After listening to their self-introduction, everyone else nodded instinctively and had a relaxed expression.

Xu Dong said in satisfaction, "There's no need for me to introduce you to these two mathematical geniuses. They're undoubtedly one-in-a-million amongst mathematical prodigies. Other than that, almost none of their peers in Capital could surpass their achievements in mathematics. They even went on TV! Their superb results are clear for all to see! "

After a pause, he turned again to Ye Lingchen and stared at the boy with a burning gaze. "I invite this student to introduce himself again!"

Ye Lingchen's face remained calm and unruffled. "Ye Lingchen, from Capital University's language department. Mathematics achievements currently stand at none."

The f*ck did he mean by 'currently stand at none'!

Everyone exchanged glances with each other. How pompous could he be to even say such a thing!

"Pfft!"

Xu Dong was even more amused. "Dear student, we're not here to fool around. We're here to participate in a math competition and bring honor to Capital!"

"Mr. Xu, I was the one who invited Ye Lingchen." Xu Wanqing noticed Ye Lingchen being targeted and could not help but speak up.

"Ms. Xu, this is a math competition. Let's just set aside the fact that you invited a freshman student. I'm appalled that he's a language major! What are you thinking?" Xu Dong's expression was unsavory. "This is completely illogical! I strongly urge for him to be replaced! "

His words made everyone ponder.

The three old professors glanced at each other and seemed to have a zealous look.

However, Xu Dong continued, "There are still a lot of top math students from Huaqing University and Capital University. It's still possible to make last-minute changes. No matter what, doing so will at least give us some guarantee and let us have some peace of mind."

"I disagree!" Xu Wanqing made a direct refusal. "This is my quota, and it stands to reason that I have every right to choose who I want!"

"Sigh, come with me, Wanqing." Huaqing University's Professor Bai sighed and called Xu Wanqing over.

"Wanqing, what's your relationship with Ye Lingchen? Why are you helping him like this?" Professor Bai looked at Xu Wanqing and asked helplessly.

Xu Wanqing was the pride of Huaqing University and enjoyed a high level of popularity. She was also a new tutor, hence her right to choose students out of her own accord. Despite that, no one would have thought that she would be so crazy as to choose a freshman from the language department.

"Help him?" Xu Wanqing was slightly stunned, but she shook her head and said, "Professor Bai, I assure you, there's nothing personal going on here."

"Wanqing, I brought you along too when you were in graduate school. Your talent in mathematics is the best I've ever seen. Most importantly, you have a serious and profound passion for mathematics. This time though, I am disappointed with you!" Professor Bai's eyes dimmed slightly as he lamented.

"Professor Bai, Ye Lingchen's mathematical talent definitely surpasses mine. Please believe me." Xu Wanqing bit her lip and insisted.

"Well, since you're still stubbornly insisting on going your way, pretend as though I said nothing." Professor Bai shook his head.

At the same time, in the classroom.

Many people looked at Ye Lingchen the same way Xu Dong did—with scrutiny in their eyes.

Professor An of Capital University stared solemnly at Ye Lingchen. "Student Ye, since you're a student of our Capital University, I shall ask you a question in my capacity as one of Capital University's professors. Do you really want to participate in this math competition?"

Ye Lingchen nodded.

Professor An said dejectedly, "I don't know why Teacher Xu wants to help you this way, but do you know how valuable your quota is to Teacher Xu? If our Capital city doesn't perform well in the competition this time, it will be a big blow to her. She might not even be allowed to tutor anymore!"

"Xu Wanqing allowed you to participate in the competition solely because she wanted you to make a name for yourself alongside the glory of the other two mathematical geniuses. That'll be very helpful for you in the future." Xu Dong also said, "But there are many hidden talents in the competition this time. You'll lag far behind and it'll even cause Capital's results to plummet!"

Everyone was looking at Ye Lingchen. Deep down, they believed that Xu Wanqing wanted to let Ye Lingchen ride on their coattails, which was practically the same as putting him on a pedestal. How ridiculous of her to do all that!

Ye Lingchen had no grounds and no knowledge to participate in that kind of competition. If a person like him was allowed to win the competition without even needing to lift a finger, Capital University would feel incredibly disgusted even if they won first place!

As for Zhang Yu and Cao Tongtong, there were hints of unhappiness and revulsion when they looked at Ye Lingchen.

It was practically a situation where two hard-working geniuses were asked by someone to let an unproductive rich kid tag along and allow that kid to share the spoils of glory with them. Such a feeling was even more uncomfortable than eating a swarm of flies.

"Student Ye, I believe that all of our students at Capital University are self-reliant and strive for self-improvement. You should take the initiative to convey to Teacher Xu your request to give up your spot," Professor An said in a serious tone.

However, Ye Lingchen shook his head slightly and replied solemnly, "Since this involves Teacher Xu's future career, there is all the more reason for me to participate and ace the competition."

WHAT?!

Everyone was shocked by Ye Lingchen's remarks and were left with their tongues in a twist.

"You, y-y-y-you!"

Professor An could hardly believe his ears. He glared at Ye Lingchen and could not even speak properly. He was so infuriated that his eyes nearly popped out and his old face reddened. "This child can't be taught! This child can't be taught! How is it possible that you're one of Capital University's students? I'm ashamed! ASHAMED!"

The old man did his best to be calm, but he was already thumping his chest the next moment. Tears were on the verge of flowing out, even.

Everyone else was not feeling much better either.

Shameless, utterly shameless!

They felt enlightened to see the existence of such brazen people in the world!

Harping on about getting good results; was that not a big, fat joke?

They looked at Ye Lingchen and felt only tightness in their hearts. They were already speechless by then.

He made such shameless remarks and still kept a straight face. That guy... He had probably lost all his integrity a long time ago.

At that time, Professor Bai and Xu Wanqing had walked in from outside. Neither seemed to be too happy, and Xu Wanqing could only give Ye Lingchen an apologetic smile.

Ye Lingchen shrugged indifferently.

"Let's get in the car, we have to rush to the competition venue now." Professor Bai's voice was a little hoarse. He looked at Ye Lingchen and let out another drawn-out sigh. The competition was anything but reassuring!

Others simply nodded and walked out of the classroom silently.

Originally, a couple of cheers would usually be uttered to improve morale before the competition. Even if it did not work as intended, a bit of comforting was necessary to reduce the pressure they were feeling in their hearts. At that point, however, no one was in the mood. They all seemed dispirited as they got up the car.

The group of people stared belligerently at Ye Lingchen and silently ostracized him. Ye Lingchen did not take it to heart and followed along leisurely...