Chapter 382 - Virtue - Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 382 - Virtue The student council members used their bodies as a makeshift barrier to clearly delineate the competition area, ensuring that spectators wouldn't crowd the arena to the point of overcapacity. In the center of the venue, five student council members wheeled in carts, aligning them neatly in a row. Each cart carried a large cube, shrouded beneath a black cloth. As the referee, Fang Meng even wielded a microphone: "Next up is the first competition—the Virtue Test! Given that it's nearly impossible for the two contestants to demonstrate virtue within a short period, we’ve opted for an alternative methodology—the Animal Test." Fang Meng gestured for the members to unveil the carts by removing the black cloth. Beneath each cloth was a sturdy iron cage housing five medium-sized pet dogs restrained by chains. The dogs varied in breed, but they all shared a common trait — a ferocious temperament. As soon as the covers were lifted, they started barking aggressively, causing an uproar among the audience. Fang Meng elaborated, "As you can see, in front of the chairperson and Lin Zhengran, there are five cages. These dogs, provided by a pet shop, are all animals abandoned by their previous owners. The reason for abandonment is obvious; these dogs have violent temperaments and a history of biting their owners. Particularly, the last black Tibetan Mastiff, although not fully grown, has already injured two people. If it cannot be tamed, euthanasia might be the only option." At this juncture, the Tibetan Mastiff seemingly sensed it was being criticized, responding with more barking and drooling, causing the audience to instinctively take a step back, questioning if such a dog could even be tamed. Fang Meng continued, "According to a recent online theory, a person of high moral standing naturally possesses an affinity with living beings. Thus, the first challenge is to see who can tame these five dogs the fastest, or rather, who can tame the most within the given time. The winner will be the one who succeeds." The students found the competition intriguing, especially given the presence of professional medical staff on standby, highlighting Jiang Qian's thorough planning. On the field, Lin Zhengran was also intrigued by how Jiang Qian and Fang Meng had come up with such a test. Observing the five ferocious-looking dogs, he questioned Jiang Qian, "How long have you been preparing for today?" Jiang Qian, standing coolly beside Lin Zhengran, softened her tone slightly as she replied, "I’ve been planning since the semester began. Since your girlfriend won't let me near you, I had to find my own legitimate way to approach you." Lin Zhengran glanced at Jiang Qian, speaking in a voice only they could hear, "Though neither Wenwen nor the others know, I had previously investigated the current student council president. Her status is not inferior to yours. What did you do recently that made her cede the presidency to you so quickly? I doubt money alone could achieve that." As they spoke, Lin Zhengran noticed Jiang Qian's rough and lightly injured palms. Jiang Qian, realizing he saw her injuries, subtly clenched her fists to hide them, softly saying, "I used my own methods." Jiang Qian declared, "Anyway, I earned this presidency with my abilities, all for today. To be with you, I'm willing to do many things." Lin Zhengran blinked, observing Jiang Qian's earnest expression, and said no more. Jiang Qian continued, "Even though I know you're strong, I never won against you in high school, and genuinely wanted to be your secretary. But in today's competition, I won't go easy on you. After three years since I lost to you in our first year, I've constantly been learning and improving. Today, I might not lose. If you want to be president, you'll have to win against me earnestly." Lin Zhengran smiled and replied, "Rest assured, I won't go easy on you. Over the years, many have wanted to beat me, but you're the only one who consistently pursues me." Jiang Qian couldn't help feeling a bit bashful, her face reddening as she glanced at Lin Zhengran. However, she quickly exhaled deeply to calm herself, reminding him, "The competition is about to start. Remember, these five dogs are the fiercest ones I found at the pet store. Later, Xiao Meng will give each of us a protective sleeve, so be careful not to get bitten." "Thanks for the reminder, you too," he responded, focusing on the cages. Jiang Qian nodded with a touch of warmth. At the front, Fang Meng introduced the protective sleeves, "These are professional protective sleeves. For safety reasons, each contestant will receive one. Safety remains the top priority for this competition. Please draw lots to see who will begin taming first!" At Fang Meng's signal, Lin Zhengran and Jiang Qian each received a protective sleeve and drew lots to determine who would start taming first. Meanwhile, Han Wenwen, Jiang Xueli, and He Qing watched anxiously from the sidelines, their concern evident over the ferocious dogs. During the lot drawing, Lin Zhengran glanced back reassuringly at them, signaling that there was no need for concern, which somewhat relieved the trio. Soft-spoken He Qing urged, "Please be careful, Lin Zhengran." Han Wenwen furrowed her brow, "Be cautious, Brother Zhengran..." Lili clenched her fist, "Zhengran..." Just then, Jiang Jingshi approached in her high heels, capturing the attention of the trio. The three promptly greeted her warmly, though they couldn’t overtly express their closeness due to the crowded surroundings. They could only refer to her formally as an instructor. Jiang Jingshi surveyed the scene, curiously inquiring, "Han Wenwen, He Qing, and Jiang Xueli, what's happening here?" The three quickly recounted the events and shared some recent speculations with Jiang Jingshi. Jiang Jingshi's expression changed variously, ultimately astonished, "What? Six girlfriends?" Reflecting on her words, she covered her mouth quickly, realizing her mistake. Fortunately, everyone else was engrossed in the competition, sparing her any embarrassment. She whispered, puzzled, "When did Zhengzheng ever mention such a thing?" The three girls were surprised that even Sister Jiang was unaware, prompting them to explain in more detail. Jiang Jingshi's gentle peach blossom eyes widened, a tinge of jealousy on her face, "So... Zhengzheng already has some feelings for both my sister and Xiao Meng..." Han Wenwen reminded, "So, Instructor, we really need to be cautious for the next few months. If things continue like this, there will be six girls instead of four." Jiang Jingshi turned to observe Lin Zhengran and her sister, reminiscing about the time when she invited Lin Zhengran to dinner at home and her sister kissed him. "Zhengzheng..." The lot drawing concluded, revealing Jiang Qian would go first. The student council members cheered for their president as she donned the protective sleeve and approached one of the fierce dogs. With an icy gaze, she locked eyes with the first dog. Almost instantly, her look softened. She opened the cage door, crouched slightly, and extended her sleeved hand, "Good dog." Initially barking defiantly, the dog quickly settled down, responding to Jiang Qian's stern yet gentle demeanor by wagging its tail twice.