150: Chapter 150 The Dinner
As the elevator doors closed, Qian Duoduo finally couldn't hold it in anymore. He crouched on the floor, clutching his stomach, laughing until tears streamed down his Face.
"Lin Fan, where... where did you learn all those witty sayings? Hahahaha!"
Liu Qing took off her headphones and said softly, "Serves him right."
Zhao Yuan turned a page of his book, expressionless, but his hand moved noticeably faster than usual.
Ye Wushuang pressed the button for the twentieth floor and glanced at Lin Fan.
"Your mouth is really sharp."
Lin Fan shrugged. "He started it."
The principal stood in the corner of the elevator, watching these students. After a moment of silence, he also smiled.
"Well said."
The elevator arrived at the twentieth floor, and the group dragged their luggage into the rooms.
Lin Fan and Ye Wushuang shared one room, Qian Duoduo and Zhao Yuan shared another, while Liu Qing had a room to herself.
The principal put away his luggage and knocked on Lin Fan and Ye Wushuang's door.
The two were unpacking when the principal walked in, sat on the edge of the bed, took off his glasses, and wiped them.
"That old man earlier was the principal of Fengdeng City No. 1 High School. His surname is Zhang."
The principal put his glasses back on. "In the last Ten-School League, we ranked seventh, and they ranked sixth. One place above us."
Qian Duoduo poked his head out from the next room.
"Just one place higher, and he acts so arrogant?"
The principal looked at him.
"One place higher is still higher. And this year, they recruited a few promising students, so their strength has improved significantly. That man cares a lot about Face and loves to show off, but it's not entirely without basis."
"However, you don't need to pay too much attention to him."
The principal stood up. "He likes to have the last word in arguments; just ignore him. Of course..."
He glanced at Lin Fan. "If you can clap back, I won't stop you."
Lin Fan smiled.
"Principal, are you tacitly allowing me to curse people?"
The principal remained expressionless.
"I'm tacitly allowing you to uphold the school's dignity."
He turned and walked out of the room. "Meet in the lobby at six tonight. Don't be late."
...
Six o'clock in the evening, the lobby.
Lin Fan was still wearing his school uniform.
It wasn't that he didn't have other clothes; he just couldn't be bothered to change.
Qian Duoduo, however, had changed into a dark blue jacket, looking much more spirited.
Liu Qing wore a dark green long dress, her hair flowing down, adding a touch of softness compared to usual.
Zhao Yuan was still in his gray hoodie, holding an exceptionally thick book.
Ye Wushuang wore a black casual jacket, his hair neatly combed.
The principal wore a dark blue suit, his hair meticulously styled. Instead of carrying his old leather suitcase, he had switched to a black briefcase.
Lin Fan glanced at him.
"Principal, how much did that outfit cost you?"
The principal remained expressionless. "Not expensive."
Lin Fan stuck out his tongue.
The welcome banquet was held in the hotel's banquet hall.
The hall was spacious, with over twenty tables set up, each seating ten people.
Crystal chandeliers, white tablecloths, silverware, and waitstaff in uniform uniforms moved among the tables.
The principal led them to their seats.
Their table number was seven, with a placard reading "Dongyun City No. 1 High School."
Lin Fan sat down and looked around. The nearby tables were occupied by participants from other schools, some in uniforms, some in casual wear, some in formal attire—a mixed bag.
Not far away, Qingcheng City No. 1 High School's table was at the front, occupied by a group of students in black and gold team uniforms.
The leading boy sat in the center, wearing silver-rimmed glasses. His eyes behind the lenses weren't large but were bright, exuding a scholarly air.
His features weren't particularly outstanding, but they were clean—fair skin, thin lips, with the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, carrying a faint, elusive smile.
Lin Mobai.
Lin Fan silently repeated the name in his mind.
He looks quite scholarly and frail...
Lin Mobai seemed to sense something. He looked up, his gaze cutting through the crowd and landing on Lin Fan.
The two locked eyes for a moment, nodded, and exchanged a smile.
Lin Fan also smiled, nodded, then looked away.
"Is that Lin Mobai?"
Qian Duoduo leaned over, lowering his voice.
"He looks like a frail scholar."
Lin Fan took a sip of juice from the table. "Appearances can be deceiving..."
Qian Duoduo pouted. "He doesn't look as strong as me."
Lin Fan glanced at him. "You're just fat."
Qian Duoduo fell silent.
The ten schools gradually arrived.
The principals were invited onto the stage, standing in a row.
The host introduced them one by one. Each principal stepped up to say a few words of blessing—mostly formalities like "wishing the competition a complete success" or "hoping the contestants showcase their style and skill."
Lin Fan was starting to feel drowsy. He lowered his head and picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork with his chopsticks.
When it was their principal's turn, he walked up to the microphone.
"Our school is well-prepared this year, and our contestants are quite capable. We hope to achieve good results in the competition."
He paused. "We also wish the other schools perform to the best of their abilities."
After speaking, he bowed and returned to his spot.
Qian Duoduo muttered softly, "The principal is too concise. Everyone else gave long speeches."
Lin Fan chewed on the pork. "Fewer words, more sincerity."
When it was Principal Zhang of Fengdeng City No. 1 High School's turn, he leaned on his cane as he walked to the microphone, cleared his throat, and spoke in a loud voice.
"Our Fengdeng City No. 1 High School ranked sixth last time. This year, our goal is to secure fifth place and aim for third."
He glanced at the audience, his gaze seeming to linger on Lin Fan's side for a moment.
"I hope contestants from other schools won't get nervous on the field and can perform at their normal level."
Lin Fan scoffed softly.
"Truly lacking in vision."