Chapter 48: Lin Mo Pays a Visit

Returning to the courtyard, Tong Si spent another hundred thousand points to exchange for three saplings from the system. The previously planted Orange Fruit Tree and Muzu Fruit Tree were already growing quite well, but it would still take some time before they blossomed and bore fruit. The effectiveness of the Quick-Gro Fertilizer was truly remarkable. Since there was still space in the courtyard and more than half a bag of fertilizer left, Tong Si decided to plant three more fruit trees.

This time, he chose the Shituo Fruit Tree, the Yuezheng Fruit Tree, and the Manberry Fruit Tree. He planted them beside the Orange and Muzu Fruit Trees. With the application of Quick-Gro Fertilizer, the three new saplings grew at a speed visible to the naked eye. They only stopped once they reached about a meter in height. After that, they would have to grow naturally. Still, compared to ordinary fruit trees, their growth rate would be noticeably faster.

The next day.

Tong Si rose early. After feeding the elves in the courtyard, he prepared to head to the Jinyao Club. Since signing the contract, he hadn’t visited the club even once, which made him feel somewhat guilty about collecting his salary every day. At the very least, he felt he should show up—after all, he was meant to be the club’s public face. Of course, he also wanted to earn some points.

As he entered the breeding house, he noticed a middle-aged man loitering at the door. The man wore a black leather coat and had a cigarette dangling from his lips. Tong Si frowned, instinctively considering whether he should call the police. The man, upon seeing Tong Si, knocked on the glass door, signaling for him to open it.

Tong Si hesitated for a moment. Then, the man produced an ID. Tong Si saw the words "Elf Association" printed on it in bold.

“A member of the Elf Association?” Tong Si muttered and decided to open the door.

“You’re quite a cautious one, aren’t you?” The man stubbed out his cigarette and slowly walked into the breeding house. “Are you here to buy an elf egg or to teach elf skills? If it’s the latter, you’ll need to make an appointment,” Tong Si said. He didn’t know who the man was, but since he’d come to the breeding house, he was a customer. As the owner, it was only proper to introduce their services.

“I’m not here to buy elf eggs, nor am I interested in learning any skills. But you certainly offer a wide range of services—even skill instruction?” The man stroked his stubble and nodded slightly, as if approving of Tong Si.

“Then, may I ask what brings you here?” Tong Si ignored the man’s praise, curious about his intentions. The man acted so familiar, as if they knew each other.

“Hahaha… Relax, I really am from the Elf Association. My name is Lin Mo, but everyone calls me Master Lin Mo.” The man showed his ID again, letting Tong Si see the information on it.

“Master Lin Mo!” Tong Si was shocked—he certainly recognized the name. Master Lin Mo’s reputation in the Elf Association was formidable. He was a specially invited professional trainer for the entire Linhai Province. Serving as deputy president of the Elf Association in Jiahua City was really beneath him. Even if he wanted to be president, likely no one would object. In his prime, Master Lin Mo had many outstanding achievements.

“So, you recognize me,” Lin Mo said, pointing at Tong Si with a smile. “I watched the recordings of your two battles with Tongtong. Both were absolute victories—you’ve caught my interest. By the way, where’s your Electabuzz? Aren’t you going to let me see it?” Lin Mo glanced around, but didn’t spot the Electabuzz.

“Are you here to seek justice for Lin Jintong?” Tong Si asked quietly.

“Of course not. I wouldn’t interfere in the disputes between young people. Besides, you beat her fair and square in an elf battle. Why would I avenge her? If she wants to win, she has to do it herself,” Lin Mo replied, waving his hand to show Tong Si was overthinking it.

“Oh…” Tong Si nodded slightly. He’d been a little nervous, thinking Lin Mo was here for revenge.

“So, what brings you here today?” Tong Si asked, since Lin Mo had been inside for two minutes without stating his purpose.

“Aren’t you going to offer me some tea? You look like you’re about to go out,” Lin Mo said, pointing at Tong Si’s backpack.

Tong Si glanced at his bag. He was indeed heading out, but it wasn’t because of the backpack. If he could, he wouldn’t have to carry an elf egg everywhere.

“Please, come in.” Since there was no hurry to visit Jinyao Club, Tong Si decided to entertain Lin Mo first.

He led Lin Mo out to the courtyard, where there was a stone table and wooden chairs. After inviting Lin Mo to sit, Tong Si brewed a pot of fine Longjing tea.

“Tong Si, your courtyard is quite impressive,” Lin Mo commented after admiring the surroundings.

“Thank you for your kind words,” Tong Si replied, sitting down beside him.

“You must be curious why I came to see you today,” Lin Mo said, getting to the point. Tong Si didn’t speak, but nodded slightly.

“Here’s the situation: You’re a student at Jiahua University. Although the semester hasn’t started yet, for the sake of long-term development, the higher-ups at the Elf Association unanimously agreed to have you join Jiahua City’s Elf Association’s Nova Program. What do you think?”

Tong Si was taken aback. The Nova Program of the Jiahua City Elf Association? The name was impressive, but he had no idea what it entailed.

“No need to answer just yet. Let me explain what the Nova Program is,” Lin Mo said, sipping his tea. “Every winter, Linhai Province holds the Intercollegiate League Championship, simply called the Top Hundred Championship. The contestants are all freshmen from various universities. Those who perform well in the championship receive focused training from the Linhai Province Elf League Headquarters. The schools that achieve good results become the province’s key universities for the following year.

“All universities in Linhai Province, numbering in the hundreds, participate in the Top Hundred Championship. However, each city has only one key university. For Jiahua City, that’s Jiahua University. If Jiahua University’s students perform well, not only will the university become a key institution, but Jiahua City’s ranking within the province will also rise. The league will then give more support to the city, and all its colleges can benefit. It’s a great way to boost the city’s economy.

“Of course, every city hopes to do well in the championship. So, starting from the summer break, each city’s Elf Association selects and trains a group of rookie trainers in advance, hoping to achieve excellent results when winter comes.”

… (To be continued)