2 Learning System

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Chen Ran had just awakened and hadn’t yet grasped what was happening when a sudden, explosive sound echoed near his ear. His head throbbed unbearably, and he clutched it tightly. Fang Shouyi quickly placed a pillow beside Chen Ran and whispered, “Xiao Ran, what’s wrong?”

“I’ll go call the doctor for you.” Chen Ran was drenched in sweat, his youthful face contorted in pain. Fang Shouyi sprinted out the door like a sprinter, shouting loudly, “Doctor!”

Hearing the commotion, the doctor hurried over. “How’s the patient?”

“I’m not sure. He just woke up, but his head seems to hurt badly. He keeps holding his head, and he’s sweating all over.” Fang Shouyi explained as the doctor swiftly approached Chen Ran. The doctor placed his hand on Chen Ran’s forehead, then used a stethoscope to check his heartbeat. Shaking his head, he said, “There shouldn’t be anything serious. But if you’re worried, it’s best to run some tests.”

Chen Ran gasped for breath, gripping the white bedsheet tightly. His eyes wandered over the mottled white walls and the somewhat worn hospital bed. He closed his eyes, then slowly opened them again.

This… isn’t a dream, is it?

Why must he endure the scene of his father’s death once more? Why? Slowly releasing his grip, he wondered what was swirling inside his mind.

Outside, the rain drizzled continuously, the pattering sound falling on yellowed leaves and the uneven road.

A chill ran down Chen Ran’s spine as the headache gradually eased. It felt as though he had been reborn. His body felt much lighter than before—he had always sensed his health was somewhat lacking. Now, his body seemed incredibly strong. The steady and powerful heartbeat confirmed this. Regaining his composure, he looked toward Fang Shouyi, who was conversing with the doctor.

Occasionally nodding lightly, Chen Ran soon fell into a state of confusion.

Had he truly returned to the past, or was this just a dream from which he had not yet awakened?

Regardless, it probably couldn’t be any worse.

[Host, you are finally awake!]

A mechanical voice sounded, tinged with a hint of excitement. Chen Ran was stunned, staring blankly before softly asking Fang Shouyi, “Shouyi, did you hear any strange sounds?”

“Strange sounds?” Fang Shouyi looked puzzled, shaking his head gently. “I didn’t hear anything. Xiao Ran, what’s wrong? Don’t scare me!” He thought something was seriously wrong and felt helpless.

“N-no, nothing.” Chen Ran lowered his gaze again, his mood darkening.

[Hello, host, I am the Learning System!]

A learning system?! Chen Ran seemed dazed, whispering, “What is that?”

[Dedicated to your studies, committed to providing you the highest quality educational support! There is a saying in Huaguo: ‘Live and learn till old age.’ The system will offer you optimal service. This system does not accept any negative feedback. First, since you previously attended university but have almost forgotten everything, we will start from the simplest middle school knowledge for review!]

[The system will plan all your study content!]

[You now have two options:
1. Study Mathematics
2. Study Mathematics]

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“What if I don’t want to study?” Chen Ran was curious—what would happen if he refused? This system was strange, and going back to the past was strange too. With so many oddities piling up, he wondered if the system was responsible for sending him back.

[Knowledge is power! If you don’t like studying, then don’t. You can choose to live an ordinary, unremarkable life as before, or you can choose to study diligently. It’s your choice.]

What kind of laid-back system was this?

Chen Ran was dumbfounded. Seeing Chen Ran’s expression, Fang Shouyi thought he was still upset, quietly saying, “Xiao Ran, stay in the ward for a while. I’ll go get you some breakfast.”

“Okay.” Chen Ran nodded slightly, taking a deep breath.

[This system includes many scientific studies, but you must start with the basics—mathematics!]

“Am I dreaming?”

[No, host, this is not a dream. You have indeed returned to the past. The date is now November 3, 2000!]

“Why?”

[…]

The Learning System didn’t answer. Chen Ran frantically pressed, “Is this your doing? Why? Why now… If only it had been a few days earlier, maybe my father wouldn’t have…”

[Sorry, this is beyond the system’s control!]

The system’s voice seemed to admit that his time travel was due to a glitch within itself.

“So, you’re saying I went back because of you?”

[You will understand after your studies, host.]

“What do you mean?”

[Many theories require a foundation of knowledge. Without basic knowledge, I cannot explain why you have returned. Of course, you can also attribute it to quantum mechanics when in doubt.]

“…”

Chen Ran took a deep breath. “Why should I believe you?”

[You don’t have to believe me. You can choose to live an ordinary, unremarkable life as before with no consequences. It’s your choice. The system cannot interfere. It only plans and explains difficult points when you want to study. I am a learning system, not a forcing system.]

Chen Ran fell silent. “But my father…”

[I’m very sorry! Host, when you need to learn, just silently call the Learning System in your mind. Otherwise, the system will not disturb you.]

“How did you bind to me?”

[Gene binding. I reside in your brain, possibly in any one of your cells!]

Chen Ran slowly closed his eyes. When Fang Shouyi returned with breakfast, he quietly asked, “Xiao Ran, are you okay?”

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“No.” Chen Ran smiled bitterly. Never had he imagined that one day he would truly return to the past. This was a path he had never traveled before. Shaking his head, he looked at the still somewhat youthful Fang Shouyi. He wasn’t entirely sure how Fang Shouyi had become his brother-in-law—not because he didn’t care about his sister, but because she was very strong-willed and never told the family anything. Only when she was about to marry did Chen Ran learn that she and Fang Shouyi had been dating for many years.

He didn’t even know if they started dating back when his sister was in university.

Fang Shouyi was a very good man, gentle and kind to his sister.

Sometimes Chen Ran envied his sister for having found such a good person. The one Chen Ran liked was Fang Shou Yong, the second son of the Fang family. To Chen Ran, he was like a god—more handsome than his brother-in-law and always efficient and sharp. Unfortunately, Fang Shou Yong did not like men. Chen Ran had known this all along, so he carefully buried his feelings deep inside and rarely met Fang Shou Yong. The less they met, the better. Fang Shou Yong was six years older and they weren’t close. He was probably still in school.

Chen Ran remained silent. Fang Shouyi, standing nearby, was afraid Chen Ran would spiral into dark thoughts.

“Xiao Ran,” Fang Shouyi patted Chen Ran’s shoulder, “Uncle Chen wouldn’t want to see you like this. You have to be strong.”

“Mm.” Chen Ran replied in a nasal tone. The system was right—he could choose to live an ordinary life as before, muddling through university and then drifting through life. Or, with the system’s help, he could study harder than ever and maybe get into a much better university and make a difference.

This was what his father had loved so much. Chen Ran clenched his fists softly.

Fang Shouyi sighed and sat beside Chen Ran, placing steaming buns and porridge nearby. He didn’t know how to comfort Chen Ran; he wasn’t good with words. He was also angry—Uncle Chen had always been good to him and his brother. A fine policeman praised throughout the district. To save a heartbroken young man who tried to drown himself in the Clear Water River, Uncle Chen had jumped in. The young man survived, but Uncle Chen never came out alive. When they saw Uncle Chen again, he was just a cold corpse. The young man didn’t even want to admit that the officer had died trying to save him.

The most infuriating part was the young man’s indifferent attitude—like it had nothing to do with him.

Everyone was furious, but Chen Ran was too young to understand all this. After fainting, Fang Shouyi’s father called him and had Chen Ran sent to the hospital to keep him safe for the time being.

“Aunt Luo is very worried about you,” Fang Shouyi said softly. Aunt Luo was Chen Ran’s mother, Luo Mingxiu.

Chen Ran sniffled, tiredly saying, “Shouyi, I’m a little tired.”

“Eat your breakfast first, then rest.” Fang Shouyi looked at Chen Ran’s small face, heart aching that such a young child had to endure such loss.

“Okay!” Chen Ran gobbled down some of the steaming buns and porridge. Lying back on the bed, he wondered what he should do next, while Fang Shouyi stayed by his side.

Suddenly, Chen Ran opened his eyes and asked, “Shouyi, when will we go back?”

“When you’re better, we’ll go back.”

Fang Shouyi forced a bitter smile. No one wanted such a young child to witness such a painful scene. Many thought Uncle Chen didn’t deserve it, but Fang Shouyi believed that even Uncle Chen, if he knew everything, would probably just smile wryly. That was the kind of man he was. Aunt Luo was reasonable, too, but now she was heartbroken. Losing her husband had thrown her into chaos.

Chen Ran slept soundly. Fang Shouyi looked at Chen Ran’s tender profile and exhaled slowly. He took out a notebook labeled “Chen Qingyan.”

Touching the page, Fang Shouyi closed the notebook and placed it on the cabinet beside the ward. Closing his eyes, he remembered he hadn’t slept well last night.

After some time, when he woke, Chen Ran was already awake. Chen Ran now looked rosy and healthy, unlike before when he was pale.

Chen Ran quietly said, “Shouyi, let’s go home. I’m fine.”

“I’ll check with the doctor. Wait here, Xiao Ran.” Fang Shouyi got up and left the room, glancing at his watch—it was noon. Going home now should be fine.