Chapter 22: Yun Xiaoxiao
As Kent returned to the area designated for Class 9 of Senior Year 3, he immediately drew a large wave of attention, even from the girls in his class who usually paid him little mind. Their eyes were now sparkling with admiration.
"Kent, I didn't expect you to be this strong now," Zhou Yun gasped in surprise, feeling as though a whole era had passed. "Kent, please let me latch onto your success."
Kent smiled nonchalantly. "No problem. Once I make it big, I won't leave you behind. After all, you're one of my closest friends."
Zhou Yun's face flushed with excitement, and with a tone of brotherhood, he said, "Bro, we're in this for life. Whoever gets a girlfriend first is a dog."
"Eh?" Kent awkwardly scratched his nose. Was that how it was supposed to be said?
"Kent, I didn't expect you to defeat Zhao Zhi. Looks like you're the strongest in Class 9," the class leader, Chen Yuan, said with a complicated expression.
"Yeah, turns out the strongest is actually you, Chen Yuan. I thought it was me," Kent joked.
Yun Xiaoxiao, the discipline officer, glanced at Kent with a soft gaze. Though Kent looked fairly good, he had been at the bottom of the class in terms of grades and almost invisible to her in the past. But now, with his overwhelming strength, he seemed like a real prospect, possibly even able to get into Earthstar University.
Graduates from Earthstar University were all highly capable individuals, making major contributions across various fields, including those dedicated to Beastmasters who protected the nation by slaying monsters. Now, the classmates couldn't even imagine how bright Kent's future would be.
So, they decided to approach him while they were still classmates, thinking that they might be able to leverage a relationship with him someday.
Kent had a good idea of their intentions but didn't take it to heart. He had a system and set his sights far beyond the limited vision of these people.
"I'm actually not strong enough yet, so don't praise me too much, or I might get arrogant," Kent said with a light smile. "Defeating Zhao Zhi was just a trivial matter, nothing to be excited about. Let's keep watching the matches."
The classmates from Class 9 looked at him with even more admiration.
"How is that not strong?" Chen Yuan muttered under his breath, clearly amazed. "Our Class 9 has a genius like you. We're lucky to be your classmates. It's an honor."
Yun Xiaoxiao also added, "Kent, I heard you don't have a girlfriend yet."
Kent nodded. "Yeah, because I'm not good enough. No girl would be interested in me."
At this, many of the girls in the class looked intrigued, especially the ones who considered themselves good-looking.
Yun Xiaoxiao noticed this and gave them a cold glance before turning to Kent. "Kent, you're actually very impressive. No girl would overlook you. If you think I'm good enough, I'd consider being your girlfriend."
Kent couldn't help but glance at Yun Xiaoxiao. She had a good figure, and with time, her curves would likely become even more impressive. Her looks were also quite attractive, with fair skin and a nice touch. However, compared to Zhao Mengxi, she seemed like a flickering firefly next to the full moon—her beauty just couldn't compete.
"Heh, Yun, you're the class beauty and a Silver 19 Beastmaster. You're in a great position. But I'm afraid I won't be able to afford you," Kent shrugged helplessly.
Yun Xiaoxiao shot him a reproachful look. "You think too much. I'm not that materialistic. I'm independent and can take care of myself. If you really don't mind, how about we go on a date after the preliminaries?"
"Ah?" Kent was taken aback. How did they go from casual talk to a date?
Still, he figured it wouldn't hurt to get more experience with girls, so he didn't rush to refuse.
Before he could come up with a response, the loudspeaker announced, "Next match, Arena 1: Zhao Mengxi from Class 1, Senior Year 3 vs. Leng Zimu from Class 1, Senior Year 3."
Instantly, all eyes were drawn to the arena.
Kent squinted towards Arena 1. Zhao Mengxi, the school's goddess, was not only famous for her beauty but also for being the owner of the only known golden Beast, a mysterious and formidable creature. Every movement she made, every smile or frown, attracted everyone's attention.
But this match wasn't only about Zhao Mengxi—it was also about her opponent, Leng Zimu.
If Zhao Mengxi was the goddess for the boys in school, Leng Zimu was undoubtedly the heartthrob for the girls. Tall, handsome, with a slightly mysterious air about him, Leng Zimu exuded a cold, almost aloof aura. He came from the Leng family, one of the top ten wealthiest families in Microglow City, with a multi-billion-dollar fortune.
Though he wasn't the only heir in his generation, he was the obvious successor to the family's fortune, especially since his two sisters were not interested in running the family business.
The crowd parted, and a very handsome young man walked onto the arena. His steps were ordinary, yet they seemed to shine with an almost ethereal glow, drawing everyone's eyes.
Kent watched this and couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. After all, Leng Zimu's background and status were immense.
Zhou Yun leaned over and said, "Kent, Leng Zimu originally attended the top school in Microglow City. But after meeting Zhao Mengxi at a party, he transferred to the same class as her and made it clear from day one that Zhao Mengxi was off-limits to anyone else."
"I've heard about that. But didn't Zhao Mengxi also make it clear that Leng Zimu isn't her type? She's been avoiding him ever since. Over time, no one really paid attention, even Kent..." Chen Yuan started, but then quickly fell silent.
Kent shot him a knowing look, raising an eyebrow with a half-smile.
Chen Yuan immediately shut up, embarrassed. "Sorry," he muttered.
Kent shrugged, unconcerned. "No need to apologize. I've written a love letter to Zhao Mengxi. She's perfect—truly a natural beauty, a rare gem. Who wouldn't want to get close to her? But everyone's too afraid to express their feelings. Unlike me, I'm not afraid of the consequences. I'll love and hate with all my heart. If I have a chance, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment."
Yun Xiaoxiao gave him a sharp look, worried. "Kent, you're interested in me now. Yet here you are, praising other girls so shamelessly. Is that appropriate?"
Kent smiled, touched his nose, and said, "Everyone appreciates beauty. Besides, I don't have anyone in mind. I believe in fate. If we're destined to be together, then we'll be together. Nothing else matters."
"Hmph, you sure can talk." Yun Xiaoxiao laughed. "Alright, let's focus. The match is about to start."