Chapter 139 Competitive Relationship

"Cough!"

Zhan Chongshan's face twitched, looking incredibly strange. If any other student had acted like Ye Fan just did, he would have immediately reprimanded them.

A student's task is to study. Beyond that, there's nothing else.

This had always been his teaching philosophy, but with Ye Fan… it seemed…

It didn't quite apply!

Ye Fan's grades were so outstanding that he couldn't find a single flaw.

How was he supposed to reprimand a student like this?

He couldn't very well say, "Ye Fan, the college entrance exam is approaching, you should focus all your energy on studying and aim to improve your grades."

Ridiculous!

In the most recent tests, Zhan Chongshan had reviewed all of Ye Fan's exams. While delighted, he also felt a deep sense of helplessness.

Full marks, full marks… and yet again, full marks.

This…

He was at a loss.

Hearing Zhan Chongshan's cough, Ning Xi lowered her head even more, wishing she could disappear into the ground.

It's over; she's definitely going to get scolded now!

Damn Ye Fan, stupid Ye Fan, she'd reminded him many times not to do these weird things when people were around, but he just let it go in one ear and out the other.

Now, he did this right in front of the principal—he was going to get her in serious trouble.

Ye Fan's expression remained unchanged. He said, "Principal, no matter how busy you are with work, you should remember to drink more water. Otherwise, your throat will feel uncomfortable, and only by staying healthy can you make a greater contribution to the country's education. Don't you think that's right?"

"…"

"…"

"…"

Each of their expressions was different, but they shared one common thought.

Brilliant!

"Beep—"

The sound of the kettle turning off snapped Zhan Chongshan out of his daze. His eyelid twitched madly, and he forced a smile at Yang Ting, saying, "Ye Fan is right. Teacher Yang, you should drink more water regularly and take care of your throat."

"Yes, yes, the principal is right."

Yang Ting forced a smile, internally cursing Ye Fan to the core.

What was he trying to do? Wasn't he just relentless?!…

Zhan Chongshan poured hot water into the teapot, carrying it over to sit across from Ye Fan and Ning Xi. He squinted slightly, implying, "Ye Fan, you and Ning Xi seem to be close. Good friends?"

"Yes, we're just ordinary friends."

Ning Xi quickly answered, fearing Ye Fan would say something shocking. After speaking, she shot him a glare full of warning.

Zhan Chongshan nodded slightly, but he continued to look at Ye Fan, waiting for his answer.

Ye Fan smiled casually, nodding. "Yes, Ning Xi and I are just ordinary partners, not friends."

"…"

"…"

"…"

The three of them froze, wide-eyed.

Ning Xi clamped her hands over her mouth, trying not to make a sound, her cheeks blushing like cherries, embarrassment overflowing in her gaze.

Not friends? Ordinary partners!…

"Hiss!"

Yang Ting took a sharp breath, her heart leaping into her throat. She gritted her teeth and whispered, "Ye Fan, think about what you just said—was there a slip of the tongue?"

"Was there?"

Ye Fan frowned slightly, muttering, "Ordinary partners, not friends; seems fine… Huh?"

Realizing the slip, he offered an apologetic smile to Zhan Chongshan and Yang Ting, saying, "Sorry, misspoke. Ning Xi and I are just ordinary friends, not partners."

After speaking, he snuck a glance at Ning Xi. Sure enough, she looked like a little red-eyed bunny, and if Zhan Chongshan and Yang Ting weren't there, she'd probably pounce on him.

But…

He hadn't meant to say it wrong—it was truly a slip of the tongue.

Yang Ting glared at Ye Fan, then turned her head, her mood shifting from gloomy to sunny… no, from gloomy to downright bright, her face full of smiles. "Principal, please don't take it to heart. Just a slip of the tongue; this kid just slipped up."

Zhan Chongshan's mouth twitched slightly; he'd never felt so speechless before.

Geniuses really are aggravating.

Those were his exact words!

"Ye Fan, you're quite humorous. Don't just sit and chat—have some tea. Ning Xi, you too. Help yourselves."

"Thank you, Principal."

Ning Xi nodded politely, her cheeks blushing as red as the setting sun.

The office then fell into an awkward silence; no one dared break the quiet.

Talking was too risky~~~

"Knock knock—"

After a few minutes, the sound of knocking broke the oppressive atmosphere.

"Come in."

As soon as Zhan Chongshan spoke, the office door opened.

The person outside was Su Qiaoyu.

She was slightly surprised to see Ye Fan and Ning Xi on the sofa, but she quickly regained her composure, turning to Zhan Chongshan and asking, "Principal, did you need me?"

"Yes."

Zhan Chongshan gestured to the seat next to Ning Xi, saying, "Su Qiaoyu, come, sit down and let's talk."

"Alright."

Su Qiaoyu nodded, sitting beside Ning Xi. Her every move radiated grace, though she still couldn't quite overshadow the beauty next to her, slightly losing the comparison.

"Alright, now that everyone's here."

Zhan Chongshan clapped his hands, speaking seriously, "I have something to ask of the three of you."

"You already know that on Friday, our school will have a joint exam with Yu Qing, right?"

All three nodded.

Zhan Chongshan continued, "You should be aware of the competitive relationship between our school, Zhenhua, and Yu Qing. This time, the joint exam…"

"Principal."

Ye Fan raised his hand, looking puzzled. "What's the relationship between our school and Yu Qing?"

"My mistake, I forgot that you transferred not long ago and wouldn't know."

Zhan Chongshan sighed, explaining, "Among the nation's key high schools, our school, Zhenhua, is indisputably ranked first. Whether in terms of faculty, admission rates, or the number of students accepted into the top four universities each year, we're number one!"

His eyes narrowed slightly, "Yu Qing ranks second. Yu Qing has always regarded Zhenhua as its rival, constantly trying to seize the title of top high school."

"Over time, this has led to mutual disdain between the students of both schools, with each side trying their best to outshine the other."

Hearing this, Ye Fan suddenly understood.

No wonder everyone reacted so unusually when they heard about the joint exam with Yu Qing—so that's why.

He chuckled, saying thoughtfully, "Competition brings motivation. Only through continuous challenges can one find the drive to change and improve. In short, this is a good thing."

"It is indeed a good thing."

Zhan Chongshan gave a bitter smile, "But over the past two years, our school has nearly reached its peak, giving Yu Qing time to develop. They've almost caught up with Zhenhua now."

"In last year's key high school ranking, Yu Qing was less than a point behind Zhenhua. And in recent years, Yu Qing has had an endless stream of outstanding students. At this rate, our title as the nation's top high school is in constant jeopardy."

"Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't matter much. I've known Yu Qing's principal, Wang Huairu, for many years, and we have a good relationship. But that guy is so arrogant! Last night, he even called to taunt me, claiming that Yu Qing would undoubtedly beat Zhenhua in this joint exam. My temper couldn't take that!"

"So, I made a bet with Wang Huairu: whoever has the most students in the top five spots in this exam wins."

After hearing this, the three students understood Zhan Chongshan's intention.

Su Qiaoyu spoke up first, "Don't worry, Principal. I'll make sure to secure a place in the top five."

"Good!"

Zhan Chongshan laughed heartily, turning his gaze to Ye Fan and Ning Xi.

Ning Xi smiled slightly, her eyes serious, "I'll do my best."

Finally, it was Ye Fan's turn.

He replied in a completely natural tone, "As long as Su Qiaoyu's confident, then the principal is guaranteed a win with this bet!"

Confidence?

Well, confidence comes from ability! At the very least, he and Ning Xi had the top two spots covered.

Cocky?

But confidence stems from strength!

---------------

sorry sorry guys my bad.