Wang Dong blended in, appropriately showing his interest but also suggesting that he needed to think about it.
A fairly normal reaction.
As for whether he would actually join them in going to the Highland Viscount’s territory to take the entrance exam for the Naval Academy, that was obviously out of the question.
The agreement wouldn't be signed for at least a month or two.
By then, Wang Dong, barring any unforeseen circumstances, should also receive notice to prepare for his return to Baron’s Territory.
After the party ended, a few classmates gathered for a second round while the rest began to disperse. Wang Dong, however, remained seated.
He was called over by Zheng Yan.
Joining them were Chen Lin Feng, Ding Ling, Li Zi Qing, and a few others.
Wang Dong had a few guesses as to why Zheng Yan had stopped him.
Sure enough, compared to the previous charming and sociable demeanor, Zheng Yan dropped the smile from her face and turned serious.
"If I was thinking about helping out classmates just now, in front of everyone, then now I hope that all of you here can help me and yourselves!"
Everyone remained silent.
Even Chen Lin Feng, who should have been more carefree, merely tilted his head slightly and looked at Li Zi Qing.
Zheng Yan was not surprised by their silence.
After all, they were all people who had been in society for a few years. The few outstanding students in the class that she had specifically kept behind, were all those she had a good impression of.
If they lacked this basic mindset, Zheng Yan would doubt her own judgment.
"Ding Ling, you are the third daughter of the Chief of Security. You have elder siblings and a younger sister. Even if Chief Ding is deeply trusted by Baron Blackstone, there are so many Chiefs of Security in Baron Blackstone’s territory. Can he possibly send all his children into the service of Baron Blackstone?
Can your family get one, two, or at most three such slots? Will it be your turn, the inconspicuous one sandwiched in the middle?"
Zheng Yan's first target was Ding Ling, who had the best family background among them.
Ding Ling, who had just been leaning against Wang Dong, looking shy, appeared unusually calm in the face of Zheng Yan's pointed words.
She put away her shyness, sat up straight, smoothed down the bangs on her forehead, and said softly, "Even if I’m not valued at home, at least entering the administrative system of Baron’s Territory is still no problem. It's better than you, Class Representative, who can't even step into Baron’s Manor."
Zheng Yan smiled slightly, unconcerned, "If all you want, Ding Ling, is to find a stable job and then wait for your family to arrange a partner for you, I wouldn't have kept you here today."
Ding Ling turned to Wang Dong and winked, remaining silent.
Wang Dong chuckled.
This was a case of being caught in the crossfire.
Zheng Yan turned and looked at Li Zi Qing.
"Zi Qing, among the girls in the class, you are the one I admire most. You have high intelligence and are persistent and determined. More importantly, you have never limited your vision to this mining planet.
Unfortunately, the upper limit of Baron Blackstone’s territory objectively restricts your growth. After sitting in the financial position of your father's company for two years, are you resigned to taking over the company?
Don't you know that your father's mistress has given birth to a younger brother who is almost one year old? His company might not be yours to inherit, right?"
Li Zi Qing looked up and glared coldly at Zheng Yan.
"I have no idea that you're such a gossip, Class Representative. Since you said my vision has never been limited to this mining planet, why would you think I'm interested in that run-down company?
Also, the limited trade agreement negotiations between Baron Blackstone’s territory and the Highland Viscount’s territory began two years ago and accelerated a month ago. I am more familiar with the progress than you are."
Zheng Yan's smile faded slightly, but she did not push it further. Her gaze fell on Chen Lin Feng, who was beside Li Zi Qing.
"Chen Lin Feng, have you achieved the basic perfection in your Tempering Technique? If you haven't, then the reputation of Chen Family Martial Arts Academy will be somewhat lacking in you."
"I wouldn't dare take the reputation of Chen Family Martial Arts Academy upon myself. Besides, the Chen Family Martial Arts Academy closed down decades ago. That statement is inappropriate."
Chen Lin Feng met Zheng Yan's gaze calmly, his eyes bright and free of any distracting thoughts.
Once he became serious, his voice was deep and powerful, filled with substance, "As for Tempering Technique, that's a skill for noble lords. I don't know it. The Chen Family teachings only have one method: Mixed Origin Post. I have just started to learn it."
Zheng Yan smiled again, and she did not press further.
Her next target was Wang Dong.
Before Zheng Yan could speak, Wang Dong quickly waved his hand and said with a smile, "Class Representative, a wandering martial artist is always sneaky and unambitious, please spare me."
Before he could finish, a sound rang out.
"Pfft!"
"Ugh!"
"Heh..."
Not one, but several snickers.
Wang Dong was furious and turned to glare.
Chen Lin Feng, who had just been acting noble and righteous, was staring at him with innocent eyes, his cheeks puffed out.
That was fine.
Li Zi Qing, who should have been keeping a cold face, subconsciously turned his gaze to the ground and started counting ants when Wang Dong turned to him.
That was okay too.
Even Ding Ling, who was beside Wang Dong, was giggling.
Even when Wang Dong looked at her, she just covered her eyes with her little hand, like she was trying to block her ears to avoid the sound.
Zheng Yan, on the other hand, did not react so strongly. She still looked at Wang Dong with a smile.
A bunch of useless teammates, Wang Dong sighed helplessly, spread his hands, and gave up trying to fight back, "Class Representative, please speak. I will humbly accept."