Chapter 8: The Dean’s Dilemma and a Daring Bet

In an ancient and elegant teahouse, the fragrance of tea wafted gently as two white-haired elders sat opposite each other, leisurely savoring their tea and conversing in soft tones.

“Your Excellency, Dean, the National Tournament is upon us in a flash. I wonder which students Sacred Ocean Academy will select to represent us this time?” one elder asked, setting down his teacup, his gaze filled with anticipation.

“Oh? Has the National Tournament arrived so quickly again? I distinctly recall the last one ending not long ago. Could it be that my memory isn’t what it once was?” It was the Dean of Sacred Ocean Academy who spoke, his brow slightly furrowed, a puzzled expression on his face.

Pfft! The elder opposite him instantly spat out the tea he had just taken a sip of.

“Oh dear, Old Li, what’s wrong? Have you perhaps contracted senile dementia? This is no laughing matter; perhaps we should hurry to the hospital for a check-up,” a white-haired elder, who appeared slightly older than the Dean, teased.

“It’s not that serious; I’m merely getting on in years, and my mind occasionally gets muddled. With you, the Vice Dean, by my side, I feel at ease. And Old Zhang, are you perhaps hoping I’ll pass on first so you can take my place?” the Dean retorted, taking a disgruntled sip of his tea.

“Look at you, saying such things! I’m genuinely concerned for you. Besides, three years have already passed since the last National Tournament. Held every three years, this year’s students are even more exceptional than before. Do you recall the match three years ago, when Li Hao nearly lost to that kid from the Yin family? Our Sacred Ocean Academy has always enjoyed supreme glory. Each National Tournament, seeing the children strive valiantly for the academy’s honor, my heart aches for them. They truly endure much hardship to protect our academy’s glory,” Old Zhang said, his playful expression replaced by a serious one.

“Indeed, had that kid from the Yin family not been so arrogant, the outcome of that match would have been uncertain. Li Hao contacted me a few days ago; he’s now successful in his career, having been promoted to the position of Arbiter within the Sacred Light Church. Old Zhang, you’re right, the glory of Sacred Ocean Academy must never be extinguished. Over these years, we’ve witnessed generation after generation of students battling for the academy at the National Tournament. Though we are now old, this weighty responsibility of preserving our glory shall be entrusted to the younger generation,” the Dean sighed deeply, filled with emotion.

“Precisely, let’s entrust it to the children. By the way, have the participants been decided?” Old Zhang asked, stroking his beard with concern.

“Hahaha, Old Zhang, rest assured. I already have suitable candidates in mind. The first is the eldest young master of the Ye family. This child gives me quite a headache, challenging teachers and single-handedly reforming the student council; their actions are incredibly bold.”

“I know that child. They are indeed Old Ye’s offspring. In our previous meetings, her stern expression, as if the whole world owed her something, was precisely like her father in his youth—utterly cold,” Old Zhang said, shaking his head helplessly.

“Hahaha, like father, like child, we needn’t comment too much. There’s another excellent candidate, a newly enrolled freshman named Ouyang Xiyue.”

“Ouyang Xiyue? Is that the young miss from the Ouyang family? I’ve been browsing the academy’s forum recently, and all the pinned posts are about her. This girl is exceptionally charming; if I get the chance, I must introduce her to my grandson. Perhaps it could lead to a beautiful story,” Old Zhang said, a dreamy look on his face.

Watching Old Zhang’s flights of fancy, the Dean shook his head helplessly and chuckled, “Old Zhang, stop dreaming. This girl was sent by Jian Laifeng. You’d best not embarrass yourself.”

“What? Sent by Old Jian? But Old Jian and the Ouyang family have always been enemies. What could be the reason behind this?” Old Zhang pondered aloud, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

“Actually, it’s…” The Dean was just about to explain.

Old Zhang suddenly clapped his hand, enlightened. “I understand! This girl must be Old Jian’s illegitimate daughter, and she took her mother’s surname to avoid suspicion. I can’t believe Old Jian would do such a thing! I must confront him about it.” With that, Old Zhang made to stand up and leave.

The Dean quickly stopped him, saying, “Old Zhang, you’re already this old; don’t be so impulsive. Watch your health. Just let me finish. Ouyang Xiyue is not from the Ouyang family; rather, his family separated from them. Now he has become Jian Laifeng’s disciple. I’m not entirely clear on the specifics; I merely asked Old Jian a few simple questions.”

Upon hearing the Dean’s explanation, Old Zhang scratched his head, a bit sheepish, and chuckled, “So I misunderstood. Please, continue.”

“Since you’ve seen the academy’s forum, you must be aware of this young man’s strength. He, like that kid from the Ye family, is an exceptional talent with extraordinary power. This year’s National Tournament will adopt a one-on-one combat format, with each academy sending three participants. The kid from the Ye family and Ouyang Xiyue are confirmed. As for the third person, you know them better than I do, so I won’t elaborate,” the Dean said, smiling mysteriously.

“A one-on-one format is good; it saves time. I have someone in mind for that young woman. Come, Old Li, have some tea,” Old Zhang said, raising his teacup and sharing a smile with the Dean.

****

The scene shifted to a room.

Ye Xuehui said with a teasing look, “Don’t worry, I have no designs on you. Although your looks are quite striking, that chest as flat as an airfield hardly stirs any ripples within me.”

“Bastard! You blabbering pervert! What’s wrong with being flat-chested!”

‘Ouyang Xiyue secretly felt fortunate that he was a man. If he truly had a chest, now *that* would be awkward.’

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He grabbed the pillow beside him and hurled it at Ye Xuehui, who caught it steadily.

Ouyang Xiyue tidied his clothes and stomped off, ready to leave. He truly didn’t want to be cooped up in the same room as this smooth-talking fellow.

“What, so you’re flushing with indignation just because I called you flat-chested?” Ye Xuehui continued to taunt.

“Get lost! I’m not angry about that.” Although Ouyang Xiyue said this, he still felt a bit ashamed. He strode quickly to the door and was about to reach for the doorknob when Ye Xuehui suddenly pinned him against the wall.

“What do you want now? It’s getting late; I need to go back. My roommate will be worried,” Ouyang Xiyue glared furiously.

“Don’t be nervous. I just want to make a bet with you. We’ll compete in three rounds, best two out of three. The loser must unconditionally grant the winner one request, how about it?” Ye Xuehui grinned slyly, her eyes full of provocation.

Ouyang Xiyue hesitated, knowing full well that Ye Xuehui’s strength was not to be underestimated, yet he was unwilling to be looked down upon.

“What, scared now? I thought Ouyang Xiyue, who challenges clubs everywhere, was so formidable. Turns out you’re just a coward,” Ye Xuehui continued to goad him.

Ouyang Xiyue was inherently competitive. Goaded like this, he instantly flew into a rage. “Bastard, you’re the coward! A bet it is! How could I, Ouyang Xiyue, be afraid of you!”

“Then for the first round, we’ll compete in archery. Let’s see who’s more accurate,” Ye Xuehui said confidently.

“Good, it’s a deal!” Ouyang Xiyue pushed Ye Xuehui away and stormed out the door.

Watching Ouyang Xiyue’s retreating figure, Ye Xuehui couldn’t help but shiver.

She gently touched her chest, feeling her violently pounding heart, and mused inwardly, ‘What’s happening to me?’