Principal Zhang looked at the eight people seated across from him and sighed helplessly.
"I understand your intentions," he said. "But I'm only a principal. In the end, this decision depends entirely on the student himself."
One of the visitors adjusted his glasses.
"We simply can't reach Oliver. Since his phone doesn't go through, we had no choice but to trouble you."
"I can only offer suggestions regarding his higher education," Principal Zhang replied calmly. "From my observation, Oliver is extremely independent. My advice may not carry much weight."
The man smiled faintly.
"That's fine. You know how strong Qing University's faculty is. Just mention us more often when you speak with him. Of course, we'll personally extend the formal invitation."
Before he finished, another man cut in immediately.
"Principal Zhang, don't listen to him. Capital University's faculty is no weaker. When you advise Oliver, be sure to highlight our strengths as well."
That was the spark.
The remaining six couldn't sit quietly anymore.
"You think Magic University is inferior to you?!"
"Our Xia Research Institute is the best place for someone like Oliver to pursue research!"
"And what? You think Jiaotong University's Pokémon Research Department is lacking?"
"Are you asking for a battle?"
"Fine! Let's go!"
Within seconds, the principal's office turned into something resembling a marketplace.
Principal Zhang pressed his fingers to his temple.
It was difficult to imagine that these were recruitment directors from the nation's eight top universities—arguing like street vendors over a single student.
If other students saw this scene, they would probably faint from shock.
Under normal circumstances, they would have approached Oliver directly.
Unfortunately—
Oliver was currently out of Rongcheng.
And after weeks of relentless recruitment calls, he had simply blacklisted them all.
Unable to get through, and fearing he had already accepted another school's offer, they rushed to the high school instead—only to discover they were all in the same predicament.
"Enough, enough," Principal Zhang finally said loudly. "Arguing here solves nothing. Once Oliver returns, I'll notify you. You can all come to the school and speak with him directly. Compete properly in front of him."
That finally quieted them.
After all—
Winning in front of Oliver was the only victory that mattered.
One by one, they placed their business cards on the desk.
"Principal Zhang, please notify us the moment Oliver returns."
"Of course," Zhang nodded.
When they left, he leaned back in his chair and sighed again.
Oliver was the most monstrous talent he had ever seen.
Brilliant.
Disciplined.
Unfathomably gifted.
And courteous in daily life.
Knowing that Oliver would soon graduate and leave Rongcheng No. 1 High—
He felt genuine reluctance.
Rongcheng Airport
Flight AC4107 landed smoothly.
A young man and woman stepped off the plane.
Oliver stretched lazily.
"Finally back. It's always more comfortable at home. When you were out on missions for that long… did you travel like this too?"
Mu Xue rolled her eyes and lightly smacked his back.
"You think I enjoy running around the entire country?"
She paused—then added slightly awkwardly:
"…It was for you."
A beat later, she corrected herself.
"…To protect your safety."
Oliver smiled faintly.
He said nothing.
But the meaning—
Was already understood.
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