This situation didn't only happen in the library. Wherever Kent and Zhao Mengxi appeared together, similar scenes were sparked.
By noon, several posts about the beautiful new student began flooding the Earthstar University forum, generating intense discussions.
Among them, the pinned post was undoubtedly about Zhao Mengxi. Her and Kent's identities were quickly unearthed and shared, which led to a barrage of personal attacks targeting Kent. Several influential figures even threatened to confront Kent, intending to prove if he was truly as useless as they believed. If he was, they would make it their mission to humiliate him until he withdrew, leaving Zhao Mengxi open for the taking.
This would then level the playing field, and the winner not only gets the beautiful woman but also a reward of several hundred thousand credit points.
Kent, however, was unaware of all this. Since he wasn't yet an official Earthstar University student, he couldn't access the forum, and thus, had no idea about the heated discussions centered around him.
After lunch with Zhao Mengxi, the two returned to the library to continue their research and broaden their knowledge.
"Don't you think their gazes are a bit strange?" Zhao Mengxi asked, puzzled.
Kent glanced around at the people stealing glances at them, nodding. "I noticed too. It seems like they're more focused on me, and their intentions don't feel friendly."
Just then, a group of people walked towards them. The leader, an imposing figure about twenty years old, dressed in a flashy branded outfit, exuded confidence. Behind him were over twenty people, all seeming to follow his lead, and though their demeanor was aggressive, they wore mocking smiles.
"Is this Zhao Mengxi?" The handsome young man spoke with an elegant tone and a charming smile. "I'm Qin Lei, a junior. I heard there's a new student here who's as beautiful as a goddess, so I came to make her acquaintance. I hope you don't mind."
Zhao Mengxi smiled knowingly. "I've met Qin Lei, senior. Is there anything else you need?"
Her response was light, but the clear intention to send him away was unmistakable.
Qin Lei froze for a moment. With his looks, talents, and background, women usually flocked to him right away. He never expected to be dismissed so quickly after just one sentence.
A sly smile appeared on his face as he looked Zhao Mengxi up and down. "Interesting! But why rush to send me away, junior? Apart from wanting to get to know you, I'd also like to meet the young man beside you, Kent."
Kent was surprised. How did they already know their names? He remembered only providing his name during the registration at the academic office. They hadn't introduced themselves to anyone else.
As confusion arose in his mind, Kent quickly responded in a cold and indifferent tone, "You've got a sharp eye, senior. We've never met, yet you already know my name. Could it be that there's a rare flying beast capable of identifying people's names, and you've contracted one?"
"Hahaha..." Kent's comment made Qin Lei's followers burst out laughing.
Qin Lei smirked and replied mockingly, "Kent, you certainly have a vivid imagination. This is the first time I've heard of such a creature. If one really exists in Microglow City, do introduce us, so we can satisfy our curiosity."
Kent waved dismissively, unfazed. "Microglow City is a small place, where everything is straightforward, but Earthstar City is the capital—vast and prosperous, full of all sorts of strange things. I'm just a small-town person, so I assumed there could be such beasts in the capital. After all, it's amazing that within just two days of arriving, someone here already knows my name and surname."
Though his reasoning seemed far-fetched, Kent turned the tables, subtly insulting Qin Lei and his group, comparing them to "monsters." This immediately made their faces darken.
"Well said. You're certainly not ordinary," Qin Lei sneered. "No wonder, as the son of common folk, you managed to win Zhao Mengxi's heart. I guess it's because of your silver tongue."
Qin Lei's sarcasm was clear. He was openly ridiculing Kent for using his words to win over Zhao Mengxi, which only made his followers look down on him even more.
Zhao Mengxi frowned, about to speak, but Kent reached out and grabbed her hand, stepping forward to block her.
"Not so fast," Kent said with a raised eyebrow. "My girl loves hearing sweet words from me. If I don't say something nice to her one day, she won't be able to eat or sleep."
He continued, "Besides, while I can't say if we're truly a match made in heaven, as long as I don't let go, no one can take her away from me. Let me make it clear: we're already living together."
"Of course, if you're not willing to accept this, and want to use some dirty tricks, feel free. I may not have many skills, but one thing I can do is handle any challenge that comes my way."
His words were ruthless, asserting Zhao Mengxi's status as his, leaving no room for argument. Qin Lei and his group were left with gloomy expressions, and any ulterior motives they had were immediately crushed.
However, money and beauty could stir desires, and even though Kent made his intentions clear, Zhao Mengxi's beauty was so stunning that Qin Lei wasn't likely to give up so easily.
Furthermore, after Kent's blunt challenge, Qin Lei felt humiliated. To save face, he had no choice but to issue a challenge of his own.
"You're so arrogant and reckless," Qin Lei's voice turned cold. "Kent, you have four months. In the upcoming Storm Conference at the end of the year, we'll have a one-on-one match."
Kent had heard of the Storm Conference but didn't know much about it. He assumed it was a fair, one-on-one battle, which didn't seem like much of an issue.
With that, Kent smiled confidently, filled with a fiery determination. "That's exactly what I want. Let's meet there. Whoever doesn't show up is the loser."
Seeing Kent's unwavering confidence, Qin Lei and his group were taken aback. Was Kent really so fearless, or was he bluffing? Though Kent had won the Microglow City competition, the data showed he only had two high-level golden beasts, so how could he be so audacious?
After a brief moment of thought, Qin Lei's eyes turned cold. "You've got some guts, but remember, guts and bravery are just jokes in the face of absolute power. Our match is set. See you then."
Kent, unshaken, simply nodded. "No problem."