Chapter 40: Jesting (2/2)

”Let them try then, we will make sure they don't try again!” Ma Xiaoru hissed.

They lolled on the double-sized lawn chair with servants about them; the comfortable life had never dulled their keen mind. They remained steadfast in their pursuit; regardless if it was a pursuit in higher cultivation or in the career as a principal. It was this unfaltering spirit made both of them more attractive than most other girls.

”I gathered that they would let you win on your turn at the tournament, and then hedge their bets on our weaker teammates. To be honest, I don't have high hopes for your senior schoolmates, and it's too late now for me to do anything about it. I can only count on the freshmen in your year. But I also fear for your confidence, should any of you lose a battle.”

”You are trying to tell me that we don't have much room for error?”

”What a smart girl! I wagered that we might have a bit more wiggle room if Wang Tong had joined us, but that sly little fish had refused my invitation. I thought of threatening him with his grades, but then I figured it was too risky. I could be shooting at my own feet if my gun scared him away to other schools.”

It was often easier to be a student than a principal because the student managed only oneself, but a principal managed many. Every issue would quickly turn into a tangle of risks and options, and each thread in the entanglement seemed to lead to a different end. In a whim of nostalgia, Samantha missed her once carefree life as a student, but the satisfaction of overcoming a challenge quickly draw her back into reality. In this way, she was similar to Ma Xiaoru; they both seemed to have everything in their life, except for a stage to prove themselves.

”He refused?” Surprise was written all over Ma Xiaoru's face. She couldn't believe the quick-witted Wang Tong would have passed up the opportunity of winning the principal's favor.

”I was surprised as well. I'm still looking for other candidates, but it's been tough. I can't make bricks without straw.”

”Do you need my help coaxing that Wang Tong?” Ma Xiaoru asked as she raised her cup and sipped the drink; her eyes dodged Samantha's gaze as the latter was scanning her like an open book.

”...Sis, why are you looking at me weirdly?” Ma Xiaoru broke the awkwardness.

”Xiaoru. Tell me that you are not thinking of—”

”Of course not!” Ma Xiaoru quickly cut her short. A noticeable tinged of rosy red had crept onto her cheeks. ”I don't know him that well. He is an interesting person alright, but I am simply intrigued. I don't have much to do anyways.”

Samantha faked a reluctant expression and jested: ”Oh my... I think your cultivation had taken a toll on your conscience. You shall know better than me not to toy with the feelings of an innocent boy.”

”Sis! I will NEVER talk to you again if you keep on acting like that!” Ma Xiaoru pouted her glistening lips.

”Haha. Fine, fine! Nothing is worse than your silent treatment. Haha!” Samantha burst out laughing.

The two drop-dead-gorges went on poking fun at each other. It was a beautiful sight hidden high up in the clouds.

”Have you heard about what happened to Wang Ben?” Samantha asked.

”Benny? No, what happened?” Ma Xiaoru seldom read the news.

Samantha briefly spoke about Wang Ben's failure of his operation, and she heaved a sigh. ”What a pity, Wang Ben was a real talent, perhaps the gods themselves had felt jealous of him.”

Unlike Samantha who had willingly given up the prospect of a METAL fighter, Wang Ben had been regarded by many, including himself, as the one who was destined to become a warrior. Samantha could only hope that this tragic turn off his life had not bent his mind beyond its breaking point.