With this remark, Zhou Long's face grew even more displeased, wilting like a frost-bitten eggplant. He thought, "Has my backyard already caught fire?"
Ren Yuanhao naturally dared not defy Shen Lan Ni's wishes. Instead, he gave her a hearty hug.
"Oh, Miss Shen, aren't you afraid that guy surnamed Zhou will get jealous?"
"Why bother with him? That guy has always liked to tag along behind me since we were kids; it's annoying to death. You, on the other hand, are lucky. If you dare to be absent, I'll beat you up."
Shen Lan Ni held him tightly, with no intention of letting go. It wasn't until Yang Ling Xue deliberately coughed twice that their 'deep embrace' was interrupted.
"The competition is about to start, you two are done now."
As Yang Ling Xue reminded them, the glaring stage lights above the martial arts hall moved like sharp swords towards the host's area below. The host, dressed in a magnificent suit, appeared with a graceful demeanor. As soon as the audience in the tiered stands saw the host, they erupted in a mountain-like, sea-like roar of applause.
"Wow, they really splashed out this time! They actually invited the famous host Yue Ran!"
"Exactly! I heard Yue Ran is preparing to venture into the entertainment industry. With his talent, who knows, he might become another rising star!"
"So handsome, so handsome, my Ran is amazing!"
Men and women waved their glow sticks, seemingly transforming the bloody arena into a massive concert venue.
"This guy has a powerful aura."
Ren Yuanhao thought to himself, also looking at the man under the spotlight. The man seemed born for the stage. Even amidst the roaring crowd and the audience's high spirits, his voice was enough to awe the entire venue.
"Good morning, handsome guys and gals, uncles and aunties. This is the Southeast District Taekwondo Grand Prix Exhibition Match. For the next two days, I, Yue Ran, will be watching alongside you all as we witness one thrilling, intense match after another. So, please focus your minds and invest your energy in the competition. Try not to get too excited. I've felt your enthusiasm, everyone. Thank you."
As soon as he finished saying "Thank you," the martial arts hall was filled with a tidal wave of applause.
"Next, let's welcome the eight top city representatives from the Southeast District to the stage. Applause!"
Yue Ran bowed gracefully, inviting the contestants. The applause thundered again for his charm, but it was significantly less for the contestants' appearance.
"The planning committee is amazing, they really know how to draw in the crowds," Ren Yuanhao muttered softly, but Shen Lan Ni heard him.
"Buying the box and returning the pearl, stealing the limelight. They are indeed impressive."
"Can't be helped, he's a流量明星 (liúliàng míngxīng - popular celebrity)," Ren Yuanhao grumbled.
Shen Lan Ni suddenly turned her head, her hair-tossing movement was breathtaking.
"But I don't think he's better than you."
—Holy cow, the super violent girl is flirting! How can anyone resist this!
"Hey, hey, hey, what are you spacing out for? You look like I'm going to eat you." Shen Lan Ni abruptly turned her head and snapped her fingers at her young disciples. They followed her, heading straight towards the spotlight.
Shen Lan Ni's appearance caused another huge sensation, elevating the excitement of the entire audience to its peak!
"That's the strongest rose of Donglü City. Her aura is as strong as ever, the sense of suffocation just washes over you!"
"It's a pity that for a woman like this, what man can truly handle her?"
"Just thinking about it is terrifying. What man dares to court disaster?"
"Court disaster? With our status, Miss Shen wouldn't even look at us. 'Court disaster'? Go fantasize on your own."
Meanwhile, even the popular celebrity Yue Ran invited Shen Lan Ni to the host's position and politely asked, "Miss Shen, you are personally leading your disciples this time, so I'm afraid the top four positions in the Eastern District are already secured for you."
"The competition conveys a spirit of sportsmanship. I don't really care about rankings."
Shen Lan Ni's words immediately earned a round of applause, thunderous and overwhelming.
"Since Miss Shen is so open-minded and magnanimous, may I have the honor of inviting you to join me for a gathering tonight?"
As soon as Yue Ran said this, the entire venue erupted in a commotion!
"It's over, it's over. My Ran is infatuated with that vixen."
"Don't speak so harshly. Yue Ran invited her proactively, and Miss Shen might not even agree."
"What do you mean? Is my Ran not good enough for that Shen?"
"So what if he is, and so what if he isn't? It has nothing to do with you or me, right?"
As some people started to argue, Yue Ran's words indeed elevated the audience's emotions to another level. Shen Lan Ni was about to refuse when she saw Yue Ran passing her a slip of paper. He then leaned in and whispered, "Miss Shen, don't be too quick to refuse. Let's talk after you read the note."
Shen Lan Ni tightly clutched the note, giving Yue Ran a meaningful look before returning to the area of the Aishang City representative team with her disciples.
"Look, I told you Miss Shen wouldn't necessarily pay attention to that Yue Ran. Now he's embarrassed, serves him right."
"Seeking fame and reputation, just an unromantic violent woman. How can she be worthy of my Ran?"
"Alright, alright, I can't be bothered to argue with you. Your Yue Ran is the best, okay?"
In the spirit of entertainment, the spotlight returned to Yue Ran. After the contestants had all made their appearances, it was naturally the turn of the organizers and sponsors.
"Next, let's introduce the corporate giants, this event's organizer and sponsors."
The lights followed Yue Ran's voice to the VIP seating area at the very top.
"First, let's meet Miss Wang Xin, the representative of the renowned Wang Group in the Southeast District!"
Wang Xin always wore a smile. At first glance, she might not seem exceptionally striking, but after people's gazes focused on her face for three to four seconds, they felt as though this daughter of the Wang family possessed a magical quality. The more they looked, the more beautiful she became, even rivaling Shen Lan Ni who had appeared earlier!
"The daughter of the Wang Group. If you can win her over, you won't have to worry about life."
"Beautiful and rich. You must have saved the world in your past life to have such good fortune, right?"
"Draw your swords, everyone."
Wang Xin naturally paid no mind to the audience's comments. Instead, she stood up very humbly and bowed to the spectators from all directions. Yang Ling Xue, Ye Lan, and the others vaguely felt that her gaze lingered on Ren Yuan Hao for a good ten seconds!
"Hey, Ren Yuan Hao, could that young lady from the Wang family also have some unspeakable secret with you?" Yang Ling Xue's eyes were sharp as she pouted, looking like she was interrogating him.