C7 Was It an Accident or a Manmade One?

Chen Mo was incredibly busy. As someone who never slacked off and always took thorough notes, he had virtually no free time. The short ten-minute break between classes was just enough to review the key points from the previous lesson before rushing to prepare for the next. With some teachers running long and others starting early, those ten minutes often felt even shorter.

He was attentive in class and just as focused during review sessions. His lunch breaks were spent fervently studying, and before he knew it, the day would end, and it was time to go home. Watching his classmates on the basketball court, energetically chasing the ball and enjoying their youth, he wondered how they found so much time for sports and leisure.

Chen Mo, often secluded with a book amidst the school's greenery, saw many couples openly expressing their affection, despite the school's strict ambiance. Yet, he felt indifferent. Jealousy, envy, resentment, or the self-pity of being single? None of these feelings touched him. He could even recite poetry to himself while others indulged in their romances, leaving those couples feeling somewhat awkward.

For Chen Mo, the real treasures were in books, a conviction deeply rooted in his heart.

Time flew by for someone as absorbed in his studies as Chen Mo. The concept of time barely registered with him, and Shu Menghan no longer seemed to bother him. Intelligent as she was, she appeared to have picked up on Chen Mo's subtle discomfort and graciously avoided putting him in awkward situations. Life resumed its normal pace with the daily routine of classes.

Recently, with an unexpected surplus of free time, Chen Mo frequently visited the school library to delve into literary works from across the globe and through the ages, expanding his limited knowledge.

On another unremarkable Wednesday, Chen Mo settled into his usual routine. The morning classes went by smoothly; he diligently took notes and listened carefully. Before he knew it, the bell rang, signaling the end of the fourth class—it was lunchtime. The teacher, keen not to prolong the lesson, quickly gathered his materials, announced the end of the class with a loud voice, and headed straight for the door, likely eager for a meal in the cafeteria.

Chen Mo found it somewhat peculiar how some people seemed to have an abundance of time, managing to play basketball and indulge in video games daily. He, on the other hand, had only casually handled a basketball a few times during gym class, which was enough to quell his interest.

On several occasions, while hiding in the school's verdant groves to read under the shade of the trees, Chen Mo had observed couples displaying their affection unabashedly, even under the school's strict atmosphere.

Yet, he felt nothing in particular towards these displays. Envy, jealousy, or resentment? The self-pity of being single? No, none of those feelings existed within him. He could even recite ancient poetry to himself while watching others flaunt their relationships, causing the couples to feel incredibly awkward.

For Chen Mo, the adage "In books, one finds a house of gold; in books, one finds a beauty as fair as jade" rang true.

A week flew by swiftly, and for Chen Mo, who was deeply engrossed in his studies, the passage of time barely registered. Shu Menghan also refrained from causing any further trouble for him. Her intelligence likely allowed her to perceive Chen Mo's intentional or unintentional discomfort, so she spared him any undue difficulty.

Life seemed to return to the routine of classes starting and ending, a rhythm that Chen Mo had grown accustomed to. Recently, with more free time on his hands, he often visited the school library to delve into literary works from various cultures and eras, broadening his limited knowledge.

Another Wednesday rolled around, and Chen Mo continued his uneventful daily routine. The morning's classes were straightforward, passing by as he diligently took notes and listened intently. Before he knew it, the bell rang for the fourth time, signaling lunchtime. The teacher, not wanting to overextend the class, quickly gathered his materials and announced the end of the session before swiftly exiting, likely eager to grab a meal himself.

Chen Mo attended No.1 Senior High School, a top-tier institution in the city known for its high college acceptance rates. Although there was a prestigious private academy in the city, No.1 Senior High School boasted superior college matriculation rates. However, the private academy had deep pockets and wasn't shy about investing money to lure away the straight A students from No.1 Senior High School.

The leadership of No.1 Senior High School was distressed by this loss of talent. To stabilize their position and retain their top students, they made significant sacrifices and implemented various reforms. As a public school, they couldn't compete financially with the wealthy private academy, but they did their best.

After improving the restrooms and enhancing campus greenery, the school played its trump card: they canceled the midday rest period and turned it into an open campus break, allowing students the freedom to come and go as they pleased. This move indeed helped retain many of the affluent straight A students, partly because of the variety of food stalls lining the streets outside the school. Additionally, the school cafeteria's lackluster food also played a role in this decision.

But none of this mattered much to Chen Mo. Rather than spending over ten bucks for a better meal outside, he preferred to save money and fill up in the cafeteria.

For Chen Mo, being frugal and well-fed is what matters most. Many students at No.1 Senior High School come from middle to low-income families, so it's not uncommon to see others like him. After all, those who can afford to dine out regularly are in the minority.

The process is simple: line up, get your rice, and then queue again for the dishes. The food costs vary, ranging from the affordable fifty cents to several dollars, and even upwards of ten dollars for some items. You have the freedom to choose whatever you want. After getting your rice, you wait at the desired counter, pay with cash or card, and then find a place to sit down.

While some may turn their noses up at the cafeteria food, Chen Mo finds it perfectly acceptable. The portions are fair, and the flavors are balanced—not too salty or too bland. It's the kind of ordinary taste that won't amaze anyone, but it's satisfying nonetheless.

---

"Chen Mo isn't one to sweat the small stuff. Do you think everyone's as touchy as you, acting like the world owes them millions?" Yi Zi'ang retorted, though his words seemed to have little effect. Faang Zheyou, who bore a resemblance to Chen Mo with his average looks, deep-set eyes, and often worried expression, didn't seem to take notice.

Despite their contrasting personalities, both Yi Zi'ang and Faang Zheyou were friends with Chen Mo. Over time, the three had grown close.

Chen Mo shook his head, dismissing the concern with a simple, "It's fine!"

But Yi Zi'ang had an eagle eye. With just a quick glance, he spotted the thin needle in Chen Mo's lunchbox. He didn't need an explanation; the scene spoke for itself.

Faced with this, Chen Mo could only shrug. He hadn't planned to make a big deal out of it, but Yi Zi'ang's combination of sharp observation skills and a short temper made him like a ticking time bomb, ready to go off at the slightest provocation.