The girl selling goods at the market had never seen money before.

"Why are you suddenly standing still? Come on."

Seeing that Murong Yao was stunned, Bai Jinxuan turned around, took her hand, and pulled her forward.

The soft, delicate touch made Murong Yao's fingers tremble, and she subconsciously wanted to pull them back.

But Bai Jinxuan didn't give her that chance. She tightened her grip on her palm with four fingers.

"What do you want to eat? It's my treat."

"Um... body-strengthening cookies will do..."

Because martial arts training is extremely taxing on the body, science students generally need to consume much more nutrients than humanities students. These body-strengthening biscuits are a very convenient and quick way to replenish energy anytime, anywhere, making them the perfect choice for Murong Yao to replenish her energy while practicing martial arts.

"Seriously, why are you thinking about martial arts even when you're eating? Food, food, don't you understand how delicious food is? You're not going to university right away, why are you being so complicated!"

Bai Jinxuan was unhappy. This guy, even when he's eating a snack, he's thinking about exercising. He's such a model student!

Don't tell me she munches on cookies while running during breaks...

Oh, Yao Yao, you weren't like this before!

"Then what should we eat...?" Murong Yao looked puzzled; she genuinely didn't understand.

Seeing her like this, Bai Jinxuan gave up trying to communicate and told her to wait at the door. Then she went in and came out carrying a large bag of snacks.

Raisins, sunflower seeds, pickled bamboo shoots, tofu skin...

"These are all foods with no nutritional value."

Murong Yao began chanting the sutra very seriously, "It neither replenishes magic power nor strengthens the body, and it even causes fat gain; it's purely a side effect..."

Upon hearing this, Bai Jinxuan immediately tore open a bag of sandwich cookies and stuffed it into her mouth.

"Alright, alright, it's just a little bit. I see quite a few students from No. 2 Middle School eating snacks too. Besides, our strawberry cake at noon was also a snack. Tell me, wasn't it delicious?"

"Clack clack... It's not quite as good as strawberry cake."

"Those are snacks for noble ladies, and you're still eyeing them."

Bai Jinxuan gave her friend a piece of her mind about how greedy she was, and then started eating heartily herself.

While eating, the two of them were relatively quiet and didn't make any more noise.

Unbeknownst to them, the two passed by the playground.

Even during breaks, many people were running laps, and many of them were wearing sportswear. It was obvious that the previous class was physical education, and they were running again right after coming out of the practice room. They were incredibly diligent.

As Murong Yao watched, she became eager to try it out and pulled Bai Jinxuan to join in.

The worst fears still came true; unable to stop Yao Yao, Bai Jinxuan could only jog with her.

Of course, they couldn't run fast either, since they were all wearing school uniforms. Putting aside the issue of wardrobe malfunctions, if they took too big a step and tore their clothes, Bai Jinxuan would be devastated.

This is the price of youth and beauty. The Fifth Sect is a major sect in the lower district, and the school uniform is a symbol of status. It is designed by professionals, customized by factories, and the quantity is limited.

School uniforms are expensive to begin with, costing over a thousand yuan each. If you damage one and want to get a new one, it will cost over five thousand yuan.

Bai Jinxuan would never fall for such blatant exploitation, so she cherished her school uniform very much, fearing that it might have any tears or blemishes.

"Look, what a beautiful girl..."

"Is that Murong Yao from Class 1, Grade 1? I heard she got first place in the joint exam and has the potential to become the strongest liberal arts student in the history of No. 5 Middle School."

"What about the white-haired guy next to her?"

"I don't know, I don't recognize it. This hair color is probably from some miner's manure."

Bai Jinxuan: ? ? ?

Volume 1: Chapter 12: The Girl Who Parted

At No. 5 Middle School, students with poor grades are generally referred to as "dung".

Students like Bai Jinxuan, whose grades are mediocre and unremarkable, are among the worst.

When Murong Yao asked her to come to Class One, she had heard similar comments—a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung.

So what if my grades are a little bad? That's because I didn't take my meds. If I had the boost from the meds, I would have crushed all you losers!

Bai Jinxuan's fists hardened, but despite her anger, what they said was indeed true.

I am truly nothing but dirt now.

Sigh, I need to quickly think of a way to improve my grades.

She sighed, her face full of worry, her little face wrinkled up.

This made Murong Yao feel sorry for her, and she quietly tightened her grip on her hand.

"Xiaoxuan, don't pay attention to what they're saying."

"I didn't care, I just... never mind, class is about to start, let's finish eating and go back quickly."

"Ah."

As class was about to start, many people were still running on the playground; they were probably all science majors.

There are very few people who can cultivate both magic and martial arts. Compared to magic, martial arts have a wider range of applications. Not only can one work as a security guard in dungeons and transport goods, but one can also explore paths and serve as a sparring partner...

In short, employment is easier to solve, and universities have slightly lower requirements for magic, so apart from students with special talents in magic, most people will choose to major in science.

In the crowd, Bai Jinxuan saw a slightly familiar face. After a brief moment of recollection, she realized it was the boy in her class who had undergone gender reassignment surgery.

He was running as fast as he could, but his speed was nothing compared to the crowd; he was only slightly better than Bai Jinxuan.

To be honest, this kind of person is not an isolated case. No. 5 Middle School is a good school, but not everyone who goes to No. 5 Middle School can go to a good university.

Drinking the sex-changing drug means your future is locked at the second level. Only two types of people would do such a thing: the first are like him, who do it to build a better physique, get a university degree, and secure a better future...

To make yourself sound a little better.

Another type is the red-light district industry, which was previously severely cracked down on by schools. This kind of thing is more common underground. It can only be said that no matter which one it is, they all recognize reality early on and do their best to fight for that little bit of profit they might get.

"Dingling bell~"

Just as the school bell rang, Bai Jinxuan and Murong Yao walked into the classroom hand in hand.

Since the test had just been completed and the magic mechanics teacher still had to grade the papers, this class was a self-study period. Students could choose to exercise on the playground or study in the classroom.

Back in the classroom, Bai Jinxuan naturally chose the latter.

She sat on the chair, her legs, encased in black stockings, crossed and tucked under the chair legs, her toes touching the ground, gently trembling.

“Clatter, clatter…”

After stuffing all the snacks she bought into the drawer, she pulled out a study guide from the heavy pile of books next to her, spread it out on the table, and stretched.

Alright! Now focus on your studies!

"Hey? Teacher Zhang, what brings you here?"

At that moment, a woman's questioning voice came from the podium.

Bai Jinxuan looked up and saw that the person who came was Zhang Hu, the dean of students. After gesturing to the teachers and students that he meant "don't mind me," he lowered his head and hurried over.

Normally, Zhang Hu would not enter the classroom when students are studying. Even if there were exceptions, he would only come to announce matters, not to make such a gesture.

This unusual behavior made all the students realize something.

"Hey, look, is that a bodyguard outside the door?"

"Look out the window! There are lots of hovercars parked at the school gate. Those are high-tech vehicles that you only see in the Upper City."

Has someone at school committed a crime?

For a group of students who had never seen much of the world, these were all new and exciting things. If it weren't for the teacher, they would have loved to run to the school gate to see them up close.

The quiet classroom suddenly became lively.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hu frowned and let out a strange, weak roar.

"Sit down, everyone. Quiet, quiet!"

After saying that, she moved closer to Murong Yao and smiled slightly.

"Murong Yao, your teacher from No. 2 Middle School is here to pick you up. Pack your things and go now."

"So fast?"

Murong Yao was dumbfounded. She had told the head of the teaching department at noon that she agreed to go to No. 2 Middle School, and in the time it took to take a test, the teacher from the other side came to pick her up.

The efficiency of the Upper City is terrifying...

She glanced at Bai Jinxuan with some reluctance, then stood up and began packing her books.

Just then, a hand reached out and tugged at her sleeve.

Immediately afterwards, a beautiful cake box appeared on the table; it was a strawberry cake.

"This is the last one," Bai Jinxuan said with a smile.

Seeing this, Murong Yao felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She probably wanted to keep this piece for herself, right? If she gave it to me, it would mean I ate three pieces, and she only ate one...

Oh dear, Xiaoxuan seems to have a lot of opinions about my concerns about this; her brows are almost furrowed.

Since it's Xiaoxuan's kind intention, I appreciate it!

She smiled back, put the cake box into her backpack, and then, just like when she packed for a trip, softly said "Mmm" and zipped up her backpack.

-------------

Murong Yao left.

After a brief and heated discussion, the classroom returned to calm.

In the corner by the window of Class 1, only Bai Jinxuan remained.

She propped her cheek on her elbow and looked out the window, her gaze passing over the empty seats.

The hovercar rose rapidly like a kite, disappearing completely from sight in no time.

Upper East Side...

Looking at the enormous city floating in the sky, Bai Jinxuan slowly closed her eyes.

In short, let's make more money first. Although we've paid off the loan, we gave Yao Yao 100,000 yuan, so we only have tens of thousands of yuan left.

If it were just about snacking and getting by, this money would be enough for Bai Jinxuan. But if she wanted to get into No. 2 Middle School, it would be a different story.

Whether it's medicine or food supplements, nothing should be lacking. In terms of talent, Bai Jinxuan knows she might not be as good as Murong Yao, but when it comes to other things, Murong Yao is a complete novice.

She would never know that No. 2 Middle School can actually be bought with money.

That number was frighteningly large.

100 million.

This is just the referral fee. In addition, there are tuition fees, school uniform fees, accommodation fees... all added up to tens of thousands of yuan.

Even people living in the upper district would turn pale upon hearing the figure of 100 million.

If the school hadn't waived Yao Yao's tuition and fees and provided her with enough subsidies to complete three years of schooling, the Murong family would never have been able to afford such a prestigious school, let alone pay any referral fees.

Those who use this shortcut are all rich young masters and ladies from the upper district; they have money and can afford any school.

"Sigh." Bai Jinxuan opened her scarlet eyes and muttered involuntarily, "So why do those rich people have such a stupid idea to go to the underground city?"

Volume 1: Chapter 13: The Girl in Red and White

After school, Yao's mother called and invited Bai Jinxuan to her house for dinner.

She did not refuse, because she could tell from the other person's words that they already knew that Yao Yao had gone to No. 2 Middle School.

Elite schools like No. 2 Middle School are under closed management, and unauthorized personnel are not allowed to enter at will. Even parents need to apply to get in.

In other words, Yao Yao will be living at school from now on, and the Murong family will only consist of these two middle-aged people.

It's not easy.

Bai Jinxuan first went home to put away her bag and snacks, then went out in a different direction and knocked on the door of the Murong family's house.

Compared to her own large mansion, the Murong family's house was smaller. However, smaller had its advantages; one could see the family members within a few steps, unlike Bai Jinxuan's house, where one had to walk through a long corridor and be surrounded by various small houses...