Chapter 86 A Slight Crack Opens

Indeed, Tang Shen gave her the first-level awakening serum he had acquired. After all, it was useless to him; the best way for him to increase his strength now was through the game. If he awakened, it would greatly affect his ability to improve in the game. Compared to ordinary people, gene warriors could certainly play the holographic game. However, their starting attributes were the same as everyone else’s, and even if their strength increased, the rate at which their real-world abilities synchronized with the game was even lower than that of ordinary people.

So, for Tang Shen, why bother sacrificing the watermelon to pick up sesame seeds? He’d brought little Xue Jiayi here precisely with this plan in mind. Only when you lose something do you realize its value; letting her feel that despair would make her crave it all the more, and cherish what she had all the more. As for his earlier words, they were partly drawn from his own memories—after all, those memories were now his—and partly deliberate.

There always needed to be someone to stimulate her, to open the gate in her heart where the beast was imprisoned. He believed that since this little girl could endure such a difficult childhood, she was destined for greatness. He merely offered her an opportunity, nudging open that gate just a crack. Once the beast’s gate was opened even slightly, would it close again?

Never! Never again!

Those at the very bottom of society, once given a chance to rise, would treasure it more than anyone, striving with all their might—even crawling if they must—to reach the road of success. Of course, if she still couldn’t awaken, then that was her fate.

Perhaps it was just three years as desk-mates, perhaps it was pity for their shared childhood hardships, or perhaps it was simply Tang Shen’s whimsical generosity. As for what kind of person she would ultimately become, he didn’t care, nor was he concerned.

It was nothing but a casual gesture. He happened to come to school today, Xue Jiayi happened to greet him, she happened to be his desk-mate, happened to share his background, happened to have poor grades, happened to lack the last bit of money, happened to be someone Tang Shen no longer needed, happened to catch him in good spirits today, and yes, happened to be a little girl.

If she’d earned an extra thousand, this scene would never have played out. If her grades were a little better, this wouldn’t have happened. If... if... so many ifs.

When so many coincidences come together, it becomes inevitable.

Xue Jiayi clutched the high-quality awakening serum tightly in her hand. When she heard the teacher finish reading the list, her heart was filled with despair, her future so bleak.

Only her desk-mate, once distant and unattainable, always shone so brightly. His smile was always gentle, always calm. She remembered, before she became anxious, the only comforting words Tang Shen had ever said to her: “Don’t worry, you’ll have it.”

So he’d planned it from the beginning!

She had wanted to retreat, but it was he who, without a word, grabbed her by the collar and pulled her forward. It turned out he had thought it all through.

She had never dared hope to walk alongside someone as radiant as Tang Shen. She was not as beautiful as the school belle, had no money, no family background, was shy and timid—most times she questioned him, it was only after summoning all her courage.

She never dared imagine having any connection with Tang Shen. Even though they shared similar experiences, people were different. She always thought this way, never daring to hope.

But now, for the first time, she felt a surge of desire—to stand by his side, to see the world with him, to look upon scenery she’d never seen.

Just being by his side, next to that figure, would be enough.

And if she could hold that beautiful, warm hand again, it would be even better.

For the first time, she craved something she’d never dared to dream of. This craving burst from the crack in her heart’s gate, like a tsunami.

Beneath her timid, submissive, non-confrontational personality, there lay a resilience matched by few. This was the sole proof of eighteen years spent enduring contempt and struggling to survive.

“I want to awaken. I want to stand by his side, even if only for a moment.”

That voice roared from her soul, echoing, seeping out.

For the first time, she had a concrete goal. Before, she merely wanted to escape her current life; now, it was different.

Her heart was transforming, changing at a pace unimaginable to most.

“Ahem.”

The school principal stepped out again to preside over the awakening ceremony. The four remaining escorts for the awakening serum had handed matters over to their subordinates, who assisted the school in conducting the awakenings for the students, while they followed the federal special department to provide proof for Tang Shen.

Holding the microphone, the principal spoke softly: “There was some delay just now due to certain matters. Next, nine—oh, no, ten students, please proceed to the awakening chamber.”

The awakening serum in Xue Jiayi’s hand now belonged to her.

Immediately, someone came forward to lead the way, taking the ten students to the awakening room.

Bai Xue’s gaze was complicated as she looked at Xue Jiayi, so different from the envy, jealousy, hatred, or disdain shown by the other students. It was complex, because Tang Shen had given that first-level awakening serum to her.

For an ordinary family, that sum was unattainable in a lifetime.

Frankly, she was a little jealous.

“Could it be he likes this type?” She scrutinized Xue Jiayi: a small, seemingly undeveloped body, a face with a hint of baby fat, clothes faded and nearly threadbare, yet she still radiated a touch of youthful charm—a true loli type, Bai Xue thought to herself.

It was understandable; after all, any man treating a woman so well would lead to misunderstandings.

Sure enough—

Below the platform, the students’ eyes followed Xue Jiayi’s figure—or rather, the first-level awakening serum in her hand—filled with naked jealousy.

Because it was something none of them could afford: a whole million for the first-level awakening serum, which greatly increased the chance of a successful awakening.

Yet here it was, in the hands of someone they had once looked down upon. How could they be pleased? Only resentment filled their hearts.

Murmurs of discontent and envy erupted instantly from the crowd.

“Why give it to her? Isn’t that a waste?”

“My god! That’s a million, just handed over like that. If only it were given to me.”

“Giving it to someone like her is such a waste. Better give it to me!”

“Exactly! She won’t even awaken, it’s a total waste, garbage.”

“Tang Shen was just feeling sorry for her. She’s so good at acting pitiful, winning sympathy.”

“Tang Shen really made a mistake this time, giving something so important to that kind of girl. Such a pity! I heard her grades are terrible—no matter how good the awakening serum is, it’s useless.”

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