The butler led Ye Chen into the villa.
The surroundings were undeniably beautiful, and the security was strict.
Ye Chen passed through two security checks before reaching the front door.
"Go on in. Madam is waiting for you," the butler said coolly.
He was rather curious about this young man.
The usual applicants were Top Students from famous universities; this one looked far too young.
Ye Chen stepped inside. A graceful woman was seated on the sofa.
Seeing Ye Chen, she politely rose.
"You are…?"
Ye Chen smiled. "Madam, I'm Ye Chen."
Ruolan studied him curiously. "How old are you? Still in school, or…?"
Ye Chen smiled. "I'm in Senior Year of High School."
"Senior Year?"
"My daughter's also in Senior Year," Ruolan said with a smile.
She looked at Ye Chen. "Young man, I admire your courage, but the package I'm offering attracts the cream of elite universities. Facing such talent, a High School student may not be competitive."
Still, she appreciated his boldness.
Young, steady, and well-mannered—he was refreshing.
This youngster truly brightened her day.
Yet she held little hope; today's interview would include real tests, not just paperwork.
Her daughter had finally asked for a tutor, and she refused to settle for anyone unqualified, so assessments were essential.
Among a crowd of top University scholars, a lone high-schooler looked out of place.
In other words, he stood no chance.
Ye Chen stayed calm. "Madam, your advert never listed a degree requirement, so I assume you value ability over credentials, correct?"
"Indeed."
Ruolan nodded. "A diploma proves nothing by itself."
Ye Chen smiled. "Exactly. Then we start on equal ground—and I even have advantages."
Ruolan's curiosity piqued. "Advantages? Let's hear them."
"Your daughter and I are both in Senior Year, so I understand student psychology, know this year's exam focus, and can tailor lessons for her."
"You're probably thinking: even if he knows the syllabus, his knowledge and problem-solving can't rival seasoned University scholars."
Ruolan blinked.
Ruolan blinked.
Could this boy read minds?
He had voiced her exact thoughts.
Ignoring her stare, Ye Chen smiled. "There'll be an aptitude test today, right?"
Ruolan replied, "Yes, I've prepared a rather difficult paper for all of you."
Ye Chen nodded. "Simple—if I outscore everyone else, the job's mine."
Ruolan was startled. Logic was logic, but what trump card could a high-schooler hold against top scholars?
What intrigued her was Ye Chen's utter calm.
His confident gaze suggested victory was already in his pocket.
Ruolan inclined her head. "All right, I look forward to your performance."
"Wait here; the other applicants should arrive soon. I'll go upstairs to handle something first."
"Of course, Madam. Please don't mind me."
The moment Ruolan left, the butler ushered in another young man.
About twenty-five or six, bespectacled, sharply suited, and with a hint of arrogance.
"Are you the student who needs tutoring?" the newcomer asked Ye Chen curiously.
Ye Chen smiled. "What do you think?"
Looking at Ye Chen, Zhu Ming smiled as well.
He had already decided Ye Chen was his future pupil and tried to ingratiate himself.
After all, one thousand yuan an hour was a handsome fee in 2008.
Landing this part-time job would greatly improve his living standard.
"I'm Zhu Ming—probably five or six years older than you. Just call me Brother Zhu."
Zhu Ming, ever familiar, clapped Ye Chen's shoulder. "Senior-year math and Physics seem hard only because you haven't found the method."
"I'm a Ph.D. Candidate in Mathematics at Jiang University and was the Top Scorer in the National Higher Education Entrance Examination of my year. Follow me, and your scores will leap."
"Oh." Ye Chen merely smiled.
Just then several more applicants arrived.
Spotting Ye Chen, they all automatically assumed he was the pupil.
He certainly looked like a Senior Year student—because he was.
In no time the living room held more than a dozen people.
Ye Chen clicked his tongue in surprise.
The competition was fiercer than he'd expected.
He counted eight men and five women, all young and with impressive bearing.
Yet Ye Chen felt no pressure.
To him, none of them posed real competition.
Once they had been top examinees, but after years at University their High School knowledge had grown rusty.
Theory might remain, yet in live problem-solving they were no match for Ye Chen.
Now almost everyone's attention fixed on Ye Chen.
Several even tried to strike up friendly conversation.
"Little bro, I was the Top Student of my class in Senior Year—ranked Eighth Province-Wide to enter Huaqing University. Let me tutor you; it's guaranteed."
"Huh, eighth place and you brag? I was sixth and I'm not even mentioning it."
"So what? I was recommended for admission without taking the exam."
…They chattered back and forth, filling the room with noise.
Then an attractive young woman edged closer.
"Little brother, when I was at school I was the campus school flower and had top grades too. Choosing a female tutor is better—we're more meticulous."
"Exactly, we girls are gentle and patient—no boy can compare."
"Little bro, consider me—sweet or sassy, I can be both."
…The girls almost threw themselves into Ye Chen's arms.
After all, anyone who could afford a villa in Jingdu Garden and pay 1,000 yuan an hour must be a Second Generation Rich.
If romance blossomed during tutoring—tsk—she would marry into wealth.
A few years' age gap? No problem; Toy-Boy Cultivation was trendy.
Cornered by the crowd, Ye Chen finally said, "I know you're all outstanding, but the decision isn't mine."
"Little brother, that's fine—just put in a good word with your parents."
"Right, little bro, I'm versed in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. Besides lessons, I'll make your after-school life colorful."
"And if study tires you, I can dance for you… to help you relax!"
The male applicants' faces fell.
These girls were shameless.
Openly seducing a teenager—using the honey-trap—how despicable!