Study Monster Cultivation System
Chapter 267 - 266 This time, which floor are you on exactly?

Although many things happened at this academic competition.

But some things never change.

The infamous duo remained the infamous duo.

It was simply a matter of who topped who.

Because the overall rankings had improved and the team leaders were also tired, the extent of re-testing to improve scores was greatly reduced. On the morning of June 20, the result confirmation was issued, and the award ceremony was hurriedly conducted in the afternoon.

And because the ceremony was delayed by two days, many invited high-profile guests could not attend, making the event somewhat lackluster.

But apart from Li Zheng, nobody else minded; after all, missing a guest speaker meant they could go home half an hour earlier.

As for why Li Zheng was concerned.

It was mainly because he missed some opportunities to absorb "Academic Fortune."

Stuck at 79 for too long, when could he absorb enough to achieve his Demon’s True Body...

The good news was that when Li Zheng, Lin Yujing, and Du Zicheng stood together on the award platform and He Antang hung the gold medals around their necks, something he had almost forgotten popped up.

[Five Subjects Scholar: During high school, collect gold medals from national competitions in five major subjects.]

[Mission Progress: 2/5↑]

[Reward: General Knowledge Reconstruction—Break down the barriers of academic language, restructuring knowledge from various fields into a unified general knowledge, greatly reducing memory content (98%+), and significantly enhancing memory capabilities (500%+).]

Huh?

He had forgotten about this thing.

Recently, he had been so engaged in studying that he had almost forgotten the system’s existence.

Taking this opportunity, he reviewed the long-sealed interface once more.

First, the relaxation interface:

[Li Zheng]

[Game Coin: 25]

[Relaxation Level: Lv4↑]

[Until the Next Level: Relaxation 682/720 (hours)]

He had neglected it; recently, he had really neglected relaxation.

During the summer vacation, he would have to work twice as hard to relax.

Next, the study interface:

[Li Zheng]

[Basic Study Phase (advanceable)]

[Literature: 131→139↑]

Though he still persisted in reading and writing book notes, such a small increase over several months was all he managed.

It’s too hard. He envied those authors who could turn pen to paper and write a book.

[Mathematics: 194→255↑↑↑]

Having gone through the rigorous training of the high school calculus competition, such improvement was quite normal.

[English: 173→176↑]

Probably just a casual improvement while deciphering research papers.

[Physics: 284→373↑↑↑]

Wow.

[Chemistry: 343→343]

It seems he really hit the peak this time.

[Biology: 149→167↑↑]

???

He didn’t remember studying it?

Li Zheng mumbled to himself as he stepped down from the award platform, and as usual, was greeted by the interview segment.

The Competition Committee had already been informed about the re-match issue, so it wasn’t going to be brought up for questioning.

That left them with digging into the motivational stories of the outstanding contestants.

Looking at Li Zheng and Lin Yujing made it difficult for reporters.

On one hand, they were subconsciously eager to dig into Lin Yujing, such a lovely runner-up in the physics competition; if allowed, they would love to produce a photo book of her.

On the other hand, Li Zheng himself had a phenomenal news-worthy story.

There was one thing he could be sure of without even checking the data.

"Li Zheng, you must be... the only one in history... to become the dual champion in both physics and chemistry," the female reporter said, looking at Li Zheng who stood with his hands behind his back, her breath slightly unsteady, "and you are just a sophomore. How do you manage your time?"

"Well..." Li Zheng thought hard, trying to come up with a response.

But he couldn’t think of anything.

"Just... study when I can, nothing special."

"Then, did you encounter any difficulties while preparing for the dual subject competition?"

"Hmm..." Li Zheng frowned and thought for a long time, "It seems there weren’t any difficulties.""... Do you have any advice for future competitors?"

"Do not let your eyes and heart be tainted by wealth and beauty; let your learning spirit be preserved in the coldest of times."

"What beauty? Chromosome?’

"I’ll write it down for you..."

As Li Zheng wrote his poem, the reporter turned to Lin Yujing.

"Lin Yujing, congratulations on winning the runner-up."

"Uh..." Lin Yujing rubbed her gold medal with a dejected face.

"Don’t compare yourself to Li Zheng, this is already the second-best result for a female in the physics competition."

Lin Yujing instantly became fierce again.

"Ah... Did I say something wrong? Isn’t this achievement exciting?"

Unable to watch this any longer, Du Zicheng stepped forward and explained, "Li Zheng and Lin Yujing are classmates, and also... well, competitors, always winning and losing against each other in exams."

"A couple?" The reporter’s eyes brightened, and she directed Li Zheng and Lin Yujing, "Come on, stand closer together, hold up your medals and smile."

Upon hearing this, they both stepped in the opposite direction and turned their heads away.

"Is the interview over yet...?"

"All this is pure nonsense, please don’t set such an example for the national students."

The reporter hadn’t reacted before Li Zheng had already pushed Du Zicheng forward.

"This guy is normal, in past years he would have won the championship, give him more of your attention."

After saying this, Li Zheng was ready to slip away.

"Hey hey hey... who are you calling normal?" Du Zicheng grabbed Li Zheng and said, "I’m a legend in my own right locally, you’re the normal one, want to insult me again?"

Eventually, the interview ended in chaos once more.

However, the pictures of Li Zheng and Lin Yujing turning their heads away in a huff had already appeared in the news, fiercely discussed.

The small heat of a re-exam was quickly overshadowed by the major heat of a science competition couple.

The two inadvertently became famous throughout the Jianghu, forced into notoriety.

...

Moscow.

School No. 1535, physics laboratory.

Several students were quietly conducting group experiments.

Bang!

A bald man suddenly burst in: "China’s finals papers, I’ve brought them back... both sets."

A few students glanced at him, then continued with their experiments.

One said, "We’ve already done them, teacher, both sets."

"Oh? How did it go?"

"Just judging by the theory, except for Konoplev, all are top 50 level."

"Good... very good..." the bald man breathed a sigh of relief.

Obviously, Konoplev was not outside the top 50, but as always, much ahead of the others.

The bald man took off his hat, hung it up, and wiping his bald head, walked to the deepest part of the laboratory.

There, a long-haired demon man was staring blankly at a math problem.

"How many points?" the bald man asked.

The demon man answered emotionlessly: "276."

"Which one?"

"Both."

"Both are 276 points?... Well, that’s a pretty good score..." the bald man breathed a sigh of relief and sat down next to the demon man, "This time when I went to Zhejiang for tutoring... oh no, for research, I happened to meet Li Zheng. He is indeed very strong, and there’s a girl who seems even stronger than their last year’s female contestant... These two are far ahead of the third place, we thought you could securely win the IPHO championship, but now it seems there will be a challenge."

"No, I’m the one challenging them." The long-haired demon man was still intently focused on the math problem, "Retake papers. If I were there, I’d come in second twice in a row, and including losing to Shi at the ICHO, that would make it three times."

"So... my suggestion is that you compete again next year, and you’ll definitely win the championship." The bald guy leaned forward, "A person can only participate in the IPHO once, don’t you want to carry on your father’s legacy?"

"I have to go this year." The long-haired demon man glared hard at the math problem, as if trying to solve it with his eyes.

"Why? Isn’t it better to avoid those two?"

The long-haired demon man grimaced, "I thought about it too, but my ICHO medal is still with him!"

"...Idiot."

"Stop scolding, stop scolding..." The long-haired demon man took off his glasses and wiped his eyes, "Shi is too bad, way too bad."

...

That afternoon, four members of the Jijing Team had completed signing, and Qi Yingnan finally secured his admission, spending the evening calling everyone he knew to share the good news.

After all, getting admitted to Ji University on recommendation was a top-tier joyous occasion for any family.

Li Zheng also received many calls himself.

First, it was the school’s turn, starting with Tao Feifei.

Once she confirmed that her student had secured first and second place, although she thought it didn’t relate much to her, she was still overwhelmed with joy, to the extent that Li Zheng had to console her for a long time.

Then it was Liu Xiaodong, who was relieved after hearing firsthand that he and Lin Yujing had signed with Ji University.

He casually mentioned that from now on, they could attend school whenever they wanted to, just remember to show up for the final exams.

Next was Tang Zhifei, who implied it would be better if they didn’t come at all, as their presence could affect the campus atmosphere.

Li Zheng didn’t like to hear that.

Let’s be clear, who actually has a bigger impact on the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, parents, relatives, Zhang Xiaoke, Xu Mengxi also sent their blessings through WeChat.

The Dragon Pearl Group was buzzing too, with The Five Great Experts being hailed again, and this time, Ou Xingzhuo finally got the chance to speak.

After handling these chores and having dinner in the hall, he ran into Huang Lingqi being escorted out.

This person achieved his wish of being among the top ten in the country, and was likely to boast about it extensively.

Li Zheng casually took out his phone, opened Weixin to Huang Lingqi’s profile, and had his finger on the delete button but then hesitated.

Forget it, I’ll leave him be for a few more days.

"Bowling, huh." Qi Yingnan, flush with joy, came over wiping his mouth, "Play till they close, and take the train early tomorrow morning."

"Bowling has become boring," Li Zheng shook his head and sighed, "I still want to do problem sets."

"Big brother... we just finished the exams, let’s have some fun."

"Doing problem sets is the best fun," Li Zheng said and again opened his phone, "Training camp at the end of July, IPHO in August... and then, the math competition in October... ah, no time to have fun… feels so empty."

"...A gaming drought?"

"Pretty much."

"Hmm…" Lin Yujing also sighed heavily and came over, "Still gotta wait two months to beat those losers, feels bad..."

Li Zheng chuckled, "How about I give you a chance, the Biology Competition seems to be coming up soon."

"That’s so boring... even less interesting than a bowling competition..." Lin Yujing sighed heavily, turned around, and waved her hand, "Heading back to the suite to soak in the massage tub…"

"Wait!" Li Zheng suddenly widened his eyes.

"What?" Qi Yingnan also widened his eyes, "Don’t leave me behind! Is the massage tub too much?"

"I mean, I found something fun." Li Zheng spoke excitedly, "The college entrance exam questions have been released, right?"

Lin Yujing’s eyes instantly brightened, "It’s been a few days since the exams ended, they’re out."

Li Zheng then glanced at the hall clock, "It’s now 6 o’clock… yeah… about right..."

Ending his talk, he turned to Lin Yujing and raised an eyebrow, "Until midnight, college entrance exam marathon, you in?"

"Hmm... Marathon..." Lin Yujing shivered, "Like, doing all the subjects of the college entrance exams in one go?"

"That’s exactly the point," Li Zheng narrowed his eyes, "I’m giving you the chance now, do you want to employ tricks and craftiness to maintain a false moral superiority, or use real ability to prove the true moral high ground?"

"Tch!" Lin Yujing gritted her teeth, "But I really hate Chinese and English..."

"Then forget it." Li Zheng pulled Qi Yingnan closer, "Come on, Yingnan, let’s play."

Qi Yingnan seemed to hear a death knell, stepping back uneasily.

"Ah? Don’t... I don’t want to play... I just got my recommendation... was just happy for two hours..."

"Hey, you still need to earn credits in university, even with a recommendation you might not graduate," Li Zheng raised his eyebrows, advancing closer, "How about we do some refreshing sets?"

"Stay away from me, stay away!" Qi Yingnan retreated hastily, ending up behind Lin Yujing, "Sister Jing, only you can handle him now... can I just be the referee for you two?"

"Wait, let me think..." Lin Yujing’s expression suddenly became serious, she took out her phone, scrolled through it, muttered a few words, and then made a call.

"Hmm, Xiaoke."

"What? Studying for the final exams?"

"Never mind then... There was a plan here."

"It was me and Li Zheng finishing this year’s college entrance exam papers within five to six hours."

"Never mind, never mind... Don’t let it affect your exams."

"Hmm..."

"Hmmmm..."

"Sigh, then you do a video call with Li Zheng."

Lin Yujing then hung up the phone, helplessly spreading her hands, "I’m not interested, but Zhang Xiaoke insists on organizing it remotely."

"It’s you who lured her, isn’t it?" Li Zheng scolded, "The kid finally quit gambling after so long."

"~~~"

On Li Zheng’s side, the video call had already started ringing.

Upon connecting, a pale pink bedroom appeared on the screen.

And Zhang Xiaoke in a panda pajama.

"The same kind? Did you team up to buy it on Pinduoduo?" Li Zheng exclaimed.

"Ah?" Zhang Xiaoke looked innocent, "Master, isn’t this the time to say you miss me?"

"Not at all, this is between me and Lin Yujing, you just focus on your reviewing."

"No, that’s, impossible!" Zhang Xiaoke slammed the table, "You didn’t give me a chance to bet in the finals, you won’t shake me off this time! Master is bad, Jingjing is good."

This kid really doesn’t know who’s rooting for her.

Pity for her misfortune, anger for her lack of struggle.

"Also..." Zhang Xiaoke suddenly narrowed her eyes, realizing it wasn’t simple, "I remember, when Jingjing visited my house, she liked this pajama and bought the same one as mine. Yes, indeed it’s the same."

"So that’s how it is."

"But the problem is..." Zhang Xiaoke’s eyes were nearly closed, "how do you know Jingjing has such a pajama?"

"..."

"Ha, full of flaws." Zhang Xiaoke grinned, "Master, you’ve grown weak."

"Go review, kid, don’t meddle in adult affairs..."

"Wait a minute, give me one minute."

Zhang Xiaoke folded her hands in front of her on the table and steadied her chin as she spoke.

"College entrance exam marathon, only you two participating."

"Five hours, try to finish all the exam questions."

"Graded by a trusted third party."

"The one with the higher score, gains the right to a summer vacation trip."

"This right lets you, dictate the company of the other person to any travel destination, not exceeding a week."

"That’s it, Master, Jingjing has agreed to these rules."

"So, Master, think carefully," Zhang Xiaoke sneered, "who is helping whom, and who is the kid that can’t be helped."

Li Zheng’s mouth stretched longer as he listened.

What kind of game is this?

Is it...

a giveaway game!

Isn’t this a sure win wherever we go?

Li Zheng’s gaze instinctively shifted to Lin Yujing.

The latter was facing away, nonchalantly kicking at the air.

Li Zheng’s face instantly turned red with agitation.

Is it the kind of trip I’m thinking of?

Or...

Some deeper, much deeper, much deeper scheme?

Lin Yujing.

This time.

Which layer are you on?

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