From the moment Qin Chaoyu began speaking, Zong Nanhan refrained from interrupting. He realized that this young girl had completely mastered the rhythm of the speech, effortlessly guiding everyone’s thoughts and drawing them in. Knowing the podium no longer needed him, he quietly stepped down, eager to witness Qin Chaoyu’s performance.
And indeed, her performance was stunning. Zong Nanhan felt that this previously unknown girl would be the biggest dark horse in this selection. He looked forward to her future displays.
After Qin Chaoyu’s brilliant explanation, the audience was mentally drained. Fortunately, the event was nearing its end, and Zong Nanhan wrapped it up with a few words before dismissing everyone.
Kong Han and Yin Ledan flanked Qin Chaoyu as they walked out, shielding her from others who tried to approach and greet her.
At the entrance, they spotted Xing Weiyue standing there, seemingly waiting for someone. The trio paid no mind and were about to pass by when Xing Weiyue called out, “Junior Qin, could you wait a moment?”
Qin Chaoyu turned to him in confusion, but before she could speak, Yin Ledan interjected, “Oh? Who’s this? Isn’t it the prodigy Xing Weiyue? Lowering yourself to talk to us nobodies? How rare.”
Unfazed, Xing Weiyue ignored Yin Ledan’s remark and addressed Qin Chaoyu directly, “Your explanation today was outstanding. I learned a lot—thank you.”
After expressing his gratitude, he turned and left.
“What was that about?” Kong Han stared at Xing Weiyue’s retreating figure, baffled.
Yin Ledan smirked. “Probably bowing to Chaoyu’s vast knowledge. Turns out Xing Weiyue isn’t as insufferable as I thought.”
Kong Han scoffed in disbelief.
Feeling the weight of curious glances around them, Qin Chaoyu disliked being the center of attention. “Let’s go,” she said.
With the conclusion of the event, the second round of selections was officially over.
This time, the organizers acted swiftly. Instead of waiting to announce the eliminations, they gathered everyone the very next day.
The number of eliminations shocked everyone—nearly two-thirds were cut, leaving only about thirty participants.
The eliminated contestants wore expressions of disbelief, unable to comprehend why they had been dismissed.
One of them, Jiao Dongwen, protested indignantly, “Why was I eliminated? My performance was in the top ten! People worse than me stayed, but I got cut? This is unfair!”
His words all but accused the organizers of foul play.
Zong Nanhan’s expression darkened. He scanned the eliminated group sternly. “Are you all wondering why you were cut? You think your performance was excellent and shouldn’t have led to elimination, right?”
His intimidating demeanor silenced the crowd. Even Jiao Dongwen merely glared, waiting for an explanation.
“Then let me tell you—since when was performance the only criterion?” Zong Nanhan pointed at Jiao Dongwen. “You, Jiao Dongwen, never tidied your bed during inspections. As a volunteer intern at the hospital, you slacked off whenever possible. Here’s a record of your behavior: On the 15th, you were two hours late. On the 17th, you argued with a colleague because you felt they assigned you ‘too much’ work. On the 20th, you skipped entirely.” He raised his phone. “Shall I continue?”
“N-no need,” Jiao Dongwen stammered, his face burning. He hadn’t realized his actions had been documented. Exposed in front of everyone, he felt humiliated under their scornful gazes.
“Good.” Zong Nanhan surveyed the room. “Many of you noticed the selection criteria have changed. In the past, only skill mattered. But now, we’re also judging character. When we compete internationally, we represent China—not just in knowledge, but in conduct. Can we allow those with poor character to represent us?”
Silence.
Zong Nanhan raised his voice. “Answer me!”
The crowd responded in unison: “No!”
“Exactly. Someone who can’t even tidy their room or fulfill basic duties would disgrace the nation. Any more objections?”
The eliminated contestants shook their heads, resigned. Though disappointed, they weren’t devastated—after all, it was just a competition. Their academic reputations remained intact.
Still, they couldn’t help glancing at Jiao Dongwen, whose disgrace was far worse.
Under the weight of their mocking stares, Jiao Dongwen lowered his head, desperate to escape. His flaws had been laid bare, and he knew he’d be the subject of ridicule for a long time.
In truth, he was overthinking. People would gossip briefly, but soon move on. His torment was self-inflicted.
“Alright, dismissed!” Zong Nanhan declared, and the crowd dispersed.
On the ride back, Kong Han sighed in relief. “Thank goodness Chaoyu warned me. Otherwise, my carelessness would’ve gotten me eliminated. Being cut for such reasons would’ve been humiliating. The organizers are terrifyingly strict this time.”
Yin Ledan snorted. “You’re not careless—you’re just lazy.”
Uncharacteristically, Kong Han didn’t retort, merely rolling his eyes.
The ride was quiet without their usual banter. Other groups were similarly subdued.
But there was a silver lining: from then on, the remaining participants became hyper-aware of their behavior, fearing any misstep. Yet those who remained had already proven their discipline and character.
Perhaps realizing this, the organizers soon announced the final selection: medical treatment.
For doctors, the ultimate goal was healing. Without practical skill, theoretical knowledge was meaningless.
The rules were simple: within a week, each participant had to treat ten patients at their assigned hospital, with staff and doctors overseeing and recording their progress. Rankings would be based on results—but the organizers added, “Including, but not limited to, treatment outcomes.”
This puzzled many. If not outcomes, what else mattered? But since the organizers had already hinted, no one dared ask.
They returned to the hotel with questions.
With so many eliminations, vacant rooms allowed some participants to have their own spaces. Yin Ledan was displeased—she loved rooming with Qin Chaoyu, who kept her disciplined and even woke her up. Now, she’d have to tidy a whole room alone.
That evening, Yin Ledan and Kong Han both visited Qin Chaoyu’s room to discuss the day’s announcement.
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