Chapter 47: The Underestimated Lin Qi (Requesting Follow Reads)

“I know.”

After hearing this, Lin Qi’s expression remained calm, not at all surprised.

But Dongfang Qi was quite taken aback; she had been signing contracts for years and negotiated with dozens of prodigies.

When they heard they could sign a contract, even if they masked it well,

they would inevitably betray signs of excitement.

But the Lin Qi before her showed no expression whatsoever, making it impossible to discern his true thoughts.

This surprised her greatly.

“Tell me the terms of your contract.”

Two cups of coffee were brought over; after speaking, Lin Qi picked one up and took a sip, the bitter taste spreading through his mouth.

Dongfang Qi pulled out a tablet and handed it to Lin Qi; on the screen was a contract: Class C Contract.

“After comprehensive evaluation, our Martial Arts Gym has classified you as a Class C prodigy, worthy of a Class C contract.”

“Under the Class C contract, we will provide you with 1.5 million Xiaoguo currency and resources worth 1 million Xiaoguo currency, totaling 2.5 million Xiaoguo currency, sustained until your university graduation—that is, a five-year term.”

“Additionally, at our Chongming Martial Arts Gym’s affiliated Martial Arts Supermarket, you will enjoy an 85% discount.”

“Our Chongming Martial Arts Gym offers the most generous contract terms—you can rest assured,” Dongfang Qi said, puffing out her chest with a confident smile.

Lin Qi nodded; indeed, as Jiang Tao had said, the Chongming Martial Arts Gym truly had money.

For the same Class C contract, they offered more than Chiqiong and Heiyao Martial Arts Gyms—500,000 Xiaoguo currency more in cash alone, equivalent to a Second-Class Talent Loan.

Direct cash gift, no repayment required, given for five full years: one year of senior high, four years of university.

“What do you think, Lin Qi? No one offers better terms than our Chongming Martial Arts Gym,” Dongfang Qi said, watching him expectantly.

“Huh~”

Lin Qi set down his cup and spoke slowly:

“I need time to consider.”

“Huh?”

Dongfang Qi froze. Consider?

Consider what? Just sign it.

She had never encountered this before; others, upon hearing they could sign a Class C contract, almost always signed their names without hesitation.

They feared Chongming Martial Arts Gym might change its mind—how could anyone like Lin Qi possibly need to consider?

Only prodigies eligible for Class B or even Class A contracts had the right to say they needed to think it over.

You’re just a common Class C prodigy, yet you still want to consider? It’s outright insolent.

“Are you dissatisfied with the contract?”

Dongfang Qi cursed inwardly but kept a smile on her face.

“Mm.” Lin Qi nodded in agreement.

“Uh…”

This left Dongfang Qi speechless again.

“Lin Qi, given your talent, the Class C contract is already the best you can get.”

“You don’t actually want a Class B contract, do you? I can assure you, whether it’s Chiqiong or Heiyao Martial Arts Gym, they’ll only offer you a Class C contract.”

“So I hope you, Lin Qi, won’t reach too high,” Dongfang Qi said, forcing herself to be serious in tone.

“Hum!”

Lin Qi pulled out his phone, glanced at it, then stood up and said:

“That’s all for now. Let me think about it.”

“Thanks for the coffee!”

He walked toward the door and vanished from Dongfang Qi’s sight in moments.

“This Lin Qi really doesn’t know his place—he thinks he’s a Class B prodigy?”

“Wait and see. He’ll come crawling back to me soon,” Dongfang Qi sneered, picking up her coffee and taking a sip.

…

Half an hour later

“Lin Qi, a Class B contract is impossible—this is just too far-fetched.”

“Think it over again.”

Lin Qi stepped out of another café, feeling the sunlight on his skin, and exhaled slowly.

“Of course—they won’t offer me a Class B contract. Only Chiqiong Martial Arts Gym remains, and they probably won’t either.”

Lin Qi returned calmly to his martial arts room, changed into his training uniform as usual, and took his energy tonic.

He removed his training spear, waited until his body warmed, then felt heat surge through every part of him as his muscles activated.

He shook the spear, swirling it into a flurry of motion, then launched into his spear technique.

“Shhh~”

The spear vibrated, thrusting like an arrow through the air, cutting through the wind with a faint whistle.

Lin Qi’s mind drifted, recalling his negotiations with Chongming and Heiyao Martial Arts Gym staff. As expected, all talks had collapsed—no one was willing to offer him a Class B contract.

He wasn’t surprised by this outcome—he had anticipated it all along.

Both Chongming and Heiyao Martial Arts Gyms believed he lacked the potential to sign a Class B contract.

But only he knew his potential was more than enough for a Class A contract.

Still, he could wait; contract signings had no fixed deadline—some waited months.

He still had over 700,000 Xiaoguo currency on hand, enough to carry him through this month until the mid-term assessment.

After the mid-term assessment, no one would doubt his ability to sign a Class B contract.

Of course, he had a flexible bottom line: if his money ran out, he would sign immediately—take the cash first, then upgrade the contract later when his performance improved.

“So I still need sufficient strength—only with strength do you gain more choices.”

Lin Qi’s gaze sharpened, his spear growing stronger in his grip.

Lin Qi’s gaze sharpened, and his spear grew stronger in his grip.

“Chii~”

The spear tore through the air, its momentum fierce and overwhelming, the technique brutal and commanding.

Lin Qi channeled the power of his muscles, veins bulging on his arms like steel cables, blood surging rapidly.

His spear technique opened wide and closed tight, leaving no hesitation, fully unleashing his power.

He recalled the words and expressions of Dongfang Qi and the Heiyao staff when they learned he needed to consider.

The condescension, the disdain—flashed in his mind.

He was over forty years old in total, across two lives; even the most mature mind resented being looked down upon.

He had lived over forty years across two lifetimes; no matter how mature his mind, being looked down upon still irked him.

So he would gain greater strength, sign a better contract, become the top prodigy of a martial arts gym—when you’re strong enough, no one dares treat you as an enemy.

So he needed greater power, better contracts, to become a top-tier genius at the Martial Arts Gym—when you’re strong enough, no one around you is evil.

Lin Qi roared, letting out a tiger’s howl, thrusting his spear forward with all his might.

Shatter Thrust!

Spiral Break!

Leap Through Air!

As each spear technique unfolded, his momentum grew fiercer, his technique more terrifying.

As he wielded one spear technique after another, his aura grew fiercer, his spear art more terrifying.

In an instant, the spear tip sliced through space, emitting a piercing whistle; Lin Qi felt his body boil with energy.

【Through training, your proficiency in “Shatter Mountain Spear Technique” has increased. Spear Technique +2%】

【Through training, your movement proficiency has increased. Movement +1%】

【Spear Technique: Stage One 94% → 96%】

【Movement: Stage One 90% → 91%】

【Body Movement: Stage One 90% → 91%】

“Huh~”

Lin Qi gripped the spear with one hand, staring at the updated stats on his panel.

His spear technique was nearing Stage Two; with a bit more time, he was confident he could break through.

In the entire Tianhai No. 2 High School, few had broken into Stage Two in martial arts.

Thinking of this, he resumed his spear training without pause.

Thinking of this, he returned to cultivating his spear techniques.

Three days later

Principal’s Office

Principal Jiang Zhiguang frowned, staring at the projected screen.

“I didn’t expect Bailu City to have such bold ambitions—wanting to engage in martial arts exchange with our Tianhai City.”

“In past years, it was always just Tianhai City on its own. Now Bailu City is stepping in—it’s clearly not a friendly move.”

On the sofa, Zhang Cheng sat with one leg crossed over the other, a screen projected before him.

Zhang Cheng sat on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other, a screen projected before him.

"The Martial Arts Exchange Competition requires all ten key middle schools to participate. Now, not only are we representing our school’s honor, but also the entire Tianhai City."

"If we lose, it’ll be too embarrassing," Zhang Cheng said, shaking his head.

"That’s right, so we must win — this depends entirely on you, Old Zhang."

"There’s still time before the Martial Arts Exchange Competition begins. Every bit of improvement these kids can make counts," Jiang Zhiguang instructed.

"Then just watch!" Zhang Cheng laughed.

……

(End of Chapter)