Chapter 81 - Chapter 80: Provincial Capital No. 1 Scholar

Yanhuang Region, July 12th.Another three days had quietly passed.For many places, today was nothing special—just another sweltering day of summer. But in the Yanhuang Region, July 12th was a date burned into the minds of every senior high school student and their anxious families.The day had finally arrived: the results of the national college entrance examination were released.At Shuangyang No. 11 Middle School, in the senior-year office, a sense of tension filled the air."The results are out! The results are out!"A teacher burst into the room, nearly breathless from excitement."Quick, let's see who's the top scorer in Shuangyang City this year!"Several teachers crowded around a computer screen, their eyes glued to the education system's portal as it loaded the candidates' results.One of them, the head teacher of Class 3—Feng Ye—read the scores aloud, her voice trembling slightly with anticipation."First place: Renjiro. Total cultural score: 787 points. Pokémon written test: 100 points. Practical Pokémon exam: 100 points. Overall total: 987 points. City ranking: 1st. Provincial capital ranking: 1st."As Feng Ye's voice fell silent, so too did the room.For a heartbeat, no one spoke.Then, as the numbers sank in, jaws dropped and eyes widened.Full marks in the Pokémon exams… 987 out of a possible 990 points.First place in the city.First place in the provincial capital.Their school… had produced the provincial capital's top scorer in the college entrance examination!"Teacher Feng, congratulations!""Truly amazing! You've raised a provincial champion!""Teacher Feng, tonight you must treat us! No excuses!"The office erupted in cheers, teachers clapping Feng Ye on the back and congratulating her.Feng Ye was beaming, though inwardly she was still processing the shock.Renjiro had always been a good student—consistently above average—but this? First in the entire provincial capital?And that wasn't all. His talent as a Pokémon trainer had also soared.How did I not see this coming? she wondered, half in awe and half in disbelief.A colleague spoke up."Let's check who came in second."Just then, Feng Ye's phone rang, breaking the excited chatter."Hello? Yes, Principal."Her expression became serious as she listened."Alright, I'll bring the teachers over right away."She ended the call and turned to her colleagues."The principal just called. Admissions officers from Teito University, Jinjiang University, and Yueba University are here. They're waiting for us in his office."---At the principal's office, the atmosphere was heavy with anticipation.Besides Principal Yao Yewei, there were three distinguished guests seated at the table: the admissions officers from Teito University, Jinjiang University, and Yueba University.Teito University and Jinjiang University were both double first-class universities—prestigious, highly sought-after institutions.Yueba University was the pride of Anhui Province, famous throughout the region.The principal offered them tea, trying to ease the tension."Everyone, please have some tea. Renjiro's head teacher will be here soon. I appreciate your patience."Admissions in the Yanhuang Region had strict rules. While top students could be recruited in advance, university representatives weren't allowed to visit candidates' homes unannounced. They had to go through the proper channels, accompanied by a school teacher.That's why these university officials were gathered in the principal's office, waiting to meet Renjiro's teacher.One of them—the admissions officer from Yueba University—gave a friendly smile."It's no problem, Principal Yao. We're local; we can wait as long as needed."But he couldn't resist a little jab at his competitors."The teachers from Teito and Jinjiang look a bit nervous though. If you two have pressing matters, feel free to leave!"His teasing tone filled the room.The officer from Teito University, Gu Feng, laughed heartily."Hah! Teacher Song, you haven't changed one bit. But I'm afraid you'll have to head home empty-handed. Our school is determined to bring Renjiro to Teito University!"He wasn't joking. Before coming here, Gu Feng had reviewed Renjiro's files.An eighteen-year-old intermediate-level trainer.First in the province academically.This was the kind of student Teito University would fight to the end to recruit."Don't be so sure, Teacher Gu," said the officer from Jinjiang University with a polite but firm smile. "We intend to compete for Renjiro's admission just as fiercely."The three schools' representatives eyed each other, tension simmering beneath their polite words.---Knock, knock, knock.A soft but urgent knock interrupted them."Come in!"Feng Ye entered, nodding politely at everyone."Principal, you wanted to see me?""Yes," Principal Yao said, standing to greet her. "These are the admissions officers from Teito University, Jinjiang University, and Yueba University. They're hoping you can accompany them to visit Renjiro."The university representatives quickly introduced themselves."Teacher Feng, a pleasure. I'm Gu Feng from Teito University.""I'm Hu Wei from Jinjiang University.""Song Ming from Yueba University."Feng Ye returned their greetings warmly."Hello, teachers. I'll contact Renjiro right away."She pulled out her phone and dialed. The call connected almost immediately."Hello, Teacher Feng?" came Renjiro's voice, sounding a little groggy."Renjiro, don't tell me you're still in bed!"Feng Ye was both amused and exasperated.On such an important day, and he's still resting?Renjiro yawned."We trained late last night… Sorry, Teacher Feng. What's the matter?"Feng Ye shook her head in disbelief.So focused on training, he forgot about today's results!"The college entrance exam results were released this morning. Congratulations, you're the top scorer in the provincial capital! The admissions officers from Teito, Jinjiang, and Yueba Universities are here to see you. Can we come over now?"The news jolted Renjiro awake. He sat up, suddenly alert.Top scorer… That's right. Today's the day the results came out."No wonder Teacher Feng called," he said, chuckling at himself."Yes, of course. Please come over, Teacher Feng. I'll be ready."Though Renjiro had already set his sights on Teito University, he knew it was smart to let the universities compete a little—after all, it could only benefit him."Alright, we'll see you soon."Feng Ye hung up, smiling at the university representatives."He's available. Let's go."And so, the group set out—three top universities eager to win over the most talked-about student in the region.---