The school cafeteria primarily catered to students from wealthy families. Its exterior exuded luxury, while the interior was elegantly decorated. Beautiful young women dressed in pristine maid uniforms moved gracefully through the space, accompanied by the soft, melodious strains of a piano.
The lighting in the cafeteria was dim, with a faintly glowing artificial mountain at the center of a pool. Under the soft light, a few rare and beautiful fish swam happily in the water. Intermittent anti-gravity fountains occasionally sent sprays of mist into the air, adding to the dreamlike atmosphere.
As Yun Yi entered the cafeteria, he was momentarily surprised but quickly regained his composure. During his time at the base, he had often visited the temporary palace of the Zhao Song Empire. Although it didn’t have many attendants, it had been meticulously crafted by dozens of emperors over generations. How could a mere cafeteria compare to that?
As soon as Chris entered, he turned his gaze to Yun Yi. Seeing him recover so quickly, Chris was shocked. He knew that the scenery and decor of this cafeteria were highly impactful for students from ordinary families. Yet Yun Yi hadn’t even been fazed, only showing a brief moment of curious surprise.
It seemed impossible. Chris had inquired about the backgrounds of every classmate from their homeroom teacher to determine who was worth befriending. According to the information he had, Yun Yi’s profile was simple:
"Parents deceased, living with his younger sister, supporting himself through part-time work. Excellent academic performance…"
Chris couldn’t believe that a poor student who had to work part-time to make ends meet would only show a brief moment of surprise in such a place.
Martial arts at Level 7, excellent academic performance, composed in the face of adversity, working part-time to support his sister… Was this guy a superhuman? How could an ordinary person have so much time for all this?
Chris knew very well that such people might seem ordinary now, but once they had the chance to shine, they would soar to great heights. This was just a period of accumulation for Yun Yi. Once he broke free from his current constraints, he would transform into a dragon.
Originally, Chris had only wanted to befriend classmates with potential or those who could help his career in the future. But upon seeing Yun Yi, he immediately realized the importance of building a relationship with such a person before they rose to prominence. In the future, Yun Yi could be a tremendous asset to his career.
"Everyone, order whatever you like. We’re all classmates here, so no need to be shy."
After finding a quiet corner to sit, Chris opened the electronic menu on the table and addressed the group, occasionally glancing at Yun Yi.
Yun Yi casually ordered a few dishes that weren’t too expensive and began chatting with the others about school matters. Soon, the conversation turned to the Disciplinary Committee.
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"It’s a pity. My martial arts are only at Level 5, early stage. Even if I joined the Disciplinary Committee, I’d probably just be a minor officer. I’d rather not run around following others’ orders," said a classmate who looked strikingly similar to Yang Yue’er, swirling the red wine in his glass.
From the brief introductions earlier, Yun Yi had learned his name.
Yang Chengling, Yang Yue’er’s twin brother. Both siblings had been admitted to the College of Economics and Trade. He was cold and proud but also straightforward.
Chris smiled slightly. "Exactly. Joining would just mean being someone’s lackey, following the committee’s orders. I’m not interested in such boring tasks."
Omir, who didn’t drink alcohol, slowly stirred his coffee and said, "It’s a shame Yun Yi has to live off-campus. Otherwise, he’d definitely be a committee member."
"If Yun Yi were a committee member, we’d have someone on the inside. Ah, my beautiful, carefree campus life…" Yang Yue’er sighed melodramatically after taking a small sip of her wine.
Yun Yi chuckled. "From what you’re saying, it seems the Disciplinary Committee has quite a bit of power?"
Yang Yue’er snorted. "Their power is limited to managing students. It’s nothing special. I’m not interested."
"Not exactly," Chris said with a light smile. "The Disciplinary Committee does have significant authority. They handle most of the school’s disciplinary enforcement without needing to go through the school. For serious offenses, they can even expel students directly, only needing to file a report with the school afterward."
"That’s quite a bit of power…" Yun Yi said calmly. However, he couldn’t imagine himself committing an offense severe enough to warrant expulsion.
Yang Yue’er giggled. "The Disciplinary Committee also has its perks, like tuition waivers and exam bonuses, but those aren’t a big deal. The real advantage is that committee members can bring people in and out of the school freely. It’s… it’s so envy-inducing."
"Haha, Yue’er, if you’re so envious, why don’t you charm a committee member? Make him fall for you, and then we can all come and go as we please," said Gudrian, a tall, skinny guy with a somewhat mischievous look.
"That’s not a bad idea. I’ve heard there are quite a few handsome guys among the committee members," Chris teased.
"Ugh, you guys are the worst. Hmph, I’m not interested in any of them. But speaking of which, there are also plenty of beautiful female committee members. Chris, Gudrian, our future happiness on campus depends on you!"
Chris grimaced. "Why me? You know the committee members are at least Level 6, late stage. If I tried anything, you’d probably find me in the infirmary."
Gudrian also looked troubled. "Those committee members might be beautiful, but they’re like mini mechs—best not to get too close. I heard that some guy from the Luo’an family tried to pursue a committee member using some underhanded method. A few committee members teamed up and broke all four of his limbs. He spent a week in the infirmary."
Yang Chengling also smiled. "I heard about that. The Luo’an family ended up in some dispute with the families of those committee members. But how many of those committee members are ordinary people? I heard the Luo’an family had to give up quite a few interests in the Chang’an system to settle it."
For a moment, the group fell silent.
Omir, who had been stirring his coffee, suddenly spoke up. "Why not have Yun Yi do it?"
The others were momentarily stunned, then turned their gazes to Yun Yi.
Yun Yi had been quietly listening to their conversation, finding it quite amusing. He didn’t drink alcohol and was sipping a cup of black tea when Omir’s words nearly made him spit it out.
So Arabs can be this cunning too…
Yun Yi put down his cup with a headache and pointed at his own face. "You’re saying… I should go charm a senior committee member?"
Yang Yue’er clapped her hands and laughed. "Of course! You’re handsome, and your martial arts are strong. You wouldn’t have to fear those committee members."
Yun Yi smiled wryly. "You think I’m like you? I’m just a poor student."
"Huh?" Yang Yue’er and the others looked at Yun Yi curiously. They didn’t know about his background, and Chris hadn’t told them.