The host on the stage called out, "Dear students, please quiet down. I now announce that the alumni gathering is entering the interactive session. This year, our program is to select one princess from among the female alumni you admire most, and then select five princes from the male alumni. These five gentlemen will then present their ultimate skills to win over this princess in the shortest amount of time. Let the games begin..."

After enthusiastic voting by the students, the Princess position was naturally secured by Zhang Xiaoya. As for the other beauties, most were distinguished guests and not part of the contest. However, a very strange thing happened with the five princes: aside from Tan Tian, Chen Yibei, Shi Xiangrong, and Kong Sheng, the fifth selection turned out to be me!

I was utterly bewildered, but Fang Yanmeng, Xiao Chuchu, Zhao Fen, Zhao Fang, and Yi Xiaorou all felt it was the public's desire, that I was qualified to participate in this Prince Charming chasing the Princess game. After all, it was just a game, not a real pursuit of Zhang Xiaoya.

When the six of us stood on opposite sides of the stage, Zhang Xiaoya, her face flushed, kept stealing glances toward our side, while Tan Tian and Chen Yibei were practically drooling.

The host continued the program: "Princes, please begin with your self-introductions. Be detailed, so we can see which handsome fellow is truly qualified to provide the Princess with a happier life in the prohibitively expensive Capital City."

"This young master is Tan Tian. My family has served in the military for generations. Your humble servant holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the General Logistics Department. I believe many of you know a little about my mother, Yu Juan, the Deputy Minister of Finance for the Great Dragon Nation. Heh heh, providing for a beautiful princess shouldn't be an issue, right?"

"I am Chen Yibei. My father is the Mayor of the Capital City, and I personally manage Sheng Entertainment Company, which includes a film studio, a D-club, and a KTV. Feel free to come to your little brother anytime you want some entertainment."

"Your humble servant is Shi Xiangrong. I own Xiangrong Financial Investment Company; business is doing reasonably well. If any of you have capital you wish to invest, you might as well come talk to me."

"Kong Sheng, Captain of the Traffic Police Detachment in the East District of the Capital City. My father is the Director of the East District Public Security Bureau. Everyone, please be careful not to violate traffic laws when driving, or I’ll have to fine you."

Damn it, I finally understood. This was clearly a conspiracy. Tan Tian dragging me up here was nothing more than an attempt to humiliate me. These men all had distinguished family backgrounds. Even Shi Xiangrong, who came from an average family background, now runs his own financial investment company, while I’ve hit rock bottom.

"Zhao Qian, Sales Manager for Tieniu Brand Tofu Company. Everyone, feel free to come if you want some tofu; your little brother will accommodate all requests."

Boom! A wave of laughter swept through the students. Who wants to eat men's tofu?

Suddenly, someone shouted from the audience, "That doesn't sound right, Manager Zhao. I work at the Administration for Industry and Commerce, and it seems your company doesn't actually exist. Don't lie in front of a thousand alumni just to win the Princess’s favor!"

Holy crap, they even dug up that information. They must have put a lot of effort into this.

Another person suddenly chimed in, "Manager Zhao, why not introduce your family? My father is the manager of XX Construction Company. He mentioned that the company has an old man watching the construction site, and that old man has a son named Zhao Qian. Could that be you?"

I answered without hesitation, "That’s right. That is my father, Zhao Guo. Are you perhaps here to thank my father on behalf of your own old man for his years of diligent work?"

The host stepped in to smooth things over: "Alright, the financial situations of the five men are clear. Now, we invite our noble Princess to choose a Prince suitable for her."

Although she knew it was just a game, Zhang Xiaoya was very nervous. She slowly extended her jade-like finger and pointed at me: "I choose him."

"What!" Not only were the other four stunned, but even the host froze on the spot.

"Miss Zhang, could you tell us your reasoning? From all perspectives, everyone seemed to be unfavorable towards Zhao Qian," the host inquired.

Zhang Xiaoya bravely looked at me and said, "I feel that no matter how capable a person’s parents are, that only represents them. True future is held in one’s own hands. A person who only walks the path laid out by their parents will never live out their true self."

The host asked again, "As far as I know, this fellow Shi Xiangrong also started from scratch. Why didn't Miss Zhang choose him?"

The audience below started egging her on. Zhang Xiaoya had to continue, "Shi Xiangrong has been working for three years, while Zhao Qian just retired from the military this year. So, I believe in three years, Zhao Qian will do even better!"

Someone down below retorted, "I don't know about that. We know Zhao Qian was fired by Huashi Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory. His work performance was terrible; he seems utterly incapable. I fear that even in thirty years, he’ll just be a tofu seller without a license."

Before Zhang Xiaoya or I could rebut, Hua Qingqing stood up first. "Since this is just a game, I hope everyone doesn't keep targeting one person. Forgive my interruption, but Zhao Qian was not fired by Huashi Group. On the contrary, he has now been hired as my Senior Research Assistant. As for those spreading rumors to slander Zhao Qian, I will certainly punish them severely."

Well, Hua Qingqing's statement silenced everyone below. After all, no one wants to go against Huashi Group unless they never expect to get sick again.

The host, being a fence-sitter, quickly tried to move things along: "Alright everyone, let's continue the game. I declare Zhao Qian the winner of the first round. Next, the five handsome princes will each say one sentence to see who can move the Princess the most."

"Princess Xiaoya, I love you as much as I love my own life."

"My life only becomes wonderful because you are in it."

"I am willing to use my life to bring you happiness."

"I love you for ten thousand years, until the day my life ceases."

Today, I truly felt pushed onto a donkey's back against my will. What could I say? These men treated Zhang Xiaoya as if she were their very life, so how could I express myself?

"As long as you live better than me."

Zhang Xiaoya’s heart was filled with the memory of the man in the inferno who saved her without regard for his own life. She nodded at me emotionally, "Thank you, Zhao Qian. You must also live well and work hard."

Tan Tian and Chen Yibei were grinding their teeth in frustration. They gave the host a meaningful look, and the host quickly announced, "This round concludes here. Now comes the final round that determines the victor! The five princes are requested to present their precious gifts to the Princess. Whoever's gift is the most precious will be tonight's true Prince!"

Kong Sheng presented nine hundred and ninety-nine roses; Shi Xiangrong offered a very valuable designer brand handbag; Chen Yibei presented a gold brooch; and Tan Tian offered a diamond ring. His gift was naturally far more expensive, casting a shadow over the preceding items.

Some female students below started screaming; it looked like the ring would be more fitting for them. But Chen Xiaoya didn't even glance at the pile of objects; her eyes were fixed, waiting for me to present my gift.

This is too unfair. They clearly planned to set me up. How could these four have brought roses so quickly if they hadn't received prior notice? Why would Old Shi bring a handbag to an alumni gathering? The items from Chen Yibei and Tan Tian could have been taken off their own persons; these wealthy men must have plenty of such things.

They were all well-prepared, but I had nothing on me. I had a few coins, but I couldn't possibly present those to Zhang Xiaoya. Although I knew that even if I gave her a piece of paper, she would say mine was the most precious, I didn't want to do that. Men are animals who value face. Besides, those guys wouldn't leave the final decision up to Zhang Xiaoya; the host would surely interfere, and I’d become a laughingstock again.

A melodious sound of a violin suddenly drifted from the main hall entrance, and everyone's gaze involuntarily shifted toward the source of the sound. "A cat playing the violin! Good heavens, call the Bull Demon King to come see his wife..."

Many people were utterly stunned. A cat was walking on two legs, holding a violin that seemed enormous compared to its body, playing as it walked into the hall. And behind it was a girl whose beauty eclipsed all the others. She wore a strapless black evening gown, her snow-white skin, slightly trembling shoulders, and clearly visible cleavage added a touch of seductive allure to her beauty.

The music was melodious and piercing; no one would believe it was played by a cat. The girl stepped lightly, her eyes focused straight ahead, radiating elegance. Every step she took seemed to land on everyone's heart, stealing their breath.

The girl and the violin-playing cat ascended the stage. She chuckled, "Brother, why are you always so forgetful? Here, take it. Hurry and give it to this beautiful sister."

I was stunned speechless by Little Raindrop. How did she and Taozi get here? She knew I was attending the alumni gathering, but she had said she was staying home to watch TV so as not to cause me trouble.

I took the item Little Raindrop casually handed over and looked. Holy crap, I almost fell to the ground. Even with my limited experience, I recognized it as a massive diamond! Although I couldn't tell its exact carat weight, its size clearly indicated it was one of the world's largest!

"Brother, hurry and give it to the sister! Why are you shy? Never mind, I'll give it to her for you."

Little Raindrop took the diamond back from my hand, walked up to Zhang Xiaoya, and said, "Sister, please don't laugh at my brother; he's just like this. He forgets everything when he sees a pretty girl. This diamond is from my brother to you. He originally wanted to find a ring setting for it, but this one is a bit too big. I'll have my brother give you a smaller one another day. Okay, my mission is complete; I'm leaving now."

As soon as Little Raindrop stepped off the stage, Fang Yanmeng grabbed her, and a group of girls immediately surrounded her.

Tan Tian and Chen Yibei awoke from their 'nightmare.' They thought a diamond ring would surely defeat the penniless tofu manager, allowing them to thoroughly humiliate him when he couldn't produce a decent gift. But they never expected a beautiful girl to appear out of nowhere and crush everyone with one enormous diamond.

At some point, a middle-aged alumnus quietly walked onto the stage. He stood beside Zhang Xiaoya, carefully examining the large diamond, studying it to himself before loudly announcing to the audience, "I declare, this is absolutely a gem-grade natural diamond. Based on its weight and cut, it must be the foremost in the world today!"

Zhang Xiaoya was startled. When she first took the large diamond, she thought Little Raindrop was joking, but this alumnus was a well-known gemologist; his words carried absolute authority. This meant the diamond was a treasure beyond price.

Zhang Xiaoya’s face turned slightly pale. She took the diamond back from the alumnus and hurried over to return it to me: "Zhao Qian, please put it away quickly. Don't bring out something so valuable casually again."

I shook my head. There was no possibility of taking back what Little Raindrop had given. Although I was surprised just moments ago, I had calmed down now. She had mined underground for several hundred years; I wouldn't believe she only had this one diamond. Therefore, Little Raindrop wasn't just helping me deal with the game; she genuinely intended to give it to Zhang Xiaoya.

"Take it. It's my sister's token of affection. Besides, what use would I, a grown man, have for it? If you think it’s too big, just smash it up; it’ll be easier to wear then."

Plop! The gemologist collapsed onto the stage in shock: "Absolutely not! You are committing an act of gross impiety! It is priceless!"

I pulled up Zhang Xiaoya. "Let's go down. The game is over."

It was implied: I had won all three rounds, and there was no point in continuing the game with them. The host also knew how to gracefully exit, quickly announcing that the alumni gathering was now re-entering the free activity period.

Tan Tian gritted his teeth in anger. This was truly lifting a rock only to drop it on his own foot, but he still had a final move. "Zhao Qian! I'll let you enjoy this moment. When you get home, you'll know the game has only just begun!"

As soon as I stepped off the stage, I was surrounded by the female crowd. Fang Yanmeng excitedly grabbed my arm: "Zhao Qian, your sister promised to give each of us a diamond that size! We're set for life!"

I thought to myself, You were already set for life; your father is so rich, why would you care about a diamond?

Little Raindrop was very excited to see so many people for the first time: "Brother, you have so many girlfriends! Luckily, Little Raindrop has a rich background; otherwise, I really would have brought shame upon you."

Hua Qingqing, standing nearby, laughed, "Xiao Rou and I have one too."

Zhang Xiaoya had originally intended to return the diamond to Little Raindrop, but after seeing the crowd of women circling around, she subtly closed her hand around the diamond and remained silent.

"Breaking News!" A hotel staff member suddenly shouted from the main hall entrance, "Everyone, quickly turn on the projection TV! The world's number one spectacle: A Mouse Catches a Thief!"