Zhao Mu instantly understood: news that he had been rated E-rank Spiritual Energy Talent had already spread through the neighborhood.
But that was hardly surprising—Zhao Mu had always been the "other people's child" everyone compared their own kids to.
His parents had died on the battlefield, martyrs for the nation; he was the child of heroes.
Moreover, he had been sensible since childhood, and once school began his grades were forever first in the entire school.
Neighbors had looked after him since he was small, often sending tasty dishes from their own tables.
Now that he had awakened the lowest E-rank talent, many wrung their hands in regret—though surely some secretly gloated.
Zhao Mu smiled at Old Xie. "Uncle Xie, I'm really fine; no need to drown my sorrows in liquor."
Who would have thought Bu Yanhuan plucked the bottle from his hand and beamed at Old Xie. "Rest assured, I'll help him talk things through!"
Old Xie offered Zhao Mu one more word of comfort, then shook his head and walked off, face full of pity.
Zhao Mu scratched his head; he could only keep his secrets from the neighbors for now.
But once he grew strong, he would return and repay their years of kindness.
It was already eight in the morning; the sun rode high. Though Zhao Mu hadn't slept all night, he didn't feel the least bit drowsy.
The joy of Awakening Spiritual Energy can sweep away every weariness.
Suddenly he realized he'd forgotten something.
He smacked his forehead. "Crap—I forgot to go find Mo Mo!"
Everyone had just awakened their Spiritual Energy, and Mo Mo had said the two families should celebrate together. Whatever the case, as her boyfriend he needed to talk things over with her.
"Aunt Bu, you eat first—I'm off to find Mo Mo!"
Zhao Mu spun around and dashed out of the house.
Bu Yanhuan tilted her head, watching him leave, a playful glint flashing in her eyes.
"Oh? Let's hope that little girl doesn't do anything foolish."
At that she smiled and shook her head. "But with how shrewd she is, that's unlikely."
Halfway there, Zhao Mu saw Shen Moran appear on the road, walking slowly toward his home.
She kept her head lowered, pace unhurried, as if lost in thought.
Zhao Mu's steps unconsciously slowed; two lifetimes of experience meant he was no simple teenager.
An uncomfortable feeling surfaced in his heart.
"Mo Mo, good morning."
Zhao Mu still walked over, greeting her with the same gentle smile as always.
Shen Moran lifted her head; surprise flickered in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it.
"Morning, Xiao Mu. I… I need to talk to you about something."
Zhao Mu went silent for a moment, gazing calmly at Shen Moran.
Uncomfortable under his stare, she turned away. "Let's go somewhere else."
The two came to the riverside; at this hour it was practically empty.
They used to date here, chatting about life and ideals, sparring with martial arts.
But today the atmosphere felt strange.
"Xiao Mu," she took a deep breath, yet her tone was firm, "let's break up."
Though he'd guessed it might come to this, Zhao Mu's chest still tightened.
He gave a faint smile. "Why? Because you awakened B-rank Talent while I'm only E-rank?"
He understood everything; he simply hadn't wanted to admit it.
Shen Moran lowered her head. "Just consider it my fault. Yesterday Qingfeng Camp's instructor spoke with me—I've been recommended for direct admission. You… may not necessarily enter Qingfeng Camp."
"From now on our lives will follow two completely different paths. I'm sorry, but I don't want my partner holding me back."
She smiled wanly. "My father is a disabled veteran who now sells pork for a living. My mother suffers chronic illness, and I have two younger siblings."
"For someone from my background, this is my only chance to climb upward."
She lifted her head, meeting Zhao Mu's eyes. "Xiao Mu, you can understand, right?"
"I refuse to be an ordinary soldier, facing enormous mortality rates. Even if I survive, I'd still be forced to marry and bear children."
"That's not the life I want!"
When she said those words, her eyes blazed with tenacity, like a knife cutting away everything blocking her ascent.
"But the life I want is something you can no longer give me."
"If you love someone, you should wish for her to live better, shouldn't you?"
So I hope you can forgive me."
Zhao Mu listened quietly as Shen Moran spoke every word.
It had always been like this—whenever she felt troubled, he'd listen attentively.
Only today, those words became a farewell speech.
Zhao Mu blinked, then chuckled softly. "Mo Mo, is it possible I'm not as bad as you think—maybe my talent is actually pretty strong?"
Shen Moran's expression turned indifferent. "Stop lying to yourself; the military's verification can't be wrong."
"I know it's hard to accept falling from Genius to mediocrity, but that's fate—none of us can change it."
"So," she took a deep breath, eyes resolute, "from today onward, we're finished!"
As she spoke she extended her right hand toward him, smiling gracefully. "Over the years you've helped me a lot. Once I reach the top I'll remember your kindness. If you ever need anything, come find me."
Zhao Mu didn't take the hand; his heart felt stifled. Yet looking at her determined face, he suddenly smiled.
"Shen Moran, may I ask you something?"
When you chose to be with me, was it because you liked me—or because you wanted to use me to climb higher?"
Zhao Mu wasn't stupid; while they were together he'd tutored her plenty.
Even her frequent visits to his house to ask Bu Yanhuan for Cultivation pointers—he understood it all.
He asked only because a tiny part of him refused to give up.
Years of childhood-sweetheart affection aren't so easily cast aside.
Shen Moran stayed silent a long while before softly saying, "I did like you. But now, we're no longer suited."
Having received the answer he sought, Zhao Mu smiled and slowly nodded.
In that instant, everything within him released.
In this relationship he had given his heart and gained much happiness.
Even parting, he felt little regret.
"All right, from today we're strangers. May your future be brilliant!"
Hands in his track-pants pockets, Zhao Mu turned and walked away without looking back.