TEFSCBSS Chapter 120

Chapter 120: The Challenge Match Is About to Begin

Gu Qing was grumbling under his breath as he packed up his little bundle, stuffing the bits and pieces from his street stall inside.

What a day—what kind of people had he run into?

A group of naive little nobles from Jin, a mysterious swordsman playing at being aloof… Tch, just as he thought—South City’s feng shui was better. People were kinder, and customers were more pleasant!

Gu Qing swore he’d never come to the West City to tell fortunes again!

Unfortunately, while he could control his path, others weren’t so lucky.

Han Yueyi trudged back to the West City with a look of utter misery. His father, the Emperor, had assigned him to play host to the visiting diplomats from Jin—show them around the capital, treat them to food and drinks on the state’s dime.

Sigh. Honestly, he’d rather be at the Academy staring at Grand Tutor Wang’s crusty old face.

Worst part? That Princess Changting seemed to have taken a liking to him, constantly bossing him around.

Damn it, why did his father have to stick him with this job?

After several grueling days under Changting’s “gentle care,” Han Yueyi finally got a day to breathe.

Ding ding ding!

The first-ever “Heart-throbbing Hiring Order Challenge Event” was starting!

The Jin envoys had received word early in the morning to go check out an activity at the Xilou Script Shop—something new and trendy in Dayin. So, once Han Yueyi was all dressed and ready, he gathered up Princess Changting and the others from the guesthouse and headed straight for the Xilou Script Shop.

At this moment, the entrance to Xilou looked the same as usual, with a raised platform in front. But it was empty—only Su Li stood there, holding a loudspeaker.

“Ahem.”

Despite the noisy crowd, Su Li remained calm. And as she cleared her throat, the chatter died almost instantly.

Changting thought: Hmm, this woman’s got presence.

“Welcome, everyone, to the ‘Heart-throbbing Hiring Order’—the Challenge Match for the Assistant Magistrate Internship Season!”

“Let’s bring out our ten candidates!”

Clap clap clap! A wave of applause erupted as ten young talents in matching uniforms stepped onto the stage, each wearing a composed, confident smile.

People in the crowd began shouting in support of their favorites.

“Go Scholar Wang! You’re the best! Mom will always support you!”

“Mr. Jiang is the most handsome!”

“Zhao Gongzi is unmatched!”

Over the past weeks, these ten had been seen all over the city carrying out tasks, explaining policy, and solving disputes. People had watched them grow from fresh-faced rookies into capable, charismatic young leaders. Of course the crowd was excited—they felt like proud parents.

Hearing the cheers, Candidate No. 8 raised his head proudly and nudged No. 1 with his elbow.

“Did you hear that? Someone said I’m good-looking!”

No. 1 replied flatly: “Get lost.”

“Alright, everyone, let’s settle down a bit!” Su Li said, raising her voice.

“Next, let’s welcome our challenger team!”

“Over the past weeks, many have been secretly preparing, improving themselves, and submitting challenge applications. After a thorough screening, we’ve selected these ten outstanding young men!”

“Let’s give them a warm round of applause!”

Clap clap clap! The crowd applauded again as a line of challengers marched onto the platform from the other side. They weren’t in uniform, but carried themselves with pride and confidence, each with a red ribbon tied around one arm for identification.

Most striking among them was a black-clad swordsman, his large blade wrapped in worn cloth on his back.

The moment he stepped out, a wave of shrieking girls swept through the crowd. He was the picture of a roguish martial hero!

But the swordsman himself? Cold-faced, unmoved.

Su Li pursed her lips. Tch, first time someone’s stolen her spotlight on the platform. She didn’t like it!

He looked like trouble.

But hey, she was the boss of this script shop. She could handle it. Besides, this was a mental competition, and that guy looked like a typical brute—no way he’d succeed.

Hmph!

She cleared her throat again to calm the excited audience.

“Also, we have a special challenger team joining us today—from the State of Jin! International friends, if you will!”

“Let’s welcome our distinguished guests to this friendly exchange match!”

Changting and the other Jin envoys stepped onstage to a few scattered claps… and a whole lot of boos.

“Tch, I’ve seen those three before. Played Warring States the other day—couldn’t handle it, got mad, totally embarrassing.”

“Exactly. And now they want to compete? Do they even know what they’re doing?”

“Careful now—that’s a Jin diplomat. High-ranking!”

“So what? This is Dayin! If they’ve got guts, let them beat me in the street—I’d like to see them make it home alive!”

The crowd was buzzing with judgment. Onstage, the Jin envoys weren’t looking too pleased either.

Meanwhile, in a second-floor private room…

Familiar faces—Wang Bokao was cackling at Han Yueyi.

“Ha! I was wondering where you’d gone—turns out you’ve been playing tour guide?”

“Shut it.”

“Oh no, I’m just getting started!” Wang Bokao laughed uncontrollably. “Look at those people—you can tell they’re trouble. So? You having fun with Princess Changting?”

“She may be a bit bratty,” he mused, “but gotta admit, she’s a looker. So—isn’t she here for a political marriage? Got any juicy intel?”

“Which poor prince did she set her sights on? Come on, tell me! I need to know who to laugh at!”

He fired off questions like a machine gun. Han Yueyi’s expression just got darker and darker.

Suddenly, Wang Bokao’s laughter stopped.

“…Wait a minute. That look on your face—”

“She’s not into you, is she?!”

Eyes wide, he glanced at Han Yueyi, then at Changting onstage, then at Su Li… then back to Han Yueyi.

“Yikes—what about Su Li?”

“Shut up already! Nothing’s been decided!” Han Yueyi snapped. “Besides, I’m already engaged. Father wouldn’t allow it.”

Slamming his cup onto the table, Han Yueyi fumed. He finally had a day to enjoy himself, and his best friend was clowning on him? Some childhood friend.

Wang Bokao shrank back a little. “Fine, fine. But…”

“Ahem. I think this is a golden opportunity.”

“What if Su Li sees you getting closer to Changting, realizes her feelings, and gets a little jealous? Then you can swoop in and seal the deal on your engagement!”

He beamed proudly. What a perfect plan—surely he was the greatest wingman ever.

But instead of gratitude, Han Yueyi grabbed him and unleashed a storm of punches.

“Whoa whoa whoa! What are you hitting me for?!”

Han Yueyi shot him a cold look. “Su Li’s script pegged you perfectly. You are a scheming fox, coming up with crap like this!”

“Romance is about sincerity and loyalty!”

“And you want me to play mind games? Set traps?”

“Do you honestly think you can outwit Su Li at her own game?”

“If I tried this, neither of us would be allowed back in the script shop ever again.”

Still fuming, Han Yueyi gave him one last kick.

Sorry, brother, but I’ve got steam to blow off. You’re gonna be my punching bag for a bit—thanks for understanding.