Meng Huai arrived at the academy three days before the first league match. The academy had not officially opened yet, but many students had already gathered.
One reason was that many students returned early, while others returned specifically for the league.
The league format Meng Huai would participate in was a five-person team competition, which had been the standard for many years.
This year, it was rumored that a larger-scale team competition with more participants had been added. Most of the students who returned early had heard about this new competition and had come back to prepare, as the academy would undoubtedly screen students for participation.
Upon her return, Meng Huai notified Zheng Yiran. After receiving the message, Zheng Yiran gave Meng Huai an address and told her to come directly there.
Little did Meng Huai know, her spot in the competition was now at risk.
...
Meanwhile, in the training room where Zheng Yiran and her companions were, someone was arguing with Teacher Wang.
"Teacher Wang, isn't it inappropriate for you to directly nominate the solo player spot?"
It wasn't just Teacher Wang in the training room; several other teachers stood opposite him. These individuals were clearly not to be trifled with. They stood in a line, looking as if they were about to devour Teacher Wang, crowding around him.
The person speaking was the leader of this group of teachers, named Xin Haodang.
Teacher Wang, facing Teacher Xin's questioning, was not easily intimidated. He stated directly, "Student Meng Huai is universally recognized for her exceptional strength, and it's not just my decision. Dean Tang himself said that she could fill the solo player spot that opened up this year."
Teacher Xin retorted, "Teacher Wang, are you using Dean Tang to pressure me?"
The people standing beside Teacher Xin were also not idle, chiming in, "Exactly! Aren't all nomination spots chosen through selection every year? How is it that you've nominated someone this year!"
Another added, "Indeed, and you've nominated a freshman. What kind of strength and experience does a freshman have?"
"Right, right. They should compete like in previous years, may the best win."
Teacher Wang looked at the group before him. They wouldn't let him get a word in. These teachers were speaking with lofty ideals, but what they really wanted was the spot.
This was the scene Meng Huai witnessed when she entered. Seeing Teacher Wang surrounded, she walked up and greeted him.
"Good morning, Teacher Wang."
Noticing the people opposite Teacher Wang were also teachers, Meng Huai addressed them as well, "Good morning, esteemed teachers."
In response to the students' greetings, although these teachers were there to target her, politeness dictated their reaction. They all nodded and replied, "Mmm."
After speaking, Meng Huai went to find Zheng Yiran and the others in the corner. She discreetly pointed in the direction of the group of teachers and asked, "What's going on over there?"
"Nothing, nothing. Teacher Wang will handle it!"
Zheng Yiran signaled to the others not to tell Meng Huai, to avoid her worrying.
However, even without their explanation, Meng Huai learned of the situation. The argument between the teachers was too loud, and Meng Huai's hearing was excellent.
As Meng Huai inquired about league matters, she clearly heard a loud statement: "In any case, I do not agree with letting a freshman represent the academy in the league."
Teacher Wang finally managed to interject, "This matter has already been decided. Dean Tang has given his approval, and it will not be changed! If the teachers are here to cause trouble, I am powerless to change it."
Teacher Wang said this while shrugging and spreading his hands, an expression that, in the eyes of the other teachers, was incredibly provoking.
"You, you, you, you're using Dean Tang to pressure me again. Don't think I won't go find Dean Tang to argue. Let's go find Dean Tang right now and get an explanation!"
"Yes, we are in the right, and we fear no one!"
These teachers spoke with high spirits and prepared to leave, seemingly determined to go and confront Tang Sinian.
Meng Huai, hearing this, asked, "Are they talking about me?"
Zheng Yiran and the others didn't answer her question, but Meng Huai directly walked up to the teachers and asked.
"Esteemed teachers, please wait a moment!"
Meng Huai's thought was that she couldn't disturb Dean Tang over such a matter. Moreover, if someone were to compete with her for this spot, it would be like snatching her money. She wouldn't allow the prize money she had already earned to slip away!
Therefore, Meng Huai directly approached the group of teachers and asked them to stop.
Hearing Meng Huai's words, the teachers actually stopped.
Teacher Xin, the leader, looked at Meng Huai and snorted, saying, "Hmph, you want to stop me from going to see Dean Tang!"
Meng Huai nodded, "Yes."
This confirmation only caused the teachers to look down on Meng Huai even more, but what Meng Huai said next silenced them.
"Esteemed teachers, you must have suitable candidates in mind, right? Why don't we have a competition?"
Meng Huai's proposal surprised all the teachers. They hadn't expected the student to directly suggest a competition.
This directly achieved their goal, and it was proposed by the student. They were stunned for a few seconds. Soon, someone recovered and immediately affirmed, "Certainly, a competition is fine. Then the victor will represent the academy in the league!"
Meng Huai calmly replied, "Yes, of course. May the best win!"
Teacher Wang did not refute Meng Huai's words. On the contrary, he greatly admired Meng Huai's confidence. Since Meng Huai had proposed a competition, then so be it.
Teacher Wang stepped forward and said, "Alright, then esteemed teachers, please call your students. Let's compete here in the training room."
The teachers looked at each other. Teacher Wang hadn't agreed earlier, but now he had.
At that moment, they quietly moved away from each other.
They had stood together with a common goal, but now they were opponents. There was only one remaining spot, and they were no longer collaborators.
The teachers quickly separated. Teacher Wang understood their actions.
They were all contacting their students to come to this training room.
These students had already been notified by their teachers to come to school. Upon receiving the notification, they knew their teachers had secured an opportunity for them. Each one excitedly rushed towards the training room. Before long, the training room was filled with people.
As the students entered the training room, they first found their teachers and nodded in greeting.
"Hello Teacher, hello Teacher..."
Then, they stood behind their respective teachers.
This scene unfolded in the training room, with constant greetings of "Hello Teacher, hello Teacher."