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Since seeing the illusion card billboard at the Dual Ring Card Shop, Chris has lost interest in other illusion card advertisements. He finds it puzzling that some stores are not much smaller in scale than the card shop he just passed by, yet their illusion card advertisements differ so greatly in quality.

However, this time, Chris also gained a lot. At least he now knows what a real illusion card billboard should be. In his eyes, those illusion card billboards using beautiful women as a gimmick don't even count as true illusion card advertisements.

While his knowledge has expanded, the reality remains harsh.

At present, Chris has no way to create a work at the level of that illusion card billboard. Still, he plans to make an illusion card billboard for Uncle Hua, but it certainly won't be one of those beauty-themed illusion card advertisements.

After browsing around, Chris has roughly completed the mental draft of the billboard design for Uncle Hua. Now, all that's left is to make it. It should take about three days to finish.

...

"Zoe." A loud voice called out from behind Zoe Thediing. He stopped in his tracks and turned around, seeing a tall boy quickly catching up to him. It was Zoe's friend, Hunter.

"Haha, I finally caught you!" Hunter took a quick stride forward and hooked his arm around Zoe's neck. The slender Zoe Thediing staggered forward, dragged by his friend's force.

"Take it easy, we are in public!" Zoe frowned in displeasure, speaking in a low voice.

Hunter, completely unconcerned, replied, "Come on, who cares about this? You're just being pretentious—one word, fake!"

Standing at 1.8 meters tall with a well-built physique, Hunter filled out the school uniform snugly. Coupled with his handsome, cheerful demeanor and a bright, sunny smile, he was extremely popular at school. His bold and chivalrous personality further made him one of the most influential figures on campus.

In contrast, Zoe's frame appeared much slimmer. The fitted school uniform gave him an air of elegance, and the refined demeanor unique to a card maker made him even more popular among the girls than Hunter.

"According to Article 91 of the East Guard Academy Rules, students must maintain their image in public places."

"And Article 16 of the East Guard Academy Dress Code states that on school days, students must wear their uniforms when entering the school, with their attire neat and clean, especially around the collar and uniform buttons..."

Zoe stood up straight, smoothing his school uniform before speaking, his expression stern and each word deliberate, his gaze fixed on Hunter's open collar.

"Enough, enough, I surrender!" Hunter quickly pleaded. Since entering the school's discipline office, Zoe had become the first student in the school's history to memorize all 722 school rules, big or small, by heart. He wasn't afraid of Zoe taking him to the discipline office but was wary of his constant nagging.

"Hey, look, isn't that Cindy?" Hunter quickly seized the opportunity to change the subject.

Not far from them was a girl with a pink hair clip. She held an ice pop in one hand and a colorful gossip magazine in the other. Behind her, two dogs—one large and one small—trailed along.

Zoe's expression returned to normal, and he began walking forward. Hunter quickly caught up, and the two walked side by side. Zoe nodded slightly and asked, "Are you interested in her?"

"Better forget about it," Hunter quickly shook his head. "I wouldn't dare. Do you know who her brother is? The Chief of the East Business City Guard. Haha, last time, that guy Aragon tried to hit on her and ended up being taken straight to the guard station. He was in there for five whole hours, and they say he looked like a wreck when he came out!" Hunter clicked his tongue in amazement.

"Hmm, serves him right," Zoe snorted disdainfully. He had always looked down on spoiled brats like Aragon. Zoe came from a prestigious family, while Aragon's father, though a wealthy tycoon, was no more than a nouveau riche in the eyes of Zoe's noble household. At least that guy was smart enough not to cause trouble under Zoe's watch.

"I heard that someone from the Star Academy is coming to our school soon?" Hunter asked tentatively.

Zoe glanced at him with slight surprise. "Your sources are pretty sharp." Zoe, being well-liked by the teachers, usually got wind of major school events early. Plus, being in the school's discipline office, he was more informed about school affairs than the normal student.

"Haha, of course," Hunter replied boastfully, then added indignantly, "But you're really something! Such big news, and you didn't even give me a heads-up."

Zoe explained, "I only found out recently myself. The school wants us to tighten up on discipline to avoid embarrassing ourselves in front of outsiders." 

"How soon are they coming? And what are they here for?" Hunter asked.

"About a month or so. I'm not really sure why they're coming, just something about an exchange program," Zoe replied. 

"What do you think the students from the Star Academy are like? It's exciting to think about!" Hunter's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. He suddenly turned his head, "Zoe, do you want to go to the Star Academy?"

Zoe stopped in his tracks, tilting his head in thought for a moment before shaking it slightly. "I'm not sure. Although the Star Academy has declined a bit in recent years, it's still one of the Six Great Academies. The depth of their foundation is far beyond that of most schools. Besides, their visit this time might not have anything to do with recruiting students."

"Come on, I bet it's about recruitment. How many years has it been since the Star Academy last engaged with other schools? If it's not about attracting new students, what else could it be?" Hunter dismissed the idea, feeling confident that if this were the case, his chances would be good.

Zoe understood his friend's true potential—Hunter's real strength was far greater than what he usually displayed. 

"Then why would they choose our school?" Zoe pointed straight to the heart of the matter.

Exactly, if it's about recruitment, why would the Star Academy pick East Guard Academy? There are plenty of schools better than East Guard Academy, so why would they choose this one?

"Uh..." Hunter was momentarily at a loss for words. "I wonder if the students coming this time are from the Inner Academy or the Outer Academy," Zoe mused aloud. 

"Hopefully, it's the Inner Academy. The Outer Academy would be pretty boring," Hunter quickly latched onto Zoe's comment, pushing the earlier question aside.

Zoe gave Hunter a disdainful glance. "I doubt even the Outer Academy students from the Star Academy would be easy for some of our so-called 'experts' to handle." He emphasized each word of "so-called experts" with deliberate clarity.

Hunter let out a dry laugh. "Zoe, you're just boosting others' morale while undercutting our own."