27: Meet the principal

It was Wednesday.

Today was also the day the principal had arranged to meet him.

After finishing his morning classes and grabbing a quick lunch at the cafeteria, he immediately headed to the principal's office.

“Bang! Bang!”

He lightly knocked on the door.

A moderate yet firm voice came from inside.

“Come in.”

Lin Shu pushed open the door, entered the office, and closed the door behind him.

The principal's office was very large, estimated to be over a hundred square meters.

On the walls hung several beautifully framed calligraphies and paintings, all depicting Beast Companions Lin Shu had never seen before.

On the other side, several glass display cases of varying heights showcased numerous trophies, highlighting the school's heritage.

What immediately caught his eye was a large, neat solid wood desk.

Beside the desk sat a middle-aged man in a leather chair.

His face was rugged, exuding an aura of authority without needing to express anger.

This was Pei Yuanfang, the principal of Canglan No. 2 High School.

Seeing that the visitors were Lin Shu and Shadow Mantis, his originally serious face immediately broke into a smile.

“Ah, it’s Lin Shu.”

Seeing this, Lin Shu immediately replied, “It’s me, Principal.”

Pei Yuanfang’s eyes were intently fixed on Shadow Mantis.

He had a scrutinizing look, as if trying to discern something.

It seemed this Shadow Mantis hadn't consumed any other prohibited items.

Its physical Talent was indeed present, and its rapid level-up speed was due to Lin Shu's Beast Companion Talent, Pei Yuanfang thought to himself.

“Not bad, very talented. He will receive strong support from the school.”

In an instant, he had thoroughly observed Shadow Mantis, inside and out.

His expression quickly returned to a cordial and friendly one.

This process was very swift, completed in just a few breaths.

Then, Pei Yuanfang called Lin Shu closer.

As if sensing something, he asked tentatively, “Xiao Lin, has your Mental power reached Tier 1?”

Lin Shu was a bit surprised by this; the principal’s strength was indeed formidable.

Just by standing nearby, he could sense his Mental power.

“Yes, Principal, I reached it a few days ago.”

Upon receiving a positive answer from Lin Shu, Pei Yuanfang quickly said, “You haven’t contracted your second Beast Companion yet, have you?”

“The school can provide you with another one of your choosing.”

Pei Yuanfang looked at Lin Shu with eager anticipation.

However, Lin Shu’s slightly awkward expression already revealed the truth.

“I have already contracted my second Beast Companion.”

The worst-case scenario had still occurred. Pei Yuanfang’s heart sank slightly.

He had already looked into Lin Shu's family background.

Naturally, he knew that Lin Shu didn’t have the financial means to purchase a high-quality Beast Companion.

So, this second Beast Companion would, at most, be of Elite quality.

The school could have easily provided him with a Perfect quality Beast Companion.

“What a pity. Why was I busy a few days ago?”

“This is truly my fault, delaying such a good student who could boost the school’s performance.”

He didn’t ask what Lin Shu had contracted; it was meaningless now.

He could only prepare a Beast Companion for him after his Mental power reached Tier 2.

However, he was still surprised by how quickly Lin Shu’s Mental power had improved, far surpassing most peers.

Such an all-around Talent must not be overlooked; he had to keep a close eye on him.

The future improvement of Canglan No. 2 High School’s performance would still depend on Lin Shu.

Thus, Pei Yuanfang pondered for a moment before saying, “Xiao Lin, the next time your Mental power reaches Tier 2, be sure to tell me first.”

“Don’t go and contract one yourself. The school is fully capable of providing a Beast Companion of better quality.”

Hearing what the principal said, Lin Shu had no regrets.

Although the Earth Splendor was of lower quality, its potential was very high.

There was nothing wrong with contracting it.

Of course, it would also be great if the school could provide a high-quality Beast Companion.

He had no reason to refuse it.

“Thank you for your concern, Principal. If I have any problems next time, I will definitely come to you.”

Clearly, from Pei Yuanfang’s attitude, he still held some weight in the school.

The principal intended to cultivate him.

Lin Shu, of course, wanted to follow Pei Yuanfang’s lead to gain more support.

After all, with resources, he could grow faster.

Pei Yuanfang was quite satisfied with Lin Shu’s attitude.

To acknowledge a mistake and be able to correct it is a great thing. After all, he was still just a student, and it was normal for him not to understand some things.

He just needed to guide him well from now on.

Then, Pei Yuanfang asked a question, as he also wanted to confirm something.

“Your Talent’s effect is to increase the Beast Companion’s leveling speed, isn’t it?”

“You don’t need to reveal everything; just answer yes or no.”

The specifics of a Talent were still a very private matter.

He only needed to confirm the general ability; detailed content was unnecessary.

Lin Shu knew there was nothing to hide about this.

His classmates in class also frequently discussed this issue.

Most believed that his Talent’s effect was to increase the Beast Companion’s leveling speed.

Moreover, only by demonstrating sufficient value could the school invest more in him.

These were all mutually beneficial matters. In any case, this had nothing to do with his true Talent ability, so he wouldn't be at a disadvantage.

All these current effects were incidental to proficiency.

He nodded affirmatively, answering without hesitation, “Yes.”

Pei Yuanfang was very satisfied to see this. After all, it was an additional investment, and he didn't want to raise an ungrateful person.

Lin Shu’s attitude was straightforward and unreserved, showing great trust in the school.

“Next month’s monthly exam will still be a physical test. I hope you can still be first place.”

“And reach level 16 or above.”

“If you meet both of these conditions, I will prepare something good for you.”

With nearly twenty more days remaining, this condition was an easy task for Lin Shu.

It would be simple and effortless.

Seeing Lin Shu remain silent, Pei Yuanfang thought he might be feeling too much pressure.

“You don’t need to feel too much pressure. Although it’s a bit difficult, it’s completely achievable.”

“As long as you work hard enough, there’s still a good chance.”

Clearly, Pei Yuanfang had misunderstood his meaning.

“Don’t worry, Principal, I will work hard.”

He then bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude for the principal’s cultivation.

After all, the doubled reward for the First Year’s first monthly exam was also tacitly approved by the principal.

Pei Yuanfang secretly nodded, growing even more satisfied.

After a brief interaction, Lin Shu left a very good impression on him.

He was neither servile nor overbearing, without the slightest impulsiveness or impatience of a young person.

“Very good. There are still many opportunities in the school. If you have any problems in your life or within the school, you can always come to me.”

After understanding a few more things, Lin Shu returned to the classroom.

In the principal’s office, Pei Yuanfang had already made a decision.

Lin Shu’s natural Talent was outstanding.

So, one spot for the First Year school team’s reserve members was confirmed.

It was just a matter of who to choose for the other spot.

“Why not just combine the two and give all the resources to Lin Shu?”

“Anyway, there aren’t any other particularly outstanding students in the rest of the First Year.”

“Forget it, I’ll think about it some more…”