When Xiao Fan returned to the stands, Xiao Yu nudged him with her elbow, her face brimming with curiosity. "What did Yue Yao want with you?" She looked eager for gossip.
Xiao Fan shot her a glare and said irritably, "Nothing. She was just being polite."
Ignoring Xiao Yu's plainly disbelieving expression, Xiao Fan turned back to watch the matches. Beside him, Xiao Xun'er glanced at him, a mysterious gleam flashing through her eyes.
While they chatted and laughed, several more rounds of the selection tournament passed.
"Next match: Xue Beng of Black Tier Class Three versus... Xiao Yan of Yellow Class Two."
At the announcement from the stage, everyone turned toward the section where Ruo Lin sat. After all, Xiao Yan had already missed the previous selection tournament, and thanks to Xun'er, he was far from unknown at the academy.
"I'm sorry, Instructor." Xiao Xun'er bit her lip and hugged Instructor Ruo Lin's arm, speaking helplessly.
Ruo Lin glanced at the dejected Xiao Xun'er. Rather than blame her, she offered some comfort. "It's all right. We expected this anyway." Yet the bitterness on her face betrayed her.
A young man had already stepped onto the stage and stood there quietly waiting. The referee looked once more toward Yellow Class Two's section. Although he knew Xiao Yan was not at the academy, the proper procedures still had to be followed. Once the time was up, Xiao Yan would naturally be considered to have forfeited.
"Yellow Class Two... Xiao Yan."
Just as everyone thought Xiao Yan would not come, Xiao Fan suddenly turned toward Xiao Xun'er and Instructor Ruo Lin, a mysterious smile curling his lips.
"He's here!"
Instructor Ruo Lin looked puzzled at Xiao Fan's words. Xiao Xun'er was initially confused as well, but delight soon spread across her face.