With the hotel restaurant out of options, Zhu Daoqi led everyone to a modest, ordinary eatery outside, one where getting a satisfying meal was no issue.

“You few must bring your spirit this time,” he instructed sternly. “I don’t care about the other schools, but we absolutely must outdo Jin University this time. We absolutely cannot let them look down on us!”

After ordering, Zhou Daoqi laid down the law to the six students, including Zhang Yang.

In truth, his reminder was almost redundant. The animosity from the other students had already ignited; their earlier demeanor had been anything but friendly, not to mention the direct conflict Zhao Qiang had with one of their students.

As for Zhu Daoqi, the situation was even more layered. He and the leader of the opposing team this time, Wang Jinhui, were old rivals.

Zhu Daoqi and Wang Jinhui’s first clash dated back eight years.

Eight years prior, Zhu Daoqi was not yet the Vice Dean; he was a highly credentialed professor. He was invited to attend an academic event in Hangzhou where Jining University had also sent a representative.

That representative was Wang Jinhui.

Both were in the field of medicine, discussing medical issues. Zhu Daoqi presented an academic viewpoint that Wang Jinhui publicly challenged, leaving Zhu Daoqi in a very awkward spot.

Subsequently, Wang Jinhui proposed something directly within Zhu Daoqi’s specialized area of expertise. Unreservedly, Zhu Daoqi pointed out a minor flaw in Wang Jinhui’s argument. Facts proved Zhu Daoqi correct, and Wang Jinhui left looking utterly deflated.

//Fastest text update from Shumi Lou

The two seemed fated to meet. This was their sixth encounter in eight years—the previous five accumulated grievances, while perhaps not as volatile as a volcano, were close enough, which is why Zhu Daoqi felt the need to reiterate his warning.

“Dean Zhu, what exactly is our feud with Jin University? When I was leaving, a classmate told me that if we see anyone from Jin University, we must teach them a lesson!”

Apart from Shi Yan, another female student couldn't help but ask.

Zhang Yang had seen this girl before; they were in the same college for four years, so it wasn't as if they'd never crossed paths, but he didn't know her name.

“Feuds? There are plenty. Don't concern yourself with the specifics,” Zhu Daoqi retorted with a cold snort, then gritted his teeth and declared loudly, “I can tell you this upfront: if your overall performance surpasses Jin University this time, the school will give each of you a thousand yuan scholarship bonus upon returning. If we lose to Jin University, not only will that thousand yuan vanish, but your future scholarships will likely disappear too!”

Zhu Daoqi’s words made the six students look up in astonishment.

One thousand yuan was a substantial sum—enough to cover a student’s living expenses for several months. Great rewards breed brave warriors, and this thousand yuan struck the students hard.

Even more impactful was the penalty: the forfeiture of future scholarships upon losing.

Those selected were students whose grades were generally comparable. They regularly received scholarships; even Zhang Yang had earned one multiple times. Losing those scholarships wouldn't just be a blow to their pride; it would create a genuine financial crisis.

These students were accustomed to the security of scholarship funds.

For them, this was an absolute heavy penalty. With high stakes for both reward and punishment, they couldn't afford to slack off. Students who thought they were attending a standard exchange meeting realized the harsh reality of this event.

It was clear they needed to dedicate their utmost attention to this competition.

Having delivered this, Zhu Daoqi turned his gaze toward Zhang Yang. After a pause, he spoke softly, “Zhang Yang, Director Li has high expectations for you and has praised you extensively, recounting many of your achievements. I believe if you apply yourself, you can truly shock everyone. You must pay close attention to this matter!”

Zhu Daoqi’s tone toward Zhang Yang was markedly gentle, unlike the mix of stick and carrot he had used to pressure the others.

Shi Yan and the other students also looked at Zhang Yang, sensing the unusual deference the Dean showed him, which stirred a flicker of jealousy among them.

Zhang Yang immediately nodded. “Dean Zhu, rest assured, I will give it my all!”

Zhu Daoqi sighed softly. “I am not here leading you in my capacity as Vice Dean. You can simply call me Professor in the future; you don't need to keep calling me Dean, Dean.”

“Yes, Professor Zhu!”

Zhao Qiang was the first to respond. The others exchanged glances and nodded in unison.

The title of Dean sounded more imposing than Professor, but Zhu Daoqi was fundamentally a scholar-leader who preferred being addressed as Professor rather than by his administrative rank.

This preference endeared him greatly to the students, earning him their affection and respect.

The food arrived. Zhu Daoqi offered a few words of encouragement, and everyone began eating, ravenous from the late start.

Zhu Daoqi’s favorable treatment of Zhang Yang puzzled even Zhang Yang himself.

He was unaware that the school administration had been observing him for a long time, compiling extensive files on him.

The school leaders were not like department heads such as Li Yaohua, focused only on their own departments. They kept track of many irregular phenomena within the university, such as Zhang Yang securing twenty thousand yuan in sponsorship money previously.

The Student Union was historically penniless; suddenly acquiring two hundred thousand yuan, especially from a hospital sponsorship, naturally drew increased scrutiny from the administration.

Later, Zhang Yang even arrived at school driving a Mercedes-Benz, further cementing the leadership’s interest in this student.

However, Zhang Yang’s conduct up to that point had been exemplary. Although he took leave occasionally, his paperwork was always complete, and he had never committed a disciplinary violation at school. The only incident involving trouble with Zhou Yichen was initiated by the Third College personnel first.

The Third College had justification: “I sponsored you this money, not for you to embezzle; if you squander it, you must give us an accounting.”

Because of these factors, Zhu Daoqi knew certain things about Zhang Yang. He understood that financial pressure wouldn't affect Zhang Yang, which was why he adopted such a gentle approach, essentially playing the camaraderie card.

Regarding Zhang Yang’s other attributes, Li Yaohua had indeed shared some details: Zhang Yang was not an ordinary student; he possessed a miraculous medical skill.

After lunch, the group returned to the hotel to rest. This time, the journey was smooth; they didn't run into anyone from Jining University.

After resting for a while in the afternoon, most of the students from the various participating universities had arrived. A reception dinner was scheduled for the evening, hosted by the organizing body for a general meet-and-greet.

The dinner was held in the hotel’s grand dining hall. With faculty and students combined, there were just over a hundred people, spread across about a dozen tables—not a massive crowd.

During the reception, the Vice Principal of Tongji Medical College also made an appearance, greeting the representatives from other schools warmly with a few brief remarks before dinner commenced.

The organizers seemed to have taken note this time; they ensured that the people from Jining University and Changjing University were not seated together. Their two tables were positioned far apart.

The distance prevented verbal altercations.

However, members from both tables kept watching each other, occasionally muttering brief comments.

The dinner was lavish and concluded quickly. Afterward, the students were given one to two hours of free time to wander nearby, though they couldn't venture too far.

It was a pity the location was far from the Bund; otherwise, many students might have gone exploring together, leading to a feeling of shared disappointment.

“Zhang Yang, do you have plans tonight?”

Just as Zhang Yang was about to return to his room to cultivate, Zhao Qiang grabbed him. Zhao Qiang was tall and lean, smiling genially as he looked at Zhang Yang.

“Nothing planned tonight!”

Zhang Yang nodded slightly. Zhao Qiang was a student from Preventive Medicine and a member of the student council. He had interacted with Zhang Yang a few times before.

Among the students on this trip, he was one of the better acquainted with Zhang Yang.

If nothing else, the fact that Zhang Yang managed to successfully sideline the formidable Chairman Zhou Yichen, yet chose not to take the position himself but passed it to someone else, surprised many people.

“Why don’t we go for a walk together!” Zhao Qiang suggested with a smile. He knew of Zhang Yang, but their contact had been minimal. He wanted to use this opportunity to learn more about him.

Zhang Yang’s actions had always piqued his curiosity.

“Okay!”

Zhang Yang agreed softly, feeling a slight weariness internally.

He didn't particularly want to go out, but he couldn’t refuse a classmate’s invitation. He wouldn't proactively seek closeness with others, nor would he refuse genuine outreach—this was one trait he shared with the former ‘Zhang Yang.’

“Zhang Yang, Zhao Qiang, where are you two heading?”

As they stepped out of the restaurant entrance, a clear voice called out to them. The girl who had questioned Zhu Daoqi earlier was following closely behind, linked arm-in-arm with Shi Yan.

The two girls shared accommodations and didn't wish to retire so early; they planned on strolling around.

“We’re just wandering aimlessly, how about you two?” Zhao Qiang turned back and smiled. That girl was also from Preventive Medicine. He knew her and Shi Yan reasonably well; the only person he was slightly unfamiliar with was Zhang Yang.

“Perfect! We were just taking a casual walk too. Let’s go together!”

The girl nodded, smiling, and cast a glance at Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang remained impassive; having the group together was fine. The area was somewhat secluded, and there wasn't much there he found interesting to explore.

Four people—two men and two women—walking together looked quite harmonious.

Shi Yan and the other girl kept steering the conversation toward Zhang Yang, intentionally or otherwise. Zhao Qiang wasn’t the only one curious about him. The other girl, in particular, showed intense interest in Lightning, the creature Zhang Yang carried.

This girl wasn't very tall and wasn't exceptionally beautiful, but she was endearingly pleasant to look at—the type whose presence didn't grate even after prolonged exposure.

Exchanging sporadic words, the four quickly traversed two streets, arriving near the vicinity of Tongji Medical College.

Since the main activities were held at Tongji Medical College, the lodging was nearby, so arriving in this area was unremarkable.

“Oh, Malatang!”

The girl suddenly gasped in surprise, pulling Shi Yan’s hand as she hurried forward. Zhang Yang and Zhao Qiang had no choice but to follow.

Not far ahead of them was a small night market, brightly lit, composed mostly of stalls and small storefronts displaying their wares outside.

These kinds of small food stalls were common near universities; the ‘Degenerate Street’ near Changjing University was a classic example.

I must travel far today and cannot update tonight; I will update during the day instead!