r09tj0Th

1Chapter 327: This Life of Mine
2
3Translator: BeetleBarker Editor: Tennesh
4
5Fang Zhao stayed at the retirement facility and accompanied the two elder Fangs as they watched the series. He shared with them some interesting anecdotes that had happened while filming. He also helped take care of the little cultivation plot that they had rented.
6
7After meals, Fang Zhao would be dragged along by Great-Grandfather Fang to go for a walk. They would walk through the garden. Whenever any of the other old veterans of the retirement facility saw Great-Grandfather Fang approaching from far, they avoided him.
8
9Today, after a meal, the two old Fangs were keeping watch in front of the screen. It was finally the episode where Fang Zhao received his bento box. The two old folks staring at the screen seemed to be in an extremely grave mood.
10
11Fang Zhao also maintained his silence.
12
13In this episode, Fang Zhao perished following the chaotic aftermath of an earthquake that caught everyone off guard.
14
15Actually, at that time, given his status, he could have protected himself and safely left the war zone. But he had chosen not to do so.
16
17At that time, he had known that he didn't have long left, and he had also been tired.
18
19Mutual suspicions and deception, bloodied storms, and the cumulative injuries and pains after every battle—every day, his mental state had been strained to the point that it had been as tight as a steel wire. After arranging things, he had chosen to stay behind and meet the enemy head-on. He'd had some regrets about not ever getting to see the beginning of the Founding Era. He had lost to his injuries and lost to time, but a loss was a loss. After thinking and getting over it, he no longer had many complaints.
20
21He had only been able to bring everyone to this point, but he had believed that his successor would lead everyone to their destination. Before he'd died, he had been in a peaceful state of mind. In the series, he had also acted this way.
22
23Many people in the cast and crew felt that he'd been worried about the Wu family and had followed the directorial team and scriptwriter's suggestions and acted this way, but that wasn't the case.
24
25The accompaniment music where he perished in battle had been composed by someone else. It was a mournful tune full of choking sorrow. Although it had a heroic meaning, it was still thick with emotions. Just the tune alone was very good; otherwise, it wouldn't have been selected.
26
27However, from the audience's point of view, the sorrow wasn't that intense. It wasn't that the acting was substandard or that the accompaniment piece wasn't good but rather that everyone had already been prepared. It was all laid out in history. Before filming even started, everyone knew the ending.
28
29From the start of "Founding Era" till now, many important characters had already received their bento boxes. Many accompaniment pieces that were offered as scriptures had appeared. The audience had already seen a lot and listened to a lot. At most, they would only feel emotional for the great people that perished in battle and feel these people's regret.
30
31On a certain film-discussion forum.
32
33"Oh dear, even if I'm unwilling to see it, we have reached this episode."
34
35"Old Commander Fang, you have worked hard!"
36
37"It feels like I have lost an old friend that has accompanied me for so long. Even though I knew what the ending would be, I thought it would be all right as long as we recall him fondly, but now, at this time, I still feel very sad."
38
39"Did Old Fang die with regrets? A pity, what a pity! If he had been able to endure for another year, even if he couldn't have been the governor, the number one spot in Yanzhou's cemetery would not have run away."
40
41Watching the ending of this great person in Yanzhou history, many people called into question his cause of death in historical records.
42
43He had already had such a high rank as being commander of the corps. Not mentioning his individual importance, why hadn't even more people stayed at his side and protected him? Was reality really like what the series portrayed? had Fang Zhao given the order himself not to let anyone protect him? Had he really made the decision to stay behind and fight to the death?
44
45"Old Fang's ending is really the same as what is recorded in history books, but is the stuff recorded in them really true? Or were there unspeakable things that were deliberately concealed?"
46
47"Does the brother on top mean that Old Fang was actually killed? But because it involves certain secrets, it cannot be revealed in public?"
48
49"A power struggle, aren't all people like this? When hope cannot be seen, anyone would want someone at the front to shield them. When finally people get out of their predicament and see the benefits not too far ahead, their thoughts will no longer be the same."
50
51"I don't think that's the case. Old Fang had already arranged his successor. He knew early on that he would not be able to last till the end, and he did not want many others to trade his life for him. Why not die in battle instead?"
52
53On many film forums discussing topics related to "Founding Era," more and more people were using "Old Fang" for Founding Era's Fang Zhao.
54
55Many people did not believe Fang Zhao's cause of death and did not believe the "ordinary" death he'd had. Thus, they were inclined to make guesses as to whether there had been any hidden conspiracies or assassinations.
56
57Regardless of whether the audiences acknowledged Fang Zhao's cause of death, the "Founding Era" series had been filmed like this, and Fang Zhao himself had willingly acted this way. Although reality hadn't been entirely like what was shown in the show, the two were largely the same. The heroic and profound way he'd died a martyr was a little exaggerated. Compared to others, his death couldn't be considered bitter. At least he still had an entire corpse.
58
59History had drowned out a lot of truths. The truth might be much more complex than everyone thought, or it could be much simpler.
60
61Actually, the truth was just as the historical records said. But it had been simplified to just a few sentences.
62
63Just like other, more important characters that perished, at the end of the episode, a grave number was shown followed by a flashback reel showing images of this character as he journeyed through different times.
64
65However, Fang Zhao's focus wasn't on this. All those before had been acting according to other people's requirements in the script. The three-minute accompaniment piece at the end of this episode was what he really wanted to tell everyone.
66
67Gentle orchestra music carrying a sense of thickset mood, apparently like a gale of wind originating from a high mountain. Flitting across the cold snowlands and desolate wilderness, passing through serene forests, through the quiet, long night, and pushing past the patter of spring rain and penetrating the thorny and rugged undergrowth of life.
68
69The sound of a trumpet was like a fierce breeze streaking across the ears. Within the wind, it seemed like there was someone unhurriedly trying to say something.
70
71Along the gradually forceful bugle cries and layered notes of a zither, that gale of wind seemed to climb hills full of green, break through the murky daybreak, fly past the clouds, and then slowly meet light...
72
73In front of the screen, Fang Zhao had a relieved smile in his eyes.
74
75In "Founding Era," all other music concerning this Fang Zhao had been expressed by other composer's sentiments. What Fang Zhao himself wished to tell everyone was in these last three and a half minutes.
76
77A long, long time ago, when the world was still peaceful, I once thought that when I grew old, with white and grey on my temples, I would be watching flowers bloom in front of my lawn or I would have friends and family by my side making light chat over creative works and watching time pass by.
78
79Unfortunately, what came were hails of bullets, smoke and explosions, and danger and difficulties. What we faced were destruction and ruins, broken limbs, seas of blood, and mountains of corpses.
80
81During that time period, the gods that people believed in never showed mercy. Fate was already fixed, so how could we struggle?
82
83I wasn't born brave.
84
85In this life of mine, I was once bewildered and lost. I once abandoned myself to despair. But finally, in this bloody purgatory, I woke up.
86
87Under the apocalypse, defying the natural order and fighting. Puerile people would ultimately end up as cannon fodder. The world was a battlefield. The battlefield was how us people who existed during the Period of Destruction saw and experienced the world.
88
89Anguished wailing, rallying cries. Exhausted till we became numb, in our eyes, innocence completely faded away. There was no path of retreat, only advancing forward. Attack, counterattack, again and again.
90
91People who existed during the Period of Destruction would always be pushed along by fate.
92
93In our darkness and despair, we found a path. We hoped that the end point we pursued would be bright and warm, hoped that we could endure till the day we could see sunlight break through the clouds and shine down.
94
95Fortunately, the path we walked was the right one.
96
97In this life of mine, I was once ordinary, and I was also once splendid.
98
99I have walked through ruins, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and forests. My footprints can be found throughout Yanzhou.
100
101I have gone through the cruelest times and experienced the difficulty of fighting against fate. I have gone through the uninhibited ups and downs of life, experienced great joy and sorrow, and arrived at the pinnacle of life.
102
103Ultimately, everything returns to silence.
104
105All the unyielding sorrow, all the extraordinary iron blood has passed. All hardships and difficulty and joy and happiness have been diluted by time. In the end, the complete chaos was dissolved inside history.
106
107All the grand thrills and dangers I have experienced, all these great changes, only I would know about them myself.
108
109However, that is enough.
110
111I never dreamed of striving for merit, and I have never felt unwilling.
112
113The fight has already ended. Souls have already found peace. Soil dyed with blood has already putrefied and sunk into the underground. New life absorbs this nutrition and grows on this land.
114
115I have seen the rising sun, it's expansive rays lighting up the earth!
116
117I have seen countless people in front of graves, swearing oaths and saluting!
118
119I have seen the Founding Era. I have seen sunlight illuminating the new starting point. I have seen the brilliant world outside the battlefields!
120
121Now, I have returned to this place and let go of the heart that is finally tranquil. Together with the old friends I once had, my heart will be content with the setting sun and the afterglow following that, to be within the dust of the graves.
122
123No regrets for this life!
124
125The music wasn't what everyone had imagined. It wasn't bleak sorrow or regretful bewailing for the martyr not being able to achieve his great goal in his declining years.
126
127The tranquil music notes carried a truly magnificent momentum formed over time and experience!
128
129A legendary sound, calming and extensive!
130
131For this episode, at the end of the end was a segment of a real historical scene.
132
133Inside the newly constructed Cemetery of Martyrs, two rows of people adorned with star epaulets on their shoulders were bearing a coffin.
134
135An already aged Wu Yan solemnly draped three flags over the coffin: the flag of the 5th Corps, the continent flag of the newly established Yanzhou, and the new alliance flag.
136
137"Fang Zhao (???–Period of Destruction year 99), first commanding officer of the 5th Corps..."
138
139The words on the grave gradually grew fainter.
140
141In the main hall at the cemetery's public worship area, a tall and looming ash-colored sculptured stood under the setting sun, staring fixedly at a faraway place.
142
143This episode was also the last episode in season nine of the Yanzhou chapter of "Founding Era."
144
145Fang Zhao soundlessly exhaled.
146
147He had written this tune to tell everyone three things: I have seen it all, I don't regret this life, and I'm still here.
148
149What he had let go of was the heart of Fang Zhao that had belonged to the Period of Destruction. The heart that belonged to the Fang Zhao of the New Era was still beating as per usual.
150
151In the musical score, what the latter part expressed was veiled and ambiguous, so much so that when Mo Lang had been examining the scoresheet, even if he had heard a clear sentiment of remembrance, he would only have thought that the music was specifically planned to highlight it.
152
153"Sigh!"
154
155Sitting beside Fang Zhao, Great-Grandfather Fang sighed heavily. He pulled out a piece of tissue paper, wiped his nose, dabbed at his tears, and sighed once more. The old fella did not now what he was feeling now. In the past, he had always felt that this commander that had perished right before the dawn of the Founding Era had been unlucky and pitiful, but knowing his great-grandson had taken on this role, Great-Grandfather Fang had had even more sentiments about this role, this historical character, and had felt that this person was really pitiful. But right now, he had no idea why his past feelings of pity and regret seemed watered down.
156
157Two minutes later.
158
159Great-Grandfather Fang finally returned to his senses and started to browse the internet for comments. This was something he had to do every time he watched the latest episode.
160
161On the official social platform for the Yanzhou chapter of "Founding Era," the comments section below the latest update was extremely lively.
162
163"A legendary founder, a poetic saga of a person!"
164
165"Everyone dies someday, but not everyone can leave behind a legacy. Every person that can start a blaze in the long rivers of time burns their mark in history."
166
167"Originally, I was feeling rather downcast and felt even more gloomy after watching it, but when listening to the blare of the trumpet, I suddenly felt a strength like I just wanted to start running."
168
169"At the scene right at the end at the graves, the accompaniment's snare drums sounded as if they were in sync with the scene's march."
170
171"This accompaniment music is too awesome. Although it was moderate, it was also majestic. I felt incomparable melancholy listening to it, yet I also felt all sorts of weird sentiments."
172
173"It was like watching an old man recalling his entire life's experiences."
174
175"There are also different standards when it comes to epics. The accompaniment piece at the end of this episode will surely be ranked highly even if it is placed in a 'Founding Era' music compilation. It's just too bad that the end credits don't show any information about the composer of this tune."
176
177"I didn't pay attention to the music, I was just feeling deeply rueful. The stormy life of Old Fang came to an end as he left accompanying his comrades. Sigh, the cost of peace is so high!"
178
179"I'm bawling my eyes out. How could he have perished in battle! He even didn't get to see the Founding Era!"
180
181"He was great, and he wouldn't have had any regrets. I'm guessing Old Fang's sentiments were probably like this: What Founding Era, what great generals? Whatever happens, it is just my fate."
182
183"This was a really great person who gave his all to humanity! A hero everyone has to respect!"
184
185"Old Fang might have lost his life, but it was full of glory!"
186
187"I beg to differ. Old Fang's life might be full of glory, but he still died too early!"
188
189"Old Fang really never looked for a wife? And he didn't leave behind any children?"
190
191"Cough, Old Fang looked up, sighed, and said, 'In my life, the more beautiful something is, the more it shouldn't be touched'."
192
193"As the apocalypse descended, Old Fang stared up at the sky and hissed, 'I will not take a wife, have offspring, fight for authority, or become a great general. I will fight whoever there is to fight and will only rest when I die!'"
194
195"Old Fang said, 'Everyone dies in the end. I fight for the common people! Even when my light has dimmed and my gas is running low, even when I have one foot in the coffin, I will offer my blood!'"
196
197"Lying alone in his coffin, Old Fang calmly said, 'Someone asked me what my feelings were, being the only one among the twelve leaders to take my leave. However, what I see is not loneliness or misery but rather the surging momentum of the vast ocean and the glittering sky full of stars!'"
198
199"Old Fang said..."
200
201The hotly discussed comments section was swept with a wave of "Old Fang said."
202
203Fang Zhao, as he saw this bunch of online drama queens: "..."
204
205I never said all this! Stop talking nonsense!Chapter 328: Where Did You Get This Self-Confidence
206
207Translator: BeetleBarker Editor: Tennesh
208
209Music is something magical. It can resonate without the use of language.
210
211Whether people paid attention to this ending accompaniment tune or not, at the end of this episode, they might have been thinking about many different things, but the original feelings they'd had toward this historical figure Fang Zhao—of sympathy, regret, and the like—and had been reduced by a lot.
212
213With this, inevitably, there would be people continuing to discuss conspiracy theories and feeling that because of the interference of certain parties with power, this Fang Zhao had met with this sort of ending. Although the character's portrayal was profound, it did not have that tragic hero sentiment that everyone had come to expect. There is surely some conspiracy here! All this political whatnot is just shady!
214
215Of course, they were even more people that were only chasing the series. Regardless of how the series was shot, they just lapped it up, and at the same time, it changed their view toward the historical figure Fang Zhao.
216
217Shortly after the airing of "Founding Era" season nine, season 10 would be broadcast. Up till now, all nine seasons that had been broadcast had been very high quality.
218
219Even if there were disputes in the plot, it could not be denied that "Founding Era" was a series with awesome film and soundtrack.
220
221Forgetting about other stuff, just this lineup, this amount of resources, this historical significance... Even if it was remade in the future, could it replace the current one?
222
223Many reviewers and critics had already said that in the coming 50 or even 100 years, there was no way of surpassing it!
224
225Actors that had been unable to get into the cast were regretting immeasurably and could only console themselves by saying that there would be opportunities in future. But rationally, they also knew that even if there were any future historical dramas set during this period, it would be far from ever competing with the impact of "Founding Era."
226
227With the ending of season nine and the death of this important character Fang Zhao, Fang Zhao once again became a highly searched topic.
228
229When everyone discussed Fang Zhao, they inevitably mentioned the Fang Zhao that portrayed this role.
230
231"It is really pleasant to watch these strong actors perform and portray that thick historical feel. This sort of epic series is really testing their acting skills. I heard that many actors were unable to get out of character for a duration after their scenes were finished. I wonder if Fang Zhao was able to shed his character after portraying all of Old Fang's scenes. Recently, we haven't heard any news of him."
232
233"Enthusiastic fans from Yanbei have revealed that Fang Zhao was spotted at the retirement facility."
234
235"He probably hasn't shed his character."
236
237"It seems that you all have forgotten that this Fang Zhao is only 20-something! Even younger than me! Generally, for these sorts of young actors, the better they act, the harder it is for them to shed their character, so much so that it might possibly leave behind a mental shadow. There are many actors that were impacted by films for the rest of their lives. It's really tough for this little fella!"
238
239"Yeah, Fang Zhao isn't even 30 yet! And he is a complete newcomer! Still, remember that it was Roman's recommendations when they were selecting the actors? Roman's foresight is really good."
240
241"It was Roman's recommendation and ultimately the voting of the Committee of 100. However, Roman was the chief driving force."
242
243It was inevitable that there were people who were sour.
244
245"Fang Zhao was just lucky, that's all."
246
247"I have analyzed it. Fang Zhao was actually just displaying his inherent qualities. If he was changed for anyone who had the same characteristics, that person would have been able to produce the same result."
248
249Fans weren't happy.
250
251"There was something I didn't know whether or not to say, so I went to check the verification information of the two above me, and it turns out they are also actors? That's great, then; I have to say it now: if you can do it, go ahead, but if you can't, stop complaining, pussies!"
252
253"I always used to think that the person portraying Fang Zhao was a veteran actor, but now it seems like even if he acts out his inherent qualities, even though they do have some advantages, looking at Fang Zhao's age and his performance, it really isn't something that just anybody could do. Roman, those world-renowned directors, and the old artists from the Committee of 100 aren't blind either!"
254
255"In the series, I can't find any faults with the speech, actions, or expressions! You have done amazing, my Zhao god!"
256
257As this bunch was chatting, the official account of the "Founding Era" Yanzhou chapter posted a new status on their social platform: "Season nine end-season credits accompaniment piece 'This Life Of Mine.' Composer: Fang Zhao. Arranger: Fang Zhao... [Link]."
258
259During postproduction for season nine, due to the effect of them sharing the same name, Fang Zhao's composer information had not been displayed in the end credits of that episode. However, the official site had very quickly released the composer, arranger, recorder, orchestra, and other information as well as a link with a sample of the piece.
260
261"F*cking awesome! This is self-composed, self-arranged, and self-acted!"
262
263"I nearly would have forgotten if this was not said. He is a graduate of a music academy. What more can I f*cking say? He doesn't want to be a film emperor or an e-sports god because he is a great composer?"
264
265"I just want to ask, are all people with this name really impressive? I have been pondering what to name my newborn kid."
266
267"Cough, I have the exact same name as Old Fang and Zhao god. I just failed my recent month-end tests."
268
269...
270
271Netizens had their own fun, but when it came to people in the music circles, their impression was different.
272
273"The standard of this piece is really high, and it blends well with the scenes being shown, there is a possibility of it achieving an award. Are youngsters nowadays so impressive? Which school did he graduate from?"
274
275"He probably had a teacher to guide him. I can't deny that the standard of this piece is rather high, but this isn't something a youngster like Fang Zhao could have composed!"
276
277"That is what I think too. Fang Zhao definitely has talent in this area, but the possibility of him composing it on his own isn't high. Let's not talk about how difficult it is to master this sort of unhurried and slow piece that carries a thick epic character; without sufficient experience and sufficient realization, without sufficient accumulated wisdom, how could a mere youngster with a few decades of experience compose this!?"
278
279"Perhaps he was too immersed in his character? Wasn't it said that Fang Zhao acted very well? However, if he really composed this tune on his own, then all I can say is that Fang Zhao is just a genius among geniuses."
280
281"Acting and composing are different. It isn't something that can be explained with talent. I am still inclined to believe that he had some help behind the scenes."
282
283"If it is not Xue Jing, then it is Mo Lang. The probability of Mo Lang is even higher. After all, Xue Jing did not go to planet Wai. Furthermore, many people know that Fang Zhao grew close to Mo Lang during their time on planet Wai. Old Master Mo even frequently gave stuff to Fang Zhao. It seems like they have a good relationship."
284
285"Didn't Venerable Mo say he wasn't accepting students? The old master's last disciple is already over 50 now."
286
287Doubts were just doubts, but who dared to actually ask Mo Lang? However, in everyone's hearts, they believed that it was Mo Lang that had given Fang Zhao guidance.
288
289There were many works from youngsters that were said to be self-compositions but that had actually had the assistance of a team or an impressive guiding teacher.
290
291"Fang Zhao only submitted one song in 'Founding Era'?"
292
293"With his status as a composer, only one tune. However, I heard my teacher say that Fang Zhao helped in the arrangement of the penultimate tune for season 10."
294
295"Season 10's penultimate tune? That project that's more than 10 minutes long? The tune that Old Master Mo personally crafted?"
296
297"Yes. According to inside information, under the arrangement section, Old Master Mo personally added Fang Zhao's name."
298
299"All right, say no more. He surely had Old Master Mo's help."
300
301That was the verdict a bunch of composing masters came to.
302
303Regardless of what these academic masters guessed, Great-Grandfather Fang firmly believed that Fang Zhao had composed it all by himself. From what he saw, there was nothing his own little grandson could not do.
304
305Great-Grandfather Fang smiled till his eyes could not be seen. "My family's little Zhao is just a genius!'
306
307The next morning.
308
309Great-Grandfather Fang and Great-Grandmother Fang prepared breakfast early in the morning.
310
311When it was only the two of them, they normally had the retirement facility's dining hall send over some porridge or prepare a simple breakfast for themselves. However, as Fang Zhao had come over, the two old Fangs personally cooked; Fang Zhao could not stop them.
312
313Early in the morning, they made a huge pot of rice and five to six dishes.
314
315The dishes were all vegetables the two old Fangs had grown on their land and some other vegetables and meat that Fang Zhao had gotten his farm in Muzhou to send over.
316
317One bowl, two bowls... Fang Zhao had five huge bowls of rice in succession. The huge pot of rice and dishes on the table were basically finished.
318
319Great-Grandmother Fang smiled kindly, not finding anything wrong with this scene.
320
321On the other hand, Great-Grandfather Fang's heart seemed to ache. He thought to himself, My child Fang Zhao has indeed suffered. Filming and composing, physical and mental effort, how could he not be exhausted! Fang Zhao probably often went hungry and didn't even have proper meals. Mhm, add in an extra scoop of rice for today's lunch.
322
323Actually, Fang Zhao had not intended to eat so much here. Indeed, he was able to eat a lot here, but the two older Fang were advanced in aged and preparing food wasn't an easy task. Preparing such a large table full of dishes was even more difficult. Even if most of the kitchen tools were automated, Fang Zhao didn't want to tire out the two elders. However, he was unable to stop them. The two old Fangs were full of vigor, so Fang Zhao could only stand to the side and help out a little. If he ate less, the two elders might feel that their cooking skill had dropped, which might hurt them.
324
325Although Fang Zhao ate a lot, he ate quickly. When the two elders had finished their meal, Fang Zhao had also finished his fifth bowl. He stopped Great-Grandmother Fang from filling his sixth bowl and helped tidy up the table.
326
327Great-Grandfather Fang patted his sleeves and stood up. "Cough, Little Zhao, let's go for a stroll. We have to digest our food after having breakfast."
328
329Fang Zhao was just about to reply when he was interrupted by his communications device. It was a call from his company.
330
331Great-Grandmother Fang let Fang Zhao head into the room to answer the call, then waved her old husband off. "You go alone, Little Zhao is busy."
332
333"All right." Great-Grandfather Fang sounded unreluctant, but he didn't want to interfere with Fang Zhao's official matters.
334
335Great-Grandfather Fang pulled a long face as he walked out, but in no time, his face glowed again as he hastened his steps to catch up with a few other old folks who were out strolling too.
336
337"Hey, Old Lin, did you watch 'Founding Era' yesterday? My Little Zhao acted really well! How many people online are praising my family's little Zhao for being a genius? Seeing them mentioning the old commander and calling him 'Old Fang' makes me feel warm, but it feels a little embarrassing. I think you guys should stop calling me Old Fang in the future. How about we change the way of addressing me?"
338
339The face of the old veteran that had been called became rigid. "Where did you get all this drama from?"
340
341"My family's Little Zhao acted in this series! It's a pity he only acted till season nine... Oh right, the final ending theme for season nine is different from the other episodes. The accompaniment was composed by my family's Little Zhao all by himself! What is this called again, self-composed, self-arranged, and self-acted! It's not that I'm bragging, but not many people in the entire world can do it, and those that can do it cannot compare with the standard of my family's Little Zhao!"
342
343The other few old veterans: "..." How are we going to continue living!?
344
345After his routine bragging, Great-Grandfather Fang returned in high spirits and was even humming a tune. When he stepped inside, he saw his old wife packing up some stuff.
346
347"What's going on?" Great-Grandfather Fang asked.
348
349"Little Zhao says his company has some matters. He has to return to Qi'an City tomorrow. I'm helping him pack up these things."
350
351A bolt from the blue!
352
353Great-Grandfather Fang's fluttering mood came crashing down.
354
355Great-Grandfather Fang immediately asked, "What? Wasn't he going to stay for a period of time? Why is there such a rush to return?"
356
357At this moment, Fang Zhao stepped into the room and explained, "The company has arranged for me to have an interview. It was a sudden decision."
358
359"Live or recorded?" Great-Grandfather Fang asked.
360
361"Live."
362
363"Then that's fine. Which program is it? I want to set a notification first."
364
365After clarifying all this, Great-Grandfather Fang proficiently set up three important reminders, then continued to ask, "Little Zhao, are you going to continue acting after you return this time? I see many reports online that there are lots of people who want to approach you to act, and these are absolutely lead roles."
366
367"No, I intend to further my studies," Fang Zhao replied.
368
369"Advanced studies? Where will you go to do that?"
370
371"Huangzhou Institute of Art or Huangzhou Music Academy to undertake advanced courses. However, I still have to take an exam."
372
373According to Silver Wing's intentions, now Fang Zhao had works that he could bring out as well as a certain influence. With a little support from the company behind him, as long as his exam results weren't too shabby, entering the advanced courses for these two institutions would be no issue. The only problem was that the examinations for both institutions were on the same day, so there was no way he could attend both at the same time. The company would like Fang Zhao to consider first and quickly make a decision so that the company could make preparations beforehand.
374
375Great-Grandfather Fang did not understand much about this. After reading up, he found out that in terms of music, Huangzhou Institute of Art and Huangzhou Music Academy were the two top-rated institutions in the world and had much higher rankings than the Qi'an Academy of Music that Fang Zhao had graduated from. These two were really the best schools.
376
377Great-Grandfather Fang had confidence in Fang Zhao. "You can surely do it!"
378
379Fang Zhao had yet another call, so Great-Grandfather Fang did not disturb him. Going one round, he realized there was nothing much left to pack up, so he ran to the vegetable field.
380
381There were professionals in charge of the vegetable fields and they would help out with the manual labor. Great-Grandfather Fang got them to pick all that could be eaten and got them to seal and pack the vegetables.
382
383When others saw this, they asked, "Old Man Fang, you already picked quite a lot yesterday, so what are you picking so much today for? You aren't having them anymore?"
384
385"Not having anymore! I'm sending everything with my family's Little Zhao!"
386
387The few old veterans nearby that were taking care of their crops under the guidance of the agriculture specialists immediately looked up and asked, "Your family's Little Zhao is leaving?" There seemed to be some ecstasy in their expressions that could not be covered up fast enough.
388
389"That's right." Great-Grandfather Fang's attention was on these vegetables, so he didn't notice the other's reactions.
390
391"Then what about the vegetables you picked yesterday?" someone asked.
392
393"They have all been eaten! He's a youngster. Being able to eat is a blessing."
394
395"Doesn't your family's Little Zhao have a farm in Muzhou? He doesn't lack these things. Vegetables produced on Muzhou farms taste much better than the vegetables you grow here!" someone added.
396
397"How is that the same?" In any case, Great-Grandfather Fang felt that the vegetables he had grown himself were the best. "My family's Little Zhao still wants to go to Huangzhou to pursue his studies. Composing is also very tough, so I have to send him more of these."
398
399The others were curious. "Eh? Isn't your family's Little Zhao an actor?"
400
401Great-Grandfather Fang looked somewhat pleased. "That was him moonlighting. Do you know what moonlighting is? His original occupation is composing. After that, he still wants to moonlight and further his studies."
402
403"Further studies? This I know. My son is in the Ministry of Education, so I have heard about this before. Has your family's Little Zhao found a school yet? In recent years, music and art institutions have been very stringent when it comes to this. The higher the ranking, the more difficult it is to get into advanced courses. Especially the top two ranked ones in the world."
404
405Great-Grandfather Fang had a solemn expression on his face. "He hasn't decided yet and is still considering his specialization. Let me say, Huangzhou Music Academy is okay. Huangzhou Institute of Art is all right too."
406
407The others: "..." Where did you get this self-confidence to say this?Chapter 329: God-Level Advanced Course
408
409Translator: BeetleBarker Editor: Tennesh
410
411Great-Grandfather Fang placed the sealed vegetables into the preservation warehouse and wrote down the address in Qi'an City. They would be sent over tomorrow.
412
413Knowing that Fang Zhao would be heading to Huangzhou to further his studies, Great-Grandfather Fang was extremely reluctant. He had waited so long for Fang Zhao to finish filming, but now Fang Zhao would be going to Huangzhou to study. Great-Grandfather Fang had heard that a normal course normally took about one year and that some were even longer.
414
415He did not know when he would next get to see Fang Zhao. Even though modern communications were very convenient, it still could not be compared to the real person standing right there. Great-Grandfather Fang's recently fluttery mood once again became downcast.
416
417After dinner, Great-Grandfather Fang had Fang Zhao accompany him on a stroll.
418
419Great-Grandmother Fang brought Curly Hair out for a walk and did some aerobic exercises with a few of the other old ladies.
420
421On the second day, Fang Zhao, together with Curly Hair, left Yanbei City's retirement facility quietly and returned to Qi'an City.
422
423The "rabbit" was quietly nested inside the apartment's water tank. The water tank's lid still appeared as before, and the surrounding pots of plants did not appear to have any traces that they had been nibbled. Fang Zhao brought up the surveillance footage for a look and saw that this "rabbit" had not lifted the lid.
424
425Fang Zhao had received a reply from the time he had left a message with this hybrid sea slug's breeder, Denzel. Denzel's replies were in the form of short videos. It seemed like Denzel was also very busy on his end, given his hurried and short replies.
426
427"That 'rabbit' is really good to rear. You have also seen it for yourself. Even if you don't give it anything to eat, it can still photosynthesize like a plant. You don't have to worry about it starving to death. Your five million will not turn out to be a bad investment," Denzel had explained, as if he was afraid Fang Zhao was regretting the purchase. "Perhaps it doesn't like the feed. If it is nibbling on leaves, let it be. I have checked and those potted plants of yours aren't too expensive. By eating those leaves and basking in the sun to photosynthesize, it can sustain itself for quite a while. This is even more cost-effective than giving it feed...
428
429"You can also try occasionally changing things up and feeding it some fresh food. Meat and vegetables are fine. It is different from other sea slugs. If it likes leaves, you can throw more in. Don't put in too much. If the leaves are fresh, it might not like them. Oh, right, it also loves to eat jellyfish. The more poisonous, the more it likes them. However, for the sake of your own life and well-being, my personal recommendation is that you don't feed it those, especially those really poisonous ones like sea wasps and Portuguese man o' wars. Prepare some comprehensive antidotes at home so even if you do get stung, they can at least be a buffer to ensure that you survive until you can get treatment at a hospital...
430
431"As for what you said about its IQ, its learning ability is much higher native sea slugs'. However you don't have to worry. Compared to people, it is still rather stupid. It has already been identified as a nonthreatening invasive species. The probability of it becoming an invasive species is extremely low. It exists apart from native species, so it won't reproduce. Even if the relevant authorities come and investigate, you don't have to worry. All credentials are in order...
432
433"It's a pet, after all. It's fine as long as it looks good. If you don't think it looks good, then you can just treat it as an emergency light. If you really don't wish to raise it, you can sell it. Eighty million!" When he mentioned this, Denzel felt a little sour. When he'd sold it to Fang Zhao for five million, he had felt that he'd gotten a good deal at Fang Zhao's expense. When he had turned around, though, he'd realized the authoritative pet magazine had given it a valuation of 80 million!
434
435Fortunately. Denzel was also earning quite a lot cultivating krill. Otherwise, he would feel like puking blood every time this was mentioned.
436
437After watching Denzel's replies, Fang Zhao looked at the seemingly very content "rabbit" in the water tank. Then he trimmed some leaves off a potted plant and tossed them in.
438
439Occasionally giving it some stuff to change up its diet was fine, just not jellyfish and the like. Those were too dangerous.
440
441As for antidotes, Fang Zhao decided to install a few more. He didn't need to worry about himself, but should anyone visit him and have itchy hands, at least the antidotes might be able to save a life.
442
443As he watched the "rabbit" within the water tank start to nibble on the leaves happily, Fang Zhao thought about Denzel's replies. Fang Zhao laughed as he tapped his fingers on the walls of the glass tank. "If you end up going out of control, I won't sell you; I'll just cook you and be done with it."
444
445Shelving the matter with the "rabbit" for now, Fang Zhao went through the contents of the interview that the company had collated and sent him. This sort of interview had high entertainment value. The questions and answers seemed impromptu, but there would be a script and a sequence.
446
447As he looked through these, the Silver Wing gaming department manager, Wayne, called.
448
449"Fang Zhao, today, the two 10th-generation machines that the company bought have arrived. Although they are only the standard versions and cannot be compared to the luxury version you own, the price is still acceptable. The youngsters in the team say that it is much better to use compared to the 9th gen. When will you be coming over to give them a try?"
450
451Fiery Bird had finally mass-produced and released the 10th-generation standard version. Fang Zhao was the worldwide ambassador for the 10th-generation console.
452
453Back when Fang Zhao had endorsed high-end earpieces, many people had started making guesses and wondering what luxury item Fang Zhao would endorse next. Now they had their answer.
454
455Following the endorsement of the magical object of earpieces, the Diting Z Series, Fang Zhao once again had the status of a global ambassador and endorsed the current magical object of gaming consoles, the 10th-generation "Rhapsody."
456
457Although the 10th generation had entered mass production, its price was still not something that normal people could accept, and it was considered a luxury item.
458
459"I will be busy these few days, so I won't be going over," Fang Zhao replied.
460
461"I know, Prairie Fire's interview, huh. Don't take it too seriously. That is something Prairie Fire and our company has planned out. Just memorize the replies the company prepared for you and everything will be fine. I hard that the company originally wanted to promote you full force, but unfortunately, you are planning to further your studies, so the company had to temporarily change their plans. They want you to bring along two acting newcomers to the interview?"
462
463"Yes. I know those two, so it's all right to bring them along."
464
465A business-oriented company would still like to do that which brought about the most benefits. Since Fang Zhao had other plans for himself, they would get Fang Zhao to bring along newcomers. On the company's end, they were worried that this method of making use of Fang Zhao's popularity would give rise to a negative reaction from Fang Zhao, so they had specifically explained it and asked about Fang Zhao's views on the matter.
466
467Fang Zhao also knew those two newcomers. Back when they'd had minor roles in the cast of "Founding Era," they had tagged along with Ji Polun and had meals together. These two newcomers had ability and could take hardship. All they lacked was opportunity, so Fang Zhao was willing to lend them a hand.
468
469Seeing that Fang Zhao did not have any negative reactions, Wayne cleared his throat and said, "I know that your ambitions lie elsewhere. All right, I'm not going to beat around the bush. The reason I called you today is because of those newly signed youngsters."
470
471Silver Wing's own e-sports team had already developed. Team members were offered competitive wages, so naturally, they were able to attract some capable fresh talent. This year, Wayne had signed a few promising ones, but Wayne realized that these youngsters in the team had started to have inflated egos.
472
473They might be a little more well behaved in front of their department manager, but the moment Wayne turned his back, these youngsters loved to put on airs online. Every time they won a match, they itched to let the entire world know. Wayne had told them many times before, but it had fallen on deaf ears and Captain Jinro had even needed to make an appearance.
474
475Wayne was worried that if this sort of attitude continued to swell, even the veterans would inevitably start to get complacent.
476
477Put in simple words, they deserved a spanking.
478
479Without a rude awakening, there was no way they would calm down.
480
481Therefore, Wayne had once again sought out Fang Zhao.
482
483"Teach this bunch of brats a lesson and, at the same time, give Jinro and the other first-string members some training. I know you have said before that you don't wish to meddle too much in e-sports and want to leave the scene to them, which is why I insist that you take part in the newly released missions. I also know that you are preparing to further your studies, but are you able to spare some time to help put these kids in order?"
484
485Fang Zhao considered his schedule over the next few days and replied, "All right."
486
487In the Silver Wing gaming department, the bunch of people who were getting swollen heads from the newly arrived 10th-generation consoles suddenly felt chills throughout their bodies.
488
489After Fang Zhao ended the call with Wayne, he received a call from the person in charge of Silver Wing's talent development and studies.
490
491The person in charge did not dare to be negligent and so contacted him frequently. The matter of Fang Zhao wanting to head to Huangzhou to further his studies was approved by the big boss of the company, and she had personally asked about it. Naturally, the person in charge had to be more proactive.
492
493"Fang Zhao, I have understood a little about the schools over at Huangzhou and have had detailed talks with people at Huangzhou Music Academic and Huangzhou Institute of Art. There are no big problems with this situation, so you don't have to worry."
494
495The person in charge seemed to have some slight intention to take credit. Not only because he thought highly of Fang Zhao's potential but, more importantly, after the person in charge finished handling this matter, he could also get some benefits from the boss. It was about time he received a promotion.
496
497As he thought about a promotion and a pay raise, that person's tone unconsciously rose a little.
498
499"Young man, being willing to study and improve is a good thing. Regardless of what path you take, the company will support you vigorously. For music institutes, I can give you a guarantee, take your pick of any of the top 10 schools in the world!
500
501"Let's not talk about our own Yanzhou's QiMu. Your alma mater has teachers and lecturers that all recognize you. Even if we don't do anything, they will be more than willing to accept you. As for the two right at the top of the rankings, HuangMu and HuangArt, if you want to get into their advanced courses, we can help arrange that. Although there might be some slight resistance, don't worry, problems can be solved. Previously, our company has sent a few of our contracted composers over for advanced studies.
502
503"Resources and strength are still very important. Furthermore, the momentum of Silver Wing's development in Yanzhou has already pushed down our two old rivals. The company is more than willing to spend even more resources to develop the potential of our talents. We must always look long term."
504
505This wasn't just limited to Silver Wing. Many large entertainment companies worldwide worked this way too, but they never revealed it publicly. Entertainment news might frequently show news of a certain film star enrolling in a certain prestigious university, institute, or research facility for advanced studies, but most of the time, it was the influence of the teams and families behind them.
506
507"Huangzhou Music Academy is slightly more specialized, and they groom musical talents in specialization and techniques. However, Huangzhou Institute of Art has more genres of art. Many of the current big shots in the entertainment circles originated from there. These two each have their own advantages, so it depends on which one you think suits you best. Have you made a choice yet?" asked the person in charge.
508
509"I have chosen," Fang Zhao replied.
510
511"Which?"
512
513"Huangzhou Institute of Art, 'Twelve Tones' advanced class."
514
515The other side suddenly went silent.
516
517After a while.
518
519"Ermm... This... HuangArt's Twelve Tones is not within our operable range," stammered the person in charge.
520
521Huangzhou Institute of Art's "Twelve Tones" advanced class might not have been known by many people, but it was rather well known in the music circles.
522
523"Twelve Tones" got its name from the " five pitches, seven notes, twelve tones 1 " recorded in ancient books. After the Founding Era, the New Era was divided into twelve continents. Huangzhou Institute of Art's founder had chosen the name "Twelve Tones" and set up an advanced course only for the best of the best.
524
525Generally speaking, for the majority of most schools, the credentials of advanced courses did not have the value and acknowledgment of normal graduate credentials. "Twelve Tones" was an exception. Its credentials were the gold standard anywhere one went.
526
527In this advanced course, from the teachers to the advanced course students, every single one was a somebody.
528
529There would be one round of recruitment for the "Twelve Tones" advanced course every year, and only twelve people were recruited each round. Whether it was composing, singing, dancing, or another specialty, each batch recruited exactly twelve.
530
531Every year, many characters praised as geniuses attempted the enrollment examination. The intense competition and frightening elimination rate made many people shrink back.
532
533"Twelve Tones" had another name: god-level advanced course.
534
535Therefore, when he heard Fang Zhao announce that name, the Silver Wing staffer's forehead started to sweat. How am I able to do anything?!
536
537"It's all right, I can take the examination myself," Fang Zhao replied.Chapter 330: Doubting One's Own Existence
538Translator: BeetleBarker  Editor: Tennesh
539
540The person in charge from Silver Wing advised Fang Zhao, helping him analyze past and present circumstances and previous examples. If he just wanted some gilding or a springboard, then he should forget about such an extremely difficult advanced course like Twelve Tones. From what the person in charge saw, Fang Zhao was just like the other celebrities that the company had groomed in the past. They just went out to slightly improve their credentials and did not need to enroll in this difficult advanced course.
541
542Furthermore, Twelve Tones was known for being difficult to get into and out of.
543
544To say the least, even if one was able to pass the exams and enroll, he might not be able to graduate. There were instances of students being unable to graduate and thus asked to leave.
545
546It wasn't that the person in charge did not think Fang Zhao was up to scratch but that Fang Zhao was too young. He was only in his 20s, whereas others who enrolled in this course were no younger than 40. Looking further back into the past, even if there were younger ones, they had been geniuses among geniuses.
547
548Age signified qualifications, experience, and understanding of the fundamentals. Without sufficient accumulated experience, it was very difficult to compete against others.
549
550From a commercial point of view, the person in charge did not wish for Fang Zhao to take the exam. Fang Zhao's popularity was flourishing right now. He appeared both on film and in endorsements and was very well known throughout Yanzhou, but if he took the examination and was unable to get in, people would inevitably seize the opportunity and say that Fang Zhao had overestimated his capabilities and bitten off more than he could chew.
551
552The company's reply wasn't unexpected for Fang Zhao. After he had made his choice, he had not intended to use his company's connections. He also knew that this extraordinary advanced course was extremely difficult, but he had to take the exams once to know whether he could get in or not. If he could not get in, where was the disparity and how large was it?
553
554Fang Zhao needed to learn more new knowledge. As for the majority of advanced courses, they were actually meant to make the ordinary seem special. The quality of the curriculum was much worse than Twelve Tones. This was the decision Fang Zhao had come to after comparing the curriculum of different advanced courses.
555
556If he could not get in, then he would take on a postgraduate course in HuangArt or HuangMu.
557
558The person in charge from Silver Wing saw that he had no way of getting Fang Zhao to change his mind. After the call, he immediately reported to his superiors about the direction Fang Zhao would be taking for further studies. Now, it would be best to keep it suppressed and not publicize this news. When the time came and Fang Zhao could not get in, at least he wouldn't lose face.
559
560After ending the call with the Silver Wing staffer, Fang Zhao memorized all the interview questions, took a look at his schedule, and contacted Wayne, setting a time to give the company's e-sports team a training session.
561
562After lunch, in the Silver Wing e-sports team's internal group chat, team captain Jinro summoned all team members and released a piece of news: "Just received a notice. Manager Wayne got Zhao god to give us a training session tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Coordinates for the training venue will be given later. All team members are to gather at the company on time tomorrow."
563
564Within the team, the new team members and the old team members had different reactions upon seeing the message.
565
566The newcomer's faces were flushed with excitement. "W-w-w-we can also take part?"
567
568A veteran team member's lips curled upwards. "Didn't you hear clearly? Captain said 'All team members'! You guys can't run away now."
569
570The ignorant newcomers were thinking,  Super excited! Can't wait!
571
572The old team members threw pitying glances at the younger members. Following that, they started to ponder how long they would be able to survive tomorrow.
573
574A newcomer asked, "Captain said that we will be going to a training venue? Which map? Are we familiar with it? Which team will we be facing off against this time? Is it a practice match or some other mode? What's the difficulty?"
575
576A certain veteran team member replied, "It isn't a practice match, just internal training. Opponent... just one. Difficulty... S rank."
577
578"S rank? Doesn't that mean that it is extremely difficult?"
579
580The newcomers were astonished and rubbed their palms with glee. They were itching to head online and announce this on their social platform accounts, letting everyone know that they would be getting the chance to go head to head against the legendary big god Fang Zhao!
581
582Unfortunately, this line of thought was stopped by the captain and vice-captain, the reason being that it was internal training and thus could not be publicly announced. If they were really itching to say it, at best they could tell a few close friends or relatives.
583
584Seeing these newcomers that were riled up, the senior members lamented inwardly, Ignorance is bliss.
585
586The next morning.
587
588Fang Zhao used his apartment's gaming helmet and headed online. Normally, the helmet console was for Curly Hair to play with. His 10th-generation console was left at Silver Wing for Jinro and the other professional e-sport athletes to use. There was no need to get it back for this training session.
589
590Over at Silver Wing's gaming department, everyone had arrived early at the company and started making preparations.
591
592Wayne, the gaming department manager, only stepped in unhurriedly with a cup of tea at 8.55 a.m.
593
594"Oh, everyone's here." Greeting the members of the coaching team, Wayne pulled out a recliner chair and sat down. To develop the team even better, he had applied for lots of funding in the last two years and had signed a few reputable coaches to establish a coaching team.
595
596In front of him was a large screen that would display the scene in-game.
597
598The training venue's coordinates had been decided earlier in the morning. Team Captain Jinro had chosen a new map that neither side was familiar with.
599
600Wayne lifted the lid of his teacup and took a sip as his face broke into a smile of fond remembrance. No one knew whether it was the rich and mellow aftertaste of the tea or a flashback to the past.
601
602At the appointed time, the game formally started. Wayne wasn't in a hurry and glanced at the timer before telling those in the coaching team, "Fang Zhao will give them 30 seconds to think of a battle strategy and one extra minute to put their plan into action."
603
604"Isn't this time a little too short for a new map?" one of the coaches said.
605
606"Later on, you will realize that their time online will be even shorter. Don't bother following Fang Zhao; you guys won't be able to catch up. It would be better to watch those members, especially the new ones signed this year, and see where they are lacking."
607
608For the coaches that did not understand Fang Zhao's style, Wayne's words seemed really cryptic.
609
610A minute and a half later.
611
612Du.
613
614A disconnection notification sounded.
615
616A new member had a dazed expression as he raised his hand to touch his forehead and muttered, "It was as if... my head exploded."
617
618"There was no as if," one of the coaches blurted out.
619
620Was this kid so shocked that he'd become stupid?
621
622That new member was still full of disbelief. "That shouldn't be, I hid myself so well."
623
624Du.
625
626Yet another disconnection notification.
627
628A new member at the side stared blankly at nothing in particular, as if he was completely unable to comprehend what just happened.
629
630Three minutes after the preparation time, the members of the coaching time finally understood the meaning of what Wayne had said.
631
632The sounds of disconnection notifications made them panic-stricken. They could see the look of shock in each other's eyes.
633
634"What frightening decision-making," one of the coaches said as he saw Fang Zhao's figure flash across on the screen. Even before he had finished his sentence, yet another disconnection notification had rung out.
635
636The highly skilled talent that the company had signed this year had not even had any time to react before being sent offline.
637
638More experienced senior members were more prudent, but they weren't able to hold out for long either.
639
640Following the sounds of disconnection notifications, the team members that were sent offline had looks of annoyance and defeat. There were also some that just sighed calmly.
641
642"He really doesn't show mercy," Jinro said helplessly. He had been the last to disconnect.
643
644Taking a look at the time, from start to end, with the one and a half minutes of preparation time and the three minutes following that, this match had not even lasted five minutes.
645
646"This..."
647
648The coaching team was also dumbstruck. Suddenly, they felt that their own team members' standards had declined.
649
650Actually, the coaches also understood. It wasn't that the team members' standard had declined but that the opponent had been too strong.
651
652In the match that had just ended, the team members didn't seem to have acted incorrectly, but they'd just been beaten offline in succession. Any carelessness or opening had been seized by Fang Zhao.
653
654In the past, what they'd understood about Fang Zhao was only what had been through circulated videos, news, and analyses online. Now they truly recognized the disparity. Back then, Fang Zhao had not been called a point-sweeping machine right at the top of the individual leaderboards without reason.
655
656Wayne no longer had a pleased expression on his face. "I already told all of you, when facing Fang Zhao, you cannot take any chances!"
657
658The members on his team had been beaten like crap, and Wayne wasn't too pleased. He had expected this match to last at least 10 minutes, so he had told Fang Zhao not to go easy in the morning. How could he have known that it would turn out this way!?
659
660Thirty members completely wiped out in three minutes! This sort of result was simply appalling!
661
662"Do you need a break?" Jinro asked the other members.
663
664"No need."
665
666"We aren't tired either."
667
668"Let's continue."
669
670The team members got into position quickly.
671
672The first match had not even lasted for five minutes; how could they need a break?
673
674While making preparations for the second match, captain Jinro set himself a target: to last six minutes for the next round!
675
676However, the second match only lasted 4 minutes and 19 seconds, even quicker than the previous round by 10 seconds.
677
678The third match lasted 4 minutes and 11 seconds.
679
680The fourth match...
681
682The coaching team was as silent as the dead.
683
684Wayne's calm and collected face from the morning had turned stiff, and he could not even bring himself to sip his tea. In his heart, he decided that the next time he got Fang Zhao to teach these youngsters a lesson, he would definitely need to get Fang Zhao to go easy!
685
686When the team members stepped out from the gaming studio, it was already afternoon. Every one of them looked extremely haggard.
687
688In the morning, they had played a total of 10 matches, all of them 30 to 1. They had lost 10 matches in succession and had been beaten so badly that they'd doubted their own existence.
689
690The time they'd spent online plus the intervals between each round had added up to only an hour!
691
692The rest of the time in the morning had been spent reflecting!
693
694When the team members received the analysis summary from Fang Zhao, they suffered an even bigger blow. It was like someone thinking that they had done decently for an examination but, when the exam scripts were returned, all that person saw was a paper full of red marks.
695
696"How did Zhao god know that it was me?" one newcomer asked as he held a copy of his own evaluation. After speaking, he felt someone awkward and added, "In such a short time, how was he able to identify each member? Even if there was a notification in-game every time he killed someone, with so many people and so many rounds, how was he able to recognize everyone? And remember them all?"
697
698"That is why he is a 'god' and you are just a nobody!" Wayne had walked over after hearing this and gave a clap. "All right, take your own evaluations and go reflect! Don't get so satisfied with just some achievements! Don't rest on your laurels! Take a look at today's battle situation; you guys still have a long way to go!"
699
700This blow had been too big. The members did not have any appetite for lunch as they kept pondering every scene in the 10 matches and tried to make a frame-by-frame replay in their heads.
701
702"Manager, when will we have our next training session?" someone asked.
703
704"With this sort of horrible standard, you are still dreaming of next time?" Wayne snorted. "Wait till I feel that you guys have improved. Besides, Fang Zhao is very busy. This morning's session was because I requested it. Otherwise, do you think he would even waste any time with you guys? He still has to prepare for his examinations."
705
706All the team members: "..." Manager, these words are too prickly!
707
708Elsewhere, after Fang Zhao had sent out today's analysis summary, he started to prepare for war, browsing through practice questions and making preliminary preparations for enrolling in the advanced course. There were three preliminary examinations, and the majority were on theoretical knowledge. He had to read more books and do more questions.
709
710Translator's Thoughts
711BeetleBarker BeetleBarker
71215 more chapters till we catch up with the raws!Chapter 331: Balance between Work and Rest
713
714Translator: BeetleBarker Editor: Tennesh
715
716In his previous life, Fang Zhao's memory had been very good; in this life, it was even better.
717
718This was Fang Zhao's advantage.
719
720For the same content, he needed to spend less time to memorize it, but with this superiority, he needed to work harder. Otherwise, he would be wasting his advantage.
721
722Behind every successful genius was hard work that normal people were unable to understand.
723
724Fang Zhao had never felt that he would be better than others despite living an extra life. The world was constantly changing, especially when it came to music. Many things from the Old Era were different. There were now even more genres and even more outstanding works.
725
726Although Fang Zhao had been continuously learning such things over the past few years and had more or less grasped this knowledge, regarding the contents of the examination, he still needed quite a bit of guidance.
727
728Fang Zhao consulted a few people who had once enrolled in HuangArt's Twelve Tones advanced course, such as Xue Jing.
729
730Now, Xue Jing's focus was on compiling teaching materials, but he once went through HuangArt's Twelve Tones advanced course. Even though he graduated many years ago, he had still helped come up with questions more than twenty times. Even when he was older and didn't have enough energy to participate, he frequently paid attention to it. In his spare time, he sometimes collated some focus examination questions and posted them online. He didn't count on selling them, he just hoped to give people who wanted to apply for HuangArt's Twelve Tones a choice.
731
732Knowing that Fang Zhao wanted to take the examinations, Xue Jing picked out 10 sets of exam papers from the question stash and even recommended a few books for Fang Zhao to read.
733
734Following Xue Jing's plan, there were 10 sets of questions, one per day. After 10 days and intensive learning, it would probably be time for the preliminaries. There wasn't much time left for Fang Zhao to prepare.
735
736Xue Jing sighed in private many times. If Fang Zhao had not gone to acting, he could have spent this year undergoing special practice. With Xue Jing's own personal tutelage, Fang Zhao's chances of getting into HuangArt's Twelve Tones might be slightly higher.
737
738But now was fine too. For youngsters, there was no harm in trying. If he failed once, there would still be opportunities in the future. Failing to get in could also suppress any impatient inclinations.
739
740Other than Xue Jing, another person Fang Zhao was familiar with who had undergone the Twelve Tones advanced course was Yanzhou Music Association's vice president and the former headmaster of the Qi'an Academy of Music, Ming Cang.
741
742In recent years, Ming Cang's efforts had all been placed on the medical condition of his son Ming Ye. He had even resigned as headmaster and naturally didn't care too much about other things. Hearing Fang Zhao mention his desire to apply for HuangArt's Twelve Tones, Ming Cang specifically took out a notebook that he'd kept locked up in his cupboard. These were all his collated notes from back when he'd been preparing to take the examination for HuangArt's Twelve Tones. He had once thought about tidying these up and writing a book when he had the time, but unfortunately, he had shelved it time and again.
743
744"You can do it!"
745
746Ming Cang had not regarded Fang Zhao as a normal person since the release of the four movements of Fang Zhao's "100-Year Period of Destruction"—a turning point for his own son's condition.
747
748From what Ming Cang saw, Fang Zhao was in no way inferior to anyone that graduated from HuangArt's Twelve Tones. Even if he could not pass the entrance examinations, that didn't prove that Fang Zhao had no ability.
749
750But this was how the circle worked. One would always need to show one's credentials. If Fang Zhao wanted to go even further in this industry, if he wanted the recognition of more academic authorities, a degree from QiMu wasn't enough.
751
752Ming Cang sincerely hoped for Fang Zhao's success. How great it will be if Fang Zhao can get HuangArt's Twelve Tone's graduate cert.
753
754Fang Zhao had a strong memory and his own accumulated knowledge and experiences, so he read and went through the notes very quickly. His fundamentals were good and his comprehension was rapid. After reading through them, Fang Zhao started doing the 10 sets of exam questions that Xue Jing had given him.
755
756Indeed, Xue Jing had a specialty for compiling teaching materials. The sets he gave were very focused, and every set of questions was serialized. The key points covered in these 10 sets followed a pattern, and it was a gradual process.
757
758On the second day after Fang Zhao had received the 10 sets of questions from Xue Jing, he once again contacted Xue Jing asking him whether he had even more questions.
759
760Xue Jing was utterly flabbergasted.
761
762"Those 10 sets aren't enough? You do them first. Let me see them when you are done and I will select questions for you based on your condition."
763
764"I did five sets today. I have the interview tomorrow morning but should still be able to do another three sets in the afternoon." What Fang Zhao meant was very simple: the questions weren't enough.
765
766"Oh, all right, send me the five sets you have completed and I'll help you mark them. You can do the remaining ones first; I'll help you pick more from my stash."
767
768After ending the call, Xue Jing blankly sat at his study desk. He didn't suspect that Fang Zhao had gotten someone else to do them or was just talking big. From what he understood about Fang Zhao, he believed that Fang Zhao would not falsify this sort of thing.
769
770When he finished marking the five sets of practice questions that Fang Zhao had sent over, Xue Jing had an idea.
771
772It seemed like new arrangements were needed. The amount of knowledge that Fang Zhao grasped exceeded his expectations by far.
773
774After deciding on this, Xue Jing picked exam questions from his practice-questions file that were focused on HuangArt's Twelve Tone's course, compiled them into a set of practice questions, and sent it to Fang Zhao.
775
776"Do them according to the numbering. After you have completed a set, send it to me, I'll help you mark it."
777
778"Sorry for troubling you."
779
780"Don't try and apologize for this trivial matter. I might lack other things, but I don't lack questions! If you pass the preliminaries, I will also bask in the light."
781
782Since Fang Zhao wanted to take the entrance examinations for HuangArt's Twelve Tones, Xue Jing was delighted and more than happy to help out.
783
784Xue Jing was a little worried that this youngster was too impatient and anxious for results. He even exhorted, "After you have finished the questions, remember to go through the key points that you don't understand and consolidate them. Not just for the later rounds of examinations but also for your professional future as well. Even after saying that, Xue Jing still wasn't reassured and added, "Of course I'm not saying you must spend the entire day doing this. You still have to relax a little in between doing questions. Strike a balance between work and rest. Only with both tension and relaxation can efficiency be maximized. Us in the music industry should take note more. You also know that if you are fixated on a single thing, your lines of thought become stiff and you will not necessarily be able to compose good pieces."
785
786"Thank you, I understand."
787
788Ending the call, Fang Zhao took a look at the time. It was only 9 p.m. He could do one more set of questions.
789
790The next morning, according to the company's arrangements, when Fang Zhao attended the interview, he was accompanied by two newcomer actors that the company was focusing on. Because of the preparations beforehand and the company having good relations and collaborating numerous times with the media outlet "Prairie Fire," the interview went very smoothly.
791
792However, during the process of the interview, according to the company's opinion, Fang Zhao's future arrangements were not divulged. All Fang Zhao said was that his focus would not be on filming.
793
794Every professional e-sports team that was watching this live broadcast felt their hearts tighten.
795
796Was Fang Zhao going to come out of retirement?
797
798In a certain high-end professional e-sports chat group. The members of this chat group were individuals from high-ranking teams from every continent.
799
800Someone asked Jinro, "Captain Jin, I heard you guys had training with Fang Zhao?"
801
802Jinro cursed in his heart,  Which idiot in the team leaked this information!
803
804But on the surface, Jinro was still very coolheaded. "That's right, our skills aren't up to scratch, so Zhao good gave us some training. When are you free to set a time and venue for a practice match? There are many newly released maps. Let's pick a map everyone isn't familiar with to be fair."
805
806"Not free, we are waiting for the game to release the new phase of missions. This round's monetary awards are high, but more importantly, there are also game packs. Oh right, will your team's Fang Zhao be taking part in the new phase of missions that are about to be released?"
807
808This was the question that all the e-sports teams from other continents wanted to know. Right now, there wasn't too much difference between everyone and there was an equilibrium. Silver Wing's side could be said to be slightly disadvantaged, but if Fang Zhao participated, he would destroy the original equilibrium.
809
810Jinro replied, "Our Zhao god won't be taking part in this."
811
812Upon hearing this, the others felt slight pity in their hearts, but they were also rejoicing. It was best if Fang Zhao did not return to upset the apple cart. But regardless of what they were thinking in their hearts, the side of their lips inadvertently curled upward.
813
814"That is really regrettable. When I was watching the live broadcast, I was even anticipating his return."
815
816"Yeah, I still thought we would be able to exchange pointers."
817
818"Continuous anticipation, once again disappointment. What a pity."
819
820"Does your team's Zhao god accept challenges?"
821
822"Fang Zhao was doing rather well in the showbiz circles, but I heard some insider news saying that Fang Zhao is going to further his studies in the music field. Not sure whether it is true, but if it is, that is really a pity."
823
824Seeing this bunch of people pretending, Jinro had another idea and replied, "Seeing that you all are so looking forward to it, I'll help you guys ask. He might not be taking part in the new phase of missions, but he can do private sparring. Also, who posted on the public platform saying they wished to fight Zhao god? You guys decide first, I'll ask Zhao god to see when he is free to let you guys have some close-up interaction with him."
825
826Elsewhere, after the interview ended, Fang Zhao left Prairie Fire's office tower.
827
828Although Fang Zhao and the two newcomer actors that had gotten to show themselves during this interview were similar in age, they treated him with the respect of a senior. Furthermore, they were very grateful that Fang Zhao had been willing to bring them along this time.
829
830Those two actors extended a sincere invitation. "Brother Zhao, want to eat together? We know of a newly opened restaurant with great dishes. The food and ambiance are great and there aren't any unwanted disturbances."
831
832"Maybe next time. I still have matters to attend to," Fang Zhao replied.
833
834Although the two newcomers felt a little regretful, when they recalled the company's internal rumor that Fang Zhao would be furthering his studies, they didn't urge him to stay.
835
836Returning home, Fang Zhao took an afternoon nap. After he woke up, he went to the study and did another three sets of questions.
837
838After he was done with the questions and finished tidying up his notes, Fang Zhao saw a message that Jinro had sent him.
839
840Jinro would not go so far as to disturb Fang Zhao over something so trivial and only mentioned it as a joke to Fang Zhao. He hadn't expected that Fang Zhao would really find time to accept the challenge.
841
842Fang Zhao scanned through some questions in his hands and replied, "All right. Who will these people be? Which practice maps?"
843
844Jinro was currently in the company's computer room training the newcomers. His hand trembled when he saw Fang Zhao's reply, and he could no longer be bothered with training these newcomers. He hurriedly replied, "Zhao god, you don't have to take this too seriously. They were just shooting their mouths off and actually did not have such intentions. You should attend to your own matters. I heard you still have to take an examination? Don't let this interfere with your matters."
845
846"It's all right. Old Mr. Xue said that we have to strike a balance between work and rest. With tension there must be relaxation."
847
848Jinro: "..."  Do "rest" and "relaxation" mean what I think they do?
849
850After this conversation, Jinro was still somewhat distracted, but he was stirred up very quickly and went to contact those who had previously talked about wanting to challenge Fang Zhao.
851
852This time around, there were eight people. Actually, these eight had not really had the intention of fighting Fang Zhao, but since the words had already been said, their face was at stake, so they could not back down. When they thought about it more, Fang Zhao had already been away from the gaming scene for so long and they did not know what his standard was now. If he had maintained his high standards... Having an exchange with an expert was also beneficial.
853
854After contacting all of them, deciding on the practice maps, and confirming the other's free periods, Jinro sent Fang Zhao a message. If a matter wasn't especially important, he would only send a message and would not call and disturb Fang Zhao.
855
856Fang Zhao only replied half an hour after this message had been sent.
857
858"All right, then let's have it now." 
859
860Jinro was still worried. "You just finished your questions? Do you want to rest for a bit?"
861
862"No need, I just finished a revised set on the many forms and variations of marches, so my condition is pretty good."
863
864Jinro: "..." I understand now. He got too stimulated doing questions and had no way of venting.
865
866With Fang Zhao's reply of confirmation, Jinro immediately contacted the other eight. "My kid is being naughty, so I won't be forming a team with you guys today. I have given you the time and coordinates; you eight go ahead."
867
868Little Jinfei, who was currently at home doing his homework, looked up silently at his father. Why are you pushing the blame to me again? I'm clearly very obedient.Chapter 332: Preliminary Exam
869
870Translator: BeetleBarker Editor: Tennesh
871
872When the news of others taking the initiative to challenge Fang Zhao and then Fang Zhao accepting that challenge spread, the previously quiet SilverLight internal chat burst to life.
873
874"Ahahahaha! We can't only be the ones getting oppressed! Well done, Captain!"
875
876"Captain, can we go spectate?!"
877
878"Now that we are severely doubting our own standards, only spectating this match can remove our doubts."
879
880"Let's make it clear first. I'm not delighting in others' misfortune. There's an old saying: 'If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.' 1 I just want to observe how others fight when faced with Zhao god... and how they respond."
881
882"If it was me, I would rather die than actively challenge Zhao god."
883
884Seeing this bunch start to get excited, Jinro also felt that they should take some notes. There was no need to compare themselves with Fang Zhao's individual god-like combat ability, but they could compare with their normal old rivals, see where the disparity was, and observe how long the opponents could survive in Fang Zhao's hands. Perhaps they could even learn a few moves.
885
886But seeing the delighted attitudes the members within the chat had, Jinro felt that as the captain, he still needed to say some things. "Your attitudes aren't right. As professional e-sports athletes, we ought to have a more positive outlook. We should be thinking about how to improve ourselves. Going up against experts is necessary, and we cannot cower just because the opponent is too powerful..." Jinro droned on an on, but he never mentioned that he himself had used an excuse to avoid taking part in this match.
887
888There wasn't a choice. Originally, Jinro had really wanted to form a team with the other eight to challenge Fang Zhao, but when he'd learned that Fang Zhao had gotten all stimulated from doing questions, Jinro had become terrified.
889
890However, observing would probably be out of the question. The other eight weren't fools either. For the first challenge, the outcome wasn't certain and neither side knew how big disparity between them was. They wouldn't let others spectate. 
891
892The eight people who were preparing for the match were also discussing.
893
894"Why do I feel that Jinro has dug a pit for us?"
895
896"Whether it is a pit or not, it is too late to back out now."
897
898The matter had been brought up by themselves, and the declaration of war had already been written. So many people inside the elite group knew about this. Most people who were at a certain level in the gaming circles had also heard about this. If the eight wanted to back out now, how would they have the face to show themselves in the gaming circles in the future?
899
900"I never thought of backing out; I just feel a little restless. Why is Jinro letting the eight of us face off against Fang Zhao alone? Is Fang Zhao really that strong?"
901
902"From watching past videos, Fang Zhao's individual point-sweeping ability was indeed impressive, but I don't know about the rest. A video is, after all, just a video. We have never fought against him in the game before, so we won't know anything till we experience it."
903
904"An eight-man team against one person. It feels like we are bullies. Even if we win, I won't feel good letting others know."
905
906"Let's not think about this first. Since Jinro has arranged it this way and Fang Zhao has also agreed, let's fight first. Don't get careless either. If we eight lose to one, we won't have any face left.
907
908"Right. Fight first, talk later."
909
910The eight of them privately discussed battle strategies and their equipment. Although they were from different continents and different teams, they were professionals, after all. They had taken part in many similar competitions and knew how to coordinate.
911
912"Any other questions?"
913
914"No more."
915
916"Okay, move out!"
917
918And they were oppressed so tyrannically.
919
920...
921
922Inside the global elite e-sports chat group, there were also people paying attention to this.
923
924"Has it started?"
925
926"Will they be challenging in succession or will it be a team battle? If it is a team battle, how will they be split? If it's the eight plus Fang Zhao, doesn't that add up to nine? A 5v5 can't even be held unless somebody new participates, and we don't know about it?"
927
928"Hey, Jinro, you don't have to say anything else, but you can at least divulge the coordinates and practice venue, right?"
929
930Jinro replied, "No can do. I can't even spectate myself. The match just started. As for the rest, you will know in a bit."
931
932These words made many people perk up. The two phrases "just started" and "know in a bit" combined together made the others feel restless. How fast was a bit? 10 minutes?
933
934Jinro looked at the time. If Fang Zhao went with his old method, he would let the other side have a minute and a half of preparation time. He had no idea how long these eight would last after that minute and a half were up; the only thing he was certain of was that it wouldn't take too long.
935
936Not being able to spectate the game, Jinro could only watch the match's duration timer, which was displayed up top.
937
938According to the time, it wasn't even two and a half minutes from the start of the match when the display indicated that the match had ended.
939
940Jinro's eyebrows trembled. He decided that he wouldn't stick out in the global elite chat for the time being.
941
942Inside the chat group, the eight people from the finished match bombarded the chat with messages.
943
944"Come out, Jinro!"
945
946"You cheap person! How treacherous! You chose to run away first!"
947
948"Pisses me off!"
949
950"Our friendship is over! All f*cking over!"
951
952"It was just like returning to our noob days."
953
954"Why did it feel like my signature technique became so weak?"
955
956Those in the group who did not know the truth were all very curious. Why were these eight scolding Jinro when it was Fang Zhao that they had challenged?"
957
958Reading further, they felt that these messages contained quite a lot.
959
960Put together, it probably said that Jinro had tricked the rest and that Fang Zhao was very strong.
961
962As for the challenge result? That went without saying. From their tone, they had surely lost.
963
964Those eight wouldn't reveal too much in the chat group, so those that were closer would have to inquire in private.
965
966Many people threw questions toward Jinro, but Jinro played dead.
967
968These eight weren't stupid either. Now that they had finished the match, they realized that Jinro had previously found an excuse to back out, leaving the eight of them to face the stimulated Fang Zhao. Thus, for the time being, Jinro didn't want to appear and be the target of their hatred.
969
970However, given Jinro's understanding of Fang Zhao's ability, two and a half minutes might have been Fang Zhao going easy. Otherwise, the match would probably have ended in two minutes.
971
972Of course, Jinro also felt rather pleased inwardly. Previously, when Fang Zhao had announced that he would no longer be participating in formal competitions, many people had doubted Fang Zhao's ability. Some had said that the "Zhao god" term was overexaggerated and it was the adulation of fans and the company's manipulations. This had also resulted in many people growing used to shooting their mouths off and issuing public challenged online.
973
974After this, there would surely still be challengers, but the number of people shooting their mouths off would drop by a substantial margin.
975
976That was fine. At least this bunch would think carefully in the future before saying anything foolish.
977
978Regardless of how this seemingly ordinary match was discussed by everyone, Fang Zhao's god-like status was cemented.
979
980On the other end, when Fang Zhao saw that the other side was done after that match, he didn't say much. He logged off to let Curly Hair use the console and returned to his study to continue doing practice questions.
981
982In the period after that, Fang Zhao rarely ever went out, instead staying cooped up at home doing practice questions or having video conferences with Xue Jing and Ming Cang to understand more about the examinations process and issues he needed to take note of.
983
984Of the entertainment circles, only in the e-sports circles did people frequently mention Fang Zhao. Elsewhere, news of Fang Zhao was rarely seen.
985
986Following the broadcast of "Founding Era" season 10, the discussion topics were continuously changing. There were still people that mentioned Fang Zhao, but Fang Zhao's online popularity was a far cry from what it had been in season nine.
987
988Finally, the day of the first preliminary examination came.
989
990Worldwide, more than 100,000 people applied to take the entrance exams for the top-notch HuangArt's Twelve Tones advanced course. HuangArt had designated exam venues in every continent, generally at reputed universities. As this concert touched upon artistic aspects, art institutions were avoided as the designated exam venues.
991
992Only after the preliminaries would aspiring students be able to visit Huangzhou to take part in the second round of examinations. However, there was a limit to the number of people that would be able to visit HuangArt. The three preliminary examinations alone would be able to shave off at least 99% of entrants.
993
994Fang Zhao had been allocated to an examination venue at a reputable university in Qi'an City. On the day of the examination, he kept a low profile and headed to the examination venue.
995
996Zuo Yu and Yan Biao, who had returned from their vacations, resumed their duties as drivers.
997
998There was a mandatory security check at the entrance to the examination venue to prevent any cheating devices from passing through and to perform identity checks. Following that, there would be another round of checks by the exam supervisors.
999
1000The majority of people who applied to take the examinations were 40 years or older, but a small portion of the entrants were in their twenties and thirties. Fang Zhao looked much younger than the other entrants in the area, so the supervisor at the security entranced noticed him and proceeded to take a look at his face.
1001
1002Whoa! Fang Zhao!
1003
1004Take a look at his examination admission proof. Indeed, it is Fang Zhao!
1005
1006Although there had been very little online news of Fang Zhao recently, he had been too popular in the period before that. With the hype from "Founding Era" and the advertising blitz from Fiery Bird, even people who did not pay attention to the entertainment circles would find Fang Zhao somewhat familiar. Furthermore, there were some supervisors here that were fans of Fang Zhao.
1007
1008After the security check and identity verification, Fang Zhao followed the directions on his examination admission proof and found his own examination room.
1009
1010Each examination room was a small room on its own. Every room would only have one student inside. The exam script was an electronic one displayed on a screen. After writing, it would be input into the database.
1011
1012Windows in the examination rooms were one way. The entrants inside could not look outside, but the exam supervisors outside could observe everything inside.
1013
1014During the examination, outside Fang Zhao's examination room, four to five exam supervisors gathered outside and observed him.
1015
1016"Right, no doubt about it. That's Fang Zhao!"
1017
1018"Who is Fang Zhao? He sounds kinda familiar."
1019
1020"The one who played the role of Fang Zhao in 'Founding Era'."
1021
1022"Oh, it's him. I didn't expect him to be so young! He actually wants to take the entrance exams for HuangArt Twelve Tones? This is a globally renowned top-notch advanced course that cannot be entered by just throwing cash around! Isn't it a little early for Fang Zhao to take the examinations for this course?"
1023
1024"It doesn't matter if he fails to make it. He is still young and will have many more opportunities in the future. Right now, he can just treat it as a learning experience and familiarize himself with the process."
1025
1026"Makes sense."
1027
1028Due to regulations, exam supervisors were not able to loiter outside a certain examination room for too long, but every time they passed Fang Zhao's room, the exam supervisors stopped for a slightly longer time. Sometimes there would even be a few of them gathered around watching.
1029
1030Exam supervisors could not take photographs during the examination, and anything that was sent out needed to go through an audit. However this wasn't an unspeakable secret, so there was no need to be secretive.
1031
1032Thus, the exam supervisors at these examination rooms shared the news with their colleagues, and soon, more teachers in the school knew that Fang Zhao was taking an examination here.
1033
1034Following that, the news spread even more.
1035
1036This resulted in Yan Biao informing Fang Zhao after he was done with the examinations that there were entertainment reporters lying in wait outside the school.
1037
1038Zuo Yu looked up a more covert road and had Fang Zhao leave through it.
1039
1040Entertainment reporters weren't able to snap any photographs of Fang Zhao, but they were able to learn from a few of the exam teachers that Fang Zhao had indeed applied to take the entrance examinations for HuangArt's Twelve Tones and had just gone through a preliminary examination here.
1041
1042HuangArt's Twelve Tones entrance examinations would not cause much of a ripple in the huge entertainment examinations, because most of the people that passed the examinations and enrolled were more academically inclined artists with different styles and than the entertainment circles. Nobody really understood it well and they never really paid attention to it. Many people had never even heard of the name HuangArt Twelve Tones before.
1043
1044However, Fang Zhao's matter didn't just cause a ripple but a huge wave. Furthermore, there were others blowing up the matter. Silver Wing was unable to suppress it and could only direct public opinion and ensure it didn't blow up into a storm.Chapter 333: Good-Luck Charm
1045
1046Translator: Min_Lee Editor: Tennesh
1047
1048News that Fang Zhao was taking HuangArt's Twelve Tones exam spread online quickly.
1049
1050The name "HuangArt's Twelve Tones" was a novelty to many folks hearing it for the first time.
1051
1052"What the heck is HuangArt's Twelve Tones? Sounds like our school, Qi'an No. 12 Secondary School."
1053
1054"Hahaha! There's a No. 12 Primary School by my house."
1055
1056Every city had primary and secondary schools that had numbers in their names. Names like XX City No. XX Primary School or Secondary School were too common, so the name "HuangArt's Twelve Tones" didn't stand out initially. But what did "Tones" refer to? Why 12 tones?
1057
1058After a quick internet search, folks had the utmost respect for Fang Zhao.
1059
1060"On my knees! Too high class. All I can do is admire from a distance."
1061
1062"Folks who can simply graduate from this course have major bragging rights, huh?"
1063
1064"My adviser's adviser graduated from that program. A real badass! Word has it that all the graduates become industry giants!"
1065
1066"Outsiders might not know much about this program. HuangArt's Twelve Tones is somewhat independent from the school itself. The instructors for the program are far, far superior to the other teachers at HuangArt and their colleagues at HuangMu!"
1067
1068"Right! Most of the Twelve Tones instructors have won Galaxy World Medals. Folks who don't care for academic types can look up the actors and singers who have won Galaxy medals."
1069
1070The Galaxy World Medal was the highest honor in the arts world. The actors or singers who won the prize were true superstars with global renown, not local celebrities with self-proclaimed stature.
1071
1072"Oi, our teacher sat for the admission exam for 10 straight years to no avail. Eventually, he just applied to a regular graduate school. He said that it's too hard to aim for the stars. Only the cream of the crop can complete the program."
1073
1074"You need to prepare for at least two years before sitting for the admission exam. The preparation time is too long and the exam is too difficult. Only about a dozen students are admitted. Only a handful of students take the exam, maybe some 100,000 each year. How long has Fang Zhao been preparing? He's been filming for the past year or so."
1075
1076"Some 100,000 people sit for the exam? Why the 'only'? That's way more than a handful of folks!"
1077
1078"Friend from upstairs, isn't the point that Fang Zhao hasn't had enough prep time?"
1079
1080"I'm aware that Fang Zhao is very talented, but to try for HuangArt's Twelve Tones program now is making an outrageous claim. Fans have to calm down sometimes. You have to have rational expectations and not blindly follow your idol. There's something called setting someone up to fail. Don't kill your own idol."
1081
1082"It's not that I have no respect for Fang Zhao's abilities but that you can't wing it for programs on the level of HuangArt's Twelve Tones by composing a few songs, starring in a TV series, or cramming for the exam. Experience and talent are equally important."
1083
1084The topic quickly trended online. Some folks even started a bet to see how far Fang Zhao could advance in the exam.
1085
1086Something like this hadn't been that big of a deal to begin with, but certain folks were fanning the flames. All Silver Wing could do was contain the situation as best they could.
1087
1088Fang Zhao had gotten in the way of too many people. There were always folks who wanted to take him down when the opportunity presented itself.
1089
1090The internet chatter would undoubtedly influence Fang Zhao. All the attention meant more pressure. If someone was overly sensitive, this kind of pressure could be deadly.
1091
1092Passing the first hurdle would give Fang Zhao some breathing room. If he didn't, then he would have to face more ridicule and naysayers. Even though he had some outstanding pieces of work under his belt, this was how the industry operated. When someone was doing well no one would bother them, but once they screwed up, everyone would show up to tear them down.
1093
1094The first round of the preliminary exams had been held. Countless candidates were eagerly waiting for the results so they could plan their next moves.
1095
1096Fang Zhao was aware of the online discussion. He could handle this much pressure. If he broke under such little pressure, how could he have survived the Period of Destruction?
1097
1098As soon as he got home, Fang Zhao got a call from Xue Jing.
1099
1100Xue Jing was mighty worried.
1101
1102"Ignore all the outside comments—just focus on your prep. The results for the first round should be out at 8 p.m. tonight. Considering your level, I don't think the first round will be a problem. If you advance to the next round, you'll receive a pass for round two. Regardless of whether you pass, just take it easy."
1103
1104"Thank you. I know."
1105
1106After hanging up on Xue Jing, Fang Zhao responded to messages from concerned friends and family, then starting prepping for the second-round exam.
1107
1108In stark contrast to Fang Zhao's calm, Xue Jing was restless. Even though Xue Jing had consoled Fang Zhao, in reality, he was so nervous that he couldn't eat his dinner. He just sat there waiting for the results.
1109
1110At the retirement home for former government officials in Yanbei.
1111
1112Great-Grandfather Fang was so furious he trashed his own walking stick.
1113
1114"I can't rest easy! Can't rest easy at all!"
1115
1116On one hand, Great-Grandfather Fang wanted to call Fang Zhao, but he was also worried he might say the wrong thing and put even more pressure on Fang Zhao. All he could do was quietly fume at home. 
1117
1118Great-Grandmother Fang sighed and tried to comfort her spouse. "Silver Wing will handle things," she said.
1119
1120"My ass! How can we count on self-interested corporations like that? Hell will freeze over before they lift a finger."
1121
1122"They have still made a difference." Great-Grandmother Fang browsed the online chatter and took screenshots of some of the comments for Great-Grandfather Fang. "You can tell that Silver Wing has intervened to steer the conversation in a positive direction."
1123
1124"What good does that do? The situation has still blown out of control. Can you imagine how much pressure Xiao Zhao is under? Why is it so hard for Xiao Zhao to sit for the exams peacefully?" Great-Grandfather Fang was feeling Fang Zhao's pain.
1125
1126"Being a celebrity means that whatever you do, you have to cope with more pressure than the average Joe," Great-Grandmother Fang said.
1127
1128After pondering the matter some more, Great-Grandfather Fang still couldn't let go. He called Fang Zhao via videoconference.
1129
1130When the call went through, Fang Zhao was in his study. Books were scattered on his desk. He was also reading a document on his tablet.
1131
1132Great-Grandfather Fang stuttered, "You're st-studying?"
1133
1134"Yeah, I'm preparing for the second-round. Regardless of whether or not I pass the first round, it's good to be ready."
1135
1136"That's the spirit! Maintain your composure. Ignore what other people have to say. Just try your best. Also, make sure you get plenty of rest, and don't forget to eat."
1137
1138After he was done nagging, Great-Grandfather Fang didn't want to intrude anymore. He hung up and resumed fuming on his own. He hadn't taken a close look during the video call, but from what Great-Grandfather Fang could remember, he thought Fang Zhao had lost weight. "Xiao Zhao seemed skinnier! He's under so much pressure. Who knows if he's eating regularly?"
1139
1140Great-Grandfather Fang sat restlessly until 8 p.m., nervously fidgeting with his truncated walking stick.
1141
1142At 8 p.m., Fang Zhao received an email notifying him he had passed the first-round exam. The email also included his exam pass for the second round.
1143
1144Just as Xue Jing had predicted, the first round hadn't posed a major challenge. As long as he'd been careful and had nailed the questions he was supposed to, clearing the first round of screening wasn't an issue.
1145
1146After notifying Xue Jing, his great-grandparents in Yanbei, and Silver Wing, Fang Zhao went back to his prep.
1147
1148As far as the rest of the world was concerned, Fang Zhao didn't have enough prep time, but from the moment of his rebirth, Fang Zhao had never stopped absorbing information and knowledge about the New Era, even when he'd been filming. The reason he could race through Ming Cang's notes and Xue Jing's mock exam wasn't just because he was cramming.
1149
1150Xue Jing had described to Fang Zhao the types of questions that appeared in the second-round exam and other things to pay attention to. Fang Zhao didn't leave his apartment the next two days, nor did he go online. 
1151
1152He would leave the public relations battle to the professionals at Silver Wing. All he had to do was focus on his exam prep.
1153
1154The second round took place just two days after the first round. A new venue was assigned—a different university.
1155
1156Fang Zhao kept a low profile as usual when he arrived at the exam venue. The university was in a secluded location. By the time Fang Zhao finished his exam, word that he was there had already leaked. There were quite a few entertainment journalists staking him out. Fang Zhao was determined to avoid them. None of the entertainment journalists managed to snap a picture of him. All they could do was buy some of the surveillance footage from the university.
1157
1158Access to the surveillance footage was heavily restricted. There was only so much footage one could buy, but it was better than nothing. For entertainment journalists, a single frame was enough fodder for several stories.
1159
1160Only some 20,000 candidates passed the first-round exam. After the second round, only 5,000 were left.
1161
1162So many folks were hoping that Fang Zhao would fumble during his exams, cave under the pressure, or underperform due to jitters, yet against all the expectations, well-intentioned or not, Fang Zhao passed the second-round exam with a solid showing.
1163
1164After clearing the second round, Silver Wing felt it could speak with more confidence. They didn't have high hopes for Fang Zhao. Clearing the second round was enough. Passing the third exam was even better, but it was no big deal if he didn't. For someone Fang Zhao's age, passing the first two rounds was a terrific result already.
1165
1166Only 1,000 candidates would remain after the third exam. Among the people sitting for the third exam were some of Yanzhou's more famous artists. They were mostly in their 60s and 70s. The number of artists who were 30 or younger could be counted on one hand.
1167
1168The day before the third exam, Great-Grandfather Fang sent Fang Zhao a package. He said he and Great-Grandmother Fang had gotten it at the Cemetery for Martyrs.
1169
1170The two elders had made a quiet trip to Qi'an, but they hadn't bothered Fang Zhao. They'd just visited the Cemetery for Martyrs, gotten what they needed, and left. They had sent the gift to Fang Zhao by courier before they'd left.
1171
1172"Your great-grandmother and I said a sincere prayer for this. Word is that it's quite effective. Remember to wear it during your third exam. I've already checked—they're allowed at the exam venue. Remember to wear it!" Great-Grandfather Fang said in the voicemail he sent Fang Zhao.
1173
1174Fang Zhao opened the package. It was a necklace similar to the good-luck charms of the Old Era.
1175
1176Out of curiosity, Fang Zhao removed the slip of paper inside the pouch attached to the necklace. It had been folded multiple times.
1177
1178After carefully unfolding the piece of paper, a portrait emerged—Fang Zhao, the inaugural leader of the resistance's Fifth Battalion during the Period of Destruction.
1179
1180Fang Zhao: "..."### Chapter 334: Finishing Early
1181
1182**Translator:** Min_Lee **Editor:** Tennesh
1183
1184After the Period of Destruction, people had started treating the heroes from the era as saviors as a form of religion. Festivals of worship and prayer from the Old Era were moved to martyrs' cemeteries. Every city had its own martyrs' cemetery.
1185
1186Folks had stopped believing in the legends of the past and started projecting their emotions onto the martyrs' cemeteries, which became the sites where people prayed for good fortune.
1187
1188Outside of Memorial Day, the martyrs' cemeteries typically didn't draw many visitors, but there were exceptions. For example, Great-Grandfather Fang and Great-Grandmother Fang had visited the martyrs' cemetery in Qi'an to pray for good luck for Fang Zhao's exam.
1189
1190The idea hadn't occurred to Great-Grandfather Fang initially. When he'd been taking a walk in the garden of the retirement facility one day, he had overheard a fellow resident saying that he had obtained a good-luck charm at a martyrs' cemetery for his great-grandson, who had been about to perform his military service.
1191
1192Great-Grandfather Fang had a eureka moment.
1193
1194*Ah... that's something I could do!*
1195
1196Great-Grandfather Fang hadn't known if good-luck charms were allowed at the exam venue, so he had checked with his connections at the education ministry. When he'd confirmed that they were kosher, he and Great-Grandmother Fang had quietly set off for Qi'an. 
1197
1198There was a martyrs' cemetery in Yanbei, but Great-Grandfather Fang didn't think it was big enough. It wasn't that he didn't respect the martyrs who were buried there but that when it came to Fang Zhao's exam, Great-Grandfather Fang wanted to pray at the biggest martyrs' cemetery in Yanzhou. If one was going to worship, it made sense to worship the greatest martyrs. People had their own agendas.
1199
1200So who was the greatest martyr at the martyrs' cemetery in Yanzhou?
1201
1202This was a subject of debate.
1203
1204Some said Fang Zhao, others Wu Yan. There were also other answers, but when it came to praying for good health and good luck, very few people worshipped Fang Zhao.
1205
1206The reason was Fang Zhao's personal history. Many historians lamented Fang Zhao's fate and considered him a tragic figure. He had survived 99 years in the Period of Destruction but had failed to take that last step and make it into the Founding Era. His tomb was ranked second. His influence had also waned. In terms of stature, in the minds of Yanzhou residents in the New Era, Fang Zhao was even lower than the martyrs buried in tombs no. 3, no. 4, and no. 5.
1207
1208Even though it was unfair to evaluate the martyrs from that era according to their tomb placement, people from the New Era made that subconscious judgment. Not everyone studied history. As time passed, few folks took the time to study the Period of Destruction. If not for the airing of "Founding Era," most born-and-bred Yanzhou natives probably couldn't have remembered who was buried in the top 10 tombs at the martyrs' cemetery.
1209
1210The bottom line was that folks who prayed for good luck and health usually avoided Fang Zhao. People mainly worshipped him to ward off bad luck.
1211
1212But Great-Grandfather Fang knew what he wanted. When he arrived at the martyrs' cemetery, he headed straight for Fang Zhao's plot and got a good-luck charm.
1213
1214Having performed his worship rituals and mailed the good-luck charm, Great-Grandfather Fang felt much more relaxed. When he returned to the retirement home in Yanbei and was asked about his whereabouts, he didn't feel the need to lie.
1215
1216The fellow resident who had suggested Great-Grandfather Fang get a good-luck charm asked, "Who did you worship?"
1217
1218"Of course it was Battalion Leader Fang," responded Great-Grandfather Fang.
1219
1220"All I did was suggest you get a good-luck charm. I didn't suggest you worship him!"
1221
1222"I thought about it and decided that worshipping him was the best bet. We share the same surname. Who knows, maybe we are related if I go back far enough. He also shares a name with our Xiao Zhao. Xiao Zhao even played him in a TV series. It's destiny!"
1223
1224"But that fella didn't have very good luck. Uhm... it's not me, it's what the experts say."
1225
1226"I know." However, Great-Grandfather Fang had his own reasoning. "Back then, it was a major challenge to just get through the day. I think he had pretty decent luck to have survived 99 years during the Period of Destruction. Also, he mentored our old governor Wu Yan. Don't you think he's quite something?"
1227
1228Great-Grandfather Fang felt he had made the right call, but little did he know the mixed emotions Fang Zhao felt when he received the good-luck charm.
1229
1230What a magical experience.
1231
1232After folding the piece of paper printed with the portrait and inserting it into the pouch attached to the necklace again, Fang Zhao chuckled. "At the end of the day, I have to rely on myself."
1233
1234Even though it felt weird, Fang Zhao still followed Great-Grandfather Fang's instructions and kept the good-luck charm on him. It was a thoughtful gesture by the two elders, after all.
1235
1236The day of the exam, Great-Grandfather Fang got up early. When he figured it was about time for Fang Zhao to get up and have breakfast, he sent his great-grandson a text message asking him what he was eating.
1237
1238Great-Grandfather Fang was relieved to find out that Fang Zhao had a voracious appetite as usual.
1239
1240Having an appetite was a good thing. It proved that Fang Zhao was in good physical shape, unlike some exam takers who couldn't eat when they got nervous.
1241
1242Great-Grandfather Fang reminded Fang Zhao to bring his good-luck charm again before ending the exchange.
1243
1244Great-Grandfather Fang started fretting again. "I hear the exam will take the entire day."
1245
1246"There's a time limit of eight hours." Great-Grandmother Fang had done her homework too. She was familiar with the exam rules.
1247
1248Great-Grandfather Fang started panicking. "Eight hours? What about lunch? Given Xiao Zhao's appetite, will a regular boxed meal suffice?"
1249
1250"Don't worry. I've asked Xiao Zhao. He said you can order your meals online from approved vendors at the exam site. You can order as many meals as you like."
1251
1252"Is that so? How come you never mentioned this before?"
1253
1254"I did. You were wearing your headset at the time."
1255
1256"You did that on purpose! You decided to tell me when I had my headset on!"
1257
1258Picking a fight with Great-Grandmother Fang was Great-Grandfather Fang's way of easing his stress. If he weren't so advanced in age and physically frail and worried that he would pose a burden, Great-Grandfather Fang would have preferred keeping vigil in Qi'an instead of restlessly waiting at home for the results to be announced online.
1259
1260For an exam of this magnitude, other kids typically had their parents with them. If not their parents, then other elders. It pained him to see Fang Zhao soldier on alone.
1261
1262Seeing as Great-Grandfather Fang was trying to start a fight and was overthinking things, Great-Grandmother Fang shook her head. She picked up her kettle and started watering the plants.
1263
1264If someone wanted to make something of themself, be it in the military or the arts, there were no shortcuts!
1265
1266Great-Grandmother Fang was also delighted to see Fang Zhao blossom—she just wasn't a braggart like her husband. She was also nervous for Fang Zhao on the occasion of such an important exam.
1267
1268The more Fang Zhao progressed in his career, the less the two elders would be able to help him. At the end of the day, all Fang Zhao could count on was his own talent.
1269
1270At one of the exam venues, a university in Qi'an.
1271
1272During the second round of security screening, one of the exam monitors asked Fang Zhao to remove his necklace for a scan to make sure it wasn't being used for cheating.
1273
1274The scanner picked up the folded fragments of the Fang Zhao portrait and reassembled it on screen. 
1275
1276The exam monitor was baffled when he identified the portrait.
1277
1278After Fang Zhao entered the exam room, the exam monitor whispered to his colleagues, "Someone actually brought a good-luck charm with old battalion leader Fang's picture."
1279
1280"What? Very few exam takers picked him in the past. Isn't it still under debate whether he brings good luck or bad luck?"
1281
1282"It was Fang Zhao who brought the good-luck charm. You know, the popular actor who was assigned to our venue?"
1283
1284"Interesting. Perhaps he is someone who likes to defy convention and picked a martyr that other folks avoid?"
1285
1286Soon, many of the monitors knew that Fang Zhao had brought a good-luck charm with his namesake's picture on it.
1287
1288The third exam didn't just cover theory. Examinees had to compose a song on the spot and analyze different pieces of music. All of this took time, so even though there were fewer questions, the exam lasted longer.
1289
1290None of these questions took Fang Zhao by surprise. Xue Jing had told him that the third exam also tested analytical skills and versatility on top of theory.
1291
1292These types of questions didn't pose a major challenge for Fang Zhao.
1293
1294Hours passed by. When one of the exam monitors approached Fang Zhao to ask him about his lunch plans, Fang Zhao was getting ready to leave his seat.
1295
1296The monitor looked at the time. It was 1 p.m. The exam started at 9 a.m. It had only been four hours.
1297
1298"You're..." The surprised monitor checked Fang Zhao's exam status on his tablet. The column indicated Fang Zhao had already submitted his answers.
1299
1300"I'm done. Can I leave now?" Fang Zhao asked. He was a bit hungry.
1301
1302"Y-yes."
1303
1304After Fang Zhao left, the monitor conferred with his colleagues.
1305
1306"What do you think? Did he actually finish?"
1307
1308"Probably not. I hear the third exam is the toughest. Four hours is too short."
1309
1310"But he looked like he was in a good mood. He didn't seem like someone who didn't finish the exam."
1311
1312"Have you forgotten that he's an actor? How can you tell what an actor is really thinking?"
1313
1314"That's true. Who cares? We'll find out when the results come out. It's a shame that the results for the preliminary exams aren't ranked. Otherwise, we could find out his placement."
1315
1316Having left the exam venue, Fang Zhao was oblivious to the speculation. He went home to have lunch, then briefed Xue Jing on his performance.
1317
1318The entertainment journalists staking out Fang Zhao missed him again, but they managed to land two major scoops.
1319
1320First, Fang Zhao had turned in his exam after only four hours.
1321
1322Second, Fang Zhao had brought a good-luck charm with Fang Zhao's picture on it.
1323
1324Each of these pieces of information was sufficient fodder for multiple stories!
1325
1326The entertainment journalists stayed true to character, crafting their pieces in a way that catered to the curiosity and venting tendencies of the masses.
1327
1328The results for the third exam took longer to process than previous exams. Candidates had to wait five days.
1329
1330Candidates who sat for the HuangArt Twelve Tones exam came from all over the world, so news of Fang Zhao's candidacy soon caught notice in other continents.
1331
1332The Yanzhou chapter of "Founding Era" and endorsement deals for Fiery Bird's 10th-generation consoles and headsets had boosted Fang Zhao's visibility in other continents. Readers from other continents also became fixated on the exam.
1333
1334The entrance exam for a music program that had barely caused a ripple in the glamorous and messy entertainment industry in the past now became the focus of many journalists.
1335
1336Fang Zhao ignored the online chatter, be it mockery or praise. He stayed home and read several books that Xue Jing had recommended. When he got tired, he taught Curly Hair new video games or fed his "rabbit" some leaves.
1337
1338Five days later.
1339
1340The official website of the HuangArt Twelve Tones program published the list of candidates that had passed the three exams in the preliminary round. 
1341
1342The results weren't ranked. The names of the successful candidates were listed alphabetically by surname.
1343
1344Fang Zhao's name was on the list, as was his six-digit candidate ID number to avoid confusion. 
1345
1346Soon, Fang Zhao also received an email from HuangArt about the next round of exams.
1347
1348Great-Grandfather Fang was ecstatic that Fang Zhao had passed the three preliminary exams. Despite having been hobbling from the discomfort in his legs the past few days, the old fella couldn't help leaping in joy a few times. 
1349
1350"Be careful! You're not young anymore!" warned Great-Grandmother Fang.
1351
1352The leg problems were genuine, tracing back to Great-Grandfather Fang's time in the military. Their condition had improved with treatment, but they still hurt from time to time because he was old.
1353
1354Great-Grandfather Fang couldn't stay put even while sitting down. He clicked on a few chat groups and started sending digital red packets in celebration of Fang Zhao's results.
1355
1356"Hahahaha! Our Xiao Zhao passed all of the preliminary exams! \[Red packet\]!"
1357
1358"Did you see the news? Our Xiao Zhao was the only candidate under 30 to pass all three preliminary exams! \[Red packet\]."
1359
1360The retired officials in the chat groups were used to Great-Grandfather Fang bragging about his great-grandsons, usually Fang Zhao. Whenever he sent red packets in his chat groups, nine out of 10 times, it had to do with Fang Zhao. 
1361
1362Everyone knew that Fang Zhao was Great-Grandfather Fang's clear favorite. He viewed his other descendants with one lens and Fang Zhao another. How biased he was. With the passage of time, the prejudice got worse. Whenever he mentioned "our Xiao Zhao," it was a sign that reason had gone out the window. At times like that, there was no point in arguing with the old man. It was all in vain. All they could do was accept the red packets and congratulate him.
1363
1364"Congrats!"
1365
1366"He passed the preliminary round? Passing all three exams is no small feat! They're quite tough. Congrats!"
1367
1368"Look forward to the time when your Xiao Zhao passes the second round of exams. Remember to send red packets then!"
1369
1370"Yes! Who knows, he may be on a roll. What if he passes the second set of exams too?"
1371
1372Great-Grandfather Fang responded, "I'm pleased that he's gotten this far. Even the experts are saying that for someone of Xiao Zhao's age, passing the preliminary round is a great accomplishment, enough to prove his talent. There's no shame even if he stumbles in the second round. We'll treat it as a rehearsal and a learning experience. Xiao Zhao is still young. There will be plenty of other opportunities down the road." Great-Grandfather Fang paused before adding, "But if he really passes the second round, I'll send out some major red packets to the group!"
1373
1374Meanwhile, on the internet, attention was focused elsewhere.
1375
1376"Did Fang Zhao really bring a good-luck charm with Fang Zhao's picture to the exam?"
1377
1378"Is that why he finished in four hours and passed?"
1379
1380"I think so. Didn't you read what the experts said? It's very rare for someone Fang Zhao's age to pass all three preliminary exams. Exams require luck too."
1381
1382"One of my relatives told me that Fang Zhao's grandfather got the good-luck charm from a martyrs' cemetery."
1383
1384This comment irked Great-Grandfather Fang.
1385
1386"It was his great-grandfather, not grandfather! His grandfather is an idiot who doesn't know jack sh*t!"### Chapter 335: You Absolutely Musn't Misunderstand
1387
1388**Translator:** BeetleBarker **Editor:** Tennesh
1389
1390Great-Grandfather Fang Fang felt that among all his descendants, the one most like him was Fang Zhao. As for the others, who were they like? Great-Grandfather Fang Fang glanced at his old wife.
1391
1392"In any case, they aren't like me," Great-Grandfather Fang Fang muttered to himself.
1393
1394Online, even more people participated in the discussion about good luck charms. Some people felt that Fang Zhao's good luck charm had brought him good fortune, and these people wanted a similar model, but at the same time, they were also worried. What if they became unlucky afterward?
1395
1396"I think it's better to wait first. Let's wait and see how Fang Zhao does later before buying. It's not like we need it immediately."
1397
1398"Then let's wait first? In any case, the second round of examinations is approaching. We can decide again after the results are out."
1399
1400"My demands aren't high. Furthermore, I have an examination coming up. I'll buy it first."
1401
1402At Qi'an City's Cemetery of Martyrs, there were suddenly a lot of people buying protective amulets, and the protective amulets they wanted to but were the ones Fang Zhao had used. However, it just so happen that this version was out of stock. Previously, as there had been few people buying this, those in charge of the Cemetery had not kept much stock.
1403
1404The rarer something was, the more valuable it tended to be. As stock was low and not many people managed to buy it, this protective amulet's price was jacked up in a short time. As quantity was low while demand and prices were high, there were inevitably people blinded by greed that took an alternative path: counterfeiting.
1405
1406In the eyes of those who made counterfeits, the paper quality was just slightly inferior and the painting looked exactly the same. How could they count as counterfeits?
1407
1408But buyers did not approve of it.
1409
1410In the Old Era, there was a word: "consecrate"!
1411
1412An amulet that hadn't gone through a consecration ritual or been created in the Cemetery was a fake! No matter how good quality of the materials used, it was still a fake!
1413
1414Thus, relevant departments started combating counterfeits. The Cemetery also had their own countermeasures, so genuine and fake goods could still be differentiated.
1415
1416As for Fang Zhao, who had given rise to this series of counterfeiting and anti-counterfeiting, he had no time to be bothered about all this. After receiving the notification for the second stage of examinations, he was called over by Xue Jing to undergo a week of training. Afterward, he would head to Huangzhou to participate in the second round of exams.
1417
1418More than 100,000 people had applied to take the examinations, and after going through three rounds of preliminary exams, the number of people with the qualifications to sit for the second stage was only 1000. Of the 90-plus from Yanzhou that had passed the preliminaries, Fang Zhao was the youngest.
1419
1420This time, Fang Zhao did not let the company arrange any other assistants and, as before, brought along Zuo Yu and Yan Biao. These two took turns being a driver and an assistant.
1421
1422"Boss, are we really not bringing Curly Hair along? Won't he feel lonely if he is left alone at home?" Zuo Yu asked.
1423
1424"He won't," Fang Zhao answered firmly. With the gaming console around, Curly Hair would not find it boring.
1425
1426Furthermore, if there was any danger, it would be more convenient for Curly Hair to handle it himself. If someone was dispatched to stay home and watch him, Curly Hair's actions might be restricted.
1427
1428After arriving in Huangzhou, Fang Zhao's presence declined drastically. His influence here was a far cry from his influence in Yanzhou. However, since he had frequently been appearing online recently, Fang Zhao still wore a cap.
1429
1430During this season, Huangzhou's weather was slightly hotter. Inside Huangzhou Institute of Art, many students walking on campus were sporting hats too. Furthermore, Fang Zhao kept a low profile so he appeared less conspicuous.
1431
1432"Hey, Boss, make the most of your time to study. Leave any errands to us," said Yan Biao.
1433
1434This time, Yan Biao and Zuo Yu both had assignments. Silver Wing, Great-Grandfather Fang, Xue Jing, and others had all privately sought the two out to have them run more errands. This way, Fang Zhao would have time to adjust to the time difference and prepare for his examinations.
1435
1436So after arriving at Huangzhou Institute of Art, Zuo Yu ran off to inquire about the necessary procedures for exam candidates and to learn how the school arranged its exam candidates room and board. Yan Biao followed by Fang Zhao's side and towed the luggage and bags.
1437
1438Fang Zhao had wanted to carry his own bags, but Yan Biao hadn't let him.
1439
1440Let boss carry a bag? How could a salted fish fetching such a high salary have the cheek to allow that? This was such a rare opportunity to display his usefulness, so naturally, he couldn't let it slip by.
1441
1442The sun was extremely glaring. Fang Zhao pointed at a building with walls that seemed to be entirely made of transparent glass not too far away. "Let's sit over there and wait."
1443
1444The building that Fang Zhao had pointed out was a library mainly for guests. The first floor was primarily a rest area and was slightly more lively. The people seated on this floor were mostly people who had stopped on the way for a rest.
1445
1446After finding a spot to sit down, Yan Biao put down all the bags and luggage. When he saw that Fang Zhao wanted to go buy a drink, he hurriedly exclaimed, "Let me, let me!"
1447
1448Yan Biao ran to buy a drink while Fang Zhao sat on the chair and gazed out of the transparent glass at students that were walking by outside.
1449
1450HuangArt students all had a sort of haughtiness. Even though they maintained their fundamental etiquette and did not spare any honorifics, one could sense haughtiness from their expressions and speech.
1451
1452That was understandable. As top-notch institute seeped in artistic influences with many specially privileged people, this was very normal. Fortunately, they wouldn't look down on people without any reason. This was also part of their upbringing.
1453
1454Taking a further look at the interior, there were many green plant ornaments and wood-colored furniture all around. Even if that furniture wasn't really manufactured out of wood and those lush green plants were merely man-made air purifiers, when put together, they gave off a very peaceful vibe. Upstairs was a small library collection open to the public. Paperback books could be borrowed here as well, but at a fee.
1455
1456While Fang Zhao was taking the measure of his surroundings, Yan Biao returned from purchasing drinks. There were too many people today and he had even needed to queue up.
1457
1458After drinking some water, Fang Zhao said, "I'll be heading up to take a look."
1459
1460"All right, I will just sit here. If you want to buy anything, you can send me a message straight away." Yan Biao indicated that he would not wander off and would be on standby at all times.
1461
1462When Fang Zhao went up, Yan Biao sorted out some of the luggage and wiped the sweat off his forehead. While drinking some water, he thought about his performance in the morning. *Seems all right, mhm. I can feel at ease and rest for a bit.*
1463
1464A person at the side watched him for a bit and then came over. "Hey, brother, you brought your son to enroll too?"
1465
1466The mineral water in Yan Biao's mouth all spurted out. "PFFFF!" Yan Biao was sweating all over from that scare and hurriedly explained, "No, no, no, no, that's not it! You absolutely mustn't misunderstand! That is my boss!"
1467
1468As he said that, Yan Biao had some self-doubt. He was clearly still young and wasn't much older than Fang Zhao. What had caused this person to have such a misunderstanding?
1469
1470Where could Yan Biao find the gall to be his boss's father?
1471
1472Stroking his beard, Yan Biao found the reason that had caused this misunderstanding. He had originally thought that it would make him look more dignified and imposing, but he had never imagined that it would cause this sort of misunderstanding. Luckily, this hadn't been heard by his boss. If his boss was annoyed in his heart... What would Yan Biao do if he got fired?
1473
1474Stroking the beard he had grown, Yan Biao decided that he would shave it when they returned to the hotel later!
1475
1476During this period, HuangArt's other, more ordinary advanced courses were also enrolling, so it was a common sight to see other parents sending off their children for enrollment. Afterward, there were quite a few others who came over to talk to Yan Biao. Yan Biao had to explain clearly to them that he was just accompanying his boss. He really didn't want any misunderstandings to arise.
1477
1478There were also others that accompanied their family elders and came over. Yan Biao even met a person who was accompanying his father who would be taking the second round of examinations for HuangArt's Twelve Tones. Hearing the other party bragging and flaunting, Yan Biao especially wanted to say, "My boss is also here to take the second round of examinations," but he chose to hold it in.
1479
1480As a qualified bodyguard, it would be best if he didn't randomly reveal information about his boss.
1481
1482When Zuo Yu was done handling all the procedures, Fang Zhao checked into his dormitory.
1483
1484Zuo Yu and Yan Biao wouldn't need much afterward, so Fang Zhao let them return to the hotel and wait. The school had only prepared temporary dormitories for exam candidates; other people were not able to stay.
1485
1486HuangArt's Twelve Tones's second round of examinations was even longer and required three continuous days of exams.
1487
1488The examination venue was a building next to HuangArt Library. The examination venue was linked to the library by a passageway. The second round of examinations was open book, so materials could be referenced, be they physical copies of books or computer files. Other than being unable to communicate with the outside world, everything in the library could be used.
1489
1490For the next three days, candidates would be confined to these two buildings. But candidates apparently didn't seem indisposed, especially candidates with creative backgrounds. For them, shutting themselves in their own work studios for one or two months was common. There was no need to worry about food, water, or toilets; all they needed to do was concentrate on answering the questions.
1491
1492On the first day, after Fang Zhao saw the questions, he left the exam venue and went over to the neighboring library to look through resources.
1493
1494This library was different from the small library that catered to guests. It was truly a treasure trove of knowledge. Some resources that were reportedly not permitted to be converted to electronic files and disseminated could be found here.
1495
1496There were monitoring systems for the exams. Monitoring teachers would observe the candidates' actions through the monitoring system and would not appear and in front of candidates or disturb them.
1497
1498As for meals, Fang Zhao did not let down his stomach. Solving questions and composing consumed mental strength. He had consumed quite a bit and needed to replenish his energy now so that he could move forward even better later on. While others ordered only one box lunch, Fang Zhao could order four! If the boxed meals had less inside, he might order five or six.
1499
1500During these three days, Fang Zhao spent the first day visiting the library and researching resources, and he rested at night in his own examination room. There was a bed within the wall, and when it was brought down, it was sufficient for a single person.
1501
1502The second day was spent solving questions, and Fang Zhao rested early after completing them.
1503
1504On the third day, he once again went to the library to look through the resources in the morning, and he returned to his room in the afternoon to make amendments to his script. When time was almost up and other people in the examination venue started submitting their scripts and leaving, Fang Zhao submitted his as well.
1505
1506Leaving the examination venue, Fang Zhao saw a group of students distributing HuangArt cultural commemorative gift boxes.
1507
1508For people that could participate in the second round of examinations, the majority all had some reputation in their own domains. Thus, even though HuangArt students had their own air of arrogance, in front of candidates who took part in the second round of Twelve Tones's examinations, they were even more courteous and had fitting smiles when they handed over the gift boxes.
1509
1510When they saw Fang Zhao, some students' eyes shone brighter, and they rushed over to hand over the gift box. "You have worked hard!"
1511
1512Fang Zhao smiled as he accepted the gift box. "Thank you. It wasn't that arduous."
1513
1514Fang Zhao really had not found it that difficult. He had not needed to worry during the examinations. Food and drinks were provided and there were specially designated activity areas. Candidates could also roam freely in 60% of the levels of the library. Other than solving questions being somewhat mentally straining, the rest hadn't been too tiring.
1515
1516"Can we take a photo together? I'm a fan of yours!" a student asked.
1517
1518"Me too, I really loved your acting in 'Founding Era'! Recently, I have been watching the early seasons of the Yanzhou chapter!"
1519
1520"I'm a gaming fan!"
1521
1522Students of a top-notch art institution would not get too excited when seeing celebrities and reputable artists and were just slightly more curious.
1523
1524After Fang Zhao agreed, these few HuangArt students took a few group photos with Fang Zhao. After chatting with Fang Zhao for a bit, they went to post the photos up on their social platforms.
1525
1526Following that, various people from entertainment media once again started to excessively interpret Fang Zhao's expression in the photographs.
1527
1528"Fang Zhao is smiling so happily. He probably did quite well for the examinations."
1529
1530"I feel that Fang Zhao is actually forcing himself to smile. If you've seen the expressions of others that took the second round of examinations, it is quite safe to say that the difficulty was rather high."
1531
1532"Three continuous days of examinations, but why does Fang Zhao seem to be in high spirits in the photo?"
1533
1534"Perhaps he is pretending?"
1535
1536"I wonder if he wore his good luck charm this time."
1537
1538"Who has bought information from HuangArt's side? Hurry up and speak."
1539
1540"HuangArt rarely leaks information to the outside. Purchasing the monitoring system's videos is even more difficult."
1541
1542There were also some people who made inquiries with HuangArt monitoring teachers that they were close to. While concrete information about the situation at the examination venue could not be divulged, when asked about their impression of Fang Zhao, these monitors said: "He is very young and he can eat very well.
1543
1544### Translator's Thoughts
1545
1546#### ![BeetleBarker](//userimg.webnovel.com/userheadimg/3761216175/1/1.jpg) BeetleBarker
1547
1548Sorry folks. I thought I set the chapter to publish at the normal time. Here, have a cookie!### Chapter 336: All the Rage
1549
1550**Translator:** BeetleBarker **Editor:** Tennesh
1551
1552After taking the examinations, Fang Zhao waited in Huangzhou until the results of the second round were released. He called on a few industry precursors, all of whom had been recommended by Ming Cang and Xue Jing. These people had even gone to Fang Zhao's concert back then.
1553
1554There were also a few other senior QiMu graduates that Fang Zhao got to know in the group chat. These people had helped him by sharing resources in some form or another before he'd sat for the second round of examinations. Even if Fang Zhao had not used those resources in the end, he still had to thank them.
1555
1556Huangzhou Institute of Art, inside a certain office.
1557
1558The second stage examination's grading teachers from the music team were discussing Fang Zhao's examination script.
1559
1560"Not only does this young fella have a good grasp of the fundamentals, he also has high comprehension and intelligence. He is indeed really capable and has the qualifications to get into Twelve Tones. A rare talent."
1561
1562There were some experiences that teachers couldn't teach and that students would have to rely on themselves to comprehend. Students with high levels of comprehension were much easier to groom.
1563
1564Some other teachers expressed a different view. "Solely based on the questions, I would give him high marks too, but we still have to take into account his character for this evaluation."
1565
1566"What? Remember that accompaniment piece for the finale of season nine of 'Founding Era' Yanzhou chapter?"
1567
1568"The officially released information is that Fang Zhao completed it all by himself, but as before, I still have my doubts. That isn't something a person his age can produce. Even if he has been able to compose a few outstanding works before, that tune in 'Founding Era' was different."
1569
1570"You guys have also agreed that he has high levels of comprehension and intelligence. What makes you so sure that he wasn't able to produce it? There are always geniuses in this world."
1571
1572"This isn't something that being a genius can explain! Hey, I don't know how to explain that feeling either, nor do you guys."
1573
1574The grading teachers were split into two factions. One faction felt that this youngster Fang Zhao had talent and ability. His questions had been answered very well, and giving him high grades for the second round of examinations was not an issue.
1575
1576But the other faction firmly believed this: "In any case, I don't believe it! Regardless of how Fang Zhao did on his exams, he surely got others to write those previous works of his on his behalf! Toward these sorts of people that get others to substitute for them and never admit it, the overall marks for the second round examinations have to be pressed down!"
1577
1578The head of the music team grading the papers watched both sides continue to disagree, and his brows scrunched up. After more disagreements and no solution, he interjected, "All right, everyone stop arguing. Since you all can't decide on an outcome, let's call and ask."
1579
1580"Ask who?"
1581
1582"I have already asked Xue Jing's side. He denies participating in any of Fang Zhao's composition. I believe that he would not lie about these matters, and furthermore, the style of Xue Jing's pieces are different, so it wasn't him."
1583
1584"What are you trying to say?"
1585
1586"Go ask Teacher Mo Lang."
1587
1588On hearing Mo Lang's name, both factions fell silent.
1589
1590The group head saw everyone looking terrified, and he pointed at the grading teacher that had argued the loudest. "You, make the call and ask."
1591
1592That teacher stuttered, "M-me?"
1593
1594"Weren't you very loud just now? Go and ask."
1595
1596"You can't blame that on me. It's because I have a singing background and my singing techniques affected me; I'm not used to speaking softly. Besides, I do not know Teacher Mo's contact number."
1597
1598"I know. I have already helped you dial the number." As he said that, the grading group head forced a communications device into that teacher's hands and raised his chin, indicating that teacher should hurry up and ask.
1599
1600Mo Lang had just returned from planet Wai. He had recently been on vacation and had nothing to do at home, so he answered rather quickly.
1601
1602The teacher nervously introduced himself first and then stated that his purpose was to find out if Mo Lang had guided Fang Zhao when Fang Zhao had been composing.
1603
1604This was a rather tactful way of asking, but Mo Lang had been part of the music circles for so many years that even if he didn't like to bother with other stuff, he could still tell the other party's intention. The other party's question was just indirectly asking him, " Did Teacher Mo ghostwrite for Fang Zhao?"
1605
1606Mo Lang went silent.
1607
1608This sort of silence wasn't tacit agreement, but rather, it was like the gathering of black clouds. The atmosphere was both stifling and suffocating.
1609
1610The other teacher's also held their breath and tried to lower any presence of their existence. The entire room was so quiet one could hear a pin drop.
1611
1612Beads of sweat appeared on the forehead of the teacher that was holding the communications device. "Teacher... Teacher Mo, we aren't doubting your character, we are just asking that's all."
1613
1614Mo Lang became even more taciturn.
1615
1616The silence made all the grading teachers feel their skin tighten. A few of them also subconsciously shifted further away. They all knew that this was the calm before the storm.
1617
1618"Venerable Mo?" the teacher holding on to the communications device probed. His voice seemed to be wavering.
1619
1620Old Mo Lang appeared to be breathing heavily on the video call, but when he spoke, his tone was almost flat. "I remember telling others in the industry about the matters with Fang Zhao. Listening to your words, are you implying that I'm lying?"
1621
1622"No, no, no! Venerable Mo, we are just routinely asking. It's merely a formality. Please, don't get worked up! You absolutely mustn't get worked up!" That teacher was so worried his face was turning red.
1623
1624Mo Lang suddenly raised his voice and furiously roared, "Absolutely preposterous!"
1625
1626"You mustn't think too much! We really did not have that intention! Really!" That teacher was so worried he shot up from his chair. Old Master Mo was a treasure of an artist. If anything bad occurred to Old Mo because he had become angry, this bunch would be done for.
1627
1628"Should I swear it on my Galaxy World Medal!? Ah? How do you all wish for me to prove it? I will come over to HuangArt to show you your proof! An old fellow like me can still walk! You doubt me? That's simply vilifying all the honor I have achieved in my life! Trampling all over it!"
1629
1630"No, no, no, you have really misunderstood. Without a doubt, we believe your morals. It is really just a formality! Really!"
1631
1632Furious berating still continued from the other end. The grading teacher holding the communications device had sweat trickling down his forehead.
1633
1634Mo Lang's words were like large bricks aimed at his head, each one heavier than the last, smacking his head till he was dizzy.
1635
1636A single person would not be able to handle Venerable Mo's fury. He thought about looking for the other grading teachers to share the responsibility. "You guys hurry up and help explain..."
1637
1638However, when he looked behind him, he realized that all the other grading teachers that had originally been sitting there had run off.
1639
1640The teacher facing the full wrath on his own: "..."
1641
1642At that moment, the amount of cursing in his head was enough to fill up the entire continent of Huangzhou.
1643
1644Mo Lang spent more than 10 minutes admonishing that teacher through the call. However, Mo Lang was still very advanced in age, so his assistants were worried about Mo Lang's health and advised him to calm down.
1645
1646After the call ended, the grading teachers that had left returned one by one. One of them even exclaimed, "See, I already said we should seek truth from facts. If it's good, that means it's good. If it's no good, then that means it's no good. How things are is how they should be! We are but grading teachers, not the teachers that will be guiding them. If this person really has problems, then those teachers should be the ones fretting over it. Anyway, let's not be unreasonable. Since he has already explained it well and you people haven't been able to find evidence that someone ghostwrote, we should just evaluate him according to the exam script."
1647
1648With a rigid face, the teacher holding the communications device stared accusingly at the speaker. *Why didn't you say all these before we made the call?*
1649
1650"According to the exam script?" The grading teacher that had sat down again looked over at the group head.
1651
1652"Then let's evaluate according to the script," the group head said.
1653
1654On the day results were released, many media outlets were watching HuangArt's official homepage.
1655
1656With only 12 selected from 1000, the elimination rate was rather high.
1657
1658At the appointed time, HuangArt's Twelve Tones's advance course page refreshed. The 12 accepted applicants were displayed.
1659
1660This list was arranged according to the results of the second round examination from highest to lowest. Fang Zhao took third place.
1661
1662Of the two before him, the first was a talented 40-plus-year-old Huangzhou dance artist. He had made a name for himself for many years already and had been coined the dance god's successor.
1663
1664The second was a 50-plus-year-old painter. He was still considered young in New Era terms. He came from a family with a background in painting and calligraphy and was also a genius. Not mentioning how many awards he had received, what people remembered most about him were the two paintings he had sold a while back. The selling prices of these paintings were in the tens of millions.
1665
1666In the musical field, there were four entrants this year. Fang Zhao was the highest ranked from the music field.
1667
1668Actually, when the music team's grading teachers saw the final standings, they felt a little regret. If they had known it was going to turn out this way, they would have given Fang Zhao's exam script a few more marks. This way, they would not have lagged behind dance and painting.
1669
1670However, the media outlets that had their attention on the enrollment of this advanced course did not spend too much time bothering about the classifications of the standings. Their focus was on Fang Zhao.
1671
1672Many entertainment media members had been putting all their effort into throwing shade on Fang Zhao, but today, they changed their tune and lauded his accomplishments.
1673
1674"HuangArt's Twelve Tones advanced course's youngest entrant in close to 50 years! Yet another Mo Lang! The Galaxy World Medal isn't a dream!"
1675
1676"Ability? Or was it luck? The most effective good-luck charm in history!"
1677
1678Entertainment news media outlets made full use of their ability to blindly create stories without logic. They inflated Fang Zhao so much that he didn't even recognize himself.
1679
1680Certain reviewers were also unwilling to keep silent on this. Some reputable reviewers even posted short evaluations on their social platform accounts: "Really unexpected. Fang Zhao has huge potential. Nobody knows how high he can climb, but there is one thing that is certain: Silver Wing Media must fear being unable to control Fang Zhao in the future."
1681
1682When Silver Wing's people saw this status, they didn't know whether to laugh or cry. *Since when have we controlled him?*
1683
1684Right from the start, Fang Zhao had always done things beyond what the company had anticipated.
1685
1686He simply had never been controlled!
1687
1688In Yanzhou. On the second day after the second round's examination results were released, Yanzhou's Cemetery of Martyrs's administration department held a ceremony.
1689
1690On this day, the Cemetery of Martyrs' were full of people who had come to attend the ritual. There were people from Yanzhou as well as people from other continents.
1691
1692A foreign tourist saw the ceremonial guards and band walking at the front, turned to look at the dense mass of people behind him, and then lamented to his companion, "Tsk, looking at this situation, later on, by the time the ceremony is over, those amulets will surely be sold out."
1693
1694His companion shot him a look of "how ignorant" and replied, "All of the amulets at this ceremony were sold out in advance! If you wished to purchase one, you would have queue up!"
1695
1696That's right, the model of amulet that Fang Zhao had used had become all the rage online. This also became a must-see location for tourists from other continents.
1697
1698Some people asked them, "There are Cemeteries in every continent, so why have they all come here?"
1699
1700Tourists: "This is just coincidentally joining in all the fun!"
1701
1702"Why don't you just purchase it online instead of traveling a long distance and coming all the way to Yanzhou?"
1703
1704Tourist: "Sales of this model was selling too quickly, and the Cemetery's stock cannot hold up. Online sales have closed, so one can only take a queue number for a booking. Queueing up here is still better than trying to get the goods online."
1705
1706Actually, there weren't that many people that really believed in these superstitions. They were just following the trend to join in on the excitement. They felt that after purchasing the amulet, they could treat at is a way of being pretentious. People were also willing to spend money to get the amulets as gifts for others.
1707
1708Fang Zhao when he saw all this news: "..."
1709
1710His feelings were once again complicated.
1711
1712At the Yanbei retirement facility for veterans. In the past two days, the smile on Great-Grandfather Fang's face had not faded. That smile of his annoyed others when they saw it.
1713
1714"My family's Little Zhao, I'm not bragging, he is just so capable! How many analysts said that he would go no further than the second round? But take a look now!" Great-Grandfather Fang showed off this year's HuangArt's Twelve Tones entrants to others for the umpteenth time.
1715
1716"Despite competing with so many outstanding artists, he achieved third place. In ancient times, wouldn't he be called a <anno data-annotation-id="0c1ce360-8116-697a-c549-7bedc6547cd4" data-title="tan hua"> tan hua 1 </anno> ?"
1717
1718An old veteran replied, "I heard that tan hua langs all look very good. Your great-grandson doesn't look good."
1719
1720Hearing this, Great-Grandfather Fang's eyebrows shot up.
1721
1722That old veteran hurriedly explained, "No, what I mean to say is that your great-grandson isn't good-looking enough."
1723
1724The others were all speechless. *You might as well not explain.*
1725
1726Great-Grandfather Fang blew his top. "You are just jealous and envious and saying this because you are sour!"
1727
1728Someone came forward to calm the situation down. "Old Man Fang, aren't you supposed to be thinking about your family's Little Fang? What are his tuition fees are going to be like? Do you need to get anything in order? I heard that the tuition for HuangArt's Twelve Tones is especially expensive."
1729
1730Great-Grandfather Fang went blank for a bit before returning to his senses. "Right, right, right, I still have responsibilities. I can't stick around and waste time chatting with you guys!"
1731
1732Great-Grandfather Fang returned to check his own little treasury and went to research Huangzhou's Twelve Tones's tuition fees. He also went to contact some old friends of his from the education system to ask whether there were any procedures needed or if they could pull any strings.
1733
1734Very quickly, he received replies. "Tuition fees? The tuitions fees for that advanced course are really expensive. One person will have to spend a few hundred thousand a year, and that isn't counting in lifestyle expenditure. Spending money is a must when building interpersonal relationships with others over there, and it doesn't cost any less than the tuition fees. But you also need not worry. For an advanced course like Twelve Tones, as long as someone manages to enroll, they will be taking a straight path for grooming talents in our continent. The Ministry of Education is in charge, so there isn't any need to pull strings. Any procedures will be handled right at the start, and the scholarships given out can offset the tuition fees. All you all need to do is handle daily living expenses. However, your family's Xiao Zhao earns quite a lot; what are you so worried for?
1735
1736"What he earns is his own money. What I'm giving him is just my kind intentions as an elder! Do you understand what 'kind intentions' means?"
1737
1738Great-Grandfather Fang had his own tiny inclinations. He wanted to show that he could still be of use. Otherwise, he wouldn't have peace of mind. If he could not even do anything to help, wouldn't he be just like this bunch of old fogeys who spent all day in the garden chatting and gossiping idly?
1739
1740After learning about the matters before entering school, Great-Grandfather Fang started dreaming about the future again, and a crazed smile appeared on his face.
1741
1742HuangArt was good, a top-notch advanced course in a top-notch school. It would be best if Fang Zhao found an equally capable and like-minded girlfriend, just like that recent teenage-idol serial with classmates from the same class being lovey-dovey and so on.
1743
1744But then, Great-Grandfather Fang thought about the ages of Fang Zhao's coursemates...
1745
1746His smile gradually vanished