Chapter Sixty-One: A Difficult Choice

At that moment, Joanna was still in a dazed state, shouting loudly, “What are you all staring at? What’s so interesting?”
Alyssa, feeling awkward, explained to the dormitory administrator, “Sorry, Joanna’s had a bit too much to drink. Could you please make an exception and let Luo Chen help her upstairs? He’ll be down again very soon.”
“This isn’t really allowed,” the administrator hesitated, then agreed, “Alright, but make it quick. It doesn’t look good.”
Luo Chen helped Joanna to her room and laid her on her bed, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
The girls’ dormitory was indeed different—elegant and cozy, with even a small bonsai thoughtfully placed on the windowsill. But Luo Chen had no time to appreciate it. “Alyssa, mission accomplished. I’ll leave her in your care.”
“Yes, I will.”
“Then I’ll be going now.”
After Luo Chen left, Joanna was still muttering on the bed, “Let’s see if you dare dump Lily, let’s see if you dare dump Lily.”
Alyssa couldn’t help but laugh. She had originally wanted to see what kind of antics Joanna and Luo Chen would get up to, but things had gone too far.
Joanna, oh Joanna, when you wake up, you’ll realize just how serious the consequences are.
Shi Feng had hoped to follow Luo Chen into the girls’ dorm for a look, but was sternly blocked by the lady at the door. He could only wait downstairs, frustrated, until Luo Chen came down. He walked over and said, “You must be feeling pretty pleased now, huh?”
Luo Chen replied irritably, “What’s so great about it?”
Shi Feng raised his middle finger. “Come on, don’t play dumb with me. You totally took advantage of Joanna just now. Tsk tsk, that woman’s figure is incredible—lucky you.”
“I’m not as dirty-minded as you. I didn’t do anything, alright?” But truth be told, Luo Chen could still feel the softness from his shoulder, and he savored it a little—it was his first time being so physically close to a woman’s body.
Shi Feng chuckled, “See? You won’t admit it, but your lustful eyes betray you. I know you enjoyed it! Man, I envy you. Alyssa now sees you in a new light—maybe you’ll get to have a wild night with the two campus beauties. Giving up the whole forest for two trees is dumb, but you’ve got to admit, it’s worth it.”

Shi Feng was right—Luo Chen did enjoy himself, but what he enjoyed most wasn’t Joanna’s softness, but the feeling of the night itself: young people, gathered together, talking about youth, about the future, laughing and bickering.
That feeling was truly wonderful. It felt familiar, but what exactly was it?
The next morning, on the road to Winston Academy, two stunning young women walked side by side, attracting many admiring glances, especially from the male students. How could they miss a chance to see the two campus queens together?
Joanna’s head was still a bit fuzzy—a lingering hangover. She rubbed her temples and complained, “Just one bottle of champagne, and I’m this drunk—unbelievable. Lily, thank goodness you helped me home, or I’d have been in real trouble.”
Alyssa shot her a look but didn’t reply. At that moment, Joanna noticed many people pointing and whispering about her, puzzled. “What are they talking about? Lily, do you have something on your face? No? Then is it me? Or did I suddenly break out in pimples?” Joanna became anxious—after all, girls care about their looks.
“No, nothing like that,” Alyssa said calmly. As Joanna relaxed, Alyssa added, “It’s just that last night everyone saw Luo Chen helping you back to your dorm.”
Joanna’s beautiful eyes widened, thinking she must have misheard. “Lily, what did you just say?”
Alyssa replied, “I said, the one who brought you back to the academy last night, even put you to bed, was Luo Chen.”
Joanna practically leapt up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. “Impossible! You were obviously there too, so it should have been you. Did you just leave me there?”
“It’s not that I abandoned you, it’s that Miss Joanna insisted Luo Chen be your attendant,” Alyssa mimicked Joanna’s tone, “No, I just want him to help. If he’s got the nerve to leave you in the Forest of Fear, does he have the nerve to leave me on the street?”
Joanna was almost in tears. “Lily, did I really say that? Why didn’t you stop me?”
“How could I stop you? You have no idea how stubborn you were, making a scene in front of everyone. You were so embarrassing! I can’t take it anymore—after this, you’re not allowed a single drop of alcohol, not even half a drop!”
Joanna felt like dying. “Lily, it’s over, I’m finished. My reputation, all gone, and it’s all Luo Chen’s fault. Why did he have to invite us out?”
Alyssa was speechless. “Wasn’t it you who insisted we accept his invitation?”
“I don’t care. Ah, right, did his filthy hands touch me? If he dared take advantage, I’ll chop his paws off!” Joanna said fiercely.

“No, nothing like that,” Alyssa replied. Just as Joanna breathed a sigh of relief, Alyssa added, “But you did lean your whole body onto him.”
Joanna nearly choked. “How could that happen? Lily, I don’t want to live anymore! I’d rather be dead. No, I’ll kill Luo Chen first, then myself!”
And so, the unlucky day of the female Minister of Discipline began.
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After receiving guaranteed admissions from both academies, Luo Chen was free from any worries about advancing his studies. Three days later, he sought out Julie from Dallas Academy. “Mentor Julie, Dallas Academy is a great institution, and the offer you made is very attractive. But after a few days of consideration, I’ve made a difficult decision—to accept the offer from Blue Empire Academy. As you said, perhaps at Blue Empire I’ll just be an ordinary student, surrounded by people who are stronger than me. But I, Luo Chen, am not afraid of challenges. I believe a person’s greatest enemy is themselves! So, I’m sorry, Mentor Julie.”
Julie was not surprised. When Blue Empire Academy offered him a place, she had already anticipated this outcome. “It’s alright, Luo Chen. Your ambition is admirable. I wish you the best of luck. I hope that when we meet again, you’ll be a respected champion, one who contributes your knowledge to the Eternal Alliance!”
“Thank you, Mentor Julie. I’ll work hard towards that goal!”
After bidding Julie farewell, Luo Chen sought out the admissions team at Blue Empire Academy to formally accept their offer. His education was settled for now.
Though Joanna and Alyssa weren’t surprised—Blue Empire Academy was the obvious choice—Luo Chen was still a little amazed, looking back.
In the past, he might have chosen Dallas Academy, where he’d be valued, receive better training, and earn more after graduation. But now, he chose a place where the challenges were greater, where he had no advantage over others. The next three years might be tough, but Luo Chen was undaunted. He wanted to prove that even among the strongest competitors, he could emerge victorious!
For the first time, Luo Chen realized he had gained a touch of… ambition.