Gao Wu: I'll enjoy the benefits, but you'll bear the side effects.

When it's time to eat, the warm yellow lights in the restaurant gently spill onto the tables like a light veil, enveloping everything in a cozy and pleasant atmosphere.

As everyone sat together, the beer bottles popped open one by one with a "pop" sound, a wonderful prelude to a joyful time that instantly dispelled some of the gloom that lingered in everyone's hearts.

Everyone raised their glasses and clinked them together lightly; the crisp sound of the glasses clinking echoed merrily in the air like leaping musical notes.

Huang Muran couldn't wait to reach for the fish on the plate with his chopsticks and quickly picked up a large piece and put it in his mouth.

The moment the fish entered her mouth, its tender and juicy flavor spread wildly across her tongue, and her eyes lit up instantly, as if sparkling stars were twinkling within them.

She chewed contentedly, her cheeks puffing out rhythmically, her face radiating pure enjoyment and pleasure.

Huang Muran thought to himself, he had been so busy with various matters lately that he hadn't had a proper meal. This fish was really delicious. He would enjoy this rare moment of leisure first and put all his other worries to the back of his mind.

Gao Jie looked at Huang Muran's appearance, and smiled slightly, a smile that carried a hint of teasing and concern.

"You seem less busy lately, so why are you so hungry? Have you been doing something behind our backs? To be honest, I've been feeling a bit off about you lately. Tell me, has something happened to you?"

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes filled with curiosity and doubt, like a persistent explorer investigating a mysterious treasure, trying to uncover the truth hidden behind Huang Muran's expression and reaction.

Huang Muran swallowed the fish in his mouth, pursed his lips, and muttered to himself:

What could possibly happen to me? I'm just overwhelmed by all these troublesome things.

But on the surface, he still looked dissatisfied and helpless.

"What could possibly happen to me? You've seen it for yourself. The problem is really serious, and you should know what we're facing, right?"

She sighed softly, a hint of worry in her eyes, like a wisp of dark cloud drifting across the jewel-like blue sky, adding a touch of melancholy to her otherwise bright eyes.

"However, I have considered these issues as well. In short, I find some problems quite troublesome. Don't you think so? We're going to be dealing with Jinling Buddhist Vocational College next. What if we mess up?"

Her brows furrowed slightly, as if they could trap a fly, and her chopsticks unconsciously stopped moving. She was silently worried about the upcoming competition, and the images of the mysterious and powerful opponents from Jinling Mage Vocational Academy involuntarily appeared in her mind. After all, their reputations were already well-known, and they were by no means ordinary people. The outcome of this competition was really hard to predict.

Gao Jie's expression calmed down after hearing her words, but his eyes revealed a firm determination.

"I don't think we'll fail. No matter how powerful Jinling Magic Vocational Academy is, they've only learned certain spells, and they're probably not even as good as us now. There's no need to be so nervous."

His voice was steady and powerful, like a heavy anchor being dropped into a turbulent sea, giving everyone a sense of reassurance and gradually calming their initially flustered emotions.

Huang Muran nodded, finding it quite reasonable, and then turned his gaze to Huang Xu.

Thinking to himself, Huang Xu is usually the most talkative, like a chattering little sparrow, why is he so quiet today? I have to ask him properly.

"Why aren't you saying anything? I remember you used to be the most talkative person, why are you silent now?"

Her eyes held a hint of amusement, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a mischievous smile.

Huang Xu was eating with his mouth full of oil, and a mischievous grain of rice was still stuck to his cheek.

Upon hearing Huang Muran's words, he picked up his glass and gulped down a large mouthful of beer. With a "glug," the beer flowed smoothly down his throat like a surging tide, and he let out a loud, satisfied burp.

"It feels so good. Let me tell you this, the principal is probably in a frenzy right now. According to reliable sources, the principal of Jinling Buddhist Vocational College and our principal seem to be former lovers, and now the two of them are getting together."

His eyes gleamed with a gossipy excitement, shining like mischievous little stars twinkling in the night sky. His voice unconsciously rose a few decibels, as if he wanted to convey this astonishing news to everyone in the most shocking way.

"We absolutely cannot lose this time, and they have most likely sent their strongest generals. You guys figure it out yourselves. Anyway, I don't plan to participate this time."

Gao Jie was stunned for a moment, his face showing surprise, his eyes wide open, as if he had heard an unbelievable fairy tale.

"What do you mean? You're not participating this time?"

His voice carried a hint of disbelief, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

Huang Xu nodded, his eyes filled with fear and evasion, and he shrank back slightly, looking like a frightened little quail.

"I'm not planning to participate this time. I'll definitely participate next time, but besides, you all know the principal's temper. What if he punishes me? So I'm not going to participate now. You guys have to do your best then. How about I cheer you on?"

He forced a fawning smile, a smile that looked worse than a grimace, in an attempt to ease the awkward and tense atmosphere.

Huang Muran curled her lip in disdain, thinking to herself:

That guy is such a coward, all he does is run away.

"Hmph, I knew you were a coward, always wanting to back down at the first sign of trouble."

Her eyes held a hint of disdain, and she slammed her chopsticks down on the bowl, making a crisp, loud clang, as if expressing her dissatisfaction and condemnation of Huang Xu.

"I knew you were the most unreliable guy. Let me tell you the truth, there's absolutely no way we're going to let you go. You think you can run away? Where do you think you're going?"

Huang Muran put down his chopsticks, crossed his arms, and said with a serious expression, his eyes fixed on Huang Xu as if trying to see through him.

"I'm telling you, this time, it looks like all of us will have to go. Xu Rourou, why aren't you saying anything?"

Huang Muran turned his gaze to Xu Rourou, his eyes filled with a hint of doubt and concern.

Xu Rourou looked a little embarrassed, her cheeks flushed slightly, the blush like the sunset, clearly showing that she had her worries written all over her face.

She lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, her eyes revealing a hint of struggle and unease.

Seeing this, Gao Jie simply spoke up.

"We've been through life and death together, after all. Now there's something I might need your help with. It's mainly about her sister."

Gao Jie's voice was sincere and earnest, and his eyes were full of expectation. He knew how important this matter was to Xu Rourou and hoped that everyone could lend a helping hand.

Upon hearing this, everyone looked puzzled, their faces filled with doubt. They hadn't expected that Xu Wanwan's situation was involved in this matter.

They looked at each other, their eyes filled with curiosity and confusion.

Xu Rourou paused for a moment, as if trying to organize her thoughts.

"As you should be aware of the current situation, to be honest, the problems are indeed a bit troublesome."

She slightly raised her head, her eyes filled with a hint of helplessness and bitterness.

"Let me tell you this now, as you all know: my sister is currently working outside, but I feel that she shouldn't be overworked so early."

Her voice trembled slightly, as if she were suppressing her inner emotions.

"If I do well this time, could you please talk to the principal and ask if my sister could study here?"

Her eyes were filled with pleading and longing, her gaze fixed on the crowd, hoping to get a sliver of affirmation from their eyes.

Everyone fell silent; the air seemed to freeze instantly, the stillness almost oppressive.

Because Huang Muran and the others all had their own plans, each weighing the pros and cons, and pondering how to deal with the current situation and their future plans.

After a long pause, Xu Rourou quickly explained, her eyes filled with a hint of unease and her voice slightly hurried.

"It's okay, I was just thinking about it. If you all feel it's inconvenient, then let's just forget about it for now. I don't mean anything by it, I just don't want my sister to be out in the world too early."

She bit her lower lip slightly, trying to hide her disappointment and embarrassment with a smile.

Huang Muran sighed, a sigh that seemed to carry a great deal of helplessness.

"We've all been through life and death together. Just as Gao Jie said, it's not that we don't want to help you, but that we can't."

She raised her head, staring blankly at the ceiling, and slowly said...

"Actually, I'm doing this so that I can study another major at the school. I've already promised the principal that as long as I pass this exam with the other school, I can study that major. That major has always been my dream, and I've put in so much effort for it. I can't let other things ruin everything."

Her eyes shone with determination and persistence, as if expressing the deepest desires of her heart.

Huang Xu scratched his head, a simple and honest smile appearing on his face.

"My situation is simple. I'm doing this for my diploma because my dad's business is currently affected and he needs my help. If I pass the exams, the principal promised to let me graduate early. I can't just watch my family's business collapse like this; I have to take responsibility."

His eyes revealed a hint of worry and urgency, and his hands unconsciously rubbed the hem of his clothes.

Xu Rourou didn't speak, she just sat there quietly, her eyes somewhat dim.

Gao Jie thought for a moment and then spoke, his expression serious and earnest.

"My situation isn't very good right now either, because the principal promised to give me a house, and I want my parents to stay in Nanjing. They've worked hard for me their whole lives, and I want to give them a stable home so they can live a good life."

His eyes were filled with longing and deep affection for his family.

Xu Rourou smiled, but the smile seemed somewhat forced.

"It's okay. Everyone is working hard for their future, and I think that's great."

Her voice was soft, yet carried a hint of barely perceptible bitterness.

Sister Wen, standing to the side, exchanged glances with them, her eyes filled with concern and worry.

"Alright, don't take it to heart. I've heard about your principal's situation. He's a tough guy to deal with. You're bringing this up suddenly, so your principal definitely won't agree. This situation is probably not very reliable."

Sister Wen frowned slightly and said earnestly,

"If you ask me, you should wait and bring this up later, since it's pointless to bring it up too early."

She gently patted Xu Rourou's shoulder, trying to offer her some comfort.

"Don't just stand there, everyone, hurry up and eat," Sister Wen said with a smile, trying to break the slightly dull atmosphere.

Everyone continued chatting and laughing, but Xu Rourou had an indescribable feeling. Her thoughts seemed to drift far away, and images of her sister working hard outside kept appearing in her mind.

After finishing their meal, everyone went back together. As they walked, Xu Rourou seemed preoccupied. Her steps were heavy, and her eyes were unfocused, as if she was thinking about something.

Gao Jie smiled, his smile warm and friendly.

"Don't take it to heart. I'm aware of the situation. If I have the chance, I'll definitely suggest it to the principal, okay?"

He gently patted Xu Rourou on the back, offering her some encouragement.

"Besides, your priority right now should be to quickly increase your experience, not worry about these things. As far as I know, they've arranged a very formidable opponent for you this time."

His eyes showed a hint of worry, and his tone became serious.

Upon hearing this, the little girl looked incredulous, her eyes wide open and her mouth slightly agape.

"Really? When did this happen?" Her voice was tinged with surprise and nervousness.

Gao Jie scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said.

"Of course, it's what the principal told me a while ago. He hoped you could put in a good effort this time. Don't worry, we will help with this. We won't stand idly by."

His gaze was firm as he looked at Xu Rourou, conveying confidence and strength to her.

The girl took a long breath, as if cheering herself up, then nodded and went back to the dormitory with Huang Muran.

Her silhouette looked somewhat lonely, yet also carried a hint of determination.

At this moment, Huang Xu came over and looked at Gao Jie with a hint of cunning and curiosity in his eyes.

"I've noticed something's really off about you, kid. What on earth are you up to? You shouldn't be pondering something, right?"

His lips curled up slightly, revealing a mischievous smile.

"Let me tell you, the current situation is quite complicated. You can't be unaware of this, can you?"

His eyes were fixed on Gao Jie, as if trying to see through his thoughts.

"Besides, I think you're getting a little carried away. Are you sure that girl will listen to you?"

He raised an eyebrow and continued to tease.

"I have a feeling you've probably fallen for her. Don't overthink it. There are some things I can help with, but there are others I simply can't."

His eyes held a hint of warning, as if reminding Gao Jie not to get too involved.

Gao Jie smiled, but his smile was somewhat helpless.

"Who said I have to help? I just don't have any good ideas about the current situation."

A complex emotion flashed in his eyes before he turned and continued walking forward.