Chapter Nine: Wang Ze’s Defiance

"Yang Xiaofan, where did you get the M5?" Wang Ze asked, unable to hide his dissatisfaction.

Yang Xiaofan simply shrugged. "Of course I bought it. Or do you think you gave it to me?"

At those words, several students couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Wang Ze’s face darkened. "Of course I know you bought it. But how? Where did you get so much money?"

Yang Xiaofan shrugged again. "What, are you my son now? Do I owe you an explanation about how I got my money?"

"You—!" Wang Ze was so furious he could almost spit blood. He clenched his fists tightly, glaring at Yang Xiaofan as if he wanted to kill him on the spot.

Another classmate, unable to contain his curiosity, chimed in, "Xiaofan, isn’t your family not well off? How did you afford a luxury car?"

"Well… ahem… I was unfortunate enough to win first prize in the lottery," Yang Xiaofan replied, not revealing that the money had come from selling his paintings. Who knew if they’d believe he was a master painter? And even if they did, they might pester him for paintings—an endless string of troubles. It was simpler to say he’d won the lottery.

"So you won the lottery!"

"Damn, you’re really lucky! I’ve been buying tickets for years and the most I’ve ever won was five yuan!"

The students buzzed with envy, while Wang Ze huffed, "So what if you won the lottery? Why are you showing off? My family’s house just got relocated and we received over eight million in compensation! Hmph!"

With that, he stormed off to his seat, with Wang Qian following closely behind him like a loyal puppy.

Qin Nuanyu leaned over and spoke quietly, "Yang Xiaofan, winning the lottery is a good thing. But spending it all on a car is a bit wasteful. Cars only lose value. You should think about investing more. It’ll do you good after graduation."

Yang Xiaofan spread his hands, feigning helplessness. "I can’t help it. I don’t have a girlfriend to manage my money. I’m just a single guy—it’s hard to save anything. Unless… Class President, would you manage my money for me?"

Qin Nuanyu blushed and gave a playful scoff, "Rogue."

She turned and went back to her seat, but Yang Xiaofan distinctly saw the faintest hint of a smile at the corner of her lips as she turned away.

Feeling at ease, Yang Xiaofan found a table and chatted with his classmates over the meal. When the wine had flowed freely and everyone was nearly finished eating, Qin Nuanyu stood up and announced, "Tonight’s gathering is partly to bring everyone closer. But it’s also to discuss the Freshman Welcome Gala. The teachers have requested that each class perform at least one act. Of course, our class can’t be left out. I hope everyone will offer ideas, and we’ll choose the best one together."

Yang Xiaofan was familiar with the Freshman Welcome Gala; it was a tradition at Su University. He’d attended it last year as a new student and seen that the performances were usually amateurish. He had little interest in participating, and judging by the mood, neither did most of his classmates. They’d rather spend their free time gaming than rehearsing for a show.

Noticing the lack of enthusiasm, Qin Nuanyu spoke again, "I know you might find it tiring, but the school has announced that the top ten performances in the gala will receive cash prizes. The first place prize is one million, and it will be awarded directly to the participating students. What’s more, anyone who wins an award will receive an opportunity for guaranteed graduate school admission."

At that, everyone immediately perked up.

"My god, a million in prize money—are you serious?"

"And a guaranteed spot in grad school!"

"Amazing! I have to join!"

Even Yang Xiaofan found himself tempted. The prize money didn’t matter much—he could earn that with a single painting. But the chance for guaranteed admission to graduate school truly appealed to him. Despite his newfound talents, he still cherished academic dreams deep down.

With that in mind, he asked, "There are so many of us—who will represent our class in the performance?"

Qin Nuanyu smiled. "That’s simple. Whoever has the best talent should represent our class in the Freshman Gala."

Her words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing most people’s excitement. Many students only knew how to study and take exams; few had time to cultivate artistic talents. Who would perform?

Just then, Wang Ze, who had been sulking, suddenly brightened and stood up to stir things up. "I have a suggestion. No one in our class can dance, but at least we can sing. Why don’t we go to a karaoke bar, test out our voices, and whoever sings best will represent us? How about that?"

Everyone glanced around and began to agree. Most had been to karaoke at least a few times; maybe they weren’t skilled, but who couldn’t sing?

"Great idea! Let’s go sing!"

"But… with so many of us, where would we go? At this hour, business is booming. Booking a private room will cost a fortune, won’t it?"

Once again, a bucket of cold water was poured out, dampening the group’s enthusiasm. But Wang Ze’s smile remained bright as ever, and Yang Xiaofan guessed he was about to show off again.

Sure enough, Wang Ze cleared his throat and grinned, "Don’t worry, everyone. My second uncle is the manager at Tropic Paradise KTV. I’ll ask him for a discount—an internal special rate. Singing tonight is on me."

The crowd erupted in delight.

"Awesome! Wang Ze, I never knew you had such connections."

"Tropic Paradise is one of the top spots in Northern Su. I’ve always wanted to sing there, but it’s way too expensive. Tonight’s our lucky night!"

Wang Ze chuckled. "Well, I’m a local here, and my family has influence across Northern Su. If you need anything in the future, just ask me—I can find someone in almost any field."

This boast drew another round of admiration and flattery, instantly sweeping away Wang Ze’s earlier gloom. Beside him, Wang Qian beamed even more brightly—after all, this was her boyfriend, and his prestige reflected on her as well.

"Class President, what do you think?" After rallying everyone, Wang Ze turned to Qin Nuanyu, another calculated move. If he’d gone to her first, she might have refused, but now, with everyone eager, she was hard-pressed to say no.

Looking at the longing faces around her, Qin Nuanyu could only smile helplessly. "It’s a good idea. Let’s go with it."

The corners of Wang Ze’s mouth curled up. He had succeeded! His purpose wasn’t just to show off his connections, but to let everyone witness his talents and singing—he would dazzle them once again.

He was determined to be the brightest star of the night.