“First, I propose that for this assessment, instructors are only responsible for covert protection. The trainees must not be aware of our presence. We should not intervene unless absolutely necessary. Any intervention will result in a deduction from that team’s score.”
“Secondly, the mission for each trainee team should be chosen by their assigned instructor. Missions are graded by difficulty level; the harder the mission, the higher the potential score, but also the greater the risk for the trainees.”
“Furthermore, I believe the Elite Camp should strongly implement a reward and punishment system, ensuring clear distinctions between merits and demerits.”
…
Yang Jie spoke at length, listing a total of twenty-three points. The other instructors listened, nodding frequently, especially at the final point, which was particularly enticing—the winning team would receive an award personally presented by the Chief Instructor. The specific award would be determined by him.
Come on, that’s the Chief Instructor we’re talking about! A representative figure of Xia Country in the ISO, one of the organization’s two deputy leaders. Anything he awards certainly won’t be subpar.
Long Tianyu raised his eyes and scanned the room. “What does everyone think?”
Yang Jie’s proposal was comprehensive, seemingly considering all necessary factors. They couldn’t find any faults, so they all agreed. Crucially, many of the clauses were extremely favorable for the instructors.
As long as they guided the trainees well, the benefits would be plentiful.
Of course, if they didn’t perform well, the penalties would be equally substantial.
But everyone here was B-rank. With great strength comes natural confidence. Until the results were out, everyone felt they had a chance.
After discussion and refinement by everyone, the initial twenty-three regulations were eventually revised to twenty-seven. They were reviewed and approved by the ISO, making them highly effective.
Before leaving, Yang Jie was stopped by Long Tianyu for a private word. Long Tianyu smiled mischievously, “Are you that confident you can get what you want from me?”
Yang Jie looked at the Chief Instructor seriously, his expression grave. “Chief Instructor, I don’t understand what you’re referring to.”
Long Tianyu glared at him in exasperation. “Oh, so you’re the picture of seriousness, are you? Alright, alright. If any team under your guidance achieves first place, I’ll dip into my own pocket and give you all an extra reward.”
A muscle in Yang Jie’s face twitched, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “Excellent. I hope the Chief Instructor won’t go back on his word.”
“You’re that confident about winning first place? But there are three individuals with S-rank talents in other teams, you know. One of them has already successfully broken through to B-rank. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call her the second Ye Qingyu.”
Only the two of them remained in the office. Having known each other before, the atmosphere was less formal.
Yang Jie pushed up his glasses frame, enunciating each word clearly. “They have S-rank talent trainees. I have my junior sister.”
As he said this, he lifted his chin, striking a proud, defiant pose. Long Tianyu stared, momentarily stunned.
This guy… gave off a distinct vibe of “My kid is outstanding, and I’m proud.”
Then he immediately added, “And those hardworking kids. I’ll do my utmost to help them stand as tall and see as far as possible.”
When he said this, his eyes shone brightly, as if he had returned to his youthful days, full of vigor and ambition.
Just as he thought to himself, teaching geniuses isn’t necessarily remarkable. The one who enables ordinary individuals to surpass geniuses is the true master.
Of course, the term ‘ordinary’ here is relative. And it certainly doesn’t include his own junior sister. She… is far stronger than any so-called S-rank talent.
…
“Achoo!”
As soon as Su Mo answered the call from Ye Qingyi, he offered her this most unique form of greeting.
“Caught a cold?”
“Nope.”
“Then why are you sneezing?”
Su Mo sniffed and exhaled comfortably. “Get to the point. If there’s nothing important, I’m hanging up. We agreed to keep our distance and not cross each other’s boundaries.”
“Tsk tsk tsk, going back on your word after just a few days? Then what’s with you frequently asking me to meet up at hotels lately?”
Su Mo’s expression faltered. “We didn’t actually do anything.”
“The intent is the same. Don’t kid yourself. Otherwise, I’ll make you regret it next time you suggest meeting.”
At this moment, Ye Qingyi sounded like a seasoned player in the dating scene, full of slick lines for flirting.
Unfortunately, Su Mo wasn’t some innocent young girl and didn’t fall for this act.
After some banter, Ye Qingyi finally got to the main topic. “By the way, Qingqing and Jingzhuo must have approached you, right? Did you agree?” Actually, she already knew the answer. Perhaps she was just acting, or perhaps she was worried about whether the mission might affect Su Mo.
Understanding her implication, Su Mo replied casually, “Mhm.”
But he immediately added, “But it has nothing to do with you. Don’t overthink it. I just prefer being around strong individuals.”
“Of course, I’m very strong…” Ye Qingyi started, intending to tease Su Mo, but ended up feeling her own face grow hot.
Su Mo’s eye twitched, and he abruptly hung up.
It wasn’t that he was angry; he had sensed someone approaching.
A letter was slipped under the door by the other party, who didn’t linger.
Su Mo picked up the envelope. Seeing the unique mark they used for communication, he opened it with relief: Your performance has been excellent. However, remember not to get too immersed. Otherwise, it will only harm you.
The opening line acknowledged his professional work.
Hah, as if you needed to tell me. Just look at who I am—the graceful, captivating, all-new Ye Qingyi.
Reading further, there was indeed a new task assignment.
Summarized in one point: Continue to gain “Su Mo’s” trust, striving to make him fall completely in love… with “herself”? Well, there weren’t any specific substantive requirements.
But the lack of specific requirements was itself the biggest requirement.
Su Mo felt he needed to do something; otherwise, the other side would start suspecting him sooner or later.
After some thought, he made a major decision: to extract some information from “Su Mo’s” mouth.
And it had to be significant, the kind that would immediately shock the contact person in the island nation.
As for the specific content, he needed to discuss it properly with “her.”
It was time to reveal his identity.
Well, actually, “he” originally didn’t know he was Su Mo. It would probably be quite surprising.
Su Mo pinched his chin, adopting a thoughtful pose, giving off a very “clever” vibe.
That afternoon, Team Captain Ye Qingyi organized a team-building event, supposedly to celebrate the formation of their six-person team.
Her ability to become captain was undeniably linked to her own strength, as among the few, her power and cultivation level were the highest.
Wu Heng originally had a chance, but with “Ye Qingyi” absent, he lost interest in competing for the captain position. If it weren’t for his existing good relationship with Ye Qingyi and the others, he might have joined another team long ago.
And he would undoubtedly be a core member.
As for Zhuge Zhi.
This guy was now practically notorious. Only Ye Qingyi and her group were willing to let him join the team.
Of course, there were conditions.
By the time Su Mo arrived, Zhuge Zhi was already waiting at the entrance.
Spotting him from afar, Zhuge Zhi’s eyes immediately lit up. He strained his voice and called out, “Sister Chiba! You’re here! Please, come right in!”
Su Mo’s steps halted. He suddenly felt like turning back.
“Could this be some kind of prank they’re pulling…?” Su Mo muttered to himself, his tone filled with suspicion.