"For the next three months, the main focus of your training will be physical conditioning. I don't care who you are, what your background is, or how gifted you may be. If you can't pass my assessment in three months, then just like the previous nine, you can get lost."
"That's it for this morning's class. I suggest you eat well at lunch, because physical training starts this afternoon. Dismissed."
After leaving the teaching building, the ninety-plus students split into two groups. One group, with only a dozen or so people, headed toward the academy's cafeteria. The majority, however, went outside the academy—just like Huo Yuhao, unable to stomach the bizarre food served there.
It wasn't just Class One that had this exodus; new students from other classes and even upperclassmen were all flocking off campus. That alone showed just how unpopular the academy's cafeteria was.
To save time, Huo Yuhao once again headed to Jun Zailai Restaurant. Just like last time, there was no need to queue. This time, a staff member even led him to a private room on the second floor. Huo Yuhao couldn't help but find it ridiculous—he just wanted a simple lunch!
Just as the waiter left after taking his order, the owner, Wang Qing, came in grinning."Little brother! I heard all about last time. You're making us seem like strangers here. I'll tell you what—from now on, you can eat here every day for free. I'll cover all three meals!"
Huo Yuhao quickly waved his hand in protest."Uncle, not having to queue is already a big favor. If you don't charge me, how could I ever come back again?"
Turns out, last time when Huo Yuhao tried to pay before leaving, the waiter absolutely refused to accept the money. In the end, Huo Yuhao had to sneak the cash under the plate when no one was looking.
"Sigh, little brother, you're treating me like an outsider. Listen to your uncle—"Wang Qing tried to continue but was cut off.
"Business is business, Uncle. If you keep insisting like this, I'll take it as you trying to kick me out!"As he spoke, Huo Yuhao stood up, pretending to leave.
"Okay, okay, fine! Sit, sit, sit."Seeing Huo Yuhao's resolute stance, Wang Qing had no choice but to pull him back into the seat, muttering to himself, What kind of idiot passes up free stuff? Kid's still just a child after all!
The two then chatted for a while. Wang Qing congratulated Huo Yuhao on being accepted into Shrek, and subtly tried to probe about Huo Yuhao's background several times—but Huo Yuhao skillfully deflected every time with vague laughs.
Near the end, Wang Qing hesitated, clearly wanting to say something but holding back. Huo Yuhao sensed the act immediately, though he couldn't guess the motive yet. So he played along.
"What's wrong, Uncle? If there's something you want to say, just say it. If I can help, I will."
"Well… sigh. Little brother, my restaurant may look bustling, but only selling grilled fish gets old fast. Business won't stay hot for long like this."Wang Qing sighed heavily.
"Oh? Uncle, why would you say that? Don't we have a pretty diverse menu?"Huo Yuhao kept a calm expression, but internally, he was crystal clear—Aha, there it is. A businessman never comes without a reason. He's after my recipes already. That didn't take long.
Did Huo Yuhao have recipes? Absolutely. The White Tiger Duke was one of the highest-ranking nobles in the Star Luo Empire, and Huo Yuhao's mother, Huo Yun'er, had been his personal maid, taking care of his daily life. Her culinary skills? Top-notch. Huo Yuhao grew up watching and learning—his cooking was more than capable of revitalizing this small restaurant with just a few dishes.
Seeing Huo Yuhao still dodging the topic, Wang Qing let out a bitter laugh."You can't possibly not see what kind of shape this place is in, little brother."
Huo Yuhao hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke."I do have a few other dishes, but… well…"His voice trailed off, as if he was embarrassed.
Wang Qing's face twitched. He had a bad feeling about this. This kid may look innocent, but he's a little fox! He cursed in his mind. Huo Yuhao clearly had no intention of giving things away for free.
"Please, name your price. As long as it's within my ability, I'll do my best."Wang Qing looked sincere.
Huo Yuhao first looked troubled, then sighed."Uncle, to be honest, these recipes were taught to me by someone from the past. I never planned to sell them. But I do feel some connection with you, so fine—how about this: you take 40%, I take 60%. How does that sound?"
He didn't care if it made sense—he just made it sound serious.
Hiss—Even though Wang Qing had braced himself, he still shot up from his seat in shock. He never expected such a sky-high demand: 60% for a single recipe?! Looking at Huo Yuhao's conflicted and "reluctant" expression, Wang Qing was speechless. What kind of greedy little monster was this?
Never judge a book by its cover, he thought. Who would've guessed this seemingly innocent boy was such a schemer?
Twenty minutes later, Wang Qing watched Huo Yuhao's departing figure with a sour expression. There was no way he could agree to a 60-40 split—he wasn't that much of a sucker. After some tough bargaining, Huo Yuhao compromised, and they finally settled on a 70-30 split—Wang Qing taking the bigger cut.
In the afternoon, as the bell rang, Zhou Yi walked slowly into the classroom. The room was eerily quiet. Every student sat upright, eyes glued to her—a stark contrast to the laziness from the morning.
"Everyone, gather at the field."That was all Zhou Yi said before turning and walking out again.
No one was surprised. They had already guessed the afternoon's agenda. She had mentioned it in the morning—physical training was starting.
At the field, under Zhou Yi's direction, the students lined up in four neat rows, shorter in front, taller in back. Everyone stood straight, the formation clean and crisp.
Zhou Yi stood in front of them, next to a large pile of chains. The sight made the students inwardly groan. They had naively thought it would just be a jog like the morning session. Too innocent.
Zhou Yi scanned the group. No one knew what the wicked old lady had planned now, so everyone lowered their heads, not wanting to get singled out.
"Huo Yuhao, step forward!"She called out a name unfamiliar to most—except Dong Xinyu, his deskmate, and Wang Dong, his roommate.
"Here."Huo Yuhao silently cursed his luck but had no choice but to walk up and stand before her.
Without paying him any mind, Zhou Yi turned to the class."I reviewed your entrance exam scores and the results from this morning's tests. As of now, Huo Yuhao has the highest cultivation among all of you. Therefore, I hereby appoint him as class monitor."
"This position is not permanent. It goes to whoever is capable. In other words, anyone who can beat him becomes the new class monitor."
When she finished, the students all looked at Huo Yuhao with surprise. He had been so quiet before, blending into the background just like his deskmate. The only thing notable about him was his appearance—but even in that department, Wang Dong outshone him, drawing all the attention.
Even in the morning tests, Huo Yuhao hadn't stood out, so no one had paid him much mind. Of course, even though his performance was unremarkable, no one really had any desire to challenge the position. They all knew Zhou Yi wouldn't have appointed him arbitrarily.
Only Wang Dong showed no signs of backing down. Not because he cared about being class monitor, but because he wanted to use this opportunity to defeat Huo Yuhao fair and square—to avenge the sneak attack back in their dorm.
(End of Chapter)