Chapter 4: Ye Tong
Zhou Naiyi shook her head slightly. "Our Class 16 was the pilot class of the former principal. Of course, that's not important now. What I want to say is, since you're here, you must have your own strengths. If you have any problems, let's find a solution together. Both Wuzang and I are willing to help you."
Li Hao was taken aback. Wuzang? Oh, I see. So that's why he suddenly suggested getting late-night snacks. There's more to him than meets the eye.
"Cough cough, Class Monitor, there's a bit of a misunderstanding here. I can handle it myself, really. I'm seriously reflecting on it." Li Hao knew Bleem's temperament. After messing with him like that, he had disappeared for so long. It was likely that he wouldn't be left alone this time.
"Hao ge, the Class Monitor is our top student. She has a wide range of knowledge about various types of mechs and has the most extensive understanding of current tactics. If she helps you, your improvement will be very rapid," Wuzang said. It was his initiative to ask Zhou Naiyi for help, with the condition that he agreed to join Zhou Naiyi's team.
Li Hao could already feel the questioning looks around him. Zhou Naiyi was undoubtedly a prominent figure in Tianjing's Mech Warfare scene. In her freshman year, her EMP score had already reached 1500. Scores didn't represent everything, but her outstanding performance in all aspects made her stand out. Zhou Naiyi had a captivating beauty that became even more appealing the longer you looked at her—a comforting presence that made people irresistibly drawn to her. Standing at 1.68 meters tall, her proportions were perfect. As far as Tianjing Academy was concerned, only Zhou Naiyi could match Tang Manman in terms of beauty, and even more so in terms of "inner and outer cultivation."
"Class Monitor, I think this will hold you back. Our training levels are not the same. How about this, I promise to reach 1200 points by the end of this semester," Li Hao said.
Zhou Naiyi looked at Li Hao, who made such a solemn promise... which made it even more dubious. But she had done her part.
"Wuzang, let's leave it at that for now. If there's anything I can help with in the future, it remains the same."
Zhou Naiyi didn't dwell on the matter. After all, she had fulfilled her part. If the other party didn't need her help, she couldn't force it.
Wuzang nodded helplessly. "Class Monitor, rest assured, I will fulfill my promise."
There was no choice but for Wuzang to drag Li Hao along and train for two more hours before returning.
"Hao ge, isn't today awesome? You should treat us!" Malong said, winking. The plan was proposed by him, and Wuzang made it happen. He knew it would work.
"Hao ge turned it down," Wuzang said helplessly.
"What? What's wrong with you? Hao ge, that's Zhou Naiyi, the one and only chance! How can you refuse such an opportunity?" Malong was speechless. It was a chance to interact with a beautiful girl. How could he refuse? He felt like he was the only normal person in their dorm.
"I'm just worried about holding back One Jie," Li Hao said, gripping Left Fatty's neck. "You, damn it, we promised to indulge together. Why are you the one flying high? I thought we were the lastof the second-last pair, the unmatched duo."
Left Fatty stuck out his tongue. "It's not my business. I didn't know they would add so many points for marksmanship.""I don't care. Tomorrow's breakfast is on you to compensate for my emotional distress!"
With the start of the new semester, the entire Tianjing Mech Martial Arts Academy became lively. Various clubs showcased their specialties to recruit new members. This year was different from previous years because the new principal, General Long, was said to have brought significant resources with him. General Long was not an ordinary person. He exuded personal charm and had extensive connections. Not only did he increase the academy's budget, but he also recruited several talented individuals.
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Li Hao and his friends were dragged along by Ma Long. They weren't particularly enthusiastic about the welcoming event. They casually observed, and according to Ma Dong, they were a group of clueless dummies.
Ma Long was the president of the Photography Club, a handsome and tasteful man who naturally excelled in photography. In addition, he was exceptionally skilled in figure painting, although he reserved that talent exclusively for Sheng Xu, the club's queen. Ma Long was a versatile individual.
After spending an hour meticulously grooming himself in the morning, the warm sunshine illuminated his handsome face, attracting the attention of several female students.
However, Ma Long had certain standards. He had high expectations for the Photography Club, and not just anyone could join. This resulted in several members of other clubs casting murderous glances at him.
"Brothers, youth, what is youth? It's about indulging, taking the initiative, and having thick skin. Do attractive girls need to be approached?" Ma Long couldn't help but give a lecture, full of confidence. "Don't blame me for not being brotherly enough. If you're interested in someone, come to me for their contact information. I'll provide free guidance."
Li Hao and his friends were speechless. They spent the whole morning being bossed around by this guy, carrying luggage and giving directions, all while showcasing his "greatness."
"Brother San, I suspect you set us up. Was that plate of chicken and noodles intentionally placed on the table yesterday?" Even Left Fatty sensed a conspiracy.
"What are you talking about? We're brothers. Having a plate of noodles together is nothing. Let me tell you, freshmen girls are innocent and full of romantic fantasies. They're beautiful and easily swayed. Taking the initiative has a high success rate. Be bold, attentive, and thick-skinned, and you'll have no problem!" Ma Long boasted.
"Aren't you afraid of Sheng Man confronting you?"
"Don't worry, it's art appreciation. We understand each other. Besides, it's just for fun," Ma Long confidently replied.
Honestly, if they weren't roommates, all three of them would want to pin him down and give him a beating. Sheng Man, a beautiful senior, not only tolerated Ma Long's artistic personality but also appreciated it.
"Hurry up, something big is happening this year!" Ma Long's eyes lit up as he pointed ahead. A girl entered through the school gate, dragging a simple suitcase. She wore a plain white T-shirt, and her height was estimated to be slightly over 1.7 meters. Beneath her short skirt were fair and slender legs. She swung her ponytail, revealing a happy smile as she looked at the statue of Tianjing Mech Martial Arts Academy at the entrance. Her charming dimples dealt a critical blow to straight males.
"Wow, she's amazing. Sheng Man and Zhou Naiyi used to be the most outstanding girls in our school, but this freshman seems to surpass them. Looks like things are going to get chaotic." Ma Long lamented and sighed. If he weren't already taken, he would definitely make a move. It was the kind of opportunity that couldn't be missed.
Li Hao and his friends couldn't help but stare for a while. Of course, they did so more discreetly. Several eager senior brothers rushed forward. Sophomores weren't as desperate as the juniors and seniors. Only single upperclassmen understood the importance of being quick to act. It was similar to the situation at the school cafeteria—arrive late, and only leftovers would remain.
The key issue was that they didn't know who was interested in whom.
"Hmph, they're all just showing off. I bet none of them will succeed." Ma Long chuckled.
"Brother San, what's the plan?" Left Fatty curiously asked.
"Look, see the quality of her suitcase? It's made of carbon fiber. Isn't it cool? It must cost at least 50,000. And that daydreaming deep blue ponytail is the new Starry Sky series, endorsed by Arths. It's not expensive, only 95,000... Do you think a few bumpkins can easily get a girl like her?" Ma Long explained.
Even Li Hao couldn't hold back. "That little thing costs 95,000? Why don't we snatch it then?"
"Hao Ge, even a piece of paper used by Arths would multiply in value. She's not from our world. This girl is beautiful and has good conditions. Since childhood, how could she have had fewer pursuers? Brothers, even if I were at the peak of my game, I'd only have a 30% chance with someone like her!" Ma Long said, emphasizing that first impressions mattered. After observing the details, he understood that she was extremely difficult to handle.
A girl with such conditions would either have a promiscuous lifestyle, exuding an irresistible sensuality, or be extremely disciplined, setting the highest standards for a partner. Neither of those types was easy to deal with.
Politely, the girl rejected the help of the senior brothers. It seemed she was waiting for someone. However, there were a few who refused to leave and continued to pester her until Zhou Naiyi arrived.
When the two stood together, the day suddenly seemed brighter.
"Senior brothers, that's enough." Zhou Naiyi stopped the persistent individuals.
"Naiyi, don't be so unkind. We're just trying to help." Zhao Zhihan smiled slightly. A single sentence wouldn't make them back down. If Zhou Naiyi's status weren't high, they wouldn't have given up. Good women were afraid of persistent suitors.
"That's right. Besides, who are you to meddle in our private affairs? You're not my girlfriend." Several senior brothers teased while joking. They had long been envious of Zhou Naiyi and her admirers. It was an essential topic in the male dormitory.
Before Zhou Naiyi could say anything, "Knight" arrived. Ma Long appeared with a serious expression and said, "This student, the security has informed me that you must leave the school immediately!"
Obviously, the girl in front of them was the target. Even the girl herself was stunned. "Me? Why?"
Ma Long nodded, his gaze becoming profound. "Junior, your beauty will overshadow the other girls in the school."
Everyone finally realized what was happening, and the girl smiled enchantingly, much to the displeasure of the others.
"Ma Long, you brat, mind your own business. Even though you have a girlfriend, you're still causing trouble here. Are you asking for a beating?" The leader among them raised his head. Zhao Zhihan was a senior in the Mecha Department and the Minister of External Relations in the Student Union. He truly fell for the girl at first sight. In Tianjing, there were plenty of rich second-generation students like Ma Long. What did he think he was?
"Junior, nice to meet you. I'm Zhao Zhihan, the head of the Student Union's External Relations Department. I'm also the captain of this year's Tianjing representative team for the Mecha Tournament and a key player on the school team. I wonder if I have the honor of showing you around our beautiful campus?" Zhao Zhihan stared at the girl with a burning gaze, exuding dominance.
Zhou Naiyi shook her head and quietly observed his performance.
"Senior Zhao, I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in losers. You should spend more time training. The reason Dragon Principal sent me here was to replace all of you." The girl smiled faintly, her tone polite but with no room for compromise.
The other boys thought it was just a joke, a mischievous junior sister... But Zhao Zhihan's expression changed. "You... Are you Ye Tong?"