CHAPTER 124: CHAPTER 123: NEVER SEEN ANYONE THIS CHEEKY!

Most of the supervisors are the second-generation officials from the Capital, admitted into the Imperial College through their fathers’ and grandfathers’ positions, while a small number enter after failing the provincial and national exams.

The tribute students, on the other hand, are outstanding scholars selected from various localities every year, usually only eligible to run if they have obtained the title of scholar.

Song Wei glanced at the teenager who introduced himself as Xu Shu. The latter’s attire was no different from other supervisors, all dressed in plain white robes. However, his fair complexion betrayed him as someone who had never suffered hardships, thus Song Wei concluded that Xu Shu was a second-generation official.

Before heading out, Wanwan had not predicted he would encounter trouble today, but Song Wei had to remain vigilant.

He was somewhat averse to strangers getting too close, yet being new, he couldn’t afford to openly offend these noble sons with significant backgrounds. He tugged at the book basket on his back, using the motion to dodge Xu Shu’s touch.

Outside the gate, students occasionally passed by. Upon seeing Xu Shu, laughter erupted, "Xu Shu, are you up to your old tricks again? This is the third one, are you up to it?"

Xu Shu shot a glare in response, "No amount of money can buy my willingness to do what I want, is it any of your business?"

The other person sneered but didn’t bother to reply further.

Turning his head, Xu Shu saw the new tribute student had walked a fair distance and was about to enter the Great Success Gate. He quickly caught up and blocked his way, noticing the other’s cold demeanor. His tone carried a tad more courtesy than before, "I’m serious."

"I can see that." Song Wei nodded, rarely speaking out, "You’re very serious about troubling newcomers."

Xu Shu: "..."

Sidestepping this clingy fellow, Song Wei walked straight inside.

Unwilling to give up, Xu Shu sped up and caught up again, explaining, "Hey... fellow student, you might have misunderstood me. I’m just looking to make a deal with you."

Song Wei continued walking, eyes focused straight ahead, "Sorry, I’m here to study, not interested in doing business."

The previous two were dismissed because they seemed disdainful, but to be snubbed by a third? Xu Shu thought this shouldn’t be! With his popularity, how could anyone talk back to him?

He ran in front of Song Wei again, blocking his path, lifting his chin, "Name your price, how much to get you to help me out?"

Song Wei was already prepared to encounter scions but didn’t expect to be harassed by such a rascal even before setting foot past the main gate. Did he have "easy target" written on his face?

He cast a nonchalant glance at him and spoke calmly, "Money can make the devil turn millstones; find your devil."

"Hey! You’re quite stubborn?" Xu Shu frowned, "Do you believe I won’t take you to the scholar and leave you wandering around here?"

Song Wei nodded, a slight smile playing at his lips, "I’ll remember this great kindness of letting me go,"

Xu Shu: "..."

He’d seen cheeky people, but none this cheeky!

Xu Shu huffed in resignation, "Fine, fine, I’m magnanimous, won’t bother with you. This way, I’ll take you to meet the scholar."

Song Wei believed this statement and didn’t retort back, following Xu Shu and soon found the scholar’s office, completing his enrollment.

Upon exiting the office, Xu Shu was still waiting outside, perched on a flower platform, with a blade of grass in his mouth, looking somewhat sullen.

Seeing Song Wei come out, Xu Shu stood up lazily and asked, "All sorted?"

Song Wei softly affirmed.

"You’re new here and unfamiliar with the surroundings. Let me show you around, might as well do a good deed to the end."

"No need," Song Wei said, "I can manage on my own."

"Why so much nonsense?" Xu Shu spat out the grass and spun around, walking ahead.