Chapter 5: Eldest Brother Fang Xinghe

The most pressing matter to clarify right now is clearly the situation regarding the New Concept Writing Competition.

In his previous life, Fang Xinghe had not paid particular attention to this event, only understanding what it was all about after reviewing the comprehensive analysis his homeroom teacher, Old Fang, had prepared for Fang Yuting.

The backstory was that since the end of 1997, domestic public opinion had suddenly turned its focus toward middle school language education, sparking a heated debate. The *Mengya* (Sprout) magazine, which was on the verge of bankruptcy, jumped on the bandwagon and published a series of articles titled "What Should We Do About Education?"

As the discourse progressed, a consensus emerged: the public believed that middle school language education was facing a severe crisis and could no longer meet the needs of the era. Fang Xinghe, unfamiliar with the current landscape, chose not to judge. However, it was clear that the education sector took this seriously. Consequently, *Mengya* took the lead, partnering with seven key universities including Peking University and Fudan University, to organize the inaugural New Concept Writing Competition. The competition invited top-tier domestic writers, editors, and humanities scholars to serve as judges. Its philosophy was "Facing the New Century, Cultivating New Talent." Apart from a 5,000-word limit and an age cap of 30, there were no other restrictions—participants could write whatever they wanted.

Due to the haste of the project, promotional efforts were limited. Information was only disseminated through newspapers, the *Mengya* monthly magazine, and local education commissions in some regions. Yet, this rushed promotion did not mean society lacked interest; the news, first reported on November 13, was covered by over 50 newspapers and magazines within a few days. Looking at the list of judges, having so many renowned authors scoring middle school essays was simply absurd.

A more relatable comparison immediately occurred to Fang Xinghe. This setup was essentially the equivalent of holding a high school version of *Idol Producer* in 2025, organized by the Beijing Film Academy, the Central Academy of Drama, and the Communication University of China, with judges including top-tier celebrities, award-winning actors, and executives from major film and television companies, all while every young girl in the country waited for the broadcast… It was truly extravagant. It was only because the city of Nong'an was so small and slow to react to new information in the era of print media that it seemed so calm.

Look at how much material "Old Fang" had collected for Fang Yuting; the smart ones were already getting a head start. It was fortunate, he thought, that if not for Fang Yuting’s intent to compete and Taodang’s loose lips, he might never have heard the news until it was all over. What was this? This was destiny on his side.

Fang Xinghe read on with delight. The news specifically mentioned that finalists would receive special attention from the co-hosting universities. The information Old Fang received suggested that for graduating students, an outstanding performance in the semi-finals could even lead to guaranteed admission. It seemed the root of the massive success of the early New Concept competitions lay right here. Fang Xinghe now realized that the initial popularity wasn't brought about by Han Han; rather, the buzz surrounding the New Concept competition made Han Han, and later, Han Han’s unique legend in turn fueled the competition. In the end, both exploded in popularity, mutually propelling one another.

Therefore, this was precisely the battlefield and stage Fang Xinghe needed. Checking the registration rules and format, the competition was divided into three groups: Group A for graduating high school seniors, Group B for students in school below the senior year, and Group C for individuals under 30.

"Then I'll sign up for Group B."

Looking at the timeline, the submission deadline was February 25. Checking the calendar, that was the tenth day of the Lunar New Year. The date for the semi-finals wasn't mentioned; it only asked applicants to provide a mailing address and phone number.

Clearly, the inaugural competition was not yet mature. Fang Xinghe estimated that the number of participants would not be very high. This was bad news. He didn't fear competition; the more people involved, the greater the influence, and the more gratifying it would be. But since things were as they were, he would just have to focus on his own work. Confirming there was no missing information, Fang Xinghe set his mind and began to hone his "three swords."

*Before the blade is drawn, its clang resonates for three thousand miles.*
*Once back in the sheath, the sword's light chills the nineteen provinces.*

Fang Xinghe went into seclusion for a full eight days. The "swords" were not hard to sharpen. Toward the end, he even had to pull back, careful not to inject too much "internet sentiment" and reducing the level of cynicism, keeping in mind the general acceptance of the current society and youth. On the contrary, relearning the curriculum of the first year of middle school took a great deal of effort. Little Fang had never been unintelligent; he had only given up on his studies due to family circumstances. Big Fang was even smarter—a fool couldn't work as a professional internet commenter; just distinguishing friend from foe was enough to baffle a normal person. Now, with two smart minds merged, a positive mindset, and a fighting spirit, his review process went smoothly after clearing the initial hurdles.

It wasn't that he didn't want to continue his seclusion; it was that Teacher Fang had come looking for him.

"Xinghe, the school has considered your situation. Your temporary suspension has ended. When will you return to school?"

Fang Xinghe thought for a moment. "How about tomorrow?"

And so, on December 1, 1998, the "overaged youth" Comrade Fang Xinghe put on his little schoolbag and returned to middle school. Before entering the campus, he sensed something was off. What was up with that arrogant fat man in the military coat at the gate? Fang Xinghe watched as he grabbed a student, berated him incessantly, and even laid hands on him, reducing the boy to a trembling chick. The dean of students? Checking uniforms or hair? To actually resort to violence… Forget it, none of my business. I’m a good student.

Fang Xinghe smoothed back his long hair, which was nearing his shoulders, and walked silently toward the gate. He thought to himself: *If you ask me, I'll say I'll get it cut tomorrow. Honestly, I don't love this dorky "Brother Ho-nam" long hairstyle either.*

When he locked eyes with the dean, the man paused visibly and then silently turned his head away… Good heavens, I have special privileges! Fang Xinghe passed through the gate with as cold a face as possible. He couldn't afford to laugh now—it would be too disrespectful. He didn't laugh, but it felt great. Who would understand?

Following his memory, he found the classroom. As soon as he pushed the door open, a group of kids started howling.

"Brother Fang! I’ve missed you to death!"
"Boss, you've gotten even more handsome!"
"Come on, brothers, let's make some noise for our big brother!"

*Bang, bang, bang, bang.* A bunch of lunatics started pounding on their desks. Fang Xinghe thought that was awkward enough, but the more abstract part was yet to come.

"The eagle of the grasslands, our Wolf King, has finally returned to his hunting grounds! Applause and cheers, give it up for him!"

*Oh my god, my toes are curling!* Fang Xinghe looked calm, but he was panicking internally. Where were the teachers? The class monitor? Could someone please stop them? No one could, and in the end, he had to bear it all.

He raised his hands to press down, controlling the scene. "Stop, stop. Don't disrupt everyone’s studies. Also, I’m going to start working hard too. I’m making a formal declaration: I’m done with the fooling around. From now on, I’m turning over a new leaf and starting fresh."

The classroom went dead silent. Everyone was staring with wide eyes—using their little eyes to stare at Fang Xinghe’s big eyes. Fang Xinghe smiled and walked to his seat. As expected, it was a peripheral spot, right in the center of the back row. Surrounding him were Liu Fu, Yu Xiaoduo, Dang Tao, Li Qi, and a little girl with a frizzy perm. Digging a bit deeper into his memory, Fang Xinghe was stunned to realize that the eight people sitting in the last two rows were all members of the "Thirteen Eagles" the kids had mentioned.

*No, what are you guys even doing?*

Fang Xinghe couldn't quite grasp the current mental state and psychological characteristics of these children, but seeing their enthusiastic faces, he felt good. Taking advantage of the fact that the teacher hadn't arrived yet, Fang Xinghe emphasized it to them once more.

"I’m really determined to study hard and get into a key high school. If you believe in me, follow along and work hard, and we'll reunite at a top school."

That one sentence silenced them all. Fang Xinghe wasn't trying to cut ties with the past; he wanted to dash toward a brilliant future. Those who couldn't understand, or who understood but couldn't keep up, were destined to drift apart.

They looked at each other for a while, and Taodang asked apprehensively, "So, are you still going to take our 'tribute'?"

"Of course! Otherwise, how will we help them out if they get bullied?"

His mouth answered before his brain. Only after saying it did Fang Xinghe pause. The atmosphere around them lightened, and his friends started laughing and joking again. Perhaps, in their eyes, nothing had changed. But for Fang Xinghe, it was not the same.

He still didn't understand the state of life or the perception of the social environment among adolescent boys and girls in a small northern county at the end of 1998, but something experiential was surging and colliding within his modern-era logic, vast as a tide.

He suddenly knew what his first full-length novel would be about. It would be about me. It would be about this wild child living in the 1990s, the campus boss, Fang Xinghe.