Xia Hunao's action truly caught everyone around by surprise, especially Shen Yu, whom he kissed. However, Shen Yu and Xia Hunao had known each other for so many years, so she didn't resort to slapping him or pushing him away.
Meanwhile, Yu Longdu, who had been single all his life, couldn't handle such stimulation and squatted down with Yu Xiaoning, who was eating cake. As for Yu Linglong, a big star, she wasn't unfamiliar with kissing scenes, making her the most composed person present.
If one had to say who among the onlookers had the most chaotic state of mind, it would be the instigators of this whole affair: Zhang Hong and Yu Tingyun.
Since they were still at the party, Xia Hunao's kiss was a mere peck. The two quickly separated, but Xia Hunao turned to look at Zhang Hong, saying, "So, some dog food isn't something you can avoid if you don't want to eat it."
Zhang Hong glanced at Yu Tingyun beside him. He really wanted to retort to Xia Hunao's words, but if he were to reciprocate with dog food, it would mean engaging in at least a kiss-level intimate contact with Yu Tingyun. However, the two had only just met a few minutes ago, and doing something like this in public now was utterly beyond Zhang Hong's capabilities. After all, in his opinion, Xia Hunao possessed a unique level of shamelessness.
Unlike Zhang Hong, Yu Tingyun looked at Shen Yu, whose face was still slightly flushed, and couldn't help but wonder: If Zhang Hong were to do the same, should I push him away, or just let him kiss me?
Just as a tempestuous storm was brewing in the minds of these two, Xia Hunao looked at Zhang Hong and delivered a killer blow, "Of course, Zhang Hong, you can't learn this technique of feeding dog food; it's very easy to get into trouble."
Zhang Hong was puzzled, "Why? Does kissing shorten one's lifespan? Then why are there so many people on the street?"
Xia Hunao shook his head, "You've got it wrong. I mean your innate conditions might not be suitable for such moves. Don't believe me? Go and ask your girlfriend. If it were a real kiss, would she choose you or Jynx?"
Upon hearing Xia Hunao's words, Zhang Hong's face turned grim. Jynx was not a beautiful Pokémon, at least not to males. In various fan works circulating online, this Pokémon rarely featured. To compare him with Jynx was an insult to whom, he wondered. Yu Tingyun didn't answer directly to this but glanced at Zhang Hong, remaining silent.
Xia Hunao picked up his wine glass, "That was just a joke. Let's talk about something serious. Your long-distance relationship is at quite a high level; are you sure it's okay? Everyone knows that long-distance relationships are very prone to breakups, not to mention you two have no emotional foundation at all. This is your first day dating, after all."
Xia Hunao's words made everyone present realize. That's right, Yu Tingyun was a native of Linglong City, while Zhang Hong was a native of Jinghai. The distance between these two places alone couldn't be simply summarized as a long-distance relationship. Although video calls could reduce the sense of distance, their usefulness was limited. Video calls couldn't replicate the feeling of being with someone in person, and you couldn't force these two to take flights to meet every day.
Zhang Hong rested his chin on his hand, "Oh no, I was so excited that I overlooked this problem."
Xia Hunao reached out and gently patted Zhang Hong's shoulder, "It seems you'll have to endure it for now. It's not for long, at most a year and a half. As long as you get into Lingling University in the college entrance examination, you can be with your girlfriend."
Zhang Hong nodded, then suddenly shook his head, "That's not right. Won't the three of us be separated then? Shen Yu will definitely apply to Liuling University, right?"
Shen Yu nodded, "Yes, the first Pokémon Contest was held there, so I think it would have a greater impact on the Pokémon Contest."
Xia Hunao continued, "Also, if Shen Yu gets into Liuling University, I should be able to pull some strings to look after her."
Yu Linglong, listening from the side, pursed her lips to suppress a laugh. Others might not know, but Yu Linglong was very aware of what kind of "looking after" was involved. However, she still admired Liuling University and Xia Hunao. Such a significant matter was kept completely secret by these people.
Zhang Hong then asked Yu Tingyun, "Xiao Yun, can you apply to Liuling University?"
Yu Tingyun nodded without thinking, "Of course, my parents don't particularly control me."
Yu Tingyun's answer made Zhang Hong ecstatic, "Boss, did you hear that? If that's the case, then the four of us won't be separated."
Xia Hunao looked at Zhang Hong and downed the wine in his glass, "What nonsense are you talking about? Do you want to go to Liuling University because you don't want to be separated from us? You just want to avoid those two sisters from Lingling University, don't you?"
Xia Hunao's words made Yu Tingyun look at Zhang Hong, "Sisters? What sisters? Zhang Hong, do you have sisters at Lingling University?"
Zhang Hong, with no other choice, told them about his experience learning to dance from Gongsun Shuang, which amused everyone.
...
Having created the Pokémon Index and achieved Zhang Hong's single status, Xia Hunao felt that this trip to Linglong City was quite successful.
Now it was time to return to Jinghai, as the second semester of the second year of high school would start in a day or two. As for Xia Hunao, he also needed to get back quickly, as he had to deal with the makeup exams for the first-year students at Liuling University. He couldn't possibly let Tong Ruo handle the makeup exams for an entire grade alone.
Xia Hunao was unaware that after intense discussions, the final decision regarding this semester's final exams was that all students would be considered to have passed.
Back to the matter at hand, on February 27th, Xia Hunao departed from Jinghai City under the pretense of continuing his journey and returned to Liuling University.
Looking at the familiar scenes within Liuling University, Xia Hunao hummed a tune as he walked towards his lakeside home. However, on his way home, Xia Hunao saw Tong Ruo walking towards him.
Xia Hunao raised his hand and waved, "Sister Ruo, long time no see."
Upon seeing Xia Hunao, Tong Ruo hurried over and clasped his hand, "You're here at the perfect time; I've been waiting for you."
Xia Hunao sensed the urgency in Tong Ruo's tone. He felt a little flustered. Being sought out so urgently clearly wasn't a good sign. It seemed he had to pray for his own good fortune.
Following Tong Ruo all the way to the principal's office, Tong Ruo pushed the door open and entered, saying, "Look, what have I captured on campus?"
Xia Hunao gave a wry smile. Sister Ruo, what do you take me for?
Zheng Xiaoxiao, who appeared to be reviewing some documents, signed one and closed it, then looked up, "Oh? It's Little Xiazi. You're back."
Xia Hunao and Tong Ruo sat on the sofa. Xia Hunao asked, "Sister Xiaoxiao, what do you need me for?"
Zheng Xiaoxiao took out a file bag from her desk drawer, "Little Xiazi, do you know about the annual university Pokémon Competition held every summer?"
Xia Hunao nodded, "Of course, I know. It's a major event that all universities highly value."
Xia Hunao had been watching this event for quite some time. Since he was born, he hadn't missed a single competition. Was this the benefit of being reborn?
Of course, Xia Hunao wasn't entirely clear about the procedures of this university Pokémon Competition and hoped Zheng Xiaoxiao could explain it.
"The reason these universities value the university Pokémon Competition is twofold: first, the league allocates important resources based on the competition rankings; second, you should know the end date of this competition, right?"
Xia Hunao thought for a moment, "The university Pokémon Competition has a very long schedule. If I remember correctly, it starts in April and lasts for two and a half months, ending and announcing the rankings on June 12th or 13th."
At this point, Xia Hunao suddenly understood. The college entrance examination in Minglong Country was not much different in timing from the exams in Xia Hunao's previous life. After the college entrance examination, the results would be announced within a week, and then the volunteer applications would begin. And just before the results were announced, the latest university rankings in Minglong Country would be fresh out, which would significantly influence the students' volunteer choices.
"It seems you've figured it out," Zheng Xiaoxiao said, seeing Xia Hunao's enlightened expression.
"Yes. So, what does this have to do with me? Are you expecting me to join the school team to participate in this competition?"
Tong Ruo, standing nearby, lightly tapped Xia Hunao on the head, "What are you thinking? Although we did consider it, and your strength would allow you to join the school team, not as a main player but not at the bottom either, you must understand two things. First, you don't have a student ID for our Liuling University. Second, you are currently my teaching assistant and considered faculty. So, no matter what, you can't participate in the competition."
Xia Hunao leaned back on the sofa, "Then why did you call me here?"
"You forgot, besides being a lecturer in the first-year battle department, I'm also the coach of the school team."
Xia Hunao appeared to have a sudden realization, "I see. Because of the competition, Sister Ruo will have to shift more of her focus to the competition, and you want me to substitute for her classes? No, I can't do that. I have no teaching experience..."
Tong Ruo glanced at Zheng Xiaoxiao. Seeing Zheng Xiaoxiao nod, she delivered another tap on the other side of Xia Hunao's head.
"What are you imagining? The school's teaching staff is sufficient; you don't need to substitute. What I mean is, the school team has suggested that they hope you will serve as the team's coach and analyst this semester. We're here to seek your opinion."
Xia Hunao looked at the two sisters, "Are you serious? Me, as the coach?"