Hearing Xiao Yi say this, Wu Tian felt even more speechless.
No, you were the one who kissed me, yet you could be so casual about it?
However, Wu Tian didn't dwell on the matter. After all, he was a man, and Xiao Yi was a beauty.
Moreover, it was Xiao Yi's first kiss. If he were to keep harping on it, wouldn't that show a lack of magnanimity?
He skipped over the topic and said, "Alright, let's talk about the oranges. I can participate in the competition now, right?"
Xiao Yi nodded and said, "You still need to ask? Of course, you can. If you can't participate in this, then no one else should."
"I sincerely hope you win the championship because I know your oranges are the best."
"So, it would be better if nothing unexpected happens then."
"Unexpected?" Wu Tian sensed something amiss and asked, "Isn't this just a competition? What could possibly go wrong?"
Xiao Yi sighed and said, "Alas, you don't know. This is no simple competition."
"We've commissioned a specialized gourmet merchant association to be the judges. This means our company won't be involved in the selection process; it's entirely entrusted to them."
"But the other contestants are not simple either. They appear to be mere villages on the surface, but in reality, they are all backed by companies."
"Among the contestants this time, the people from Tanhe Village are the ones you need to pay most attention to."
"I received news that the company behind them has had contact with people from the gourmet merchant association. If they cheat, things won't be resolved so easily."
"Cheat?" Wu Tian frowned. "No, since you've received the news, why didn't you stop it immediately?"
Xiao Yi sighed again. "Things aren't that simple. We've signed contracts."
"Without evidence, we can't easily terminate the contract. Otherwise, we'd have to pay a huge amount in damages."
"Therefore, this time, I hope the people from Tanhe Village can compete fairly. Otherwise, even if I want to help you, things will become very difficult."
After listening, Wu Tian nodded. "I understand. Don't worry, even if they cheat, it's fine. I will conquer them with my strength."
Xiao Yi smiled and said, "You look so handsome when you're serious. It's simply captivating."
Wu Tian also smiled and said, "Right? I've always thought I was quite handsome!"
After that, the two chatted for a while longer before parting ways.
A few days later, Wu Tian took his oranges to participate in the competition.
Guided by Xiao Yi, he arrived at the competition venue.
It was in a stadium, and there were many people today, seemingly all here for the competition.
Many people were carrying baskets, and inside the baskets were the competing fruits.
These fruits were the best from their respective villages, and each batch looked particularly appealing.
This indicated that the standard of this competition should be quite high.
Upon entering the stadium, Wu Tian saw a row of tables and three chairs in the center of the arena. He assumed that was where the judges would be seated.
Xiao Yi said to Wu Tian, "When the judges call out which village, those people will hand over their fruits. You seem to have registered last, so you'll definitely be at the end of the line."
Wu Tian smiled and said, "Isn't being at the end of the line a good thing? This is what they call a protagonist's entrance. After all, protagonists always make their appearance last!"
Xiao Yi covered her mouth and chuckled, "Yes, protagonists always appear last. So, as the protagonist, you must defeat all the supporting characters!"
Just as they were chatting and laughing, a light chuckle suddenly carried over, "Isn't this President Xiao? Why are you here too?"
Wu Tian and Xiao Yi turned to look and saw a young man walking towards them.
The young man had a faint, mocking smile on his face, which made people feel uncomfortable.
Xiao Yi immediately whispered to Wu Tian, "Be careful. His name is Chen He. He's the young master of Gewen Fruits, and Tanhe Village is supported by their company."
Wu Tian nodded and remained silent.
At this moment, Chen He walked up to Xiao Yi and smiled, "President Xiao, why aren't you talking to me? Have I offended you in some way?"
Xiao Yi offered a polite smile and said, "How could that be, President Chen? I was just here to take a look. Why are you here too?"
Chen He smiled and said, "Tanhe Village is participating in the competition today, so of course, I have to come and see. After all, our company has invested several million in Tanhe Village, so we can't let it go to waste."
He glanced at Wu Tian, and upon seeing Wu Tian's backpack, his lips curled slightly. "President Xiao, this gentleman is..."
Xiao Yi introduced him, "This is Wu Tian, the representative from Taohua Village. He's also here to participate in the competition."
"Taohua Village? I've never even heard of it."
Chen He frowned and said, "But shouldn't your company maintain neutrality? Why are you bringing someone here?"
"Do you already have an internal candidate? If so, that doesn't seem to be in accordance with the rules, does it?"
A flicker of anger crossed Xiao Yi's beautiful eyes, and her tone became somewhat cold.
"What are you saying, President Chen? How could our company do such a thing?"
"Since we are hosting this competition, we are adhering to the principles of fairness and justice to find truly good fruits. Otherwise, what would be the point of us holding the competition?"
"Is that so..." Chen He smiled again, then said to Wu Tian with ill intent, "Brother, I'm not trying to discourage you, but I really don't think there's any need to participate in the competition anymore. Really."
"The apples cultivated by our Tanhe Village are already at a divine fruit level. We will not lose."
"Instead of wasting your time participating in the competition, you should focus on finding buyers for your subpar fruit as soon as possible."
"After all, this competition is being watched by fruit wholesalers, big and small, from all over the city."
"Think about it, which developer would be willing to take on fruits that have lost?"
"So, don't come here and devalue your fruits. Really, everyone is working hard; why would you bring trouble upon yourself?"
Chen He's words were very blunt, even completely mocking.
Xiao Yi couldn't stand his remarks, so she frowned and said, "President Chen, aren't you being a bit too much?"
"The competition hasn't even started yet, how can you be so sure you'll win?"
Chen He said proudly, "If I say I can win, then I will definitely win. If I don't even have this confidence, why would I come to participate in the competition?"