Lin Feng drove straight to the school auditorium, finding the campus, once desolate due to the holiday, now bustling with activity. The area around the auditorium was filled with laughter and chatter. Many students preparing for the orientation party were rehearsing their dances and songs in their costumes. There were even some rehearsing for speaking roles, contorting their faces and reciting lines with dramatic flair.

"Everyone, take this seriously! The orientation party is an important annual ceremony. Not only will the principal attend, but leaders from the Bureau of Education might also come to inspect. Make sure you all perform well and absolutely do not embarrass yourselves!" Li Qiuyi, the party's director and a professor from the Academy of Art, surveyed the hard-working students with a stern expression. Her attractive face, though well-maintained, often creased with displeasure. She was a woman who took great care of herself, possessing a slender figure that made her appear to be in her early thirties, though in reality, she was well over forty.

Li Qiuyi was extremely strict with both herself and her students. She would not tolerate anyone merely going through the motions and potentially ruining the entire event. She was always resolute in removing those who lagged behind, firmly believing in quality over quantity.

As Lin Feng, Ning Aoxue, and Su Zi entered the main entrance of the auditorium, they were immediately met by Li Qiuyi's piercing gaze. "Which performance are you three a part of? Why are you so late? There are only a few days left! Don't you understand the need to practice diligently? What kind of behavior is this, dawdling around?!"

Just as Lin Feng was about to respond, he noticed Li Qiuyi's gaze quickly shift past him, landing on Zheng Xiaolong, who was approaching from behind them.

Li Qiuyi's expression subtly changed, softening into a warm smile like a spring breeze. She moved past the three of them to greet Zheng Xiaolong with a gentle voice, "Little Dragon, why are you so late? Is it because things are too busy at home? If you really have pressing matters, it's alright if you don't come. Don't I trust your abilities?"

Zheng Xiaolong, who had been in a foul mood, felt his spirits lift somewhat after hearing Li Qiuyi's gentle praise. He cast a smug glance at Lin Feng and then casually replied, "I was just caught in a bit of traffic. Don't worry, Teacher Li, I'll train diligently and won't disappoint you."

"That's good. Little Dragon, you shouldn't be too nervous. In my eyes, in all of Jiangzhou University, you're the most suitable person to host the party. If you can't do it well, others wouldn't even be up for consideration. I have absolute faith in you!" Li Qiuyi said with a smile, her tone matter-of-fact, as if stating a simple truth, completely devoid of any hint of flattery.

The truth was, Li Qiuyi had already paved a way out for Zheng Xiaolong. Whether or not he was the most suitable person was debatable, but since the choice had been made, her word was final. If Zheng Xiaolong did make a mistake during the event, Li Qiuyi could use these words to counter any criticism. After all, if even Zheng Xiaolong could err, could anyone else guarantee a flawless performance?

"It seems Teacher Li's strictness varies depending on the person! I wonder what's so special about this Zheng Xiaolong that she'd go to such lengths to pave the way for him," Lin Feng mused aloud with a light smile.

"He's the son of Vice Principal Zheng Yi," Su Zi said with a smile. "Not only that, but his mother is also the deputy director of the district's Bureau of Education. Such a princeling naturally warrants Teacher Li smoothing his path!"

Lin Feng didn't know where Su Zi had gotten this information, but it was likely true. However, when he heard Su Zi utter the word 'princeling,' he couldn't help but wonder, Why that faint tone of disdain?

After sweet-talking Zheng Xiaolong for a few more moments, Li Qiuyi turned back to Lin Feng and the others, her impatience now even more evident. "Alright, you three, out with it. Which performance are you part of? Don't waste my time."

"Teacher Li, this is my partner, Ning Aoxue…" Zheng Xiaolong, who was behind Li Qiuyi, suddenly stepped forward, gesturing towards Ning Aoxue as he explained, "As for this young lady, she's my partner's best friend, here to accompany her. But this gentleman… he's just the driver who brought them. I don't think he has anything to do with the party…"

As Zheng Xiaolong spoke, he subtly gave Li Qiuyi a look, signaling her to have Lin Feng leave.

Li Qiuyi understood his cue. Her gaze towards Ning Aoxue softened considerably. After looking Ning Aoxue up and down, she praised from the heart, "Little Dragon, you certainly have good taste! What an excellent choice for a partner!"

In fact, although Li Qiuyi found Ning Aoxue attractive, she didn't think she'd be a competent host. However, she had known beforehand that Zheng Xiaolong was changing partners and had approved it… While a flicker of concern for the hosting quality crossed her mind, Li Qiuyi genuinely admired Zheng Xiaolong's eye for women.

"Teacher Li, you flatter me," Zheng Xiaolong said, with a hint of smugness in his casual tone. "Miss Aoxue was the announcer for her high school's broadcasting station and has extensive hosting experience. Although she may not have a wealth of on-stage experience, I believe that with a few days of practice, she will perfectly accomplish the task assigned to us by the school leadership."

So, she was from the broadcasting station! Li Qiuyi now felt a genuine admiration for Zheng Xiaolong, and her prejudice against Ning Aoxue vanished. It turned out this girl, who appeared so cool and aloof, was actually a promising talent!

"Little Li, come and take Miss Aoxue and her friend to the girls' dressing room to try out some styles!" Remembering Zheng Xiaolong's hint, Li Qiuyi instructed a girl named Little Li to lead Ning Aoxue and Su Zi away. Then, her gaze, now very distant and formal, fell on Lin Feng. She stated coldly, "As for you, there's nothing for you here. To avoid disturbing everyone, please leave."

Standing to the side, Zheng Xiaolong watched Lin Feng with a triumphant expression, thinking, Teacher Li is notoriously difficult. Let's see how you manage to stay! Once you're gone, Aoxue and her beautiful best friend will be all mine!

Lin Feng naturally knew Zheng Xiaolong had instigated this and was quite annoyed. However, considering Li Qiuyi was a teacher, he felt he shouldn't be too confrontational and cause her to lose face. He softened his tone slightly and asked, "I'm also a student at Jiangzhou University. Can't I just wait here in the auditorium?"

Seeing Lin Feng's tone soften, Li Qiuyi grew even more imperious, her expression hardening. "In short, students not involved in the performance cannot stay. I'm in charge here! Get out now!"

"If students not performing can't stay, then how did Su Zi accompany Ning Aoxue in earlier?" Lin Feng's anger simmered as he retorted coolly, his gaze sweeping over Li Qiuyi.

"Are you the same as her? She's a girl!" Li Qiuyi scoffed, adding silently, And a pretty girl, one Little Dragon fancies.

"So girls are allowed to stay? Teacher, you're being quite arbitrary, aren't you!" Lin Feng said, his eyes narrowing.

"So what if I'm arbitrary?! What can you do about it?" Li Qiuyi retorted smugly. "Leave now, or I'll have security drag you out!"

Lin Feng moved, but not towards the auditorium exit. Instead, under the astonished gazes of Li Qiuyi and Zheng Xiaolong, he walked straight towards the girls' dressing room, pushed open the door, and was about to step inside…

"You… you… Are you looking to die?!" Li Qiuyi hurried after him, blocking his path and demanding.

"Teacher, you were right about one thing," Lin Feng said with a smile. "I don't follow rules. What can you do about it?"

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