It's a Pity That He Searched the Entire Food Market but Never Found Such Delicious Fish Again

When you're out and about, you create your own identity.

Late in freshman year: "Who's Shen Nian? Never heard of him. Hi, I'm Tang San."

Late in sophomore year: "Who's Shen Nian? Don't know him. Hi, I'm Jiahou from Class 11."

Late in junior year: "Who's Shen Nian? No clue. Hi, I'm Cai Xukun from Class 11."

Next time, Shen Nian will be "Allen Dick from Class 11."

The school administrators couldn’t possibly know every student—they’d just hand the tardy list to the homeroom teacher and call it a day.

Su Kexi was pretty easygoing, partly because Shen Nian had gotten familiar with her. Whenever he was late, she’d usually ignore it or just scold him perfunctorily for appearances.

Not that he was late every day, of course—just occasionally, when random things slowed him down.

If he were like Huang Chen, who was late all the time, Su Kexi would’ve dragged him to the office for a lecture.

Ah, Teacher Su is the best.

Still, he was surprised to learn that the bespectacled uncle he’d met at the market was actually a school administrator.

Head of the junior year department? Never heard of him. Shen Nian barely knew any of the school’s higher-ups, though he was familiar with most of the teachers.

The uncle adjusted his square-framed glasses, scowling. How could this kid be from No. 2 High? Tsk.

That said, the fish he’d bought from the kid last time was delicious—tender, springy, and firm, definitely top-tier even at the fish market.

His family loved it too. He still remembered what his daughter had said when she tasted it:

"This fish is straight-up SSR-tier, absolutely divine, gonna inhale it like a tornado!"

"This fish is just so... fishy!"

"Dad, this dish is Michelin-star level!"

His wife had also raved about it...

Since he was the one who cooked at home, the praise went straight to his ego. What chef doesn’t love being told their cooking’s amazing?

Granted, his skills weren’t bad, but the fish’s quality definitely played a part.

Too bad he’d searched the entire market since then and never found fish that good again.

Now he was kinda craving it. Did this kid lace his fish with something? The thought was lowkey terrifying.

"I’ll send the tardy list to your homeroom teacher later. Ahem. Don’t be late again, alright? You’re a junior now—act like it."

"Back in my day, we’d chisel through walls to study by lamplight. Kids these days have it so easy, yet you still don’t take it seriously."

Ah, here we go—the classic dad lecture!

Shen Nian felt weirdly satisfied. Maybe he had a bit of a praise kink.

During New Year’s dinners back home, if there wasn’t some underachieving uncle lecturing him, he’d lose his appetite.

"Chisel through walls? Damn, Uncle, your school was that rough? Things better now? If not, come buy fish from me next time—I’ll give you a discount."

Uncle: ?

This kid’s immune to pressure? Most students would’ve bowed their heads like scared quail by now. Not only does he brush it off, he’s hustling me?

Wow, No. 2 High really breeds talent—just not the normal kind.

Still, business is business. Catching tardy students and buying fish don’t have to conflict.

"Ahem. Cai Xukun, when do you usually sell fish?" the uncle asked in a hushed tone.

Shen Nian: ?

LMAO, I was joking, but you’re serious?

"Sunday, same spot. I’ll hook you up, Uncle."

"Save me two."

"Bet. I’ll save you three."

"Two’s enough."

"Bet. Two of the best, same place, same time."

The uncle nodded approvingly. Weird kid, but at least he’s polite. His earnestness almost made the uncle want to let him off the hook.

Almost. Duty comes first.

His smile vanished, replaced by a stern frown. "Get to class. Next time you’re late, I’m deducting points from your homeroom. Say goodbye to the flowing red flag."

Shen Nian’s eye twitched. He nodded. Sure, Uncle, I’ll give you a discount on Sunday.

A 120% discount counts too. Gonna catch me being late? Fine—I play Poker with my cards face-up and double the stakes from the start. Get ready for the super raise!

Back in class, half the students were already asleep during morning self-study. The post-exam lethargy hadn’t worn off.

Not that it was unusual—morning self-study was prime naptime.

Xia Yanchun sat upright at her desk, expressionless, reading with a bottle of century egg and pork congee beside her—the one Shen Nian had bought her. Without him drawing attention, she didn’t dare eat while walking.

Meanwhile, adorable Li Shiyan snoozed on Xia Yanchun’s pillow, breathing softly.

Shen Nian sneaked in through the back door. Passing Xia Yanchun’s seat, he couldn’t resist flicking her fluffy little ponytail.

Daily Ponytail Flick Mission: 1/1.

"......" Xia Yanchun shot him a frosty glare.

"Keep staring and you owe me 50 bucks."

She immediately looked away.

During the reading session, the class rep paced the room leading the recitation. Shen Nian clicked his tongue, propping up his book just for show.

Exams were over, but grades weren’t out yet. The main quest was still pending.

If mid-tier monsters were monthly exams, the next main quest would probably be midterms—still a ways off. Why’s the system gatekeeping like this?

As he zoned out, the recitation suddenly grew louder. Shen Nian snapped back to attention, his book open to "Ascending the Heights" while he mumbled "Ode to the Epang Palace"—pure improvisation.

Sudden silence or noise only meant one thing: a teacher had entered.

Su Kexi strolled leisurely around the classroom, arms crossed. Wherever she went, voices rose a notch, and she’d nod approvingly.

Then she stopped right beside Shen Nian, her flats clicking together.

Shen Nian: ......

"Cai Xukun from Class 11, where’s the class reading? And why’s your book on the wrong page?"

"Teacher, my name’s Shen Nian. Wrong person, maybe?"

Sweating bullets now.

.

Pls gib moar chapters.

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