Study Monster Cultivation System

Chapter 198 - 197 Sorry to bother you…

December 31, 1 p.m., in front of the main entrance of the Capital Gymnasium.

Although it was already winter, the sun was shining brightly at this hour, so it didn’t feel cold.

Students from each grade of City First School, dressed in rather stylish black formal uniforms, were filing into the gym.

Although their steps were not exactly uniform, the demeanor of each student inevitably radiated a supreme, dragon-and-phoenix-like aura.

Passersby occasionally stopped to inquire which school was holding an event here.

Although City First School could not match the nationwide renown of Ren Da Fu, its actual performance was hardly inferior to the latter.

Especially in terms of competitions, it was almost neck and neck with Ren Da Fu, signing contracts with dozens from Jinghua Jida each year.

To put it simply, "gold abounds everywhere, provincial winners are nothing special."

Even in terms of average performance, the students of City First School were among the top 2% of high school students in Jijing City.

It could be said that in the eyes of City First School, the only rival was Ren Da Fu.

As for Lake Ying Middle School, it was almost unheard of previously, and if it were not for the deeds of Li Zheng and Shi Yang laid out here, it probably wouldn’t have had any interaction with Lake Ying for another 50 years.

But the principal of the high school department at City First School placed great importance on this get-together.

The competitive strength of City First School had only risen in recent years, and although there were many national medals, the international medals in the five major competitions were still nonexistent.

Li Zheng was the Light of Lake Ying.

And wasn’t Shi Yang also the hope of the entire City First School?

The principal was initially prepared to repay Li Zheng for his participation in the provincial team’s training. Now, in the national team selection, Shi Yang effectively took over Li Zheng’s place, which made the principal feel somewhat embarrassed.

Anyway, there was still plenty of seating capacity in the venue, inviting Lake Ying to celebrate together and make acquaintances seemed like a good way to wrap this matter up.

Of course, the principal was also a very thoughtful person.

City First School, being one of the top schools, inevitably showed a bit of sharpness, and it would be unfortunate if they accidentally hurt the self-esteem of the Lake Ying youngsters.

Therefore, the principal specially arranged for two student council members who were both appealing in appearance and demeanor to take charge of receiving Li Zheng and several groups of students participating from Lake Ying.

Unlike the nominal student council of Lake Ying Middle School, the student council of City First School really had energy, organizing and managing many matters every year, not only with a spirit of practicality but also full of enthusiasm, and their interpersonal relationships were far from as complicated as those in university student councils.

Of course, the main reason for such a successful student council was...

Money.

Sufficient activity funds and a full set of hardware facilities were the foundation of a strong student council.

Specific to this New Year’s event, the most crucial role was undoubtedly played by the Department of Arts.

As regular students entered the venue, Chengzhu, the head of the Department of Arts, was in the parking lot giving final instructions to the staff.

The so-called comprehensive development in morality, intelligence, physicality, arts, and labor was exactly what a student like Chengzhu embodied.

After all, even if most outstanding students managed to overcome the "physical" aspect, most would still falter on "art," ending up just one among many bespectacled nerds.

But Chengzhu successfully crossed that line, not only possessing most of the traits of a top student but also winning the lottery with a handsome and bright face, as well as possessing an emotional intelligence surpassing his peers; he was beloved by everyone, flowers bloomed at his sight, and ultimately he ascended to the throne of the head of the Department of Arts during his second year of high school.

Compared to Chengzhu, the deputy head beside him, Du Shitong, was undoubtedly a bit less impressive.

Du Shitong was selected for the Department of Arts because of her special talent in folk music, always somewhat reserved, diligent in her work, short in stature, and with a serene appearance, but in terms of social skills and excellence, she could only be ranked in the middle to lower tier in the school.

Although she had qualifications that were in no way inferior to Chengzhu’s, she had not even participated in an election, but Chengzhu, seeing her solid work, had appointed her as the deputy head.

At that moment, Du Shitong, as usual, stood beside the head, maintaining a dignified, dissociated, yet somewhat anxious smile.

As for Chengzhu himself, rather than guiding the work, it was better described as earnestly advising his friends.

"Soon, Lake Ying Middle School’s bus will arrive."

"We are responsible for receiving them, guiding, and organizing their entrance."

"Everyone, please make sure of one thing."

"Do not show off in front of the Lake Ying students!"

"The principal’s intention is to foster friendships and acknowledge the assistance given by the Lake Ying students in competitions."

"We absolutely must not show a sense of superiority during our interactions, we must remain humble, not let the other party’s self-esteem be damaged, and certainly not create any atmosphere of competitive performance."

"Whether it’s performance by either side or speeches by leaders, try to treat the applause equally, and don’t engage in practices where we try to outdo the other side in applause or cheers."

"Remember — humility, humility, still humility."

After this admonishment, Lake Ying’s bus also drove into the parking lot, and the members of the Department of Arts split into several groups to welcome them.

And both Chengzhu and Du Shitong, naturally, were entrusted by the principal with the important task of receiving the group from the Lake Ying performance team.

The two quickly found the bus loaded with musical instruments and performance equipment and hurriedly approached it.

"Ah... the principal still hasn’t thought things through enough," Chengzhu shook his head and sighed, "Our presence is still too eye-catching; we’d better stay behind the scenes."

"Eye-catching?" Du Shitong touched her face in fright, "Do I have acne?"

"Not that kind of eye-catching," Chengzhu sighed lightly with a smile, "We don’t have to be constrained when it’s just the two of us talking; we are already excellent in every aspect. It’s just that our appearances also leave no room for others. When Li Zheng and the others see our aura, they probably won’t dare to get too close, unintentionally hurting their self-esteem..."

"I... guess... okay?" Du Shitong rubbed her face again, "Maybe... we should go over there grinning and bearing our teeth?"

After speaking, she tried to make a fierce face and pouted like a pig.

"Haha, that won’t be necessary," Chengzhu waved his hand and laughed, "Just be natural and friendly, that’s enough. Lake Ying Middle School producing a chemistry champion probably looks like a nerdy, world-oblivious person with simple glasses and a buzz cut. I’ve met many of those and feel confident handling it without hurting anyone’s feelings."

"I feel we shouldn’t overthink it~" Du Shitong began to stroll with her hands behind her back, "We’re all middle schoolers; the difference can’t be that great."

"Hey, it’s definitely more than you think," Chengzhu combed through his hair and heaved a wistful sigh, "All along the way, I’ve unintentionally hurt others, and now I’m just accustomed to taking care of other people’s self-esteem. It’s necessary for dealing with people."

As they talked, they reached the bus.

The automatic door opened with a "buzz," and a girl in double pigtails, who didn’t mind the cold and wore thigh-high stockings, hopped down first.

"Finally, we’re here." Zhang Xiaoke stretched greatly.

At this sight, Chengzhu twitched.

It was just Lake Ying Middle School, but why did it feel like she was someone from another country?

Her posture and style, and those double pigtails... everywhere she looked screamed foreign idol.

Caught in his gaffe, Du Shitong still stepped forward to greet her.

"Hi~" Du Shitong waved and smiled, "Are you part of the Lake Ying performing group?"

"Right, right, right." Zhang Xiaoke moved forward quickly and casually took Du Shitong’s hands, "Wow! Your school uniform is so pretty."

"Haha, we only wear it on special formal occasions, and usually, we have to wear these goofy tracksuits," Du Shitong laughed, "But your outfit is much nicer, I even suspect you bought it abroad."

"Nice eye," Zhang Xiaoke immediately leaned close to Du Shitong and pointed at her eyes, "These contact lenses are indeed…"

While she was speaking, a lone proud figure in black jumped down from the bus.

He wore a black Zhongshan suit with the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up.

His posture was straight, dignified.

His hair flew in the wind, outlining a lonely master’s silhouette.

However, on that handsome face, there was an indescribable and melancholic sadness.

This aura undoubtedly shocked Chengzhu once again.

Even Du Shitong was stunned.

People around Li Zheng had long forgotten one thing.

He, Jiang Qinghua, was once the Light of Lake Ying, absolutely a top-notch figure.

Even Jiang Qinghua himself had forgotten that fact.

"Cough..." He only coughed to clear his throat and said to Zhang Xiaoke, "Stop chatting for now, grab the equipment and go set up backstage."

"Yes, yes, big class leader!" Zhang Xiaoke muttered as she walked towards the bus’s luggage compartment.

Hearing this title, Chengzhu quickly shook his head to snap out of his shock and stepped forward, extending his right hand, "You must be Li Zheng, right? I’m Chengzhu, I’ve heard a lot about you..."

"No, Li Zheng’s in the back," Jiang Qinghua calmly shook hands, "I’m just an ordinary class leader, not worth mentioning."

Hearing this ’not worth mentioning’, Chengzhu fell into panic again.

Your presence, no less than mine, is just an unmentionable figure in Lake Ying?

In Chengzhu’s renewed distress, Du Shitong stepped forward again.

"Hello, I’m Du Shitong from City First School’s arts department; let me help you with the luggage."

"Thanks, but we can manage," Jiang Qinghua shook hands again, then sadly walked towards the luggage compartment.

By rights, since the other party had introduced themselves, Jiang Qinghua should have revealed his identity too.

But his current state was too dismal; he simply hadn’t the mindset to consider these matters.

Even Du Shitong, he almost didn’t look at all, not out of disrespect, but because he, as the Desperate Flute Player, was in the midst of fully committed detachment.

In the end, it appeared that Jiang Qinghua’s icy demeanor completely overlooked both of them, leading inevitably to some awkwardness.

While Du Shitong was okay with it, Chengzhu, with his many years of cultivated strong self-esteem, suddenly felt a bit shaken.

Immediately thereafter, a figure wrapped in a long down coat hopped down.

"Hmm..." Lin Yujing took a deep breath, glanced at the two, and then followed Jiang Qinghua nervously.

It was only a moment, but it didn’t prevent Chengzhu from losing composure yet again.

What the hell is this...

This is too cute, isn’t it?

Could it be wrong? Isn’t Lake Ying Middle School in our country???

Next, a normal person finally arrived, wearing glasses big and small, with a somewhat old-looking face, but if he studied day and night, it wouldn’t be impossible to look this old at eighteen.

This time, Chengzhu finally gained some confidence, managed a smile, and greeted, "Li Zheng, right? I’ve heard a lot about you..."

"No, no, no..." Tan Hui waved his hand repeatedly, "I’m the music teacher, Li Zheng is behind."

Chengzhu was taken aback and couldn’t help but look inside the car.

At that moment, a sexy, leather-clad hunk lazily got out of the car.

Cocky short hair, rebellious eyebrows.

Powerful arms, shoes that belong exclusively to an adult in society.

All this completely washed away Chengzhu’s previous perceptions.

In shock, Du Shitong swallowed and nervously asked like facing the leader of a biker gang, "Li... Li Zheng?"

"That’s me." Li Zheng calmly raised his hand. "And you are?"

"Oh... I’m Du Shitong from the arts department of City First School," Du Shitong barely dared to shake hands, merely touching before pulling Chengzhu over, "This is our director, Chengzhu..."

"Director Cheng, hello." Li Zheng then turned and extended his hand.

"You, you, you... hello..." Chengzhu was also encountering such a man of society for the first time and was not feeling great, even forgetting to shake hands, "You, you, you... are you really Li Zheng?"

Upon hearing this, Du Shitong quickly nudged Chengzhu.

Such a disgrace!

Doesn’t our school care about face at all!

Luckily, a group of City First School students suddenly rushed over.

"Li Zheng you *beep*!" Shi Yang led the charge, laughing and shouting from afar.

Four guys and a girl followed him, spouting all kinds of nonsense.

"Is this Xu Zhu?"

"Wow, such a societal group leader!"

"Haha, Shaolin has a successor now!"

Shi Yang’s original intent was to start with a combination punch for Li Zheng.

But as he came close, he was inevitably drawn again to those legs.

Then the entire person turned weird.

"This... Lin Yujing is also performing?" Shi Yang asked wide-eyed.

"Hmm?" Lin Yujing quickly turned her head, and upon seeing Shi Yang, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

Then suddenly remembered something.

And then chuckled, getting back into the cab to busy herself with something.

No one understood this scene, only Li Zheng did.

It’s not what you think, I’ve never shared your information with Shi Yang.

Don’t flatter yourself, you’re not that important.

Though Li Zheng understood, it wasn’t appropriate to clarify, as that would seem like he cared too much about the matter.

Shi Yang, however, was frightened by Lin Yujing’s glance so much that he couldn’t speak.

Instead, a slightly overweight group member came forward to greet Li Zheng.

"Hehe, did you receive the secret manuals?"

"Sweeping Monk, Teacher?" Li Zheng shook hands enthusiastically, "All good stuff, I’ll pass them to the Shaolin disciples behind me after I’m done."

"Haha, yes." Sweeping Monk stepped aside and introduced, "This is Guo Xiang from the Emei Sect."

A girl with glasses stepped forward with a smile, "Physics is much harder than chemistry, Xu Zhu group leader."

Li Zheng laughed loudly, "No worries, I practice orthodox Shaolin martial arts."

Then, Li Zheng recognized Ding Chunqiu from Star Pupil Sea, Wei Yixiao from Ming Sect, and Yue Buqun from Qi Sect one by one.

During this process, Chengzhu’s mind became even more bewildered.

Did I walk into the wrong school?

...

After more than half an hour, Li Zheng and others had set up their instruments and equipment and, led by Chengzhu and Du Shitong, took seats at the very front edge of the gymnasium.

With about 15 minutes to the official start, both schools’ students had entered the venue, and approximately one-third of the nearly twenty thousand seats in the stadium were occupied.

The venue had already been fitted with three or four camera positions, so students sitting farther away could watch the performance close-ups on the suspended big screens.

Chengzhu sat next to Li Zheng, deeply annoyed by his earlier disgrace.

His goal had already changed, no longer to avoid hurting Lake Ying’s students.

But to preserve the face of our City First School.

"Ah, this..." Chengzhu casually said, "I heard them say, are you preparing for a physics competition?"

Seeing Li Zheng didn’t respond, he turned and continued, "Last year, our school..."

His voice suddenly stopped.

Because.

Li Zheng was studying.

And, not just Li Zheng...

All four people in this row.

Were damn studying!

Each with their heads bowed, looking at the books in their hands, occasionally writing something.

Even that girl with twin ponytails, who looked completely unlikely to study, was also damn studying!

Is Lake Ying’s academic spirit this intense?

They must be pretending, right? This must all be an act, right?

With an average school score below 500, who are they trying to impress?

Chengzhu took a deep breath and looked at the textbook in Li Zheng’s hands—

[In a binary star system, the two stars can be considered as point masses, with masses M and m, respectively, orbiting the barycenter with a period T?.]

[At a certain moment, star M suddenly explodes, losing mass ?M...]

[Ignoring the theory of relativity, if after the explosion M’ star and m are forever separated.]

[Find the conditions that M, m, and ?M must satisfy...]

Upon seeing this, Chengzhu swallowed his hurried breath back.

Sorry for the disturbance...

After all, it’s... Li Zheng the oddity of Lake Ying...

It’s not possible that everyone is this odd, right...

Chengzhu then refocused on Lin Yujing.

At that moment, Lin Yujing was biting on her pen, frowning in thought.

Ah, it seems she ran into some trouble.

Chengzhu rarely smiled.

How could such a cute girl also study so well?

If you have any simple questions, I, ranked 72nd at City First School, have some time to help you out.

Chengzhu cast a glance at that moment.

[Find an expression for the time-averaged power ?P?... The variable P over its period T is defined as:

?P?= 1/T ??? P(t) dt.]

Sorry... Excuse me...

Actually, if Chengzhu had continued, he would have seen Jiang Qinghua easily solving the problem, but he no longer had the courage to look further.