Chapter 47: The Underrated Lin Qi (Please keep reading)

"I know."

Lin Qi's expression remained calm after hearing this, showing no surprise.

Dongfang Qi, however, was quite surprised. She had been working in talent recruitment for several years and had negotiated with dozens of geniuses.

Even if they tried to hide it well, once they heard they could negotiate a contract, they would inevitably reveal traces of excitement.

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

This left her feeling astonished.

"Tell me the contents of your contract."

Two cups of coffee were served. After speaking, Lin Qi picked up his cup and took a sip, the bitter taste spreading through his mouth.

Dongfang Qi pulled out a tablet and handed it to Lin Qi. On it was a contract: a C-grade contract.

"Based on the comprehensive assessment of our Martial Arts Hall, we have identified you as a C-grade genius, worthy of a C-grade contract."

"Under a C-grade contract, we will provide you with 1.5 million Xia Kingdom yuan and resources valued at 1 million yuan, for a total value of 2.5 million Xia Kingdom yuan. This will last until your university graduation, a term of five years."

"Additionally, you will enjoy a 15% discount at the martial arts supermarket affiliated with our Chongming Martial Arts Hall."

"Our Chongming Martial Arts Hall offers the most generous contracts; you can rest assured on that point," Dongfang Qi said, puffing out her chest with a confident smile.

Lin Qi nodded. It was exactly as Jiang Tao had said; Chongming Martial Arts Hall was indeed wealthy.

For the same C-grade contract, the amount he was being offered was higher than the C-grade contracts from Chiqiong or Heiyao Martial Arts Halls. He was being given an extra 500,000 Xia Kingdom yuan, which was equivalent to a second-class genius loan.

It was a direct gift, no repayment required, lasting for five years: one year of senior high school and four years of university.

"Well, student Lin Qi, there are no better terms than what we at Chongming can offer." Dongfang Qi looked at him expectantly.

"Phew—"

Lin Qi set down his cup and spoke slowly

"I need to think about it!"

"Huh?"

Dongfang Qi was stunned. He needed to think about it?

Think about what? He should just sign it immediately.

This was the first time she had encountered someone like this. Others, upon hearing they could sign a C-grade contract, practically signed their names without hesitation, fearing that Chongming Martial Arts Hall might change its mind. Who was like Lin Qi, needing to "consider" it?

Generally, only geniuses capable of signing B-grade or even A-grade contracts had the qualification to say they needed to think about it.

For an ordinary genius with a C-grade contract to actually consider it was simply putting the cart before the horse.

"What, are you dissatisfied with the contract?"

Dongfang Qi cursed inwardly, though her face maintained a smile.

"Yes," Lin Qi nodded in admission.

"Uh..."

This left Dongfang Qi completely speechless.

"Student Lin Qi, with your talent, a C-grade contract is already the best possible."

"You aren't actually thinking of signing a B-grade contract, are you? I can say with certainty that whether it's Chiqiong or Heiyao, they will absolutely only offer you a C-grade contract."

"So, I hope you, student Lin Qi, do not aim too high for your own good," Dongfang Qi urged, her tone turning serious as she tried to restrain herself.

*Buzz!*

Lin Qi pulled out his phone, checked it, and then stood up.

"Let's leave it at that. Let me think about it."

"Thanks for the coffee!"

With that, he walked toward the door and quickly disappeared from Dongfang Qi's sight.

"This Lin Qi really doesn't know what's good for him. Does he truly think he's a B-grade genius?"

"Just wait. He'll come begging me in a while," Dongfang Qi sneered disdainfully, picking up her coffee to drink.

...

Half an hour later.

"Student Lin Qi, a B-grade contract is impossible. You are... being too fanciful."

"You should reconsider."

Lin Qi walked out of another coffee shop. Feeling the sunlight on his body, he let out a long breath.

"As expected, none of them will give me a B-grade contract. Only Chiqiong Martial Arts Hall is left, and they probably won't either."

Lin Qi returned to his martial arts training room calmly. He went through the motions of changing into his martial arts uniform and taking his energy potion.

He picked up his training spear. Once his body felt warm and the heat surged through his limbs, his muscles began to activate.

With a shake of the spear, he spun it into a blur of light and abruptly began to execute his spear techniques.

*Swish, swish—*

The spear vibrated. It thrust out like a sharp arrow, continuously piercing the air, causing the breeze to whistle.

Lin Qi's mind began to wander, the negotiations he just had with the representatives from Chongming and Heiyao Martial Arts Halls surfacing in his thoughts.

Sure enough, they all fell through. No one was willing to give him a B-grade contract.

Lin Qi was not surprised by this result; in fact, he had anticipated it.

Both Chongming and Heiyao believed he lacked the potential to warrant a B-grade contract.

But only he knew that his potential was sufficient to sign an A-grade contract.

However, he could wait. Signing a contract didn't have a fixed deadline; some people dragged it out for months.

He still had over 700,000 Xia Kingdom yuan on him, which was enough to sustain him until the midterm assessment.

After the midterm assessment, no one would doubt his ability to sign a B-grade contract.

Of course, he had a flexible bottom line. Once his funds ran low, he would sign immediately to get the money first, then find a way to upgrade the contract once his results improved in the future.

"So, I still need sufficient strength. Only with strength do I have more choices."

Lin Qi's gaze sharpened, and the spear in his hand became more powerful.

*Screech—*

The spear tore through the air with majestic momentum, its techniques fierce and domineering.

Lin Qi mobilized the strength of his muscles; the veins in his arms bulged like steel wires wrapped around his limbs, and his blood surged rapidly.

His spear techniques were grand and sweeping, without a hint of hesitation, fully unleashing his power.

He recalled the words of Dongfang Qi and the representative from Heiyao. When they learned he needed to "consider" it, the contempt and disdain in their voices and expressions flashed through his mind.

Combined, he was over 40 years old. No matter how mature he was mentally, being looked down upon still felt unpleasant.

"It's truly irritating!"

Therefore, he had to possess greater power, sign a better contract, and become a top-tier genius of the martial arts hall. When you are strong enough, there are no bad people around you.

"Roar!"

Lin Qi let out a loud shout, like a tiger's roar, as his spear lunged forward violently.

*Crushing Thrust!*

*Whirling Break!*

*Leaping Void!*

As he swung through the moves, his momentum grew more intense and his spear techniques more terrifying.

*Screech—*

In an instant, the tip of the spear sliced through space, emitting a sharp whistle. Lin Qi felt his body boiling intensely.

[Through training, your proficiency in "Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique" has increased. Spear Technique +2%]

[Through training, your movement technique proficiency has increased. Movement Technique +1%]

[Spear Technique: Tier 1 94% → 96%]

[Movement Technique: Tier 1 90% → 91%]

...

"Phew—"

Lin Qi gripped the spear with one hand, looking at the data on the panel, which had changed.

His spear technique realm was nearing Tier 2. Given a little more time, he was confident he could break through.

In the entirety of Tianhai No. 2 High School, not many people had broken through to Tier 2 in martial arts.

With that thought, he continued to immerse himself in his spear training.

...

Three days later.

The Principal's Office.

Principal Jiang Zhiguang frowned as he looked at the large projected screen.

"I didn't expect it. Bailu City actually has the audacity to want to hold a martial arts exchange with our Tianhai City."

"In previous years, Tianhai City just played by itself. Now that Bailu City is getting involved, they clearly come with ill intentions."

Zhang Cheng sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, facing the projected screen.

"In this martial arts exchange competition, ten key middle schools will participate. Now, it's not just about representing the school's honor, but representing the entire Tianhai City."

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

"Indeed. That's why we must achieve victory. That part depends entirely on you, Old Zhang."

"There is still some time before the exchange competition begins. We need to help these kids improve their strength as much as possible," Jiang Zhiguang instructed.

"Then you better keep a close eye on them!" Zhang Cheng laughed.

...

(End of Chapter)