Chapter 31: Make an Appearance

  Considering that most of the people present were freshmen who didn't know how to look or couldn't see the test results, after the six students finished testing, the principal began to briefly introduce the test results of the six children on stage: "Tian Jiaomei, congenital body pps99, physical attribute space and time double attribute intermediate mage; also the winner of this year's poetry and song competition, can be exempt from examination and admission to Wenban, now enrolled in Wenwu Class 01."

  After thunderous applause, there were cries of envy and jealousy from the audience below, the scene was extremely hot.

  "The only male classmate on the stage, Yuè Měi, although he has an ordinary physique and no innate talent, don't underestimate him. He is one of the winners of the poetry and essay competition, exempt from the written test for admission to the literature department! Currently enrolled in Class 01 of the Literature Department, as long as he doesn't slack off, he will at least become a renowned scholar in the future." Tiān Bà's tone showed no emotional fluctuations, but his evaluation was quite good.

  Under the stage is relatively quiet, in this world where strength is respected, even if one has knowledge and talent, they may not be appreciated by others, I also understand this.

  It's one thing to understand, but the quiet atmosphere makes me a bit embarrassed and uncomfortable. I look at my teammates from 007 group who have been following me all along, some of them turn their heads and sigh, some purse their lips, some cover their faces and smile secretly, and some lower their heads and sigh...

  Those first teammates who went through trials together, originally looked so lovely, but now...

  Turning back to look at the whole scene, a little girl finally clapped her hands and exclaimed: "I've long heard that Ren Yi's writing is elegant and refined, especially this one sentence: 'Among three thousand weak waters, only one scoop.'"

  "Yes, yes, how wonderful it would be if I had someone like that who loved me!"

  "Hmm, I heard that he recognized characters at the age of three, could compose couplets at five, wrote poetry at seven, and had a reputation for his lyrics by nine, being called a child prodigy"

  These words sounded so loud and clear in the silence, they were so lovely, like angels; but immediately suffered from the contemptuous eyes and big white eyes around them, and even more, voices rose to condemn: "That's what a man with no dignity would only be able to afford one woman!"

  "Right, right! Which big man doesn't have a harem of wives and concubines? At the very least, they all have three wives and four concubines! Only those little women would dream of having a monogamous man."

  "What's the use of having great writing talent? It's just playing with words, pretending to be elegant and refined. How can it compare to a single finger of a craftsman? Two hundred years later, all that will remain is a cup of yellow dust!"

  "Which fellow student is this? Rumors are just rumors, who knows if he's not just a name-dropper? Whether or not he has real talent and learning should be tested further to find out!"

  "Right, he should be tested again, who knows if he was just lucky last time!"

  …………

  "In this month of benevolence, I believe in your true talent and learning!" Tian Jiao Mei stood beside me with an unusually firm tone, I looked at her gratefully.

  Someone shouted: "Dare to verify on the spot!"

  One stone sparks a thousand waves, and the audience below, whether supporting me or belittling me, all shouted loudly. Of course, those who belittle me shout louder: "Must drip, must drip, must take the exam, no way to get around it!!"

  "Test! Test!! And it's going to start right now!"

  "Right, let's get this over with! Shut their stinking mouths!" As soon as Ye Mengting, the little loli, uttered these words, it was like a spark that ignited a powder keg, and the quarrel below became even more intense.

  "Wow, I didn't expect someone would still take his side, and it's a young woman too. Aren't you afraid he's just a fame-seeking little brat?"

  "Haha, I get it. If some young man doesn't have real talent or learning, isn't this just perfect for becoming a pair of little husband and wife, spending their whole lives together?"

  "Hmph, just you wait and see, I'll make you all take back what you've said. Look at Ren Yue's elegance and refinement, his exceptional talent that sets him apart from the crowd. Unlike some people who can only be a rustic hero their whole lives, without even a shred of literary cultivation." Tian Chenchen, as a member of the literature class and an ardent lover of literature, spoke up to defend Ye Muting, who was being bullied into embarrassment by the group.

  By then, several influential figures in the academy had also joined the debate.

  …………

  The atmosphere in the Tianba Academy had not been like this for a long time. At first, it was an attitude of going with the flow, and several deputy deans also discussed which was better, literary or martial arts. Until several disciples' wind and cloud characters were debated more and more fiercely, and the competition was decided dozens of times in a short while, he finally spoke out to stop them: "Alright, quiet!"

  Tian Ba's words were indeed powerful, and the people below immediately quieted down. Then, looking at me with a smile, he said: "Renzhi Yue, it's up to you to decide now, haha, I'll still respect your wishes."

  Tian Ba's words are really good, I know that to stand firm in the academy, I must accept the test on the spot. Well! Since you doubt my talent, why not give it a try? So I also said with a calm expression: "Okay, please ask your questions."

  "Don't pretend to be calm, just wait and see how you'll make a fool of yourself, haha." Some people just can't stand others being outstanding.

  "Some people are even worse than others and can't even pretend." Some people love to take up other people's causes.

  "Alright, alright, no more arguing. Next, please let Vice Dean Long Hongnang come up with a question to test Ren Yue's knowledge." Tianba said, looking towards a stout middle-aged man.

  "Since that's the case, I'll give you a topic. Listen up, Renshi Yue: The most beautiful thing in life is youth, and the beauty of this time is filled with ups and downs, just like what you've recently experienced. But these aren't important, what's important is how to deal with everything that happens during your youth. Please write a poem on the topic 'Understanding Youth'." Long Hongnian quickly came up with a topic, showing off his literary skills.

  I tilted my head up 45 degrees, and after a while, I recited a poem: "Understanding Youth"

  Youth is not about age, but about the state of mind;

  Youth is not about being delicate, but about perseverance;

  Youth should not be smooth sailing, it should have ups and downs.

  The wings of youthful ideals are soaring, youth is the deep spring of life surging, youth is the bright sun, moon, stars and fire on this vast land!

  Time flies, and the spirit is about to soar; now at the age of 29, there is a sense of joy in life, temptation of miracles, and eternal innocence like a child!

  Every youth is a masterpiece of nature, everyone has a piece of sky in their heart, as long as you are self-sufficient, you will be forever young and beautiful!

  Recite a poem, silently gaze at the whole scene, record all the reflections of everyone in this process, and then bury them in my heart, silently digesting...

  Several leaders on the stage applauded first, saying: "Good, good poem!" A few people who supported me also applauded and cheered, some people had to admire at this time, I just raised my head for a moment and made a poem, and followed with applause.

  Of course, many people followed suit and applauded, but in their hearts they didn't think much of it. Some even whispered: "What's the big deal? He just has some writing talent, no real power, all he says is empty talk."

  ……

  It's not enough to reflect, however, Tianba obviously is more satisfied, smiling and saying: "You've been tested, you don't have any objections now, huh? Now I'll continue introducing the remaining few classmates."

  Tianba continued to introduce others. Because of what happened earlier, I stood on the stage, feeling like a knife was behind my back, so I didn't notice any other classmates' situations at all.

  Finally finished introducing, I immediately went off the stage and didn't go to team 007, but left alone. Yes, left, there was nothing for me to do here anymore, because the second round is exempt from examination.

  Xiao Mei saw me leave and thought I was upset, she wanted to follow me to comfort me but was held back by my brother and Tian Mei Gui. She anxiously said: "Is he okay? Let me go talk to him."

  "My brother said seriously: 'He won't be in trouble, don't worry, now he should be left alone to calm down.' Xiaomei saw my brother say so and only then did she dispel the idea that had just occurred to her."

  I passed by team 006 and went straight past team 001, quickly leaving, which naturally drew not a few curious glances and whispers. When I passed by team 002, I felt a warm and familiar gaze, but didn't turn my head.