I've added this fanfic to my P4treon Page, support me to read advanced chapter there and motivate me to write more chapters for you guys!
P4treon.com/NineClouds69
--- Chapter 270 ---
Jing Hongchen had a fawning sensation in his heart. So, the way he looked at Huo Yuhao was like a treasure hunter with an irreplaceable treasure.
"So, here is my small proposal."
"We, Imperial Sun Moon Academy, majored in advanced spirit guidance technology more than other factions on the Douluo Continent. As a matter of fact, we are leaving others in a ditch." He said somewhat proudly.
"Jing Hongchen, know your place." Liu Mei's frown deepened ever since Jing Hongchen first opened his mouth. "First in your dream."
Huo Yuhao tapped his finger on the table, "No, no, Mei, let him talk."
"Go on, Elder Hongchen."
He'd like to see where this thick-faced elder went with this conversation.
Jing Hongchen smiled and continued, "This is supposed to be a secret, but I wouldn't keep my card hidden for you, Zero Disciple."
"The Illustrious Virtue Hall under me is developing a new project called the giant human-shaped spirit guidance tool right now, and I believe it will be the future of mankind."
"But then, we have a small problem with producing it."
"We lack the means to activate this giant machine. Anything we made so far couldn't supply it with enough energy."
"Until we used Rune Stones from the Dragon Nest." Jing Hongchen sighed a little.
Huo Yuhao raised his eyebrows, "Are you perhaps..."
Jing Hongchen didn't beat around the bush anymore, "Yes, if possible, we want to collaborate with Dragon Nest through you and supply us with a steady amount of Rune Stones."
"At the very least, for the next three years." He raised three of his fingers to make a point.
"With this, we can produce the first ever giant human-shaped spirit guidance tool."
Huo Yuhao leaned against his chair and replied, "Hmm, you did sound ambitious and had a vision about such a matter."
"But."
"But?"
"But I don't like the name of this spirit guidance tool you're talking about, Elder Hongchen. It's too mouthful."
"This..." Jing Hongchen was speechless. He articulated his vision to make Huo Yuhao agree to support him. However, he was stumped because this blue-haired young man didn't like the project's name.
Even Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen were amazed by Huo Yuhao's insensitivity. Is this young man really the only pupil of Dragon Nest's Leader?
Huo Yuhao rubbed his chin and smiled, "Why don't we call it Mecha? It stemmed from world Mechanical, which is what Spirit Guidance Tool is about."
"Mecha, mecha... That would work." Jing Hongchen nodded, finding the name better than the long name he used earlier.
"So, what do you think?"
"Do you think we can collaborate?"
Huo Yuhao stared at Jing Hongchen's eyes and answered, "Your proposal wasn't attractive enough."
"Eh?" Jing Hongchen was shocked.
Jing Honchen thought Huo Yuhao would agree as he suggested changing the project's name.
"Let me ask something." Huo Yuhao ignored Jing Hongchen's shocked expression.
"Do you think supplying you with Rune Stones continuously would do any good on my part? You literally asked me to throw my money at you and wait for god-know when."
"Not to mention, I'm not optimistic enough that you can make a Mecha in three years. You guys are currently like an aimless chicken. Just admit it."
"It also means my support would be no different than wasting precious resources away."
"Even though my authority is above the vice-leader, you should know that wasting things is not good, especially in my teacher's eyes."
Jing Hongchen blinked in awe. Huo Yuhao really dismantled his proposal like it was nothing.
At first, he thought this blue-haired young man was simple-minded.
But no, Zero Disciple's mind is very sharp.
Huo Yuhao shrugged, "Unless you show me some credibility that you can produce such a thing, I won't give you my support."
"I'm a Class 9 Soul Engineer!" Jing Hongchen hurriedly retorted.
"Who is not a Class 9 Soul Engineer nowadays? Even Liu Mei is a Class 9 Soul Engineer by your Sun and Moon Empire's low standard, and I could easily ask her to make me a mecha." Huo Yuhao shut him down pretty quickly.
Jing Hongchen hung his head low and thought of many things to persuade Huo Yuhao. He glanced at his granddaughter's lovely appearance, and an idea flashed in his bright mind.
However, not even a second later, Jing Hongchen could only give up on such an idea.
He glanced at Liu Mei and thought, 'He has many beauties on his side, which means using my granddaughter as a honey trap won't work.'
Liu Mei could not bear it anymore and said, "Your time befriending Zero Disciple is over. Scram!"
"I..." Jing Hongchen hesitated and glanced at Huo Yuhao, finding him yawning casually.
"Very well."
"Zero Disciple. Let's talk again later." He smiled friendly at Huo Yuhao.
"I will show you a better proposal than this." Yes, he must prepare for a better plan.
After that, Jing Hongchen retreated with his grandchildren.
Yet, not even a second later, people from other factions had lined up to curry Huo Yuhao's favor. If they couldn't curry his favor, befriending him or making a positive impression is enough for them.
Soon, Huo Yuhao's table piled up with gifts.
There is a small mountain of gifts.
It's not until the Shrek Academy's people come that Huo Yuhao could take a breather.
"Wow, being a big shot is a pain." Tang Ya commented while looking at Huo Yuhao's sorry state.
Huo Yuhao chuckled, "Tell me about it."
"If Mei didn't help, more people would come and annoy me."
"Hehe, you reap what you sow." Wang Dong didn't hide her snarky remark about Huo Yuhao. "You shouldn't have made such a shocking appearance earlier."
"That's not my fault." Huo Yuhao rolled his eyes.
He glanced at Ma Xiaotao, Xiao Xiao, and Zhang Lexuan. "You three looks good tonight."
"I-Is that so?" Ma Xiaotao blushed, clutching the edge of her fiery red dress.
Xiao Xiao giggled and swayed her emerald-green dress, "Hehe. Yuhao praises me."
"Mm." Zhang Lexuan didn't say much. But everyone could see her smile was 'especially' charming when Huo Yuhao praised her beauty.
The three ladies are like different flowers in this hall.
"Yuhao, you said there would be a dance event later." Xiao Xiao suddenly pointed out. "Can you dance with me?"
Huo Yuhao smiled, "Sure, but you had to wait in line because many beauties wanted to dance with me."
"Bah!" Wang Dong threw her head away in disgust.
"It's not my fault that I'm this handsome." He added shortly after.
'Shameless and narcissistic.' Every male guest thought to themselves.
Of course, female guests had different ideas about Huo Yuhao's narchistic remarks. If they could dance with him even once, that would elevate their status.
Nevertheless, realization kicked these single ladies hard when they saw Huo Yuhao was surrounded by fairies, if not goddess-level, beauty.
Comparison is indeed cruel.
They could only bite their lips in jealousy.
Huo Yuhao presented Liu Mei calmly, "Mei here would be my first partner tonight. I have made a promise, so I had to fulfill it as a gentleman."
"Yes, you're so nice to me." Liu Mei's cheeks reddened slightly.
"Attention~! Attention~!" Giana's voice echoed in the hall.
"The Ballroom Dance would begin in five minutes."
"Everyone, please clear out the center area."
"Everyone, please clear out the center area."
Huo Yuhao stood up from his seat and offered his hand, "Mei, it's dancing time."
"Mm." Liu Mei nodded while taking his hand.
Under everyone's jealous gazes, Huo Yuhao led Liu Mei to the center area and waited for the first song to start. He hummed patiently and glanced at the Queen of Thunder.
"Are you nervous?"
"Yes." Liu Mei answered honestly. "To be honest, I have never danced before."
"Is that so? I thought your movement technique was similar to dance moves."
"You can use it, and I'll lead you along with the song."
Liu Mei clenched her free hand, "I-I can try."
"Good girl."
A mellow and slow song played in the hall, and everyone waited for Huo Yuhao to make the first move.
Huo Yuhao smirked and stepped forward confidently, dragging Liu Mei's willowy figure according to the song's tempo. Their bodies swayed as a faint flicker of lightning enveloped them.
"Beautiful..." Huo Yun'er watched the dance nearby.
With Huo Yuhao's lead, Liu Mei becomes an elegant fairy and dances wholeheartedly. Her movement is awkward but gentle, giving off an innocent impression.
'This is my happiest night ever~!' Liu Mei smiled while staring at Huo Yuhao's handsome face.
'The night is still young.' Huo Yuhao winked at her.
'Let's keep dancing.'
Soon, the surrounding guests joined the center area and danced with their partners. The unforgettable legendary party reached its peak at this very moment.
Huo Yuhao danced with every lady he was close to and made a name for himself, especially among the female guests.
After tonight's party, They called him the Blue-Haired Prince.
And Number One Boyfriend Candidate!