Chapter 39: Zhang Chu: Su Mingyue, Are You Intending to Forfeit?

“Panpan, do you think this outfit is okay?”

On the night before the martial arts entrance exam, students across the country were sleepless. Su Mingyue was no exception. She spent the entire night practicing at the school’s Vitality Testing Center, pushing her endurance and muscle strength to the limit.

Returning to her double dormitory early in the morning, she began rummaging through her wardrobe, trying on outfits one by one. Gazing at herself in the mirror in a JK uniform, topped with a sweet hairpin, Su Mingyue was nearly dazzled by her own beauty.

The early admissions assessment was divided into two sessions. The first: for university students whose Vitality Level had reached Martial Artist Grade 1 or who were already certified martial artists, an on-site assessment. The second: for students with Vitality Levels between 140 and 150—a “potential” group. If they passed, they could enter the Martial Arts Research Institute’s preparatory class for one year.

Regardless of the session, the assessment consisted of a Vitality Test and an interview, with the interview accounting for 20% of the overall score. Making a good impression on the examiners was crucial—an elegant appearance and polite demeanor could earn a place in a postgraduate class with strong instructors.

In terms of looks and presence, Su Mingyue outshone all of Binzhou University. Yet, nervous about her first martial arts exam, she fussed over every detail, even the position of her bangs.

“Alright, alright, our Mingyue is the goddess of Binzhou University—you’ll look good in anything,” Panpan said, hugging Su Mingyue’s slim waist from behind. Then, her tone shifted: “Here’s more good news! I heard Zhang Chu isn’t on the list for this year’s early admissions. Mingyue, you’ll definitely be number one today!”

A flicker of disdain flashed in Su Mingyue’s eyes at the mention of Zhang Chu. “Panpan, don’t ever mention him to me again. What’s so great about him, anyway?”

That night, she had waited all night for Zhang Chu on the grand bed in his villa. Zhang Chu never returned. The feeling of being neglected and ignored had nearly driven Su Mingyue mad.

Thankfully, the online loan company was lenient enough to accept a few seductive dance videos and granted her a seven-day reprieve.

Today was the martial arts exam. With her Vitality score, early admission was a certainty. As long as she received her acceptance letter and the student badge from the Martial Arts Academy, Binzhou University would award her a 100,000 yuan scholarship, plus a 50,000 yuan martial artist support grant for university students.

Paying off the online loan and retrieving her photos would be tomorrow’s business.

As for Zhang Chu…

A touch of defiance rose within Su Mingyue. No matter how high his martial artist rank, unless he became a civil servant, his social status would still be lower than hers!

After primping for ages in front of the mirror, Su Mingyue finally grabbed her résumé and Vitality Test report, linked arms with Zhao Panpan, and headed toward the martial arts arena.

...

“Look, those are the examiners from the Martial Arts Research Institute—they’re so impressive!”

At the martial arts arena of Binzhou University, Huang Wenzhan accompanied a man and a woman to the examiners’ table, and the students excitedly pulled out their phones to take photos. Su Mingyue and Zhao Panpan were among them.

The man and woman were both examiners, wearing matching uniforms of the Martial Arts Research Institute, with examiner badges on their chests.

“Mr. Liu, weren’t there supposed to be three examiners this time?” Huang Wenzhan glanced at their work IDs, both stating “Assistant Examiner.”

There were usually three examiners—two assistants handled the second session for students with Vitality Levels between 140 and 150. The chief examiner supervised the second session but was mainly responsible for the first.

“The chief examiner will be a little late due to some business. We’ll start with the second session,” said Teacher Liu with a mysterious smile. “But the chief examiner has an interesting connection with Binzhou University. Principal Huang, you’ll find out soon enough.”

Huang Wenzhan’s curiosity was piqued. Binzhou University had a chance to make a name for itself this year—perhaps even break into the top three among universities. But just before the exam, Zhang Chu disappeared. He didn’t answer calls or texts, and his family hadn’t seen him. Three days ago, when the final list was submitted to the Martial Arts Administration, they had no choice but to cross Zhang Chu’s name off the list.

Fortunately, there was still Su Mingyue. Out of the ten universities in Binzhou with martial arts exam qualifications, only five had students who reached Grade 1, and Binzhou University was at least in the top five—a notable improvement.

If the chief examiner turned out to be an acquaintance, perhaps they could pull some strings and get Zhang Chu a make-up exam.

Huang Wenzhan pressed Liu Neng for the chief examiner’s identity, but Liu Neng kept silent, insisting the chief examiner had specifically requested to give them a surprise.

After much speculation, the second session began.

The process was simple—by regulation, a single assistant examiner could manage it. This time, one hundred students from Binzhou University were tested. The assessment had two parts: Vitality Level and an interview. The session lasted nearly four hours.

By 1:00 p.m., the second session ended.

Of the one hundred candidates, twelve were accepted into the Martial Arts Research Institute’s preparatory class—a five-year record for Binzhou University. Huang Wenzhan was beaming with joy.

“Mingyue, I passed! We’ll be together at the Martial Arts Research Institute!” Zhao Panpan jumped off the stage, hugging Su Mingyue excitedly.

“Congratulations, Panpan, on making the preparatory class. But we won’t be roommates anymore,” Su Mingyue replied.

Whereas Zhao Panpan would attend the preparatory class, Su Mingyue would be placed directly into Graduate Class 1. Different levels, different dorms, different privileges.

Even as she celebrated for Panpan, Su Mingyue’s nerves tightened. With the second session over, it was time for the first—the real early admissions assessment. She would go onstage alone, and in front of thousands, become Binzhou’s first student to receive early acceptance to the Martial Arts Research Institute. This honor, dazzling and resplendent, was hers by right.

“Look, isn’t that Zhang Chu? Why is he here?”

As Su Mingyue tidied her makeup, ready to take the stage, Liu Daming let out a shout. Everyone turned toward the entrance of the arena.

Since the last mobilization meeting and the anonymous whistleblower incident, Zhang Chu had become a legend at Binzhou University. Many regretted his absence from the martial arts exam.

Now, seeing Zhang Chu suddenly appear, the crowd erupted as if reuniting with a long-lost father.

Su Mingyue’s eyes brimmed with impatience. “What’s Zhang Chu doing here? He’s not even on the list.”

“Zhang Chu!”

Huang Wenzhan hadn’t expected Zhang Chu to show up. He hurried down to greet him, patting him on the shoulder. “Where have you been these past few days? The exam list is already submitted—it’s such a shame. But don’t worry, I’ll persuade the chief examiner to give you a make-up test!”

“Principal Huang, there’s no need for a make-up test. I’m not here to take the exam,” Zhang Chu replied, heading straight to the examiners’ table.

“Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Liu,” he said, drawing shocked stares from the crowd. Zhang Chu pulled the chief examiner’s badge from his file folder and hung it around his neck. Taking the assessment sheet from Liu Neng, he sat at the center seat. “Alright, let’s begin the first session. Su Mingyue, are you coming up for your assessment, or are you forfeiting?”