Chapter 197: A Modest Reputation

"Alright, for our final award, please welcome this exam's first place — Zhao Chi from Beginner Class 4 — to the stage to receive his prize."

Dean Liao Zheng announced loudly.

The entire grand auditorium quickly fell silent.

Everyone was looking at the true face of this exam's first-place winner.

Zhao Chi had always been completely unknown.

The most he was known for was probably appearing on the bottom-ten list, which a few people had noticed.

But as he frantically supplemented his knowledge and his theoretical level rose day by day, he never appeared on the bottom list again.

In this exam, he seemed to have popped up out of nowhere — many people had never even heard the name.

"Oh, so that's Zhao Chi. I see him in the library all the time."

"I remember him too, but how did he get so strong?"

"Maybe his family conditions aren't bad?"

"Definitely not. Don't even mention his family — his whole clan is pretty average."

"No way? He got first place on his own?"

"Who knows. Maybe he has some special talent, or obtained a special race."

"The odds of that are way too small, aren't they?"

"He's not bad-looking, though."

"What's good-looking about him? Isn't he pretty ordinary?"

"I think he's alright. As long as he's pleasant to look at, that's fine."

As Zhao Chi walked step by step onto the stage, the discussion below gradually grew louder.

But compared to before, after Zhao Chi took the stage, it still seemed much quieter.

Only Yang Xiong let out a few loud shouts, which only made his cries seem more abrupt and awkward.

Liao Zheng smiled and said, "We've got a new face up here this time. Zhao Chi, this should still be your first time ranking in the top ten of the grade, right?"

Zhao Chi nodded.

Liao Zheng said with feeling:

"So, has everyone seen it now?

"Everyone has a chance.

"I've heard about Zhao Chi — his foundation wasn't good. But through his own effort, his theory grades have advanced by leaps and bounds.

"This time, his practical-exam results must also be inseparable from his foundational knowledge.

"All students, spend more time reading. Don't only emphasize practical combat while neglecting theory.

"Alright, this is Zhao Chi's award ceremony, so I won't say any more.

"Instructor Li, please present the award."

Clip! Clip! Clip!

Crisp clicking sounds rang out.

Li Ruanyu walked step by step in her high heels.

Everyone's gaze shifted from Zhao Chi to Li Ruanyu.

Li Ruanyu smiled, holding a silver treasure chest in her hands, which reflected specks of shimmering light under the auditorium's lamps.

Li Ruanyu walked gracefully up to Zhao Chi.

An indescribable emotion flowed in her eyes.

She parted her red lips slightly, smiled, and said, "Congratulations, Zhao Chi. This first place is well deserved. This is your reward — please keep it up. Go for it."

Zhao Chi took the chest and said, "Thank you, Instructor Li."

Li Ruanyu gently stepped back to the side.

Liao Zheng smiled and said, "Zhao Chi performed excellently this time. Do you have anything you'd like to say? Say a few words?"

Zhao Chi had originally been about to step down from the stage.

He hadn't expected he'd still have to give a speech?

He hadn't prepared anything at all…

But there was one universal formula — gratitude.