies wasn't going to be easy. Seeing the lack of response, Louis shook his head and said, "Everyone brings a phone to the exam tomorrow!"
Jack asked in confusion, "Louis, why should we bring a phone?" Eric was momentarily puzzled, but then he quickly caught on and playfully hit Jack on the head. "Are you dense? Louis is going to send us the answers!"
Jack blushed and exclaimed loudly, "Of course, I know!" Then he turned to the person next to him, and whispered, "What's the deal with sending answers using a phone?" The person looked helpless, and Eric was right, Jack was quite foolish. But he didn't dare to say that, instead, he started explaining in detail.
Louis observed everyone discussing and shouted, "Who doesn't have a cellphone, raise your hand, and I'll help you out!" (At that time, phones were a novelty, unlike now when they're completely ubiquitous.)
A few people raised their hands. Jack looked around, blushed, lowered his head, and raised his hand. Eric pulled him to the side and whispered, "I'll lend you mine."
Jack, feeling embarrassed, whispered, "My family is not well-off." The people around them burst into laughter. Louis said, "Let's all work together to prepare for tomorrow's exam, understand?" Everyone replied in unison, "Understood, Louis!"
Louis nodded in satisfaction. Jack asked, "Louis, did you plan this method to help us pass the exam a long time ago?"
Louis responded, "What do you think? I know your capabilities very well."
Jack continued, "Then why did you force us to study for a month?"
Louis, with a serious expression, said, "Because I don't want you all to go to X School empty-handed. Remember, without education, you can't survive in society! Even if you become a leader in the underworld in the future." Everyone understands Louis's intentions. Louis truly cared for everyone, and they were deeply moved, all saying in unison, "Understood, Louis!"
On the day of the exam, the university entrance was packed with people. Steven crouched on the side, smoking and frequently checking his watch. He asked the person next to him, "Did you check if the phone booth is already occupied?" The person nodded and left. "It's been over an hour, why aren't they out yet!" an impatient Steven muttered quietly.
"Is Louis not coming out yet?" Someone asked. Steven shook his head.
After five minutes, someone tapped Steven's shoulder. Steven turned around and was about to swear, but seeing it was Louis, he quickly closed his open mouth. "Louis, where did you come from? I didn't see you!"
Louis laughed and said, "There's someone guarding the entrance, so I had to climb over the wall." With that, he took a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Steven. "Hurry up, we're running out of time!"
"Rest assured, Louis!" Steven took the paper and immediately began organizing the distribution of the answers.
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The exam results are out. Everyone passed the exam, and not only did Louis score straight A's, but he also received offers from multiple universities. However, Louis took the initiative to choose X University. Louis's parents strongly opposed this decision because X University's reputation is not as good as the others. Louis explained to his parents, "Mom, Dad, I've thought about this carefully. Let me choose my own future!"
Louis's father said, "Louis, you have your own choice. I hope you walk your path well, as there might not be a chance for regrets anymore!"
And so, Louis arrived at X University with over a hundred other students, embarking on a new journey in life. In the days leading up to the start of the new semester, Louis didn't idle around. Since his confrontation with Steven, he realized that building his influence wasn't just about intelligence and determination; he also needed a strong physique. Louis joined a boxing class and fitness training, continuously working on his physical strength. Steven greatly admired his perseverance. During this time, he learned that Louis was persistent in his pursuits. After training for a while, Louis and Steven practiced combat one-on-one. By the end of the training, both of them were covered in injuries.
Half a month later, Louis sought out Steven again. This time, Jack and Eric came along, but they weren't allowed to watch. When Steven emerged, the two of them bombarded him with questions about the situation. Steven simply said, "Louis has a natural talent for sports!" and then walked away.
Another half month passed, and Louis found Steven again to ask for training. Steven was lying on the ground, resolute in not going... Louis had no choice but to say, "As long as you practice with me, I'll treat you to dinner tonight, and you can choose the restaurant." Steven closed his eyes and said, "I won't go. Can you eat dinner if you're dead?" Jack volunteered to practice with Louis. Steven looked at Jack as he walked away with a pitiful expression, "Take care!" In the evening, Jack and Louis had dinner, during which Jack spit out two molar teeth.
From that point on, whenever Louis wanted to practice with someone, there was no one within five meters. Steven had said, "Louis could try running the 100-meter race in the future. His explosive power suits that sport." Jack nodded in deep understanding after hearing this.
More than two months have passed. Louis has grown a bit taller but still appears frail.
X University is quite far from Louis' home, and he rides a bicycle to school. Upon arriving at the school gate, Louis notices a security guard sitting at the entrance office, reading a newspaper. Louis approaches and asks, "I'm a new student here. Could you please tell me where to proceed with the formalities?"
The security guard puts down the newspaper, glances at Louis, and says loudly, "What did you say? I didn't hear that, speak up!" Louis speaks louder, "I said, where can new students complete the formalities?"
"I can't hear you. Go away!" the security guard shakes his head and continues reading the newspaper.
Louis decides to ignore the security guard and pushes his bicycle toward the campus. After a few steps, the roaring sound of a motorcycle comes from behind. Instinctively, Louis jumps to the side, causing his bicycle to fall. A motorcycle passes by him and stops not far away. The rider removes her helmet, and her lustrous black hair dances in the air. She looks back at Louis, and remarks, "Didn't you know to move away earlier?"
Louis looks a bit aggrieved, "It seems like you were the one who rode over first! Why blame me?"
The girl sizes up Louis, noting his average build and fairly attractive appearance. Her eyes are particularly unique – slender, long, and exceptionally bright.
Seeing her gaze fixed on him, Louis feels a bit embarrassed. "Is there something wrong with me?"
Louis' question breaks the girl's reverie. She steps off the motorcycle and walks towards him, asking, "You're a new student, right?" Louis nods. The girl is well-built and around 1.7 meters tall. She has a slender figure. "If you're a new student, you should call me ' senior alumnae'. You seem a bit frail. If anyone bullies you in the future, come find me, and I'll help you!" The girl says as she pats Louis' head. She doesn't quite understand why she feels drawn to this handsome boy with a fragile appearance. Perhaps his thinness triggers her protective instincts.
Louis finds her amusing and nods, saying, "Thank you, senior alumnae!"
Seeing Louis' bright eyes and his smile, the girl's heart skips a beat. She shakes her head and quickly walks away. Louis shouts, "Goodbye, senior alumnae!" As the girl moves farther, Louis bends down to lift his fallen bicycle. Just then, someone shouts, "Louis, wait for me!" Louis turns and sees Jack approaching along with Eric and six unknown faces.
As they come closer, Jack addresses the six people, "This is Louis, our leader!" The six guys glance at Louis and collectively say, "Hello, Louis!"
Louis looks puzzled, and Eric explains, "These six guys are also newcomers. They were introduced by Steven."
Louis nods to the six people and tells Jack and Eric, "Once everyone arrives, make sure to watch out and not get into trouble, okay?" Both Jack and Eric nod. Jack grins and says, "Louis, I've learned quite a lot during this time too. You can trust me!"
Louis turns around and shakes his head, "You're the one I'm least likely to trust." He pushes his bicycle towards the nearby parking shed, with Eric following behind. Jack closely trails Louis, and the six new students follow along.
Upon reaching the shed, as they attempt to enter, two students block their way. "Stop right there. Here is the teachers' parking zone."
Jack asks, "I just saw students parking their bikes in there. Why can't we?"
One of the students with small eyes gives Jack a glance, "I said you can't, so you can't park here!" A skinny student beside him remains silent. Jack parks his bike and steps forward to argue. "Is it because I'm a new student? Let me tell you, move aside right now. I'm parking here today!" Louis also finds these two guys too unreasonable and doesn't hold Jack back.