The principal picked up the microphone and continued speaking to Su Zhan: "Please continue, Student Su."
The implied meaning was clear: ignore these doubts and keep going with your speech.
Su Zhan waved his hand, indicating it was fine.
He waited quietly for the commotion to settle.
Instead of avoiding the issue, he addressed it directly: "I admit that my achievements today are at least ninety-nine percent due to the effect of my SSS-grade Life Soul."
The entire venue fell silent for a second.
Everyone was stunned.
This was completely opposite to the inspirational speech they had anticipated.
Usually in such situations, speakers would vigorously downplay the role of talent.
"Everyone's potential is limitless."
These kinds of clichés were the standard answers.
The teachers and students below the stage were already prepared to listen to some blood-pumping motivational talk.
But Su Zhan's counterapproach and honesty...
This was the cruelest truth: in this world, whether you have a Life Soul or not, and the grade of that Life Soul, creates an insurmountable gap.
"Talent is something bestowed by heaven," Su Zhan shrugged. "When you buy Awakening Serums, at best you increase your awakening probability by 3%. Beyond that, there's nothing you can do. Whether you awaken or not isn't something you can decide. The talent of your Life Soul isn't something we can choose either."
"What we can decide are our own actions."
"Some say effort is useless without talent?"
"That's like saying no matter how hard ordinary people try, they can't become Awakeners."
"But comparing Awakeners to ordinary people?"
"Isn't that just bullying?"
"What I'm saying definitely means comparing ordinary people to ordinary people, and Awakeners to Awakeners."
"Back to my point - the only thing we can decide are our own actions. And right now you're in high school, about to face the college entrance exams."
"Who among you can guarantee you'll definitely become an Awakeners?"
"Since you're already standing at this starting line, besides running forward with all your might, what other choices do you have?!"
His powerful and resounding words echoed across the sports field.
Everyone fell into deep thought.
Su Zhan picked up the water bottle from the podium and gave it a gentle shake.
The water inside suddenly defied physics, suspended in mid-air and forming a crystal-clear water column.
All eyes in the venue focused on this water column.
"This is one of my abilities," Su Zhan explained. "But to achieve this level of precise control..."
The water column suddenly dispersed into hundreds of water droplets, forming the school emblem of Vermilion Bird Academy in the air.
"I failed over a thousand times."
Su Zhan waved his hand.
The water droplets fell, creating a pitter-patter sound.
The sports field erupted with deafening applause.
"So rather than envying others' talent," Su Zhan raised his voice, scanning the crowd, "it's better to start now, find your own direction, and then... persist until you're completely incapable."
The speech concluded.
Even after Su Zhan left the stage.
The applause continued unabated.
It took a full five minutes for the applause to gradually subside.
Su Zhan retreated backstage, where only school staff were present.
Wang Mingyuan stood leaning against the wall with crossed arms, clearly having waited for some time.
Seeing Su Zhan arrive, he smiled: "Not bad at all. Handled that unexpected situation quite well."
"Just alright," Su Zhan modestly waved his hand.
Frankly speaking, when you're successful, whatever you say is considered right, and people are willing to listen.
If he didn't have his current abilities.
Saying the exact same words would have produced completely different results.
When you stand at the summit, even your breathing sounds like truth.
When you're still at the mountain's base, no matter how much you say, it all sounds like excuses.
The door to the backstage lounge was gently pushed open.
The principal walked in, his face beaming with smiles.
"Ah, Student Su Zhan!" The principal enthusiastically shook Su Zhan's hand. "Today's speech was truly brilliant! Both realistic and inspiring, completely showcasing the excellence of students cultivated by our Number Three High School!"
Su Zhan politely tugged at the corner of his mouth and got straight to the point: "Principal, can we settle the speaking fee now?"
"Ah?" The principal's smile froze, clearly not expecting such an abrupt topic change. "This... of course! Of course!"
He pulled out his phone. "I'll have finance transfer it right now. 500,000."
"Ding—"
Su Zhan's phone chimed with a notification.
He glanced at the payment notification and nodded with satisfaction: "Received. Thank you, Principal."
Normally, payment comes after the work is done.
But Su Zhan felt he had suffered a loss from promoting the school this time.
So he wanted to get the money into his pocket early for some comfort.
The principal rubbed his hands together, his tone enthusiastic: "Student Su Zhan! The speech was truly brilliant! TV stations and several media outlets are waiting outside. What do you think about..."
"Sure," Su Zhan stood up and straightened his collar.
Since they agreed on one day, naturally he couldn't go back on his word.
The principal immediately said: "Great! This way please! Our media friends have been waiting impatiently!"
In the hallway.
Wang Mingyuan lowered his voice: "I thought you would refuse, or say... ask for more money."
"Since I took the money, I need to do the job properly," Su Zhan said. "It's just one day anyway."
They pushed open the door to the interview room.
Camera flashes immediately lit up the room.
Su Zhan faced the cameras with a proper and humble smile.
"Student Su, what's the secret to achieving five consecutive wins in Vermilion Bird Academy's freshman exchange competition?"
"What advice do you have for your junior schoolmates?"
"As a genius who emerged from Jiang City..."
Questions came one after another.
Su Zhan answered them fluently, occasionally sprinkling in a few motivational quotes that made the journalists nod frequently.
The principal stood to the side, smiling so widely his eyes disappeared, clearly extremely satisfied with this image-building exercise.
After the interview concluded.
The principal came forward with a radiant face, tightly grasping Su Zhan's hand:
"Student Su Zhan, thank you so much today! The speech was brilliant, and your interview performance was flawless!"
Su Zhan's eyes remained calm and unruffled: "You're too kind, Principal. I was just doing what I should."
The principal mysteriously pulled out his phone: "Well, besides the previously agreed 500,000, the school will add another 300,000 for your hard work!"
The transfer notification sounded.
The next second.
Su Zhan's previously indifferent eyes suddenly lit up: "Principal, you're being too formal. Contributing to my alma mater is my honor. If you need me again, just say the word. I guarantee I'll be available whenever called."
This gentleman conquered me with emotion.
The principal was somewhat bewildered by this sudden enthusiasm. Before he could react.
Su Zhan had already actively grabbed his hand and shook it vigorously: "Don't worry, Principal. If you need me to cooperate with media promotions in the future, just call me."
"Oh, okay..." The principal continued: "Young Su, your work is done, but... would you like to make more money?"
Su Zhan paused, then slowly nodded.
Might as well hear what he has to say first.
The principal rubbed his hands together and lowered his voice: "Here's the situation. Recently, an Awakening Serum manufacturer is looking for a spokesperson."
"Coincidentally, you've become quite famous from the Vermilion Bird Academy freshman exchange, plus you're an SSS-grade Awakener..."
Upon hearing this, Su Zhan's eyes instantly turned serious.