DHMB - Chapter 24
Chapter 24
The exam ended early when Lu Que switched sides.
Lei Kaiding stepped out of the simulation pod. Having been immobilized for so long, he finally regained the freedom to move. He looked radiant, as if granted a second life.
He shrugged and strode out of the exam hall. But as soon as he entered the crowd, he sensed something was off.
The other candidates lingering outside had fallen silent, greeting him with respectful stares.
He had never experienced such a dazzling moment.
Lei Kaiding awkwardly touched his face, reminded himself he needed to get used to others' attention, paused briefly, and pressed on.
Soon, his roommate jogged past, winking and smiling at him.
“You're trending!” his buddy exclaimed mysteriously.
“Really?” Lei Kaiding's heart leaped. He forced himself calm and asked, “Did I make it onto the central livestream?”
His friend held up a finger. “Not just once—you appeared several times, for quite a stretch, and each time sparked intense discussion. It was huge!”
Lei Kaiding recalled his performance. Leading thirty-nine people in a mad dash across the map was undeniably heroic. Then his rebirth—rising from the ashes—felt so inspiring. Plus, Kai Yun’s Mapo Tofu segment is a staple; it’s bound for even greater popularity.
“Where?” Lei Kaiding asked modestly. “Just luck.”
“Lei Lei…” his friend teased.
Lei Kaiding reflexively spat, “Bah!”
“Go online and see the reactions yourself; you'll be surprised. I can hardly describe how remarkable you were. Just stay composed, whether praised or criticized. I’ll be cheering for you in the next match—our First Team has your back.”
He made a heart shape with his hands, then jogged off to train.
Lei Kaiding muttered, “So bizarre.”
Back in his dorm, he locked the door, kicked off his shoes, and jumped onto the sofa. He exhaled into his cupped hands and opened his optical computer, logging into the Sanyao official forum.
He typed “Lei Kaiding” eagerly into the search bar.
Results appeared.
No posts from today.
His blood ran cold, and his smile froze.
This can't be happening.
He pursed his lips, disdainfully searched “Kai Yun,” and arrogantly hit Enter. Instantly, hundreds of new posts from today flooded in, several tagged “Hot” or “Explosive.”
This is impossible!!
He scrolled through, reading carefully.
#Kai Yun’s Foolproof Mapo Tofu Tutorial, Full Screenshot Walkthrough#
Comments: “Thanks, OP!”
#That girl Kai Yun turns out to be a miser—I’m so moved I cried#
“Stop calling her a miser in front of her—it’s not nice.”
“Recruiting citizens to rebuild a Barren Star? What is she thinking? Not banning her shows how generous we are!”
“She might be loaded. It all depends on who can endure the loneliness of this wasteland planet.”
#I really want to know which squad triggered Lu Que’s rage in front of Kai Yun…#
“Calling one devil crazy for another—what was that person thinking?”
#Kai Yun’s Attack Techniques Explained#
“Just open the first page of any textbook.”
#Request: Close-up Photo of Kai Yun#
“No matter how many times I see her from afar, I think she’s beautiful. Is it just me?”
These were all lighthearted posts, but they showed Kai Yun’s popularity. The real buzz came from a discussion thread:
#Unsolved Mystery: Why Didn’t the Alliance Recruit Kai Yun?#
“Logically, the miser should have been a priority, but the Alliance turned her down. Her skills prove she can go toe-to-toe with top seniors. I see no reason.”
“The Alliance responded: it’s a comprehensive evaluation, a fair decision under school regulations.”
“More like gender discrimination. How dare they call it ability? They should pick someone who can beat her first.”
“They’re talking tough now—they’ll regret it. I’ll bet an account on it.”
“Honestly, Kai Yun’s abilities are off the charts: inner strength, swordsmanship, agility, control—not normal student level. If the Alliance won’t take her, plenty of schools would.”
The Alliance isn’t hiding anything; Kai Yun’s records are private. She is the recognized ruler of Wasteland Star, and the school can’t disclose that.
Having already rejected her once, they didn’t want to embarrassingly ask her to clarify, so they silently swallowed the bitter pill.
They felt wronged.
But Kai Yun’s stellar performance exceeded everyone’s expectations. Maybe fate is fair in its own harsh way—geniuses are always tested severely.
Lei Kaiding read on, completely absorbed. After finishing every thread, he was seething with anger.
“What is the Alliance thinking? They might as well recruit her to our First Team—are they afraid of her?”
When he looked up, it was already dark outside.
His face fell. He remembered why he came back to the dorm.
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration lit his mind. With trembling fingers he typed two words: “Lei Lei”
#Lei Lei Eating GIF#
#Lei Lei Clip#
#Lei Lei Memes#
#Lei Lei Drooling Pic#
Lei Kaiding: “…”
The fool online was nothing like the towering figure he’d imagined.
In that moment, the glow before his eyes dimmed.
He set aside his optical computer, lay flat on his back on the sofa, hands folded over his stomach, and closed his eyes in peaceful resignation.
He was about to retreat into himself.
The moon illuminated Crescent Bay at Alliance University, silver light dancing on the rippling water.
Lu Que entered the conference room with his hands behind his back. Xue Chengwu hesitated briefly, then followed.
At the long table sat six leading figures from Alliance University.
After a formal review, they spoke plainly:
“Based on your performance in this competition, your condition remains unstable. After talks with the committee and various universities, we have decided to suspend you from the tournament…”
Xue Chengwu glanced at Lu Que with concern.
That so-called suspension… was likely permanent, wasn’t it?
And not just the league; it could affect future jobs and evaluations…
“Actually, Lu Que…” Xue Chengwu began.
“I understand,” Lu Que interrupted.
Xue Chengwu looked surprised.
Lu Que seemed genuinely unfazed. The bruises under his eyes were darker, but his gaze was remarkably steady—tired, but not dim.
He said, “But I still want to compete in the simulation matches.”
Those at the table exchanged glances, clearly feeling it was a pity. Finally, they nodded, “We can allow you to continue with the mock battles.”
“But this incident isn’t entirely his fault! He’s been holding himself back!” Xue Chengwu protested.
“He’s restraining himself, but he’s deteriorating. Weaknesses can be exploited by enemies. You can condemn a student, but what about merciless space pirates? Can you condemn them morally?”
At that, the silent professor tapped the table, drawing everyone’s attention.
He removed his glasses and set them down.
“Lu Que, you are my most outstanding student. I believe in you, and I know society holds many prejudices against you. Given the chance, you could be an excellent rescue soldier. But the cost of that ‘chance’ is too great for us to bear.”
Lu Que’s lip twitched, but he replied calmly, “I accept.”
“I know you’re a good person. Your kindness has landed you in this dilemma, not violence. You’re too hard on yourself. I hope one day you’ll overcome this hurdle. Don’t worry about your father—he and you are worlds apart. I know you won’t become like him.”
Lu Que remained silent.
The professor approached, placed a firm hand on his shoulder: “You graduate next year; life outside is arduous, and it may get tougher. We haven’t fully understood you, so I won’t ask you to understand our constraints… If you ever need help, come to me. I will always be your professor.”
Reluctantly, Lu Que relaxed and bowed before turning to leave.
Xue Chengwu hurried after him, calling his name twice, but Lu Que ignored him.
“How could you agree?” Xue Chengwu shouted. “Their decision brands you as… unstable. Others will see you that way!”
Lu Que said quietly, “I already am.”
“I’m your friend—my being fine proves you’re not!”
“Then stay away from me.”
“Have you thought about your future?”
Lu Que used his Lightness Skill to distance himself and walked on.
What now? Where could he go?
Isn’t this the question he’s pondered his whole life?
He’d charged in every direction, only to find dead ends. Society simply doesn’t welcome him.
“They’re wrong!” Xue Chengwu yelled. “You should make them realize they’re wrong!”
Kai Yun pushed open the window and drew in a deep breath.
The air was different today—it smelled of good news.
Lei Kaiding after the tournament: no one loves me in the world anymore
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