What? Pay? When did I ever agree to pay for anything?!
Yu Xiaogang was utterly dumbfounded. Flender had thrown him into this situation without any warning, and it was about money, of all things.
Beside him, Tang San frowned, his own face a mask of confusion. Dean Flender's words implied that the Grandmaster was helping to pay. But after his terrible performance, Tang San felt he had no right to attend a celebration feast. What confused him even more was why his teacher would agree to pay for it. Didn't the Grandmaster realize how awkward it would be for him to attend?
Of course, Tang San only dared to think these things. Surrounded by the others, he would never voice his objections.
In truth, he had completely misunderstood his teacher. As flawed as Yu Xiaogang was, he still cared for his disciple. He knew that forcing Tang San to attend a victory celebration right after a humiliating loss would make him look like a total clown.
The decision hadn't been his at all. Flender had added Yu Xiaogang's name on a whim. The Dean of Shrek Academy was famously frugal, and the thought of Yu Xiaogang and Tang San continuing to live and eat for free at his academy made his skin crawl. Now that he finally had an opportunity, he was determined to make Yu Xiaogang bleed a little. The man might not have known beforehand, but it was too late to back out now.
Flender was confident the timing was perfect. With so many students watching, surely the esteemed Grandmaster wouldn't lose face over a few gold coins. And he was right. He had read Yu Xiaogang perfectly. Though inwardly fuming, Yu Xiaogang didn't say a single word.
Flender spoke again. "I wonder if everyone is willing to join us tonight. The choice is yours. This is a voluntary activity; I won't force anyone to come."
As he spoke, his gaze swept pointedly over the master and disciple. He guessed that, out of everyone present, they were the only two who wouldn't want to go. For the others, it was a genuine celebration. But for Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, it would be a feast of torment.
During dinner, the day's matches would inevitably be discussed. After a few drinks, Flender doubted the others would remain so tactfully silent about Tang San's "glorious record."
The final decision, however, rested with Yu Xiaogang. Tang San's opinion didn't matter. Flender watched, curious to see what the Grandmaster would choose. Would he swallow his pride and attend with Tang San, or would he stubbornly refuse? Either way, he wasn't getting out of paying his share.
"Of course, we'll go, Dean!" Ma Hongjun answered instantly. As Flender's disciple, he felt it was his duty to respond first. Besides, he was starving. The promise of a free meal from the dean was too good to pass up.
"We'll go too!" Dai Mubai and Oscar said after exchanging a quick glance. They had to show the dean some respect, and who would turn down a free meal? A treat from the notoriously stingy Flender was an event they wouldn't have dared to imagine.
Nearby, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing huddled together, whispering amongst themselves. Then, as one, the three of them turned their expectant gazes to Huo Feng. They were eager to go, but only if he went too. If it was just them with the dean and the other boys, they'd rather skip it.
Huo Feng was slightly taken aback, a hint of helplessness on his face. He was beginning to feel like these three were determined to follow him everywhere. He shook his head gently and smiled at Flender. "Dean, the four of us will be there."
With that, only Tang San and Yu Xiaogang were left.
Tang San desperately did not want to go. Firstly, he couldn't shake the feeling of awkwardness sitting with the other Shrek students. Even if no one said anything, he would feel their unspoken judgment. Secondly, his body still ached from the match, and he wasn't in any condition to be out eating and drinking. Everyone else had the next day off, but he had to compete again. If his condition was poor and he lost again, he would have no face left at all.
But the choice was not his to make. It was up to his teacher.
He was certain the Grandmaster felt the same way he did.
"Since everyone else is going, Tang San and I will naturally be there as well."
Before Tang San could even finish his thought, Yu Xiaogang had already answered for them both. Tang San was stunned, a wave of disappointment washing over him. The Grandmaster had actually agreed.
Since the decision was made, he had no choice. But he made a silent promise to himself: he would eat, but he wouldn't drink or do anything else that might affect his match tomorrow.
Yu Xiaogang's reasoning was, in fact, quite simple. He saw it as just a meal. He and Tang San were both famished, and eating would be a good way to recover their strength. But more importantly, he was paying for it. Pay for a meal and then not even go? That would be a ridiculous waste. Therefore, not only was he going, but he was fully prepared to eat enough to get his money's worth.
"Alright, since everyone has agreed, let's get ready," Flender announced cheerfully. "Go back to your rooms and tidy up. We'll meet downstairs in fifteen minutes. I'll be waiting at the entrance!"
Everyone nodded and headed to their rooms. Fifteen minutes later, the group reassembled, and Flender skillfully led them to a restaurant in Soto City. As soon as they entered, a waiter rushed out to greet them, clearly recognizing his frequent, if frugal, customer.
The waiter glanced at the large group behind Flender, his expression puzzled. This particular boss came often, but he usually only brought one or two guests. He had never seen him with so many people.
"Boss," the waiter asked, "what standard are we doing for tonight? I'll arrange it for you right away!"
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