TEFSCBSS Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Quota Competition (Part 1)

One Must Revel in Success, for Misfortune May Strike at Any Moment

Wang Bokao strutted home with a smug grin. He had successfully outmaneuvered Han Yueyi, and recruited Gu Qing as a powerful ally, and now all that was left was to attend the selection tomorrow afternoon. He hoped to scout for potential teammates in advance.

At this moment, Wang Bokao felt like a modern-day Zhuge Liang—no matter what obstacles lay ahead, he could strategize his way through them with ease.

However, he was so caught up in his triumph that he failed to notice Grand Tutor Wang and his men lying in ambush. The moment Wang Bokao stepped through the door, he was swiftly thrown into a sack. Without hesitation, Grand Tutor Wang grabbed a spiked club and started swinging.

Why the sack? Well, because he was his grandson—seeing his face while beating him would make it harder to land the blows.

Fortunately, both grandfather and grandson were experienced in this routine. As Grand Tutor Wang chased and struck, Wang Bokao, despite his impaired vision, dodged nimbly, evading every fierce swing.

Their scuffle at the entrance caught the attention of the Minister of Justice, who had just returned from lunch. His eyes gleamed with excitement. He promptly ordered a servant to bring out some food—after all, how could he miss out on such an entertaining mealtime spectacle?

“Speak! What were you sneaking around the academy for? Passing notes? What’s so important that you can’t tell me directly?”

Grand Tutor Wang was livid. His grandson was growing more unruly by the day, completely beyond control.

Wang Bokao howled in protest while desperately explaining the details of a new script.

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Justice’s eyes sparkled. A new script?

He and Grand Tutor Wang exchanged a glance. It seemed there would be fresh entertainment after court in the coming days. However, the last script had already been quite the challenge. They needed to gather more information about this new one.

With that thought, Grand Tutor Wang unceremoniously fished an invitation letter out of Wang Bokao’s robes. He and the Minister of Justice examined it carefully.

“Hmm… This calligraphy has some depth.”

“Indeed. The design is intricate, vivid.”

“Exactly! Look—on the surface, it speaks of virtue, but in reality? It’s composed of various negative emotions. There’s meaning here, deep meaning.”

“‘Shan Shi Village,’ a ritual… It doesn’t sound simple.”

The Minister of Justice pondered. Just looking at the invitation wouldn’t reveal much; they needed someone to investigate firsthand. Grand Tutor Wang had the same idea and turned his gaze toward Wang Bokao.

“Go back and recover. If you accomplish nothing in the new script two days from now, don’t call yourself my grandson!”

Damn it! Wang Bokao fumed. I led everyone to victory in the last script, and you’ve already forgotten? Am I even your real grandson?!

Despite his complaints, he dared not argue back. Instead, he hurried to his courtyard to feed the pigs.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice had another concern—only the top three players in the Tianzi Ranking received an invitation. He wasn’t sure if Zhao Wen could secure a spot in the upcoming competition.

“What? Father, you want me to do what?!” Zhao Wen was outraged. His father wanted him to marry Su Li. Otherwise, why would he, a man forced to study legal codes every day, be suddenly told to join a script competition?

“Quit whining and do as I say!”

Word of the quota competition spread quickly. Many script shop regulars and guests from past banquets arrived at the Xilou the next day out of curiosity—even Su Yao, who was determined to see what tricks Su Li had up her sleeve.

The young nobles and ladies booked every private room in the opposite restaurant, much to the joy of the innkeeper. He had long known that Su Li was worth befriending—a true business partner!

With her around, his business thrived every month. Who would’ve thought that a shop on the outskirts of the imperial city could be so lucrative?

Even nearby pastry vendors and street stall owners were ecstatic. Since Xilou’s opening, they, too, had been raking in profits.

But back to the main event—Su Li stepped onto the stage that Zhao Si had prepared in advance. She was now experienced. The moment she appeared, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Su Li smiled warmly and motioned for silence. She carried herself with an air of effortless grace.

“Everyone, thank you for coming!”

“It’s been a while since our last script game. But now, after much effort, I present to you our second script—‘Mountain Village Corpse’!”

“This is no ordinary ‘teacher.’” Su Li shook her head. “This story takes place in the remote Shan Shi Village… a place so eerie, it doesn’t even feel like the living world.”

The audience gasped. Not like the living world? What did that mean? A sinister atmosphere?

In a private room on the second floor, Su Yao scoffed. “Ridiculous.”

Beside her, Cui Zhu was equally unimpressed. What a joke. It’s just a ghost story, yet these people act as if they’ve never heard one before.

Despite their skepticism, Su Li had successfully piqued the crowd’s interest. However, she didn’t intend to reveal too much just yet.

“You all know why we’re here today—to select three players for the new script’s first run!”

“Of course, even if you don’t make it to the top three, don’t be discouraged. No matter how far you progress, you’ll earn points based on your ranking!”

“Think about it—this is a great opportunity! The higher you rank in this competition, the more points you earn. You might even break into the Tianzi Ranking! And that means a shot at the top three spots for the next script!”

Su Li’s words worked like a charm. The crowd, thoroughly convinced, clenched their fists in anticipation.

By now, everyone knew that points were valuable—they represented status and intelligence. Those on the ranking board could walk through the streets with their heads held high.

And now? Now was their chance to climb the ranks and knock others down!

Seeing their enthusiasm, Su Li quickly explained the rules.

“There are many participants today, so for the sake of fairness and organization, all contestants should get a number from Zhao Si over there.”

“If you’re here just to watch, please step back behind the white line. Let’s be civilized spectators and avoid disturbing the players.”

“Also, tea and snacks are available. Find a seat and don’t wander around.”

In no time, the venue was neatly arranged, leaving a much clearer view of the participants. However, two figures among them stood out.

Zhao Wen: …Damn it. My father forced me into this. What choice did I have?

He kept his head low, avoiding eye contact with his friend, Qian Jin, who was staring at him in utter disbelief from the opposite restaurant.

I’m tainted, Zhao Wen lamented. I’ve been forced into Su Li’s little group. My father is selling me off to her! Wuwuwu…

While few recognized Zhao Wen, everyone noticed the other unusual participant—a monk in robes.

“Master Wufei, why are you here?”

“Yeah, aren’t you ranked second? Shouldn’t you already have an invitation?”

Wufei remained composed, unbothered by their questions. He turned elegantly toward the open restaurant windows and addressed the nobles inside.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I do indeed have an invitation. But perhaps… some of you would be interested in fate?”

His voice was steady, his expression serene, but the meaning was clear.

The monk is selling his spot?! And then entering the competition to win another one?!

Once the crowd realized what was happening—even the butcher, Liu—glared at Wufei in outrage.

Shameless!

Yet, before anyone could protest—

Someone made an offer.