Chapter 17: Jing Xin

In a fit of anger, Shi Ji accidentally smashed the fifty-thousand-yuan camera to the ground. He was completely bewildered. Without a direct source of income, his mind went blank.

Looking at the shattered camera, Shi Ji felt a pang of heartache and foolishly tried to pick up the pieces to see if it could be fixed.

As he placed a few parts together, they immediately collapsed again.

“No, no… it can’t be fixed, it can’t be fixed.” 

Shi Ji was flustered, his voice trembling with worry. At this point, all thoughts of registration and paperwork were forgotten.

The camera was so thoroughly smashed that even a child would know it couldn’t be repaired. Of course, Shi Ji couldn’t be blamed for his reaction. Losing fifty thousand yuan in the blink of an eye would be painful for anyone.

The little girl beside him watched with an expression of helplessness, pouting slightly. She clearly looked down on Shi Ji’s behavior.

Hearing Shi Ji’s distressed sounds made her uncomfortable.

“To get so upset over a camera. How could someone like you possess Star Hero bloodline? You’re supposed to become a hero, but you have no backbone at all.”

Shi Ji was infuriated by her words and turned to glare at the girl.

He despised the current perception of heroes.

“Heroes, my ass! What kind of hero is someone who just fills out a form and passes a test? The current standards for heroes are ridiculous. Police officers help people every day, but I don’t hear anyone calling them heroes. Are they not heroes? I think most people’s brains are filled with mush. Don’t talk to me about heroes. I’m materialistic like this. What’s so great about being a hero?”

Shi Ji’s tone and words were harsh and agitated. His outburst left the little girl speechless.

She looked at him with a complex expression, starting to think.

A few seconds later, she spoke up.

“Alright, stop shouting here. A grown man, making such a fuss. It’s broken, fine. I’ll handle the camera issue. Now, come with me.”

The little girl couldn’t understand Shi Ji’s feelings, which was why she said what she did.

Seeing the camera so thoroughly shattered, Shi Ji made a decisive move and stomped the remaining pieces into dust.

Shi Ji felt incredibly unbalanced, but what was done was done.

He decided to let the matter go for now. If questioned later, he’d take responsibility and, if necessary, just leave. He was only staying to take advantage of the free food and lodging due to his financial situation. If he wanted to leave, no one could stop him.

Ignoring what the little girl said, he started walking away.

“Hey, this way.”

Just when Shi Ji was feeling dejected, the girl’s voice called out to him again.

Shortly after, under the girl’s guidance, Shi Ji finally arrived at the administrative building. She kindly led him to the office for student registration.

Inside the office was a middle-aged man in formal attire, wearing glasses, giving off a cultured vibe.

The man, seeing the little girl bring Shi Ji in, immediately stood up and hurried over.

“Instructor Jing Xin, you’re here.”

Hearing this, the previously disheartened Shi Ji was shocked. He stared at the little girl beside him with wide eyes.