Study Monster Cultivation System
Chapter 207 - 206 ----

Facing Duan Peipei’s sudden approach and hearing such words, Li Zheng was initially dumbfounded.

But as some relaxation data appeared out of nowhere,

he seemed to understand a bit more.

"I..." Li Zheng said, ashamed and frustrated, lowering his forehead.

If only I had known... I would have come with a buzz cut and in my school uniform.

Now look, Duan Peipei obviously came to improve her training, but she was bewitched by me.

My damn charm...

As Li Zheng’s junior high classmate and once a beacon, Li Zheng had intended to study with her, sparing no tips to help and improve together.

But now it seemed that studying with a beautiful man only decreased Duan Peipei’s study efficiency.

Ah...

It was time to part ways.

After all, there is no eternal beacon in the world, only the unchanging moon.

"Sorry..." Li Zheng murmured as he slung his backpack over his shoulder, no longer showing that warmth of friendship on his face, his voice now only bearing a cold edge, "I’m leaving first."

Duan Peipei was taken aback at first, but then quickly came to terms with the outcome.

Indeed, because of cheating, I was directly advised to leave by Director Zhang.

"Sigh..." Duan Peipei sighed softly and silently pulled out her phone, fiddling with it in her hand.

I can give you my WeChat now if you want.

However, Li Zheng did not see this gesture at all, he tightened his backpack straps and turned to walk out.

Watching his alluring figure leaving, Duan Peipei panicked, no longer caring to maintain her composure.

"Hey!" Duan Peipei called out to Li Zheng in a rush, "Let’s exchange WeChat."

"No, thanks," Li Zheng simply lifted a hand and said without turning back, "Let’s just forget each other in the sea of people."

Arghhh!

Duan Peipei felt like she was going crazy, holding her head.

What are you thinking?

When nothing had happened, how did we suddenly come to forget each other in the sea of people?

Fortunately, at this moment Zhang Tao rushed in, said something to Fu Xuefeng, who had just finished collecting the papers, and then climbed onto the podium to tap the microphone, "Please quiet down for a moment, everyone sit down."

Reluctantly, Li Zheng had to sit back down.

Duan Peipei gritted her teeth next to him for a long while.

Asking to add a friend now would probably make her look pathetic.

If you don’t want to, then don’t.

Who cares about your face?

On the stage, Zhang Tao announced some troubling news.

"I’m very sorry, there was a problem with setting up the meal cards, and we’ve decided to order fast food on short notice,"

"Please bear with us for a little longer, it should arrive within half an hour, and we’ll eat in the classroom."

"The teachers will also wait with everyone and not eat, we’ll focus on grading the papers first."

"After we finish grading, the top male and female students will become class leaders, responsible for organizing and managing the daily routine, assembly, and meals for this week."

"If you’re really too hungry, you can go out and eat on your own, nearby restaurants and supermarkets accept cash or scan code for payment."

"Please be back in this classroom at 1:30."

"Alright, you are free to do as you like now,"

Zhang Tao finished speaking and, along with Fu Xuefeng and Ding Ying, left the classroom carrying the papers.

Only then did everyone find time to complain.

Of course, they weren’t complaining about lunch, as no one sitting here cared what they ate for lunch.

"That question was torture..."

"There were no patterns to follow at all... Even in competition papers, at least half usually have patterns to exploit..."

"Even if they give me full marks for what I wrote... there’s no way I could pass..."

"It’s pretty good, actually. This is the level of Jinghua Physics Department."

"But for the previous entrance test, didn’t we do a paper remotely already... Why not just use that score to assign classes."

"Remote tests are easy to cheat on; there’s definitely someone who snuck in by muddying the waters."

As they complained, Li Zheng was also gloomy.

The first place becomes class leader...

So annoying.

Class leaders in various training classes before were always student-initiated nominations. How come it became based on grades here?

Is Director Zhang doing this to get back at me?

Duan Peipei looked at the downcast Li Zheng and snorted, "Weren’t you going to leave?"

Li Zheng didn’t pay her any attention and just quietly pulled out the latest volume of "Volleyball Junior."

Because he knew that Duan Peipei was someone who didn’t mean what she said.

She yelled for him to leave, but her value had already broken through 3.

The only way to bring her back to the right path was to completely ignore her, without any interaction.

However, Li Zheng’s action didn’t achieve the expected result.

The neglected Duan Peipei fumed in place, yet her value kept soaring higher and higher.

Flirting is flirting, not flirting is also flirting.

Just by existing, that’s flirting...

Life was truly hard for Li Zheng.

As everyone discussed the questions, a bespectacled buzzcut boy in the first row suddenly stood up assertively and walked straight toward Li Zheng.

This bespectacled buzzcut was no ordinary person.

If Shi Yang was a harmonious smooth-talking bespectacled buzzcut, then this guy was a domineering version.

Even with a buzz cut and glasses, the sharpness and confidence in his eyes could not be concealed.

He truly stood out among the crowd with a buzz cut.

Even Li Zheng couldn’t help but look up.

And this person, wearing a faint smile on his face, began walking towards Li Zheng from afar.

Duan Peipei was also startled, "Ah, he’s here too..."

"Who is this guy?" Li Zheng asked subconsciously.

"I thought you weren’t talking to me?"

"Oh, forgot..." Li Zheng busied himself looking back down at his manga.

"Heh, no problem, I’ll tell you," Duan Peipei pretended to look down at her book, deliberately acting indifferent to the bespectacled man’s intent gaze, "Qi Yingnan, the physics maniac from our school’s experimental class, always first in physics, fails everything else except math, often scores full marks in physics, with his lowest score being 97 points. He was so upset about losing those three points that he went into seclusion for a week."

"No wonder as soon as he stood up, I felt the academic pressure..." Li Zheng mused, "But... scoring full marks in physics isn’t that hard."

Duan Peipei couldn’t help laughing out loud, "If you’re comparing our school’s papers with your school’s, you’re delusional."

"Oh?" Li Zheng was taken aback, "You’re from Ren Da Fu?"

When asked, Duan Peipei suddenly felt a bitter taste, "Not really..."

"No. 4 Middle School?"

"Right..." Duan Peipei answered, her head lowered.

What do you mean right? It’s not okay...

Something feels off...

When mentioning the name of one’s own school, one should puff out their chest and hold their head high, shocking Li Zheng into misspeaking.

Why, instead, does it feel so humble...

"Oh, No. 4 Middle School, huh." Li Zheng nodded lightly, affirmatively, "Not bad, No. 4 is also a good school."

Duan Peipei felt even more that something was wrong.

Why can someone from Lake Ying Middle School talk about Ren Da Fu and No. 4 Middle School so calmly and dispassionately?

Such an aloof air usually only comes from someone who’s already been accepted into Jingbei or is a top student at Ren Da Fu.

Is it a case of the extremes meeting?

Duan Peipei shook her head, stopping her overthinking, and casually turned another page of the book she wasn’t even reading, "Looks like, Qi Yingnan has spotted me, his schoolmate. He probably wants to take me out to eat. Are you coming?"

"Not going."

"Like I care." Duan Peipei bit her lip and furiously flipped another page, nearly tearing it.

Li Zheng! If I speak to you one more time, I’ll just...

Anyway, I won’t do it again.

In the ensuing silence, Qi Yingnan got closer to Duan Peipei, who could already sense with her peripheral vision that he was definitely approaching her.

Although this person was excellent in physics, the idea of going out to eat alone was dismissed.

She needed to find a polite yet dignified excuse to turn him down.

As she pondered, Qi Yingnan had already reached her side.

"Ahem... Classmate..." Qi Yingnan coughed with a trace of embarrassment.

"Hmm?" Duan Peipei lightly flicked her long hair and looked up with feigned indifference.

"This..." Qi Yingnan, though a man with academic prowess, was as diffident as any other buzz-cut guy when speaking to a girl. He gently scratched his head, his voice quivering as he requested, "Could you... let me pass."

"???" Duan Peipei’s eyes gradually widened.

I’m not just a classmate, I’m Duan Peipei. Isn’t that why you’re here?

Seeing how surprised Duan Peipei was, Qi Yingnan became even more flustered and turned to flee, "Never mind... I’ll go around the other side..."

In her state of shock, Qi Yingnan jogged around the back aisle, taking a wide detour to come in from the other end of the long table.

He made his way to Li Zheng, slapping him on the shoulder with a hearty laugh, "Xu Zhu, little monk!"

"Oh?" At the mention of this nickname, Li Zheng instantly felt a connection and stood up, meeting his gaze, "Might I ask who you are?"

"Ming Sect’s Zhang Wujie!" Qi Yingnan laughed out loud, offering his hand, "I’m sort of half Shaolin, too."

"I’ve heard so much about you, my apologies for not recognizing you," Li Zheng extended his hand, grasping Qi Yingnan’s, "That Jianghu handbook you wrote, that was you, right?"

"Nah, just making stuff up," Qi Yingnan pushed Li Zheng playfully and pointed towards the door, "Let’s go out to eat, follow the Jianghu rules: two kilograms of beef, two kilograms of good liquor, and we’ll chat while we eat."

"Haha, let’s not," Li Zheng waved his hand, "The fast food has already been ordered, it’d be wasteful not to eat it."

"Alright, let’s eat here then."

Qi Yingnan and Li Zheng settled down and started a lively conversation.

The hotter their conversation, the colder Duan Peipei felt.

What the heck are these guys talking about?

This is where not having read Jin Yong’s works puts you at a disadvantage, unable to understand the many jokes passed among men, completely left out of the group chat, and relegated to the sidelines.

Of course, what truly chilled Duan Peipei,

was the fact that Qi Yingnan hadn’t recognized her at all.

She was, after all, ranked within the top fifty...

A competitor in physics, an enthusiast.

Someone who had occasionally sat in the same exam hall, worked in the same lab...

There were only three girls in the lab at that time.

And he didn’t recognize me?

Instead, he’s inexplicably so friendly with Li Zheng.

Did they get into something outside of school?

Li Zheng looks like he could handle himself in a fight...

Could it be that Qi Yingnan is involved in something, too?

Duan Peipei couldn’t help but eavesdrop with perked ears.

Over at Li Zheng’s side, the conversation was animated, "I must say, I’m not great either, especially with the sword skills, far behind. That’s where I struggled in the exams."

Qi Yingnan waved his hand away with a smile, "Ah, sword skills can be improved quickly with practice, but inner strength is hard to cultivate."

"That’s true," Li Zheng pursed his lips, "Sword skills just need to reach a threshold to suffice, but cultivating inner strength is truly endless."

Duan Peipei felt increasingly that something was not right as she listened.

This was no longer a matter of fighting...

This was freaking madness...

As the two chatted enthusiastically, Qi Yingnan suddenly lowered his body and his voice, and asked, "Say, when Teacher Zhang called you out earlier, what exactly did he say?"

"Well... that..." Li Zheng found himself in a quandary.

Talking about early contract signing could upset others, and mentioning it so casually would also reflect poorly on Director Zhang’s reputation.

"We’re all friends here, let’s just be straight..." Qi Yingnan said in a serious tone, "Did you sign a contract?"

Seeing that he had guessed it, Li Zheng sighed and said, "There’s such an intention, but I haven’t signed. I want to wait until the competition is over to discuss it."

Qi Yingnan was so amused he gave Li Zheng a punch on the spot, "Damn! Turning down Ji University and then Jinghua, you really are a dog."

Li Zheng replied with an apologetic smile, "I just haven’t made up my mind... you mustn’t tell anyone... keep it low-key, very low-key."

"Got it." Qi Yingnan readily agreed, and then started pondering, "Thanks for that. Having this info means there’s something to it."

"Means what?"

"Think about it..." Qi Yingnan gestured, "Just a regular training class, but the director is willing to send contracts, which means Jinghua is very eager to recruit students this year, easier to sign than Ji University. With your info, I’ll also strive to perform well this week, and maybe I’ll land a contract too."

"Ah? What’s the rush?" Li Zheng sincerely asked, "Aren’t you considering Ji University?"

"...Crap." Qi Yingnan couldn’t help but give Li Zheng another punch, "You damn national champion in Chem Competitions can afford to be nonchalant... for us, signing with either one would be a blessing. You keep saying you want to keep a low profile, is this kind of showing off really appropriate?"

"Ah? Am I showing off?" Li Zheng was utterly innocent.

"Enough! You’re not only showing off, but you’re also really a dog!"

Not far away, Duan Peipei was practically spinning from all she heard.

Turning down Ji University, turning down Jinghua.

Becoming national champion in Chem Competitions.

This...

I can’t believe it!

She hurriedly turned on her phone, just like Zhang Tao had done fifteen minutes earlier, and accessed the Chemical Society’s official website.

Whoosh!

Li Zheng’s photo immediately smacked her in the face.

Just like Zhang Tao, she shakily compared the photo with the leather jacket.

A perfect match...

She was thrown into complete disarray.

"Ah!" Duan Peipei cried out, clutching her head.

Everyone around looked over.

Including Li Zheng and Qi Yingnan.

"Who is that?" Qi Yingnan dazedly asked, "Did she not do well on the test?"

"Don’t mind her, let’s continue our conversation," Li Zheng urged, asking, "Tell me more about Jinghua and Ji University’s programs."

"Oh..."

Duan Peipei could not remember how she got through the following period of time.

All she remembered was the next voice, which belonged to Zhang Tao speaking.

Raising her head, she saw Zhang Tao and two other teachers already standing in front of the lectern, holding a list and beginning to speak.

"The food’s about to arrive, and the papers have been graded."

"There are 45 students in each class, and the passing line for the experimental class is 42 points."

"This paper was indeed difficult, especially since the types of questions were quite unusual, so there’s no need to be discouraged if you didn’t perform as expected."

"Now, let’s announce the top five, please. When I call your name, stand up so I can get to know you," he said.

Upon hearing this, Duan Peipei mentally pulled herself out of the chaos and tidied her hair.

Based on the entrance exam results, she was either the second or the third this time.

At the very least, she was definitely the top-ranking girl.

Looking good, hold steady, must not lose face...

On the stage, Zhang Tao adjusted his glasses and looked straight over.

"Fifth place, from No. 4 Middle School, Duan Peipei, 55 points."

Duan Peipei froze, forgetting to stand up.

Only after Li Zheng nudged her did she shakily rise to her feet.

All eyes in the room turned to her.

There are barely ten girls in this class.

For a girl, achieving this score was truly commendable.

It’s just that Duan Peipei...

Even though she was quite attractive... why was her demeanor so odd...

Her gaze vacant, her teeth chattering... she had an almost morbid vibe.

Zhang Tao, too far to see clearly, just raised a hand and said, "Hmm, a credit to the girls, please sit down."

Duan Peipei sat down with a thud.

Her emotions still unsettled.

How could she have dropped by two places...

"Fourth place, Song Yan, 61 points, from Ren Da Fu," Zhang Tao continued.

A boy with a standard buzz cut stood up in response.

"Hmm, not bad," Zhang Tao nodded, then looked down again at the list.

"Third place... oh, No. 4 Middle School’s doing well this year." Zhang Tao suddenly looked up, searching as he said, "Third place, 81 points, Qi Yingnan, No. 4 Middle School."

"Here." Qi Yingnan immediately stood up straight, striving to leave a good impression on Zhang Tao.

Zhang Tao was indeed pleased to see this spirited young man: "True to your name, really a man of valor."

The classmates all laughed and clapped, showing their admiration.

Those who were paying attention noticed, the score leapt from fourth place at 61 points to third place at 81 points...creating a clear gap...

It seemed that from this training session onwards, only the top three could be called true big shots.

On this side, Qi Yingnan finally took his seat with permission, his hands trembling.

Yes, although he stood firmly.

When he sat down, he couldn’t hold back, and his trembling became apparent.

For years, he had been the supreme master of physics at No. 4 Middle School, and even the entire Jijing.

In both the preliminary and the first round of this physics competition, he aimed for the top spot in Jijing.

But this ranking was a clear loss...

In his mind, within Jijing, he could only possibly lose to one person.

But that person hadn’t come...

Yet he still lost.

And lost to not one, but two people...

This result completely ignited Qi Yingnan’s competitive spirit.

"Can it be..." Qi Yingnan muttered to himself as he took his seat, glaring ahead, "It’s just you, Li Zheng? You only spent just over two hours answering, didn’t you... Did Wu Yaizi pass on his skills to you in advance?"

"Wu Yaizi is Ou Xingzhuo, what does he have to do with it? But... I did have a match with Tong Lao, and improved a lot," Li Zheng said lightly, seeing Qi Yingnan’s frustration, and gently patted his thigh, "Come on, it’s just one exam, 81 is good enough, just three days ago I was only scoring just over 80 myself."

"Shut up, keep bragging and I’ll beat you to death!"

"Oh? Does this count as bragging?"

"Yes!"

"Ha, the standard for bragging is really strange," Li Zheng said with an indifferent smile, "Then I might as well truly brag for once, but you have to hold on."

"Hehe?" Qi Yingnan was also intrigued, "Come on then, please do brag."

Li Zheng simply smiled: "Actually, I’ve known for a while that I scored over ninety, and I’m first."

No sooner had he spoken.

Zhang Tao’s voice rang out across the venue: "Second place, Li Zheng, 91 points, Lake Ying Middle School!"

The crowd gasped in surprise.

Suddenly jumped to over 91 points?

Those who knew Li Zheng immediately looked his way, and those who didn’t know him followed the gazes of others.

What the hell.

Wasn’t this guy a Chem Competitions nerd?!

And he seemed to have been asked to leave after just over two hours.

More importantly.

Isn’t Lake Ying a park?

In the midst of the crowd’s shock, Li Zheng himself was even more stunned, stumbling in his seat and almost collapsing onto the table.

Second place???

God damn it, the first time I’ve ever bragged in my life.

And it gets torn down in an instant!

Do you even have an idea, Zhang Tao?

"Hahahahaha!" Qi Yingnan laughed and slapped his thigh, "That was a beautiful show, well done Brother Zheng, I like the way you brag."

"You shut up..." Li Zheng, supporting himself on the table, struggled to his feet, "To..."

He gave Zhang Tao a nod from afar, and then tried to sit back down, since they had already met before.

But Zhang Tao suddenly raised his hand and said, "Don’t rush to sit down, come up here to the front, you’re the boys’ class leader, let everyone get to know you, and you’ll be distributing lunch later."

"Oh..." Li Zheng walked past Qi Yingnan reluctantly, heading down the aisle along the long table.

Being first place is tough, and now to be class leader on top of that...

As he thought about it, he suddenly shivered.

That’s not right...

I’m in second place.

Why the hell do I still have to be class leader if I’m second?

Unless...

God damn...

"Lastly, the first place, after much deliberation by the three of us teachers..." Zhang Tao heaved a huge sigh, his head shaking slightly as he announced, "First place...97 points...Lake Ying Middle School...Lin Yujing."

The rumble...

Even the steadiest students from all over the city were breaking down at that moment.

Sophistication, elegance, poise, all gone.

They all became Liu Xins!

"What the heck!?"

"Are you freaking crazy???"

"A girl??!!"

"What on earth is Lake Ying? Have I entered the wrong universe?"

If everyone had turned into Liu Xin,

Then Li Zheng had alone turned into Jiang Qinghua.

He leaned against the edge of the table, his waist bent.

In a daze, a figure wearing a white cap shirt floated by him.

Li Zheng stared fiercely.

Meeting those condescending squinting eyes.

And.

"~~~~"