Chapter 58: A Pact of Promise

Xie Bingran and Xu Chen left the athletic field surrounded by a crowd.

Later, they were “invited” to the office building, into a lavish reception room next to the principal’s suite.

A host of school leaders arrived.

Representatives from First High School and Experimental High School.

Near evening, two black Audi A6s pulled into the campus.

Rumor had it one carried a Sports Bureau official, the other even more mysterious—and evidently more prestigious.

Xie Bingran’s effortless run would surely leave an indelible mark on Tiancheng’s sports scene.

Her future seemed boundless.

……

Legend says that evening, leaders from both schools tore into a fierce debate in the reception room.

In recent years, Experimental High’s sports team had outshone First High, its coaching staff clearly stronger.

Not to be outdone, First High made calls and even brought in a retired headmaster.

This “Huang Hua” was famed across the province’s sports circles; several provincial and national coaches had once studied under him.

Though his hair was gray, his presence was imposing. Claiming he could secure national training resources, he silenced the Experimental High delegation.

Seeing Xie Bingran so lovely, the old headmaster nearly blurted out a wish to adopt her as a granddaughter.

With gentle fondness, he reached for Xie Bingran’s arm.

Suddenly, “Bing Ge”’s face turned cold, eyes flashing icy intent…

Xu Chen thought, “This is bad.” He watched as Xie Bingran almost twisted the old headmaster’s arm—maybe even hoisted him over her shoulder.

Panicked, he darted forward and pulled Xie Bingran’s arm from the headmaster’s grasp.

The old headmaster looked bewildered.

“Child, you really think this old man is snatching your girlfriend?”

Xu Chen forced a meek smile, offering no further explanation.

The standoff dragged on until the City Sports Bureau official stepped in to broker the talks, though the final decision rested with Xie Bingran.

Silently, she turned her gaze to Xu Chen…

Instantly, the venerable principals and coaches realized this young man held the key. They beamed and courted Xu Chen’s favor.

Reborn Xu Chen wasn’t fazed by the scene.

He bantered easily with the officials, headmasters, and national coaches.

Playing the straight man and the joker in turn, he kept everyone thoroughly entertained.

Between compliments and quips, he hashed out the plan most beneficial to Xie Bingran.

……

How the “negotiations” unfolded in that room remains a mystery to most.

First High students later learned that the Discipline Office Director and Class 3 homeroom teacher Huang Aiying waited outside for over an hour.

Class 5’s homeroom teacher Zhang Liqun was also summoned mid-session. The clueless “old bald man” shivered through an entire class outside.

First High naturally revoked Xie Bingran’s expulsion, but to show discipline, she still had to write a self-criticism.

Overnight, “First High’s female war god” Bing Ge gained a new layer of meaning.

It shed its negative tone and even became a point of pride for the school.

Ironically, she’d been expelled that very morning.

By afternoon, classes still used her as a cautionary tale, subjecting her to harsh criticism…

Now the most miserable person was the Discipline Office Director.

He had to craft an entirely new script to reframe her before every class.

He needed to subtly mention Bing Ge’s past misconduct while elevating her as the school’s next spiritual role model.

The most awkward was Huang Aiying, Xie Bingran’s homeroom teacher.

After Bing Ge’s morning expulsion, she lambasted Xie Bingran for half an hour straight—baring every flaw in brutal detail.

Her tirade was so fierce the lectern was splattered with spittle.

Yet now they had to welcome Xie Bingran back and tout the “Xie Bingran spirit,” urging every student to follow her example.

Her face burned with embarrassment…

……

Meanwhile, a vice principal proposed awarding Xu Chen for discovering the talented girl—a suggestion met with unanimous approval.

Xu Chen was indifferent, even embarrassed.

He just wanted to remain the humble “behind-the-scenes mastermind.”

But when they debated which award to give him, they fell into a trap of endless options.

Finally, the round-bodied Discipline Office Director seized the moment, proposing a new “Top Ten Students of the Year.”

He reserved the inaugural “Star of Excellence” title for Xu Chen.

The idea met widespread acclaim.

The Discipline Office Director beamed with pride as he looked at Xu Chen.

“What do you think, Xu Chen?”

Xu Chen blinked.

“Is there a cash prize?”

“……”

For Xie Bingran’s continued development, the City Sports Bureau would lead a joint “Expert Panel” between the two schools.

Surrounded by veteran coaches offering advice, Bing Ge finally grew impatient and said coolly:

“I’m hungry. I’m only eating with him.”

She pointed at Xu Chen.

Teacher Chen Ming cleared his throat awkwardly, leaning in to whisper:

“Xie Bingran, Xu Chen—dinner’s been arranged. Several leaders and the old headmaster would like to join you…”

Xie Bingran’s expression turned icy as she said:

“I’m only dining with Xu Chen.”

……

……

Evening at McDonald’s.

Xu Chen and Xie Bingran sat in a corner on the second floor, munching burgers.

Bing Ge was truly famished, demolishing two burgers in no time.

Xu Chen couldn’t help but smile feeding the future Asian Games champion…

Holding her soda, Xie Bingran whispered:

“So now my servitude contract has some value.”

Xu Chen: “More than some value—it’s worth a lot, and will only grow.”

Xie Bingran: “Then you have to treat me to more meals.”

Xu Chen laughed: “Consider it done.”

Xie Bingran set down her soda, her cold eyes softening with a hint of loneliness:

“But I leave for the provincial capital tomorrow…”

Xu Chen: “That’s good! Tiancheng’s too small for you. The capital will be just the start—you’ll go farther.”

That afternoon, the Sports Bureau officials laid out plans for Xie Bingran’s next steps.

Teacher Chen Ming was appointed her personal coach.

The young Chen Ming felt both honored and overwhelmed.

Early tomorrow he would accompany Xie Bingran to the provincial capital.

The Sports Bureau had arranged expert coaches to assess and train her.

The leaders’ intentions were clear.

Xie Bingran was still an uncut gem—they would shape her into Tiancheng’s sports icon.

Joining the provincial and even national team was all but guaranteed, which meant she’d leave Tiancheng.

For the next three months at First High, she’d need a plan to shine and win honors for the city.

Sending her to the capital tomorrow was the first step.

From now on, Xie Bingran’s schedule would be packed.

Her life and fate had taken a decisive turn.

For Xu Chen, it was a matter of waiting for her meteoric rise into true stardom.

Only then would the “servitude contract” hold real commercial value.

Meanwhile, his father Xu Zhiquan’s new business venture was gearing up.

Ideally, it’d align with Xie Bingran’s emerging fame…

Xie Bingran put down her soda, hesitating before softly asking:

“Which university are you planning to apply to?”