Chapter 19: Bing Zhi Xie's Lie

Qilamu pondered for a moment and then continued, "Are you really an orphan who lost your parents at a young age?"

Bing Zhi Xie thought for a moment and said, "I don't know. I've never seen them. Perhaps they died a long time ago."

"Poor child," the old vice-dean said, pulling his hand and gently stroking his head. "How did you grow up? Who raised you?"

"I don't remember my early years. Then I remember an old man teaching me things, and only after he died did I learn his name was Grandpa Di," Bing Zhi Xie answered ambiguously. The dean and the other teachers asked many questions, but received similar vague answers.

After listening for a while, Qilamu finally understood, "You mean you grew up with this Grandpa Dan, and everything you've learned was taught by him?"

"Yes," Bing Zhi Xie nodded.

The deans and teachers found the story strange but plausible. There were many orphans in the world who were raised by kind, lonely old people. However, they had never heard of a famous person named Abigail Dan.

Sofina asked, "Do you have any other acquaintances, like neighbors or friends?"

Bing Zhi Xie shook his head, "I lived in a forest, with no neighbors. After Grandpa Dan died, I left. I remember he died two years ago."

"Oh, what have you been doing for the past two years? You were only 12 years old two years ago. How did you survive? Did you meet any kind people?" Qilamu asked.

Bing Zhi Xie smiled, "I wandered around, helping people with odd jobs in exchange for money. Some uncles tricked me, saying they would pay me for work, but in the end, they didn't even give me food and kicked me out. I hate them."

Sofina couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Thinking of a 12-year-old child struggling to survive alone, enduring so much hardship, and still being alive was a miracle. Yet, he was smiling, as if it were a normal part of life. The others were also moved, and Jilijil even shed tears of sorrow.

Bing Zhi Xie continued, "While wandering, I heard that the Kulantin Academy could teach me a lot. After finishing my studies, I wouldn't have to wander anymore, so I came here. Now I can finally study here, how wonderful, hehe."

The old vice-dean said, "Yes, yes, you won't have to live like before. Here, you can eat and live in peace. By the way, you must not have the money for tuition, right? Grandma will have you fill out a form to waive the tuition, and you can do some simple tasks to earn pocket money, which will also help you grow."

"Is the tuition 550 gold coins?" Bing Zhi Xie took out a bag from his back, and a bag full of gold coins spilled onto the table. He started counting them one by one.

The teachers were surprised. How could a child, not from a noble family, carry so much money?

Bing Zhi Xie counted with a slight smile, then looked up at the dean and teachers, "These gold coins were won in a recent arena bet, right?" His last question was directed at Bimoye.

The teachers didn't expect this to be related to Bimoye and looked at him questioningly.

Bimoye glanced at Bing Zhi Xie's smiling face and said, "Yes, he won 1000 gold coins."

"See, so I have the tuition, no need for the dean and teachers to worry," Bing Zhi Xie's smile grew wider, as if showing off his skills.

Since Bimoye confirmed it, there was no doubt. As for why he won so much, it wasn't something the teachers needed to know.

At this moment, Dean Qilamu suddenly asked another question, inquiring where Bing Zhi Xie was on the day of the Blue Crystal Tower theft. Of course, Qilamu didn't ask directly but in a gentle, caring manner.

Bing Zhi Xie knew his intention, suspecting that the thief might have infiltrated the academy as a student. However, he was prepared and said, "Ah, I was reading a book at the inn. That day was so unlucky; the innkeeper's pet ran into the next room, Cornelia's room. It was a snake, and it scared her so much. Later, we found out the snake didn't bite, and the staff apologized by giving them free ice cream. I wondered why the snake didn't come to my room. I heard the ice cream there was delicious."

His answer was perfect, seemingly complaining about his bad luck for not getting ice cream, but actually providing a clear time, place, and witness. Although the witness couldn't confirm Bing Zhi Xie's presence before the snake incident, who would think a child would lie, especially with such a convincing lie?

Qilamu felt relieved, seemingly pleased with such clear evidence: "As I understand, you are all excellent students. I believe you will excel in the academy. Tomorrow, there is a welcome ceremony for new students. According to tradition, the top three students must give a speech, a simple one about your plans and efforts in the academy to inspire yourself and others."

"I refuse," Bimoye suddenly said.

The teachers were taken aback and asked, "Why?"

Bimoye didn't answer but said, "I think I should be able to refuse."

The younger female vice-dean glanced at Bimoye and returned to her book.

Qilamu said, "Yes, you can refuse. The academy won't force you. But why? Is there a reason?"

"I don't like it."

The teachers were stunned.

Bing Zhi Xie and Bimoye said this together. Bing Zhi Xie smiled, "If I go on stage, everyone will recognize me, which will be very annoying. I think it will affect my studies."

Bimoye didn't explain his reasons, but it seemed he just wanted to avoid going on stage.

The teachers understood. Indeed, as Bing Zhi Xie said, it would bring many troubles, but historically, many students were eager to give speeches, revising their speeches multiple times to make them perfect. It was rare for students to explicitly refuse.

The elderly vice-dean chuckled and walked to Sofina, patting her shoulder, "You're just like her. When you were the top student, you also refused to speak at the welcome ceremony."

Sofina smiled and looked at the two boys.

Qilamu said, "Since you both refuse, the academy won't force you. I'll have a teacher take you to the dormitory, Bimoye, you must live in the academy. You know this is a rule at Kulantin."

"Okay," Bimoye nodded.

Qilamu continued, "You are both exceptional students and have enrolled in the magic department. According to the academy's rules, without a novice mage certificate, you must start from the three levels of the magic apprentice class. However, the top ten can directly enter the novice mage class, and the academy will issue you a magic apprentice card and badge. If you want to advance, you must apply for an upgrade exam. Leave your identity card and admission ticket here, and the academy will handle it for you."

Bing Zhi Xie and Bimoye placed the two items on the table.

Sofina smiled at Bing Zhi Xie, "Are you done eating? I'll take you to the dormitory."

"No need," Bimoye stood up, "Thank you, Teacher Chen. I need to go home to prepare some things."

"Oh, okay. What about you, Bing Zhi Xie?"

"I'm eating the last one," Bing Zhi Xie took a fruit and bit into it, then took her hand, looking very satisfied, "Let's go, I don't know the way. This place is too big."

Sofina chuckled, "You forgot your money bag."

"Oh, I forgot," Bing Zhi Xie took the bag of 450 gold coins from her, "Thank you."

Bing Zhi Xie and Bimoye left the building. Bing Zhi Xie looked back, and his mind flashed back to the scene two years ago.

Two years ago, in a barren land with few trees, a small wooden house stood among the scattered grass. An old man with one eye, Abigail Dan, lived there. Bing Zhi Xie stayed in the house for two nights when he passed by. The lonely old man was on his deathbed, accompanied only by a cat named Bernice. Not long after, when Bing Zhi Xie returned, the old man was dead, still holding Bernice's body.

Bing Zhi Xie and Sofina entered a small teleportation array. Recalling these memories, his smile grew even wider. For a child like him, every word had an advantage that was more convincing than an adult's.

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