Chapter 183: The Nation’s Top Talent

Chapter 183: The Nation's Top Talent

Not long after.

Chen Ye's phone rang again.

This time, it was Old Liu calling.

"Chen Ye, I hope I didn't wake you up?"

It was clear from Old Liu's tone that he was speaking with much more respect than usual. After all, last night, Chen Ye had demonstrated his prowess as a solid fifth-tier powerhouse. Every fifth-tier powerhouse is considered a big deal. Old Liu himself was only a seasoned fourth-tier, so of course, he had to be more courteous.

"No, Teacher. Is there something you need from me?" Chen Ye asked.

"There is," Old Liu replied. "A number of prominent media outlets have reached out to the school, all wanting to interview you. Do you have any interest in doing one?"

"No." Chen Ye answered directly.

"Uh… if you agree to an interview, it could further boost your reputation. You could also address some of the concerns about how quickly your strength has improved."

"So, Teacher, you're suggesting I accept the interview?"

"No, it's actually Vice Principal Zhang's suggestion. He hopes this could bring some fame to Wu University. Of course, it's up to you. If you really don't want to, we can let it go."

"Alright, in that case, the school can turn them down for me," Chen Ye said with a smile. "You know me, Teacher. I prefer to keep a low profile and avoid the spotlight… Though, if the school wants some fame, you're welcome to handle the interview on my behalf."

"Understood." Old Liu agreed, then suddenly added, "Oh, and there are quite a few people interested in learning more about Long Aotian, but they haven't been able to reach him. I heard you're on good terms with him, so they'd like to get some information through you."

Chen Ye responded promptly, "Teacher, do you really think a powerful figure like Long Aotian would see me as an equal? I can only speak with him occasionally, but I don't know any more about him than you do. He's usually the one who contacts me."

Old Liu, no fool, immediately understood Chen Ye's meaning: "Alright, I'll relay your words to them."

This time, after finishing the call, Old Liu hung up. Chen Ye, now fully awake, continued scrolling through his phone.

The news about the attack on Wu University the previous night had already taken over the trending topics. While many netizens were discussing Chen Ye, they were also questioning the peculiar nature of the attack.

Firstly, why had all sixth-tier powerhouses across the country suddenly gone to the capital for a meeting? What kind of meeting required so many high-level experts?

Secondly, how did the monsters know that no powerful figures were stationed in the city, leaving it defenseless? Was there an insider colluding with the monsters?

These were the burning questions countless people wanted answers to. However, no one stepped forward to provide those answers…

By around nine in the morning.

The diplomatic department issued an inquiry to Japan, but, unsurprisingly, Japan denied any involvement, stating that Sea King was now a monster, effectively absolving themselves of responsibility.

Around noon, Chen Ye finally got up, washed, and headed to the cafeteria for lunch. As he crossed the sports field, many freshmen spotted him, and their gazes held a mix of reverence. However, there were still a few prideful individuals who seemed resentful.

When Chen Ye arrived on the cafeteria's second floor, the bustling noise quieted down. The students around him watched him with complex expressions.

It seemed they couldn't quite accept that, in just one year, a former classmate had become someone they had to look up to. Even familiar faces like Cao Yu and Ren Qianqian looked a bit uneasy.

"What's going on here?"

Chen Ye laughed as he sat down, saying, "Don't recognize me?"

Zhao Zheng, smiling, replied, "Senior, just now Cao Yu was saying he was worried you'd no longer see him as an old friend."

Of everyone there, Zhao Zheng was the only one who seemed calm. After all, he'd already witnessed Chen Ye's fiery punches in the fifth secret realm.

"I didn't! Old Zhao, don't make things up," Cao Yu protested quickly.

Although Cao Yu denied it vehemently, Chen Ye knew he likely had that concern. After all, Cao Yu's overall strength hadn't even reached the third tier; he was still a second-tier with modest skills.

The main issue was that his talent wasn't combat-oriented, so his abilities were often underestimated during evaluations. In reality, Cao Yu's powerful self-healing ability made him tougher than the average third-tier opponent.

And as for Chen Ye?

Chen Ye was now a genuine fifth-tier powerhouse. The gap between him and his friends was undeniably vast.

People are like that; if the difference isn't too large, they can still enjoy each other's company. But when the gap grows too wide, even the closest friends might feel uncomfortable around the stronger one.

Chen Ye sighed inwardly but kept a smile on his face. "I wanted to keep things casual with you guys, but it only made things awkward. Fine, I won't pretend anymore—I'm a top expert, and I'm owning up to it!"

Everyone paused, then quickly understood that Chen Ye was joking with them.

"Cut the nonsense, Chen Ye! We've never distanced ourselves from you," Cao Yu replied.

"Exactly!" Chen Ye laughed, adding, "We're not just classmates; we're teammates. No matter what happens, that won't change!"

Toward the end, Chen Ye's tone turned serious.

Cao Yu laughed heartily. "I knew Chen Ye wouldn't be like that."

"Alright, let's eat! I haven't had breakfast, and I'm starving."

...

After lunch, Chen Ye was preparing to head back to his dorm to rest when his phone rang again.

It was Old Liu calling once more.

"Teacher?" Chen Ye answered, puzzled. "What's the matter?"

"Could you come to the guest lounge? Someone wants to see you."

Old Liu's tone carried a hint of excitement.

"Oh? Who wants to see me?" Chen Ye asked. "If it's someone from the upper levels... please tell them I'm not feeling well. My spirit energy was heavily drained last night and hasn't fully recovered."

In truth, Chen Ye had almost fully recovered.

Spiritual energy wasn't hard to replenish—after a good night's sleep, no matter the depletion, he'd be back to normal.

"Chen Ye, you really should come," Old Liu insisted. "The person who wants to see you is Ms. Qin."

Hearing that Qin Muyin wanted to meet him, Chen Ye paused in surprise. She had his contact information, so why go through the school instead of contacting him directly? After a brief thought, Chen Ye understood—she was likely avoiding any suspicion of impropriety.

After all, Qin Muyin was an unmarried woman, and meeting a man privately might spark gossip.

"Alright, I understand. I'll be there shortly."

Chen Ye agreed, changed direction, and headed toward the guest lounge.

In the school's guest lounge, Chen Ye met Qin Muyin. Along with her were Principal Lu and several school leaders.

"Oh my, our school's hero has arrived!"

Upon seeing Chen Ye, Vice Principal Zhang stood up with an exaggerated expression of welcome.

"Come, come, Chen Ye, have a seat over here."

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