Chapter 15 Everyone Was Shocked

The team leader, Wang Minghao, was a young teacher with a remarkably mild temperament, usually seen with a cheerful smile on his face. But at this moment, he could not bring himself to smile; he was feeling quite bitter inside.

For every teacher at Xintai University, leading the team to the annual exchange competition was a task they dreaded. The reason was simple: they always finished at the bottom. It was inevitable that they would be mocked by the teachers from the other two schools, leaving them feeling embarrassed and forced to slink away in defeat. To make matters worse, the teacher in charge of hosting from Lu'an University was Qu Yanghui, the man who had once stolen his girlfriend. If Xintai University were to be crushed by Lu'an University again, there was no telling how much Qu Yanghui would gloat.

At the thought of this, Wang Minghao instinctively looked toward the back of the bus. He had intended to look at the school’s geniuses to lighten his mood, but the first thing he saw was Chu Qiao, whose face looked even more miserable than his own. Wang Minghao’s heart sank further. With Chu Qiao there, their school likely had no room to even struggle, leaving them with no choice but to lie flat and be steamrolled by the other two institutions.

Lu'an University was in the same city, just a thirty-minute drive away. Guangzong University was even closer, located just one street over from Lu'an. Students from other out-of-town schools had arrived a day early and were staying at hotels near Lu'an University. Consequently, by the time the Xintai University students arrived, the others were already there, gathered in the competition venue and engaged in heated discussions about the upcoming event.

"Bai Lu should still take first place, right? I have a classmate studying at Lu'an University who says she’s been working extra hard, apparently to defeat a formidable rival."

"I think it’ll be Lu Anyun from Guangzong University. Setting aside her impressive family background, she certainly has access to the best study resources."

"A classmate of mine at Guangzong said that as soon as Lu Anyun saw the participant list from Xintai University, she suddenly started working very hard, saying something about not wanting to lose face."

"Speaking of which, Qin Fan from Xintai is also incredibly strong! Didn't she crush one of the Guangzong contestants last year?"

"But she’s still no match for Bai Lu and Lu Anyun!"

Hearing the surrounding students’ chatter, the group from Xintai University became curious. Who could possibly make both Bai Lu and Lu Anyun so concerned? It certainly wasn't Qin Fan. After all, every year, it eventually boiled down to a three-way battle between Bai Lu, Lu Anyun, and Qin Fan. They were well aware of each other’s strength and wouldn't suddenly get worked up. Could another school have produced an even more monstrous genius? How had they never heard of such a person?

"Everyone, relax and try not to be nervous," Wang Minghao said to his ten students after reaching the Xintai University section. "No matter the result, as long as you have given your best, there will be no regrets."

He directed this specifically at Chu Qiao, as she was the only one attending the exchange competition for the first time and was the most likely to have a mental breakdown. Seeing everyone’s gaze shift to her, Chu Qiao looked confused.

"Why is everyone looking at me?" she asked. "I’m here to take first place, so I won't have any regrets. I’m not responsible for yours."

Everyone rolled their eyes, unable to endure her attitude.

Just then, Bai Lu and Lu Anyun walked over, each accompanied by their respective teachers. Upon seeing them, students from other schools rushed over to greet them. These were the true top academic geniuses in the country! If they could get on their good side or even exchange contact information to ask for help with their studies later, their grades would improve significantly.

The students from Xintai University, with the exception of Qin Fan and Chu Qiao, were also eager to try.

"Our Chu Han is someone who knows Mr. Lu now!" Bu Yuzhu said excitedly. "Bai Lu and Mr. Lu are close, and Lu Anyun is Mr. Lu’s younger sister. Perhaps we can use Chu Han’s connection to get the contact info of these two geniuses!"

For the students of Xintai University, coming here was just a formality. The gap in strength was too vast for them to even consider fighting back. Being able to chat with these academic gods about their study troubles was actually what they were most looking forward to.

"Chu Qiao, you should come with us to greet Bai Lu and Lu Anyun!" Ji Weilun urged enthusiastically. "Talking to them about your studies would be very beneficial for you!" He didn't invite Qin Fan, as her abilities were on par with those of Bai Lu and Lu Anyun.

Chu Qiao had no interest in chatting with Bai Lu or Lu Anyun at this time. "You guys go ahead."

Hearing this, Bu Yuzhu scoffed. "Chu Qiao, are you afraid they’ll ignore you and you’ll lose face? After all, with your grades, there’s really no reason for them to pay you any attention."

Chu Qiao spread her hands. "I’m afraid that if I go over, they’ll be so busy talking to me that they won’t have time to talk to you."

*Can you not brag for one second without dying?* That thought crossed everyone’s mind simultaneously.

Chu Han frowned at Chu Qiao and said, "Sister, there’s really no need to say things like that just for the sake of your pride." She shook her head in disappointment and turned to the others. "Forget it. If someone is unwilling to see reason, there’s no point in trying to persuade them. Let’s go."

The group followed Chu Han excitedly to where Bai Lu and Lu Anyun were standing. Under the expectant gazes of the others, Chu Han smiled slightly at the two girls. "Hello, Bai, hello, Lu. I had a brief conversation with Mr. Lu at his banquet a few days ago. I had hoped to chat with you both about some academic issues then, but I didn't get the chance, which was a pity."

Lu Anyun’s eyes lit up instantly. "Hello, hello. You’re from Xintai University, right?" Her tone was noticeably warmer than it had been with the others.

*As expected, knowing Mr. Lu makes a huge difference...* Everyone looked at Chu Han with envy.

Chu Han’s smile widened. "Yes, we are students from Xintai University. My relationship with your brother..."

Before she could finish, Lu Anyun impatiently interrupted her. "Where is Sister Chu Qiao? Isn't she on the participant list? Why didn't she come over?"

The smile on Chu Han’s face stiffened instantly. Ji Weilun, Bu Yuzhu, and the others looked completely shocked. They even doubted they had heard correctly. *Chu Qiao? What does Chu Qiao have to do with this?*

Chu Han, also thinking she had misheard, corrected her: "Um... my name is Chu Han..."

But Lu Anyun had already spotted Chu Qiao, who was sitting not far away, head bowed and studying intently. She bypassed Chu Han entirely, ran up to Chu Qiao, and greeted her with a bright smile: "Sister Chu Qiao, we meet again! I’ve been working really hard so I wouldn't lose face in front of you! I didn't get to exchange contact info with you last time—could we add each other now?"

As she spoke, the entire venue fell into shock. Everyone stared at Chu Qiao in utter disbelief, whispering to ask who she was and how she had managed to earn such enthusiasm from Lu Anyun. But soon, an even more shocking scene unfolded.