Chapter 6

In the early morning, An Minxuan opened his eyes, looked at his familiar room, and couldn't help but smile. Although this home made him feel lonely, it also gave him a sense of peace.

Sitting up in bed, he stretched lazily. It had been a long time since he had slept in like this. The five years of military service had kept his mind constantly on edge, as military orders could come at any time, requiring him to carry heavy loads and run long distances. Being the one who never backed down, he never allowed himself to relax. Now, back at home, he had a comfortable sleep on his first day, which made him very happy.

Humming a random tune, An Minxuan walked lightly to the bathroom, almost skipping. If he didn't think skipping was too feminine, he would have definitely skipped. If his former comrades saw him like this, they would have been stunned. Although An Minxuan was only 20 years old, he had joined the military in his early teens. Despite his young age, he had always acted mature, with the demeanor of someone who had lived for decades. Now, he was acting so childishly because he was genuinely happy. This wasn't a deliberate act; it was his true nature coming through. After all, he was only 20. His mature behavior in the military was just a facade to avoid being looked down upon, as he was the youngest in the entire camp. Now, after retiring, he no longer needed to pretend, and his true self naturally emerged.

After finishing his morning routine, the phone rang.

"Teacher," An Minxuan picked up the phone and saw it was Lee Soo-man, so he quickly greeted him respectfully.

"Minxuan, are you awake?" Lee Soo-man asked kindly.

"Just got up," An Minxuan replied. "I haven't had a good rest in five years, and I ended up sleeping until now."

"Hehe, that's fine. It's only natural to rest well after such a long time," Lee Soo-man said understandingly. "By the way, teacher wants to ask you, do you want to go to university?"

"University?" An Minxuan said. "Of course, I want to go to university, teacher."

"Good, that's good. Come to the company first," Lee Soo-man nodded, satisfied with An Minxuan's decision. In Korea, where academic credentials are highly valued, the treatment of university graduates is vastly different from those who haven't attended university.

"Okay, teacher, I'll come over now," An Minxuan replied.

After hanging up, An Minxuan quickly got dressed and headed to the company. Fortunately, his home wasn't far from the company, only a 2-3 minute walk. This time, the security guard didn't stop him.

"Teacher," An Minxuan went directly to Lee Soo-man's office and knocked lightly on the door.

"Minxuan, you're here," Lee Soo-man, who was looking at some documents, smiled when he saw An Minxuan. "I have some university information here, take a look."

"No need, teacher," An Minxuan didn't take the materials Lee Soo-man offered. "I've already decided which university I want to attend."

"Oh? Is that so, that's good. Tell me which one, so the company can help you contact them," Lee Soo-man looked at An Minxuan with some surprise, realizing that he had already made up his mind about attending university.

"I do need the company's help," An Minxuan smiled. "Teacher, I want to attend Seoul National University."

"Seoul National University?" Lee Soo-man was taken aback. That university wasn't something S.M. Entertainment could easily influence.

"Yes, teacher, the company just needs to give me the opportunity," An Minxuan saw Lee Soo-man's hesitation and said, "Actually, I spent four of my five years of military service in China. There, I had no other distractions, so I spent my free time composing songs and reading. Chinese culture is profound, and although I haven't fully grasped it, getting into Seoul National University isn't difficult."

"Good," Lee Soo-man nodded, not doubting An Minxuan. He had never lied, and if he said he could do it, he definitely could. Moreover, Lee Soo-man was even more excited. Getting into Seoul National University would definitely help An Minxuan's future career.

"Thank you, teacher," An Minxuan thanked him, knowing that it wasn't the time for Seoul National University's admissions.

Although Lee Soo-man didn't have much power, he could still secure an opportunity for An Minxuan with just a few phone calls.

"Minxuan, do you need me to accompany you?" Lee Soo-man asked after giving An Minxuan the contact information.

"No, teacher, I'm not a child anymore," An Minxuan shook his head, feeling Lee Soo-man's concern.

"Alright, then," Lee Soo-man didn't insist.

After saying goodbye to Lee Soo-man, An Minxuan took a bus directly to Seoul National University.

Standing at the entrance of Seoul National University, An Minxuan looked at the gate with a sense of nostalgia. When he was young, his mother had always hoped he would play the piano for her, while his father had always hoped he would get into Seoul National University.

"Hello, is there something you need?" The security guard at the entrance of Seoul National University, seeing An Minxuan standing there motionless for over half an hour, staring blankly at the gate, walked over to ask.

"Hello, I'm here for an exam," An Minxuan, startled by the guard's voice, quickly replied.

"An exam?" The guard was puzzled. "It's not the time for Seoul National University's exams."

"That's right, I was called by Professor Kang Myung-kyu," An Minxuan quickly mentioned the person Lee Soo-man had contacted.

"Oh, I see," the guard's doubts were dispelled. "You can go in. I was just curious because you were standing there motionless for so long."

"Hehe, I was just excited to be at Seoul National University," An Minxuan replied casually.

The guard didn't doubt him. Seoul National University was the best university in Korea, and it was natural for many people to be excited.

Walking through the gates of Seoul National University, An Minxuan didn't wander around. He had already spent half an hour at the entrance, and he didn't want to keep Professor Kang Myung-kyu waiting.

"Hello, Professor, I'm An Minxuan," An Minxuan found the office where Professor Kang Myung-kyu was waiting, having already studied the layout of the university.

"Are you An Minxuan?" Professor Kang Myung-kyu looked at An Minxuan without any emotion.

"Yes," An Minxuan nodded.

"Why do you want to attend Seoul National University, and why now?" Professor Kang Myung-kyu asked.

"Because Seoul National University is the best university in our country," An Minxuan said. "As for why now, it's because I just returned from military service."

"Military service? How old are you?" Professor Kang Myung-kyu was surprised.

"I'm 20 this year," An Minxuan replied.

"You joined the military at 18? Impressive," Professor Kang Myung-kyu nodded in approval.

"I joined the military at 15 and served for five years," An Minxuan corrected him gently.

"15? Five years?" Professor Kang Myung-kyu was even more surprised.

"Yes," An Minxuan nodded.

"I suggest you come back in a couple of years to take the exam," Professor Kang Myung-kyu said regretfully. Although he had a good impression of An Minxuan for his military service, someone who joined the military at 15 couldn't have much knowledge.

"I served in China," An Minxuan didn't leave but explained. "During that time, I self-studied most of the knowledge. Although I'm not an expert in Chinese culture, I have a good understanding of it. I also self-studied multiple majors, and my grades were quite good."

"Is that so," Professor Kang Myung-kyu nodded inwardly. Regardless of whether his grades were as good as he claimed, his thirst for knowledge alone was worth giving him a chance. "What majors did you study?"

"Finance, management, medicine, and law," An Minxuan said. Medicine and law were taught by the instructors in the military, who were professors from Peking University and Tsinghua University.

"Good," Professor Kang Myung-kyu's eyes widened when he heard medicine and law. Although he didn't expect much from An Minxuan, these two majors required deep study, and self-study was almost impossible. Nevertheless, he picked up the phone and called in teachers from those majors.

The results shocked Professor Kang Myung-kyu. An Minxuan's performance wasn't just good; it was on par with a regular teacher.

"Professor, did I pass the exam?" An Minxuan asked, seeing Professor Kang Myung-kyu's shocked expression, but he already had a good idea.

"Of course," Professor Kang Myung-kyu smiled. "I didn't expect you to be so capable. It seems we are indeed getting old."

An Minxuan felt a bit embarrassed. Actually, it wasn't entirely self-study, as he had received guidance from teachers, specifically professors from Peking University and Tsinghua University, who were invited by the military.

"Professor, since I am an entertainer, can you provide some flexibility with my school schedule?" An Minxuan asked worriedly.

"An entertainer?" Professor Kang Myung-kyu frowned. "What's so good about being an entertainer? If you can focus on your studies, your future achievements will be limitless. Why bother with a small career as an entertainer?"

"It's my dream," An Minxuan smiled. "I hope the professor can understand."

"Alright, alright," Professor Kang Myung-kyu didn't continue to persuade him. Someone who decided to join the military at 15 had their own mind, and once they made a decision, it couldn't be changed by others. "However, if you fail the end-of-term exams, you will be expelled."

"Thank you, Professor," An Minxuan nodded, not worried about failing.

"Alright, I've already asked someone to make your student ID. You can wait here," Professor Kang Myung-kyu said.

"Yes," An Minxuan replied respectfully, feeling a sense of relief. His university plans were now settled.