"Oh, senior, you've heard of me." Ye Tong nodded, glancing at him with a hint of amusement.
This time, Zhao Zhihan and the others couldn't smile anymore. Though they were unwilling, they knew their own place. "Sorry for the interruption, let's communicate more in the future."
Zhou Naiyi could only shake her head, pulling Ye Tong's hand. "Junior, welcome. The principal is waiting. Let's drop off your luggage and head over. Ma Long, you can step aside."
"Senior, I have the utmost respect for you. Besides, my heart has always been with Class 16 even when I'm in Cao Ying. Let me introduce myself. Ye Tong, such a beautiful name. Is it 'Moon Eyes' of the night? Sounds familiar. Junior, are you interested in joining the photography club? How about drama?"
Ma Long was absolutely confident that he had made a lasting impression on Ye Tong.
Zhou Naiyi smiled helplessly. "Ma Long, I'm sure you've heard of Tong Shen's name."
In an instant, the people around them realized, their expressions filled with understanding, though they didn't dare to be too bold.
Ma Long stood stunned for a moment, "What? It's really her…"
"Ye Tong, I'm your fan! Can you give me an autograph?" someone in the crowd mustered up the courage to ask.
Zhou Naiyi was at a loss for words. She had underestimated the persistence of these people. Not only that, but the crowd didn't disperse. Even Zhao Zhihan was watching from a distance.
Tong Shen, a well-known figure in the EMP, was ranked consistently in the top three in the three-year military preparatory program for the Asia region. Not only had top USE universities sent out offers, but even the prestigious NUP military academy had invited her, including two of NUP's top ten schools. Her decision to join Tianjing Mech and Martial Arts Academy had caused quite a stir.
One word—limitless potential.
"Senior, do you have a student named Li Hao in your class?" Ye Tong suddenly asked.
The atmosphere became tense, carrying a bit of awkwardness.
"Li Hao, do you know him?" Zhou Naiyi asked, surprised.
Ye Tong smiled gently, "Yes, Senior. I'd like to meet him before going to see the principal."
Ma Long became excited, "Whoa, what's going on? There's a story here! Junior, this is fate. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm very familiar with Brother Hao. We share a bunk, best bros! There he is, the one cleaning the table. Brother Hao, over here!"
Ma Long waved to Li Hao and the others as they prepared to clean up the photography club posters and go for lunch.
"Third brother, once you're done, let's eat," Li Hao said. He suddenly felt a sharp gaze locking onto him. His muscles instinctively tensed, but he quickly relaxed. ... This is Tianjing.
Ye Tong walked towards Li Hao step by step. Li Hao furrowed his brow and stared unblinking at her, and everyone could sense that something was off.
Li Hao was not well-known, but everyone knew that Ye Tong was the apple of Principal Long's eye and a core member of the team that would rebuild the glory of Tianjing Mech and Martial Arts. Offending her would definitely lead to bad consequences.
Ye Tong looked at the person in front of her. Though it had been four or five years, she was sure it was him.
The two stood facing each other. Li Hao's expression was calm, his mind racing to think. He was sure... he didn't owe money to anyone.
Ye Tong suddenly smiled, stepping forward. The distance between them became very, very close, and the surrounding air seemed to freeze.
Ye Tong leaned forward, slowly approaching Li Hao's ear. "Li Hao, we've finally met."
The scent of her fragrance was faint, fresh, and captivating. Li Hao instinctively pulled back a little. "Junior, are you sure you have the right person?"
Ye Tong gazed deeply at Li Hao. "I won't be wrong. We'll see each other again."
Ye Tong didn't say more and left with Zhou Naiyi to meet the principal, leaving a group of people in a daze.
...
In Dorm 4396, the atmosphere was very lively, with three curious people.
"Brother Hao, do you know Tong Shen??" Zuo Xiaotang asked in surprise. "Tong Shen's shooting skills are unmatched."
"Ye Tong is also strong in close combat. She specializes in NUP's light mechs. I thought she'd go study on the moon, but she came to Tianjing. Interesting," Musashi said, clearly intrigued. This was a skilled person.
"You two idiots, is that the point? She's a stunning beauty! Brother Hao, what did she say to you? You two are so familiar? Whispering to each other like that?" Ma Long was itching with curiosity. This was a rare chance, and yet they seemed like two parallel lines that would never meet.
Li Hao shrugged helplessly and pointed to his head. "This junior probably mistook me for someone else. Or maybe something's off here. I really don't know her."
Ma Long slapped his hands together. "Definitely a mistake. I believe in Brother Hao's character. Brother Hao, beauties are trouble. This Tong Shen is trouble among troubles. It's better not to provoke her."
Zuo Xiaotang couldn't help but speak up. "Then why did you go after Senior Sheng Man, and keep showing off your love?"
"You don't understand. If I don't go to hell, who will? It's the Buddhist heart, it requires enlightenment. Beautiful women are dangerous."
The three dorm mates all gave him a look of disdain.
Li Hao smiled and nodded. "Can we eat?"
"Brothers, today the photography club welcomed five new juniors. Thanks for your support. Let's eat well!" Ma Long suddenly became happy again, and of course, the three younger brothers were also of decent quality.
At the principal's office.
Long Danni, 35 years old, a core member of the USE's young generation, with short black hair, neat and sharp. She wore a silver USE Federation military uniform, a major's rank, with a scar on her forehead, which slightly detracted from her beauty but added a mysterious aura. She exuded an imposing aura, a powerhouse who had participated in regional wars and cleared out space pirates, going from the frontlines to a commanding position.
When the decision to transfer was made, Long Danni didn't hesitate at all. She knew that the military academy situation directly determined the USE's combat power, and as someone with firsthand war experience, she understood the problems facing USE.
A knock sounded, and Long Danni put down her documents. "Come in."
Zhou Naiyi and Ye Tong walked in, stood at attention, and saluted.
Long Danni smiled slightly. "Ah, Xiao Tong, welcome! Please, sit. Naiyi, you can take Xiao Tong on a tour of the school later."
"Yes, Principal."
"Then I'll leave it to you, Senior."
Long Danni called them in, partly because she valued Ye Tong, but also because she had other matters to discuss. In fact, the USE reforms had already begun. Tianjing's Class 16 was somewhat of a pilot program, but due to the overall situation, it hadn't made much impact yet. The Solar System Mech Competition had also exposed the final flaws. She believed the benefits of reform outweighed the costs.
"Naiyi, Ye Tong, I've called you here today to hear your opinions on the current state of Tianjing Mech and Martial Arts," Long Danni said, smiling as her assistant entered the room to pour water for the two.
Zhou Naiyi and Ye Tong didn't speak right away. Both were highly intelligent, and they knew that in front of Principal Long, they couldn't be too bold. This principal wasn't from an academic background; she was a true combat veteran.
"Ye Tong, why don't you start? I'm quite curious. So many schools tried to recruit you, why did you choose Tianjing Mech and Martial Arts?" Long Danni asked with a smile.
Zhou Naiyi was a bit surprised. The outside world believed that Ye Tong came because of Long Major, but that didn't seem to be the case.
"Principal, I'm not familiar with Tianjing Mech and Martial Arts, but based on the performance in the Solar System competition, the Tianjing team lacks individual capability, their tactics are outdated, and the team members lack drive. They didn't win when they should have, and the ones they could have fought for, they lost," Ye Tong said bluntly, not mincing words. She hadn't come here to be polite. "I hope to gain more freedom at Tianjing."
Long Danni nodded. "Naiyi, you were the top of last year's class. If I made you the team leader, and you could pick your own members, do you think you could form a team that would surpass the old one?"
Zhou Naiyi thought for a moment. "Principal, if Ye Tong joins my team, I'm 90% confident!"
This was what she aimed to do. Now that she had Musashi, adding Ye Tong would truly be a great boost.
Humanity had reached its current dominant position due to three core technologies: "Curvature Space Technology," "Ivent Genetic Natural Adjustment Technology," and "Somarite-Type Planetary Gravity Modification Technology." The maturity of Ivent Genetic Natural Adjustment Technology allowed humans to significantly improve their physical and mental endurance, making it possible to adapt to the environment of other planets. Some individuals even possessed "golden genes," highlighting their exceptional abilities and offering huge potential for female mech pilots.
"Very good, Naiyi as team leader, Ye Tong as vice-leader. You two have full authority to form the team. Send me the list."
"Yes, Principal!" Zhou Naiyi was a bit excited. Normally, such decisions were only made in the third year.
"Naiyi, there's a student in your class named Li Hao. How is his level?" Long Danni suddenly asked.
Zhou Naiyi froze. This was the second surprise of the day. Could it be...? After thinking for a moment, she said, "Principal, although Li Hao's results are not ideal, he's well-rounded. He can easily complete an hour of daily training under 2x gravity. If he works harder, I believe he can improve. Please give him some time."
Ye Tong's eyes flashed with a hint of interest, and Long Danni also nodded thoughtfully.
"Then, you can put him on your team. Of course, whether to use him or not is your decision." Long Danni suddenly said.
Zhou Naiyi was surprised but nodded.
After leaving the principal's office, Zhou Naiyi took Ye Tong to introduce her to the main buildings of Tianjing Mech and Martial Arts Academy. As the top institution in the Asia region, the hardware was naturally impeccable. However, Ye Tong didn't seem too concerned. As they chatted, it became clear that women were strange creatures—if they didn't get along, four people could form three factions and create a complex web of intrigue. But if they did click, they became like long-lost friends.
"Ye Tong, how do you know Li Hao? It seems like he doesn't recognize you?" Zhou Naiyi couldn't help but ask. Today was too strange. Neither Ye Tong nor Principal Long should have been concerned with Li Hao, yet their behavior was odd, and it seemed like there was something Zhou Naiyi didn't know.
Ye Tong smiled slightly, lightly twirling a strand of her hair. "I have some history with him. By the way, is his girlfriend from our school?"
"I've never heard of him having a girlfriend." Zhou Naiyi shook her head. With Ye Tong's condition, no one would think much of it. "Last year, his overall ranking was last in our class. I was worried he'd cause trouble, but based on what the principal said, it doesn't seem like that's the case."
"Naiyi, scores don't mean much. By the way, I've heard the beef in the Tianjing cafeteria is amazing. As a newcomer, I have to mooch a meal off you, Senior," Ye Tong said, linking arms with Zhou Naiyi, smiling.
It was clear that Ye Tong wasn't as aloof as people thought. However... Li Hao, with no background, transferring from the journalism department to the special mech class—was there something she had missed?