Chapter Eight: The Wager

"Wu Xiang!"

"Present!"

"Step out!"

"Yes!"

"Explain yourself!"

With a snap, he stood at attention.

"At ease!"

Only then did the instructor begin in earnest, his voice booming, "Upon investigation! Cadet Wu Xiang, absent overnight without permission, secretly purchased food, flaunting special privileges! This has caused a terrible influence during the military training! A formal criticism is hereby issued! Wu Xiang!"

"Present!"

"Stand at attention! From now on, maintain military posture until I say stop. Do you understand?!"

"Understood!"

And so, Wu Xiang became like a solitary bamboo pole planted under the blazing sun…

Military training had ended, yet the burning sun and the chaotic glances from his classmates left a deep impression on Wu Xiang. Many were baffled, and those familiar with him couldn't fathom what had possessed him to take food into the grove and not eat a single bite. Clearly, something was amiss, but Wu Xiang was tight-lipped and said nothing.

The key person was Huang Yi. Wu Xiang noticed she didn't dare meet his gaze—guilty, perhaps!

Not only had he suffered physically, but his spirit was wounded as well. His good intentions unappreciated, Wu Xiang felt thoroughly aggrieved!

Fortunately, something had just soothed his bruised heart: he had signed a publishing contract with a publisher for his novel, "First Intimate Encounter."

As soon as military training ended, Wu Xiang retrieved his beeper and discovered a strange number. Upon calling, the person explained their purpose: they were from a publisher called Red Culture. Wu Xiang, not being foolish, quickly checked their credentials and found them impressive. Without hesitation, he signed.

Negotiations went smoothly—he didn't drive a hard bargain, being a new author, but the power of the internet ensured he wasn't shortchanged. This was a stroke of fortune, the most crucial step in Wu Xiang's grand plan. If all went well, he'd obtain the most vital thing: funding!

He didn't know how much, but at least he was on track, and his dream was within reach.

With the contract signed, his university life was officially beginning. Everything seemed to be heading in a positive direction, except for the notorious reputation he gained during military training—even if it wasn't a good one.

But for now, those matters could wait. After a large lecture, students from several classes lingered, for there was important business to discuss.

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"The campus singing and dancing competition, which also serves as the welcome gala, is planned for the eve of National Day, coinciding with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival..."

Lin Jidong, looking quite distinguished, had wormed his way into the role of Youth League secretary, much to Wu Xiang's surprise. But anyone who had seen Huang Huibo's slovenly ways would know he wasn't cut out for leadership, so, like Wu Xiang, he remained happily unburdened by office.

Wu Xiang had been the top scholar in the literature class—a small group of eighteen. The class leader position should have been his by default, but his military training exploits had made him too notorious, and so that opportunity slipped away. Wu Xiang was content; it gave him greater freedom.

After the training, every class soon had its own hierarchy of officials—or, rather, cadres. In the literature class, with only eighteen, the teachers didn't pay much attention. The performance class was different: Lin Jidong was Youth League secretary, the class leader was a girl named Zeng Hui, and Huang Yi became the academic commissioner, reputedly the top scorer in the performance class.

Lin Jidong's so-called meeting was actually a pep talk. Despite military training, everyone was still unfamiliar, and now there was a matter at hand—the welcome gala, a rite of passage for all university students. This year, the gala coincided with National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

But the gala required performances, and, crucially, this was an arts college—the acts couldn't be mediocre; they needed to reflect the school's standards. So Lin Jidong gathered students from several classes, urging everyone to show their best, so the upperclassmen and teachers would see that the Class of 1997 was not lacking.

In truth, preparing acts was mainly the responsibility of the performance class. Other classes might have a handful of talented students, but they were few. Take the literature class, for example—when they heard it was a singing and dancing competition, they all clammed up.

Previously, during the democratic election for class leader, Tang Tingting had asked the literature class if anyone had special talents. Everyone said, if it was a skit or script-writing, they'd be up for it, but singing and dancing was out of their depth.

Wu Xiang had intended to simply be a spectator, but when he heard Lin Jidong mention a particular student, he could no longer remain indifferent.

"We are freshmen, and the Film Academy is full of hidden talents. Yet, we mustn't let our spirits falter. Fortunately, our classmate Huang Yi is a professionally trained dancer and choreographer, an award-winner, and she has a new piece prepared for this event..." Lin Jidong was lavish in his praise, and Wu Xiang felt increasingly uncomfortable.

"Are you interested in her?" Wu Xiang wondered privately, perhaps unfairly.

Huang Yi herself couldn't bear the flattery. "Lin Jidong, please don't say that. It's simply my duty."

To her credit, Huang Yi was modest, but Lin Jidong's compliments were relentless. "Huang Yi, you're too humble. We'll rely on you to showcase the spirit of our freshmen..."

Wu Xiang grew more and more uneasy. Clearly, Lin Jidong had intentions. Damn it, that's outrageous! He recalled Huang Huibo mentioning that it was Lin Jidong who carried Huang Yi's heavy luggage. The more Wu Xiang thought, the more convinced he became.

No way! Was my suffering for nothing? Let these two... Well, let's keep it civil, but Wu Xiang couldn't let them become some kind of couple!

So Wu Xiang spoke up, "Lin, as Youth League secretary, since this is a singing and dancing competition, are there prizes?"

"There are!" Lin Jidong replied immediately. "Student voting determines first, second, and third place, with generous rewards: first prize is one thousand yuan, second is five hundred, third is three hundred..."

"That's great. I'm signing up!" Wu Xiang's announcement drew surprised looks from his classmates, as the literature class had been silent till now.

Wang Hongzhi quickly approached, "Bro, what are you thinking? Are you confident?"

Wu Xiang answered, "Confidence or not, we have to show some spirit. Haven't you seen the performance class already divvying up the prize money?"

"Exactly!" Wang Hongzhi slapped his thigh. The performance class was getting too cocky. What, do they think there's no one in the literature class?

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Wu Xiang was clever—he turned his personal agenda into a matter of class honor. He continued, "Here's the deal, Lin. Since Huang Yi has prepared a dance, I'll sing a song. This is a singing and dancing competition; we can't have dance without song, right?"

"Right, right!" "Xiangzi, we're behind you!" Several of Wu Xiang's roommates rallied to his side.

"Naturally, that's no problem," Lin Jidong agreed, but Wu Xiang's next words raised eyebrows—

"But I'd like to make a bet!" Wu Xiang stood up, his voice loud enough for the whole room. "I hear Huang Yi is a professional. To be honest, I'm just an enthusiast—never studied music formally. Still, I want to challenge the expert. Huang Yi, will you give me a chance to compete?"

As soon as Wu Xiang finished, the room fell silent. No one spoke; it was too bizarre. Why would this bamboo pole want to compete with the star of the performance class?

Though silent, everyone cast puzzled and disdainful looks at Wu Xiang, finding him incomprehensible.

No one knew why Wu Xiang insisted on competing with Huang Yi—except Huang Yi herself.

"Fine! Let's compete! If you lose to me, what then?" Huang Yi's temperament was never one to retreat, and at this moment, she thought Wu Xiang was petty—just because she hadn't gone to the grove? Any normal girl wouldn't have.

Seeing her accept, Wu Xiang grinned triumphantly, "Simple. If I lose, you can make me do anything. But if I win?"

Faced with his cheeky reply, Huang Yi promptly answered, "Equally simple. You can make me do anything, and I won't object!"

Such boldness! Wu Xiang admired her, seeing a hint of the legendary Ri Hou in her.

But Wu Xiang was mischievous. He said, with a sly smile, "Anything at all?"

His tone and expression suited a lecherous role perfectly.

"You!" Huang Yi was furious, and many girls blushed, ready to rise up against Wu Xiang. But at that moment—

"Wu Xiang, mind your manners!" Lin Jidong put on his official tone.

Wu Xiang was unconcerned, but now spoke with grave seriousness, "Sorry, perhaps you'll be disappointed, my request is simple: just help me with laundry. Don't worry, I'll handle my own underwear."

That last line betrayed his earlier seriousness.

"Hahaha..." Laughter erupted throughout the room.

"You! Scoundrel!" Huang Yi was livid.

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