Back to Basics

Three days later, the competition ended.

When the list was posted, quite a few people crowded around, but few truly dared to step forward first.

Lin Mo didn’t go to look.

It wasn’t an act—there really was no need.

The suspense of the result was practically zero.

Sure enough, on the list of six names, Lin Mo’s was ranked first.

The gap, given this level of selection tournament, was like you finishing the entire race while Lin Mo had already taken a shower and changed clothes.

As expected, Lin Mo passed the screening and secured a spot as one of the six-member team for the international competition.

Some rejoiced, others grieved.

However, Tong Dong missed out on the slot by a margin of 0.5 points.

Don’t underestimate that 0.5 points—it was already enough for two minor deduction points.

Tong Dong didn’t react much.

No crying, no fussing, no hysterics, nor did he go to the judges to request a review of the original answer key.

After all, that was just his nature.

Back in the room, he began packing his luggage piece by piece: folding clothes, coiling cables, stuffing the power bank into the side pocket of his bag.

But his movements were slow, each step deliberate and steady.

This kind of calm was harder to respond to than an emotional outburst.

On the other hand, Wang Jie had made the cut.

It had to be said, Wang Jie was exceptionally strong in his specialized area.

But this was normal, because everyone else who remained was also a master of their niche.

Only Lin Mo was an all-round powerhouse.

Wang Jie stood to the side for a while, rubbed his hands together, and finally squeezed out, “Oi, Dongzi, let’s at least grab a meal before you go. The next time we eat together might be ages from now.”

“Already booked the flight,” Lin Mo, leaning against the doorframe, answered for him, swinging his backpack strap in hand.

“Anyway, you’re all heading to Huaqing, you’ll have plenty of chances to eat together later. Just take care of Tong Dong then.”

Wang Jie didn’t pick up on that thread. He looked at Lin Mo’s bag, then at him, and after a couple seconds of thought, said, “Wait, didn’t you pass? What are you packing for? Isn’t the training camp right here?”

“Homesick.”

Lin Mo slung the bag over his shoulder.

“I’m craving white-cut chicken, roast goose, roast duck, and braised pork trotters. Sure, the cafeteria has some, but I want the local stuff.”

“Then what about training?”

“I don’t need to practice. You know I’m strong.”

If anyone else had said that, it might have come off as arrogant. But coming from Lin Mo, everyone present found it perfectly reasonable. After all, Lin Mo specialized in staying leagues ahead.

Wang Jie pursed his lips and let out a heavy sigh.

“Yeah, I get it. Even though there’s scallions and pancakes here too, it’s just... not the same as the ones my mom makes.”

Wang Jie usually spoke standard Mandarin in a proper tone, but every so often a burst of Shandong accent slipped out, making it feel especially authentic.

Lin Mo walked over and patted his shoulder, with just the right amount of force.

“Alright, train hard. Once things settle down, I’ll fly back and we’ll head to Korea together to snag the prize.”

“Got it! I’ll wait for you.”

Wang Jie thumped his chest. “You go back and enjoy your roast goose. Leave things here to me.”

Lin Mo smiled and didn’t say more.

By then, Tong Dong had zipped up his bag, stood up, and swept his gaze across the room to make sure nothing was left behind.

“Let’s go,” he said to Lin Mo, then turned to Wang Jie. “Sister Wang, call me anytime you’re free. I’m always around.”

“My name is Wang Jie! Jie as in excellent!”

“Oh, Sister Wang.”

“...You’re doing that on purpose, aren’t you?”

Tong Dong curled the corner of his mouth faintly but didn’t answer.

That was probably the only hint of emotion he’d shown all day.

Lin Mo watched from the side, saying nothing.

He knew all too well about that 0.5-point gap, but moments like this, any comfort would only be superfluous.

Better to treat Tong Dong to a good meal after they got back.

The two headed downstairs, pushed open the unit door, and stepped into the bright sunlight.

Tong Dong walked ahead, his pace neither fast nor slow, his silhouette showing neither dejection nor relief.

After saying their goodbyes, they continued downstairs.

At the entrance, they spotted Eastern Leaf.

“Let’s go. I’ll see you off.”

“So excited? What, is it because I’m finally leaving?”

“Don’t say that—you’re still coming back, aren’t you?”

“Only to regroup.”

They exchanged a few words, both fully understanding the meaning behind them.

To the families in Tianjing, Lin Mo’s departure was great news.

Lin Mo was well aware of this, but he didn’t care.

His reputation had already been established, and he no longer needed to borrow the guise of Northern Profound True Person.

He was Lin Mo, and Lin Mo was him.

As the plane landed, the school still sent someone to pick them up.

They came for Tong Dong, and also for Lin Mo.

Shen Zhongping came in person.

Of course, Shen Zhongping was there for Lin Mo.

As soon as he approached, he said sheepishly, “Ah, Lin Mo, about Class Eight... that wasn’t what I wanted either, but...”

Before he could finish, Lin Mo raised a hand to stop him.

“What happened with Zhou Nianqian is in the past. Since the Zhou family is gone already, Principal Shen, don’t overthink it. Just focus on your own business.”

Shen Zhongping’s heart lurched at those words.

His originally straight back hunched a little more.

This matter was indeed his fault, so he quickly explained, “Lin Mo, you know, I was caught in a difficult position.”

Lin Mo nodded calmly. “If Principal Shen weren’t caught in a difficult position… well, hah.”

He didn’t finish his sentence and began walking away.

By then, Liu Zheng’s car was already parked at the entrance.

Lin Mo turned to look at Tong Dong behind him. “Go back with Principal Shen and the others. Since you’re staying on campus, I’ve got other things to do, so I’ll head out first.”

Tong Dong had no idea what had happened, unaware of what had transpired in Guangba during Lin Mo’s absence—he didn’t even bother keeping up with the class QQ group. Still, he nodded.

Shen Zhongping, having been dismissed like that, felt no resentment, not that he dared to.

After all, he remembered that after Lin Mo hung up that call, his own phone had rung.

He knew exactly who had exerted influence behind the scenes.

So he maintained an exceedingly warm demeanor.

“We’ll take good care of Tong Dong. Lin Mo, if you have things to attend to, go ahead.”

Shen Zhongping’s attitude was almost too accommodating.

Lin Mo waved his hand, didn’t add anything else, and walked straight out.

That only made Shen Zhongping heave a sigh of relief.

Outside, Liu Zheng and Old Bai were sitting in the car.

“He should be out soon.”

“Hey, there he is.”

Liu Zheng got out of the car and waved in Lin Mo’s direction.

Seeing a familiar face, Lin Mo couldn’t help but smile.

“So free to come pick me up?”

Without hesitation, Liu Zheng said, “Picking you up is one thing. Mainly, I wanted to talk to you about the list you sent me.”

Hearing this, Lin Mo was genuinely interested.

“Found them?”

Liu Zheng glanced around, then patted the car.

“There are too many eyes and ears here. Let’s talk in the car.”