Qin Siyang's decisive words tore straight through the flimsy cover Xiao Zhigang had placed over his scheme. Everyone's attention turned even more keenly toward Southern Glory and its most promising first-year student.
Zhao Longfei looked at Qin Siyang, his eyes full of affection.
Qin Siyang always knew exactly what he wanted to say but could not, like someone who understood his every need.
The corners of Zhao Longfei's mouth lifted. "If only he were my son."
Behind him, however, Li Tianming worried about Qin Siyang's increasingly prominent reputation.
He always feared that someday, some incident or careless remark would snap the edge of that keen blade and leave Qin Siyang with lifelong regret.
Li Tianming's gaze steadied. I have to gather enough yellow-silver star ore as soon as possible to keep him safe.
Onstage, Qian Wendao announced outright, "The First Intercollegiate Sequence Championship officially begins!"
He gave Xiao Zhigang no opportunity to explain or argue, bringing everything to an abrupt halt amid Qin Siyang's questioning.
Though the exchange remained unfinished, such gaps often gave people the most room to speculate.
"They say the people at Southern Glory don't get along with the Ministry of Education. Looks like it's true."
"It's worse than that. I heard Xiao Zhigang is a sworn enemy of both Zhao Longfei and Qin Siyang! Today pretty much confirmed that rumor!"
"I originally had pretty high hopes for Southern Glory. But now, winning a Championship Tournament hosted by the Ministry of Education probably won't be easy for them."
The audience's discussions made Xiao Zhigang's expression particularly ugly. The students onstage, however, had much less to say.
After Qian Wendao announced the start of the Championship Tournament, enthusiastic applause rang through the venue, with students cheering and clapping despite themselves.
Their applause was not for the event hosted