Rags to Riches: The Rise of a Dual-Talent Prodigy
Chapter 43: Hmm, some service, but not much

Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Hmm, some service, but not much

The principal couldn’t figure it out, but since the money was already spent, there was no reason to ask for a refund. At least he paid full price and wasn’t cheated by Qian Qi, so it wasn’t a loss.

The principal could only console himself in his sadness.

And soon, the time reached 10 o’clock.

The gates of Beast Square closed with a "bang," and Uncle Sun, along with several other elderly gentlemen, sat beside the principal.

"There are so many people today, Beast Square hasn’t been this lively in ages," Uncle Sun said cheerfully, turning to the principal and asking, "Principal, are you close with Little Qian, the girl?"

The principal’s eye twitched slightly, knowing that Mr. Sun didn’t want people to know his identity, so he replied in a casual tone, "Well, it’s alright. I’ve helped that girl out in the past."

"Oh?" Uncle Sun couldn’t help but laugh, "How interesting, turns out we’ve both helped Little Qian before."

The principal perked his ears, could it be... "Did you also give Qian Qi money?"

"Oh?" Uncle Sun waved his hand, "No, not really. Little Qian is generous, she even gave me a share!"

Principal: ???

No? What?

The principal almost thought he’d heard wrong.

A share? Why when he sacrificed an arm back then, not only did he not get a share, but also gave her money to advertise?

The principal felt bitter, but in front of Mr. Sun, he couldn’t say a word, so he had to look at the square in frustration.

Su Ang, who was silent beside him, slightly pressed his thin lips together, a barely noticeable smile appearing in his eyes.

The clock struck 10 right on time, and on the square, the north gate connected to the Magic Beast Storage Room opened with a "bang." A senior from the Beast Taming Department, riding a nearly three-meter-tall Bear Iron Beast, entered the scene.

The whole venue erupted in cheers, students from the Magic Beast Department clapped and shouted in excitement, the Skill Department students widened their eyes as if they’d never seen the world, Command Department students remained composed and unflustered, while Beast Taming Department students wore expressions of pride and honor.

And the Magic Plant Department students... scoffed.

"What’s so special about a mere D-level, wait until I grow a D-level Wind Demon Flower. These beasts of this level won’t even be able to get close."

"Look at that little bear’s malnourished appearance, I suspect it agreed to a contract with the Beast Master because it’s been through abuse and starvation."

"Beast Masters will do anything to contract a magical beast, unlike us, who will never give up on magic plants until the last moment!"

Beast Taming Department students turned and glared at the quietly muttering Magic Plant Department students, "What are you mumbling? You want a fight?"

The Magic Plant Department students silently lowered their heads.

No choice, since their Magic Plant Department was the least popular and lowest in status at the Awakener University!

Along with the Bear Iron Beast’s bright entrance, Qian Qi arrived late. She carried a few oranges and excitedly ran to the front row, warmly greeting Chen Tong and the principal.

"How’s the view? This spot has a clear view of everything!" Qian Qi grinned.

Chen Tong snorted coldly; honestly, he was quite satisfied with this privileged spot.

He eagerly looked forward to capturing the moment when Qian Qi splattered blood on site with his light brain, framing it in gold, and hanging it in his bedroom as a memento!

"Our VVVIP also has other thoughtful services~" Qian Qi smiled professionally, placing the four oranges from her embrace into their hands one by one, "Enjoy and eat, and don’t be shy."

The principal looked at the orange in his hand: ...

Hmm, there is some service, but not much.

Having the mindset of "making a cent off Qian Qi if possible," Chen Tong coldly peeled the orange, took a bite, and found he couldn’t smile anymore.

Damn, it’s really sour.

Chen Miaomiao glanced at it, tentatively took a small bite, and then put the orange aside, unwilling to eat it.

The principal was cautious this time, seeing Chen Tong and Chen Miaomiao were unpleasantly affected by the sourness, and immediately decided it was better not to eat.

Su Ang lowered his eyes to the orange in his hand, and after a moment, his long white fingers leisurely peeled the skin, taking a segment and placing it into his mouth.

He then started to chew slowly with a slightly pleased expression. The sight of the silver-haired beauty eating an orange was truly captivating, making even the principal wonder if not all oranges were sour.

He couldn’t help but peel the orange, only to be brought to tears by its sourness.

Damn it!

This wretched girl, only gave Su Ang the sweet orange!

The principal looked up, seeing Qian Qi grinning sneakily at him. When she noticed him looking, Qian Qi quickly hid her smile, pretending as if she hadn’t seen anything.

Principal: ...

If you’ve got guts, don’t let him catch you out!

After teasing the principal and the two others, Qian Qi prepared to enter the arena and start the competition. However, at that moment, Chen Tong suddenly stopped her.

He glanced at Qian Qi’s Light Brain, turned his gaze away to control his excitement, and said calmly, "Qian Qi, the competition is dangerous. You should leave your valuable things with Miao Miao, in case they get damaged and you come after me for compensation."

Qian Qi blinked, then clapped her hands with emotion, "Senior! You’re so thoughtful! I almost forgot!"

She quickly took off her Light Brain, turned around, and bent over towards Chen Miaomiao.

Chen Miaomiao didn’t know what Chen Tong was plotting, but she would only benefit if she cooperated with him, so she extended her hand to receive Qian Qi’s Light Brain.

Unexpectedly, Qian Qi hesitated, then walked over to the principal.

She held out her latest model Light Brain, about to say something, but then hesitated, sighed, and turned to Su Ang instead.

Principal: ???

What’s she implying? Why is she sighing? Does she think I, a dignified principal, would embezzle her Light Brain!

"Senior Su, maybe you should keep it for me, I feel more assured." Qian Qi had no choice; she had tricked all three of them before, except for Su Ang with whom she had no grudge, so naturally, she trusted Su Ang more.

Moreover, she’d heard Su Ang was strong and responsible, so if any unexpected incidents occurred during the duel, he should be able to protect her Light Brain.

Su Xingle, sitting in the back row, couldn’t help but raise his hand to volunteer, "Junior~ Junior~ Let me help you~"

Qian Qi slapped him away, disdainfully saying, "Can’t you see I’m flirting with the beauty? Stay out of it!"

Su Xingle: ???

Su Ang looked up at Qian Qi, who appeared natural in demeanor, without feeling she was flirting with him. He spread his broad, thin palm to catch the Light Brain and said in a somewhat indifferent tone, "Okay."

Let’s do it for the sake of the sweet oranges.

After placing her most valuable item in a safe place, Qian Qi twisted her neck and stretched out her muscles.

Next, it was her time to shine!

Qian Qi picked up the microphone connected to the amplifier on the ground, leapt onto the railings, and once steady, spread her arms and shouted:

"How are you, audience in the back~ I’m Qian Qi, a freshman in the Magic Plant Department. On this grand and sunny day, I will introduce you to the latest product of the Qian Qi brand—a Defense Fruit that can grant immunity to all D-level magical beast damage within 10 minutes!"

"First, let me introduce the sponsor of this event—a sophomore from the Magic Beast Department, Chen Tong!"

Qian Qi pulled out a self-made "Bizean" thumb cane from her back and pointed at Chen Tong, whose face turned instantly dark.

"Chen Tong spent 100,000 to bet against me. Upon paying a 50,000 deposit, as long as I can remain immune to all D-level magical beast damage within 10 minutes, he will pay the remaining 50,000 on the spot!"

"And you all will be the witnesses to this bet! Cheer up! Let me see your enthusiasm!"

The students were inspired by Qian Qi’s flamboyant and charismatic behavior and joined in with loud cheers, instantly bringing a lively atmosphere to the scene.

"Now, please witness this unprecedented thrilling duel between man and beast!"

Qian Qi leaned backward, falling towards the stands, and with a beautiful backflip, she landed steadily in the square, running towards the D-level Bear Iron Beast.

"Timer, start!"

Above the square, the timer board suddenly lit up, showing a countdown beginning from 09:59.

Immediately, the whole place erupted in cheers! The roar of the crowd almost overturned the entire Beast Square!

"Wuhu~ Qian Qi is so damn cool! I call her the best madwoman of the year!"

"She really is going solo against a D-level Contracted Beast! That’s so damn awesome!"

"My heart is about to jump out! Can she actually last 10 minutes?"

The students, especially the freshmen, hadn’t seen such an exciting contracted beast match in a long time, and their back-and-forth chatter further heated the atmosphere of the entire scene.

"Damn, you can’t see a thing sitting at the back! Let’s move to the front!"

Originally seated in the back, the students left their seats in droves. Some stood in front-row spots, while others stood directly in front of the guardrail, watching this duel match with nervous anticipation.

As the principal watched these excited and vibrant students, a youthful fiery energy burned within his heart.

This is the passion the students should have! Even if it’s just a D-level magical beast, they fearlessly stand in the front, eager to witness that one thrilling duel and hoping for humanity to triumph in its battle against magical beasts!

The principal’s heart surged with emotion, but the next second, he suddenly felt something wasn’t right.