Chapter 114: I am only telling you this in confidence.

"Miss Liu, I’ve asked. He isn't very interested in Magic City University. What? I didn't make myself clear? Miss, I’ve said everything I possibly could, but the way he sees it, he’s definitely headed to Xiangnan University."

Back in his office, Gong Yingjie was busy, returning calls one by one to those who had reached out to him earlier.

"By the way, I have some top-secret intel. Given our relationship, I’m only telling you. To secure Zhao Jie, it’s said that Zheng Qilin from Xiangnan University has personally set off for Wuling City. If you guys are truly planning to fight for him, I think it’s time you took action."

*Whew...*

After hanging up the phone, Gong Yingjie took a sip of tea to soothe his throat before dialing the next number.

"Brother Wang, Brother Wang. It’s little Gong! I asked about the matter you entrusted to me, but it didn't go through. It’s not just your Imperial Capital University; schools like Magic City and Xiangnan have also extended olive branches to him."

"Although Imperial Capital University is a gold-plated brand, the range of choices he has now is just too vast. Benefits? Brother Wang, don't even get me started on benefits; the offers from the other universities aren't much worse than yours."

"By the way, Brother Wang, for the sake of our relationship, I’ll tell you a top-secret piece of news—I’m only saying this to you! It’s rumored that Zheng Qilin from Xiangnan University has personally set off for Wuling City."

"Elder Xie, I have some top-secret information for you. I’m only telling you this—Zheng Qilin from Xiangnan University has reportedly set off for Wuling City in person."

"Uncle Lei, it failed. The competition is too fierce. Let me tell you a secret..."

"I’m only telling you this..."

"..."

Finally, it was over!

He was exhausted.

Lying back in his chair, Gong Yingjie stared blankly with lifeless eyes. What was all this for?

Was it worth all this fuss over a single student?

No, I have to go ask my genius younger brother about the situation.

Half an hour later, he walked out of his office, feeling numb.

"A monster, a real monster."

An eighteen-year-old Elite-level Digimon user—it made him doubt the world.

No wonder those universities were acting like madmen trying to get that kid Zhao Jie to join them. If I were the admissions director, I’d be going crazy too.

"Sigh."

Looking at the shining stars in the sky, he felt those were his lost youth.

At his age, he felt like he’d lived his life for nothing.

"Association President, don't sigh. I understand the struggles of a middle-aged man. I’ve got some 'Kidney Treasure' here; everyone says it’s great. Want a little?"

Li Ping crept up to Gong Yingjie and whispered.

"Get lost!"

Glancing at Li Ping, Gong Yingjie strode away. What on earth is this world coming to?

...

When Zhao Jie returned home, Gatomon was still watching anime. The BlackAgumon had already retreated, and Agumon was now in control of the body.

How did he know at a glance?

Because Agumon was constantly tossing snacks into his mouth, watching a drama with Zhao’s parents!

BlackAgumon would never do something like that.

"Back already?"

"The food is cold, just make do."

Holding a bowl of rice, Zhao Jie started eating without minding. Truly a mother’s love.

"Right, Teacher Yu from your school contacted me, asking when you’re going back to class. Give him a call after you finish eating."

Zhao Jie nodded. It was time to go back to school; he’d been at home for a few days, and his status in the household was dropping lower by the second.

Father Zhao = Mother Zhao > Agumon = Gatomon > Himself.

That was the social hierarchy he had deduced.

It was too hard.

"I’ll go back to school tomorrow, even though there’s less than a month left."

He didn't need to worry about the Digimon exams.

As for the academic subjects...

Hmm...

Thinking about his experiences over the past few months, he had long since returned most of that knowledge to the textbooks.

"That's good. Seeing you hanging around at home is annoying."

Mother Zhao’s words had more destructive power than any Digimon attack. His hand, holding the rice bowl, paused slightly.

Life just couldn't go on like this.

The next morning, Zhao Jie headed to school with Agumon and Gatomon. On the way, he met up with Liu Cheng, whom he’d arranged to meet the night before.

"Two Digimon? Jie, you actually have two Digimon!"

Liu Cheng stared in amazement at Agumon and Gatomon, who were walking on either side of Zhao Jie.

It was his first time seeing someone with two Digimon.

"Country bumpkin."

Gatomon glanced at Liu Cheng, a tone of disdain emanating from its mouth.

Uh...

Embarrassment. Liu Cheng felt incredibly awkward; he hadn't expected to be looked down upon by a Digimon.

"As long as our bodies can store enough digital energy, it’s possible to contract as many Digimon as you want."

Patting Liu Cheng on the shoulder, Zhao Jie’s gaze landed on Betamon.

He hadn't seen it in over a month, and the Betamon’s strength had progressed quite well; it was already on the verge of evolution.

With a little more effort, it should be able to evolve to the Champion level before the final exam.

"Big Brother."

Betamon jumped off Liu Cheng’s shoulder and scurried fawningly to Agumon’s side, but it was too short to see what Agumon was doing.

"Hm?"

BlackAgumon glanced at Betamon; it had seen information about this Betamon in Agumon’s memories.

"Do you play games?"

Glancing at Zhao Jie walking ahead, BlackAgumon lowered its voice and asked Betamon.

Play... play games?

Betamon’s brain short-circuited. Big Brother, wasn't your favorite hobby eating?

How could you change hobbies just like that!

But to maintain its position as the number one lackey—no, the number one strategist—what was a little game?

I, Betamon, am so smart, I can learn.

"Yes, yes, Big Brother, what game do you want to play? Hide and seek or hawk catching chicks?"

Agumon paused in its tracks.

It raised its smartphone.

"Video games, of course!"

Betamon’s internal monologue: Big Brother’s hobbies change too fast; I can't keep up with the times.

But thinking of those other classmates, they would surely be happy to replace me.

No way!

Video games, I, Betamon, must learn them too.

I am a jack-of-all-trades!

"I can! I play Honor of Kings, and my Jiang Ziya jungle is super slick!"

Betamon blurted out.

Even if I haven't eaten pork, I've seen pigs run, right?

Its foolish partner played Honor of Kings all the time.

"Kindred spirit! I like playing Jiang Ziya in the jungle too. Once we get to school, shall we play a few rounds?"

BlackAgumon’s eyes lit up.

At home, Gatomon didn't like games, Zhao Jie thought it was too much of a noob, and while Agumon was willing to play, the two of them couldn't appear together.

Finally, it had found a kindred spirit.

School seemed like it might be interesting after all!

"I can't, I don't have my own phone."

Betamon shook its head in refusal.

Are you kidding? If I played, wouldn't I be exposed?

"But I can teach you while I play."

BlackAgumon looked a bit disappointed, but said earnestly: "Betamon, look, I have a phone, and Gatomon has a phone. You can't be left behind."

Betamon glanced at Gatomon, who was already walking ahead of them.

Although something felt a bit off, it sounded quite logical.

PS: Agumon says: The recommendation votes yesterday were weak, please give me some recommendation votes!