Xu Ning didn't carry a laptop to school. That would've been too flashy—too suspicious. Instead, each evening, when the sun dipped low and the sky turned a pale blue, he'd clear the modest kitchen table, plug in his earphones, and open up the second-hand laptop that had seen better days. The screen flickered faintly, one hinge was loose, and sometimes the fan sounded like a dying engine—but it worked. And that was enough.
He learned quietly.
Each night, he sat beside the stack of half-sewn clothes and watched coding tutorials—HTML, CSS, a bit of JavaScript. His typing was slow at first, but he kept going. Some of the concepts went over his head, but he rewound the videos and started again. The transformation wasn't dramatic, but it was real. Inch by inch, click by click, he was changing.
And no one had to know. Not yet.
One Sunday afternoon, as the sewing machine buzzed rhythmically in the background, Xu Ning sat on the floor helping his mother fold finished clothes. The warm light filtering through the window softened the tired lines on her face.
"Ma," he said, trying to sound casual, "That friend of yours—Sister Lan, right? The one who works in that warehouse?"
His mother glanced at him, folding a shirt. "Yeah. Why?"
"She still gets those extra returns and unsold stock?" he asked.
She narrowed her eyes slightly. "Why? What are you planning now?"
Xu Ning smiled, tucking a shirt into a pile. "Nothing shady. It's just—students at school are crazy about little things. Fancy pens, keychains, mini speakers. I could sell them. I already do, actually. You've seen me making a little money."
His mother put the shirt down and studied him. "And the notes? You're still writing those too?"
He nodded. "Yup. Fifty yuan each. But trends change. What's popular one week might not be next. Having variety helps."
She didn't reply immediately. Her fingers brushed over the seam of a blouse absentmindedly. "You're working a lot these days."
Xu Ning paused, then said quietly, "I want to help. Even if just a little."
A tired smile tugged at her lips. "You're already helping more than you know."
There was a beat of silence.
"Alright," she finally said. "I'll talk to Lan tonight."
Xu Ning looked up at her, surprised by how easily she'd agreed. He gave a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Ma."
She sighed. "Just don't forget to study. Your grades matter more than pocket money."
"I know," he said, sincerity in his tone. "I'm working on both."
Monday arrived with a crisp breeze. As Xu Ning entered the school grounds, he noticed the shift—small, but clear. Classmates who used to ignore him now nodded slightly. Some still whispered, but their gazes held less mockery and more curiosity.
He took his seat near the window, pulling out a small notebook. Today's plan: finish Physics exercises, then sneak in a few order confirmations during lunch. His new inventory was scheduled to arrive after school—Bluetooth speakers, anime-themed pen grips, and glow-in-the-dark keychains.
During break, he spotted Tang Rui in the courtyard, seated on a low stone bench under a cherry blossom tree. She held a cup of milk tea, tapping her straw absentmindedly.
Xu Ning walked over, holding a strawberry-flavored cup. "Still loyal to milk tea, huh?" he said, offering it.
She raised a brow. "You're bribing me now?"
"More like offering variety," he said, sliding into the seat beside her. "You didn't seem to like mango last time."
She took the cup without protest and sipped it. "Better."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments.
"You said you wanted to build a game," she said, her voice quiet. "Still on that?"
He nodded, watching the leaves rustle in the breeze. "Every night. I'm not a genius, but I'm stubborn."
She gave a small smile. "Stubborn people change the world."
There was a pause.
"You weren't always like this," she said finally. "What changed?"
Xu Ning leaned back. "I guess… I just stopped wanting to disappear."
That wasn't the full truth—but it was close enough. Tang Rui didn't press further.
But not everyone welcomed his transformation.
As Ms. Lin handed out classwork results, Xu Ning heard a scoff behind him.
"Eighty-four in English? Since when?" Chen Hao muttered just loud enough. "Must've copied."
Xu Ning ignored it, flipping open his workbook.
Later, in the hallway near the lockers, Chen Hao cornered him.
"You think you're smart now?" he said, a sneer on his face. "Selling crap, showing off, getting fake grades? You're just a pathetic fraud."
Xu Ning met his eyes calmly. "You sound jealous."
Chen Hao stepped closer, fists clenched—but then a voice rang out.
"Is there a problem here?" Ms. Lin's voice was sharp, and both boys turned.
Chen Hao backed off immediately. "No, ma'am."
"Good," she said. "Because the last thing I want is petty nonsense during midterm season."
She looked at Xu Ning. "You okay?"
He gave a polite nod. "Fine, thank you."
She nodded and left.
Chen Hao shot him a glare before walking off. Xu Ning just smiled faintly. Some people didn't like change—especially when it reminded them of their own mediocrity.
That evening, Xu Ning sat cross-legged on the floor of their tiny living room, surrounded by colorful packaging. His mother had come through—Lan had sent a box of clearance items, all still new.
He held up a phone grip with cat ears. "Ten yuan cost… can easily sell for thirty," he muttered, noting it down.
He organized the rest: anime pens, character notebooks, glowing keychains, small Bluetooth speakers.
As he finished, his phone buzzed.
Tang Rui:You mentioned building a game. If you ever need someone to test or design, I'm curious.
Xu Ning stared at the screen for a moment, then chuckled softly.
Maybe things were changing faster than he thought.
System 007: Progress Report
✔ Personal Growth: Confidence rising; consistent late-night coding. ✔ Business Expansion: New trendy inventory acquired. ★ Social Dynamics: Jealousy surfacing from old bullies. ★ Relationship Status: Tang Rui showing subtle interest and support. ★ Academic Progress: English improving; Physics still needs attention.
Mission Completion: 54%
He stared at the floating report only he could see.
Step by step, brick by brick. This isn't just survival anymore.
He was building something bigger.
A life worth living.