Chapter 59: An Invitation from Xiangnan University

"Mr. Li, just tell me directly—which university is inviting me?"

He was genuinely curious to know which university was offering him an invitation. Of course, if the terms weren’t enticing enough, he would still choose Modu University.

"Alright, I won’t beat around the bush. This time, the head of digital admissions at Xiangnan University reached out to me. We once carried out a mission together."

"So, what do you think? Are you interested in Xiangnan University?"

Xiangnan University ranked fairly well nationwide, and in the last decade, it had claimed the national championship three times. However, in the past five years, its best result in national competitions was second place—the title either went to Modu University or Dudu University. Only Jinling University from Yingtian managed to snatch a championship between these two giants.

"Xiangnan University, huh."

Zhao Jie repeated the name. The digital department at Xiangnan was strong, but in recent years, it had lost much of its momentum. Still, as Mr. Li had said, universities like Xiangnan were especially eager for talented students, and someone like him would receive preferential treatment.

"What kind of terms are they offering me?" Zhao Jie inquired. If the offer was good enough, joining Xiangnan University was certainly worth considering—after all, it would grant him access to far more resources.

A Digimon’s growth depended on resources. In the recent rookie cup, if not for the Fire Spirit Fruit that had boosted Agumon’s flames, winning would have been much harder. Now that Agumon was entering maturity, the need for resources would only multiply.

Flame Fruits, Agility Fruits—all those treasures were things he wanted, but simply couldn’t afford. If he could buy them, would he need to push Greymon to its absolute limits first? Grinding was fine, but the difference between a dedicated player and a pay-to-win was obvious.

"I can’t make any promises myself; I’m just gauging your intentions. In fact, he’s already arrived in Wuling City. If you’re interested, I’ll arrange a meeting this afternoon. You two can talk it over."

Zhao Jie thought it over and agreed—a face-to-face discussion would show mutual sincerity.

"Alright, I’ll come find you this afternoon. We’ll go together."

Mr. Li patted Zhao Jie’s shoulder and left. Actually, his visit today was solely for this matter. Now, things had reached a satisfactory outcome, and he had learned from Zhao Jie’s words that the young man wasn’t particularly determined to attend Modu University.

So, there was much to discuss.

"Thank you, Mr. Li," Zhao Jie stood and watched Li Ping depart.

The campus cup continued in an orderly fashion. From his perspective, the level of Digimon battles was relatively low, and the students’ mastery of skills was limited. This was only natural. Within half a year, evolving a Digimon to the mature stage was already most students’ goal.

If they weren’t aiming for a top national university, having a mature-stage Digimon was enough to get them into universities with weaker digital departments.

Soon, the first day’s matches concluded. Some students beamed with joy, others looked dejected. But none of this had much to do with Zhao Jie.

Before returning to school, Zhao Jie found his homeroom teacher, Mr. Yu, and explained the situation. The elderly teacher was delighted to let him go. He had taught five digital classes, and very few made it into Xiangnan University, let alone having someone sent to recruit them. As a teacher, he felt quite honored.

Oval face, teal long robe, gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, cropped hair—his whole demeanor exuded scholarly wisdom.

This was Zhao Jie’s first impression of Xiangnan University’s head of digital admissions, Zheng Qilin.

"Let me introduce you," Li Ping said. "This is Director Zheng Qilin from Xiangnan University’s admissions office. And this young man, whom I believe Director Zheng already knows, is our rookie champion Zhao Jie."

Li Ping made the introductions and then calmly took a seat nearby.

Zhao Jie observed Zheng Qilin, who in turn scrutinized the youth before him. As Li Ping finished speaking, Zheng Qilin smiled and addressed Zhao Jie directly, "Since you agreed to meet, let’s get straight to the point. On behalf of Xiangnan University, I invite you to join us."

That’s it?

Zhao Jie looked at Zheng Qilin, waiting for him to continue. But after that sentence, Zheng Qilin said nothing more, as if his personal invitation alone was proof enough of Xiangnan University’s sincerity.

"Director Zheng, if that’s the extent of your sincerity, then there’s really no need for further discussion," Zhao Jie replied calmly, meeting the man’s gaze without fear.

He had plenty of options—it wasn’t just Xiangnan University.

"My personal visit isn’t sincere enough? I’m not sure what kind of sincerity you’re looking for." Zheng Qilin took a sip of tea and spoke unhurriedly.

"In that case, there’s nothing more to discuss. Mr. Li, I’m sorry, I have other matters to attend to." Zhao Jie stood up without hesitation, glanced apologetically at Li Ping, and turned to leave.

So far, he hadn’t seen a shred of genuine intent from Xiangnan University’s admissions director. Expecting him to join based on words alone was simply underestimating him.

"Wait... Don’t be impulsive, young man! Sit down, let’s talk this through. If you just walk away, you’ll lose a great deal."

Zheng Qilin smiled, gesturing for Zhao Jie to take his time.

"I might suffer a loss, but yours will be greater," Zhao Jie replied, stopping and looking at Zheng Qilin.

"Our loss will be greater? I’d like to know exactly what kind of loss we’d face," Zheng Qilin asked, intrigued.

"You’ll lose a national champion!"

Zheng Qilin burst out laughing, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.

"A national champion? You?"

Every year, countless powerful Digimon Tamers emerged across the country. Even the prodigies from Modu and Dudu Universities wouldn’t dare claim the national title outright. This young man before him seemed a bit clueless.

"Yes, me."

Zhao Jie paid no mind to the man’s mocking smile, responding with unwavering confidence.

Zheng Qilin looked at Zhao Jie’s self-assured expression, and the derision faded from his face.

"Good—very good. Now I’m interested in continuing this conversation."

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