Chapter 384: Unexpected Developments - Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 384: Unexpected Developments "It seems that anyone who dares challenge the president must have some real skill." "Isn't this Lin Zhengran the 'Sect Master Lin' who recently became popular on our school's forum? They say he's helped countless single men and women find their partners." "Sect Master forever! Go, Sect Master!" There were indeed many followers of Lin in the crowd, cheering him on. Those who successfully found partners became devoted fans of Lin's teachings. After the first match, Lin Zhengran looked at the now completely docile black Tibetan mastiff and gave it a meaningful glance as he patted its head: "If you continue with your previous temperament, you might not live much longer. Becoming a bit gentler is your only chance for survival." The mastiff responded with a couple of low whimpers and wagged its tail as if to show its resolve to Lin Zhengran. It seemed to say that apart from Lin Zhengran, it had no intention of submitting to anyone else. It also seemed to understand that, given its history of biting people, its fate was almost sealed. It didn't plan to become a human pet for the rest of its days, and ending things like this seemed fine. However, amidst its submission, it whimpered, as if pleading for something. Lin Zhengran withdrew his hand as a nearby pet shop employee ran over and asked him: "Young man, you're amazing! You could actually tame this black Tibetan mastiff? It seems our people aren't skilled enough. This dog isn't entirely untamable. We'll try again once we get back." Lin Zhengran smiled but said nothing. The dog probably wouldn't respond to further attempts. He asked a different question: "Has this female dog recently given birth to puppies?" The pet shop staff was surprised: "How did you know? She gave birth to three puppies half a month ago. Two with gentle temperaments have already been given away, but one is similar in temperament to the mother, barking aggressively when approached, and no amount of soothing helps." Lin Zhengran's understanding of all creatures allowed him to roughly interpret the Tibetan mastiff's request. Its pleading look seemed to convey that it recently had a daughter with an even stronger temperament than itself. With its experience, it believed the daughter wouldn't obediently become a human pet either; intrinsically, she'd only submit to a true alpha. But if Lin Zhengran wished to adopt, the mastiff could inform its daughter that a leader required her. The mastiff believed that following Lin Zhengran, its daughter would live well, but if Lin Zhengran wasn't interested, it understood that in this era, wild and strong-willed canines couldn't survive. Ultimately, Lin Zhengran agreed to visit in a few days. If he felt a connection with the puppy, he would adopt it. Upon understanding Lin Zhengran's intentions, the Tibetan mastiff happily whimpered two more times in gratitude. After the first match concluded, Jiang Qian approached Lin Zhengran, preparing to offer praise, but was pre-empted by the trio and Jiang Jingshi. The trio was concerned about Lin Zhengran's well-being. Lin Zhengran assured them everything went smoothly. He looked at Jiang Jingshi and addressed her differently, asking, "So, the instructor's here too?" In such a public setting, Jiang Jingshi tried to maintain a serious demeanor, but her eyes inevitably betrayed a hint of warmth: "With so many people gathered here, I had to ensure nothing went wrong." Jiang Qian interrupted immediately: "Don't worry, instructor. Today's event has been properly approved, and I promise nothing will go wrong. You don’t need to be concerned.” Jiang Jingshi cast a wary glance at her sister. Jiang Qian met her gaze with composed determination. "Jiang Qian, I can't believe you've become the student council president. Not even the teachers knew." "I intentionally didn't inform the instructor, fearing the event might be canceled otherwise." "Oh?” Jiang Jingshi raised an eyebrow, questioning, "Qian Qian, I thought you’d settled down recently, but it seems you haven't. Are you still interested in your brother-in-law?" Jiang Qian responded with her own glance: "Settled down? My goal has never changed. I said I'd have him, and I will. Besides, before you're married, he's not considered my brother-in-law." Jiang Jingshi pursed her lips: "It's daylight, don’t dream." Jiang Qian bit her lip slightly, her gaze icy: "You'll soon find out if it’s a dream, sister." The tension between the sisters persisted, and both let out a dismissive huff. Soon, the second match began. The second round tested intellect with "mind over matter." Fang Meng presented several large memory boards filled with over a hundred numbers jumbled across them, each with an attached textual label. The task was to recall the numbers within ten seconds after viewing them and correctly answer Fang Meng's questions made from random label combinations. The one with the most correct answers wins. This sort of contest, both in terms of memory and technique, was virtually superhuman. Ordinary people couldn't memorize so many numbers in such a short time, yet Jiang Qian remained calm under pressure. Only she knew the extent of her effort to narrow the gap between her and Lin Zhengran. The match began with both parties rapidly recording the numbers. From the audience, Jiang Jingshi frowned at her sister’s expression of concentration, mumbling to herself, "This doesn't make sense." Jiang Xueli turned curiously: "Doesn’t make sense? What doesn’t?" He Qing also asked, "Are you talking about the second match? I also think the challenge is outrageous." Jiang Jingshi shook her head: "Not that. I mean..." She elaborated: "I mean that lately, I've taken precautions to keep Qian Qian away from Zhengran. Given his outgoing nature and your frequent gatherings at school, I pondered if you might join the student council or form a club of your own. Creating a club wouldn't worry me because with Zhengran as president, Qian Qian would have no chance. But, if you joined the student council, she might find an opportunity, so I investigated the current president's identity." Jiang Jingshi continued: "The current student council president is also a girl, and a strong-willed heiress. I asked her once if she would step down due to connections or a backdoor approach, and she clearly stated that would never happen unless the candidate had the capability and attitude for the role. Hearing this, I felt relieved. Yet, Qian Qian still became the president. How did she manage it?" As she spoke, Jiang Jingshi noticed the wounds on Jiang Qian's hands, caused by labor, and expressed her surprise, "No way..." (End of Chapter)