I Can Control Resources

...

The morning’s physical fitness test was over.

Gao Neng was unaware of Lieutenant Chen’s discussion. After all, his sense of humor wasn’t so twisted that he’d keep his Spiritual Power fully active just to eavesdrop on everyone.

Besides, even if he did callisthenics nonstop, he wouldn’t be able to sustain that kind of consumption.

Of course, the main reason was that the entire morning had passed, and he still hadn’t found a single real opportunity to call an Examiner a dumbass.

’What should I do?’

’All that’s left is the afternoon’s talent test.’

’I have to hide my talent, but I also have to call an Examiner a dumbass...’

’The pressure is immense.’

"Gao Neng, your scores on the physical test this morning were excellent, but don’t get arrogant, understand?" Li Qingping found Gao Neng and spoke in a heartfelt, earnest tone.

"I understand, Principal. I’ll definitely keep a low profile," Gao Neng nodded.

’A low profile?’ Li Qingping’s expression was odd. ’Low profile my ass! Is there anyone in this entire physical testing facility who isn’t talking about you? And you call that keeping a low profile!’

However, Li Qingping was still very satisfied with Gao Neng’s performance. Aside from that comment in the morning about helping him become the chairman of the inspection committee, everything else was fine.

As for the gossip...

That was unavoidable.

How could such an outstanding person not be the subject of gossip?

Li Qingping cleared his throat, not dwelling on the issue. His expression turned serious. "Gao Neng, I have a personal suggestion, but I’d like to hear your thoughts on it first."

"Please, go ahead, Principal," Gao Neng said, puzzled.

"It’s about your university application. Your physical test scores are excellent, but you shouldn’t aim too high. Sometimes, being a bit more stable isn’t a bad thing," Li Qingping said after some thought, deciding to speak his mind.

"Don’t worry, Principal. I’ll definitely play it safe," Gao Neng nodded again.

"Good. Then get some rest, recover your energy, and prepare for this afternoon’s talent test." Li Qingping didn’t say more. Some things were better left lightly touched upon.

Besides, he believed Gao Neng had already understood the meaning behind his words.

Li Qingping left.

Gao Neng, however, wore a wry smile. ’I’d love to play it safe, but would the dumbass system’s bullshit nature let me?’

’Playing it safe is impossible.’

’The only way is to make waves!’

’If I had to say the dumbass system was good, well, it was alright. At least the things it gave me were ridiculously overpowered. In just a few short days, I’d broken through the second human limit. My leveling speed was faster than a rocket.’

’But if I had to say it was bad...’

’Then it was a real fucking pain in the ass.’

Gao Neng didn’t overthink it. His eyes began to scan his surroundings again, and when he was sure no one was watching, he quickly slipped out the main gate of the physical testing facility.

"Meow..."

A cat’s cry sounded.

Then, a silver cat darted out from a corner.

"Gao Xiaomeng, I’m asking you one last time, can you really do anything?" Gao Neng picked Gao Xiaomeng up, still feeling a little uncertain.

"Meow meow meow..." Gao Xiaomeng put on an adorable face.

"I’m pinning all my hopes on you this time. When I’m testing my talent later, I need you to break the testing machine’s power cord, understand?" Gao Neng instructed.

"Meow..."

"I’ll buy you fish tonight!"

"Meow meow meow!"

"Can you speak human?"

"Meow meow meow!"

"..." Gao Neng really wanted to pet Gao Xiaomeng to death. But right now, he truly had no other options. He could only gamble on this.

According to Gao Xiaomeng’s "specs," since she had eaten a liquid life form born from a "magnetic pile," she should have some sort of magnetic properties or special ability, right?

First, he’d have Gao Xiaomeng sever the power cord.

That way, his talent test results naturally wouldn’t come out. As long as there were no results, his talents wouldn’t be exposed, and he’d still have a chance to compete.

Gao Neng had pretty much figured it all out. When the time came, he would start cursing wildly and, unleashing his A-plus acting skills, throw a tantrum and be a complete nuisance. With the huge advantage from his physical test, even if his talent test was ultimately graded as "average," he would still be number one!

A perfect plan!

The key to its success was whether or not Gao Xiaomeng was reliable!

"Wow! What an adorable cat..." Just as he was thinking, a sweet, coquettish voice rang out. Then, Gao Neng saw Jin Lingling appear before him.

A hair flip, a hip sway, a delicate gasp—Jin Lingling’s movements were perfectly fluid.

Her presentation was also rather special, right down to the artfully damp sheen of sweat on her chest, which gave Jin Lingling an aura of youthful vitality.

"..." said Gao Neng.

’Here we go again?’

’Is this Tactic Number Two?’

"I never thought Senior Gao Neng would be so caring, even raising a cat. Oh my, speaking of which, this physical test was so exhausting. After a whole morning, I’m covered in sweat..." Jin Lingling said, pinching the collar of her shirt and leaning toward Gao Neng, fanning herself repeatedly.

"MEOW!" Gao Xiaomeng’s eyes went wide.

"So cute! Can I hold her?" Jin Lingling reached out to take the cat.

And then...

A "PFFT" sound was heard.

Gao Xiaomeng turned around and farted right in Jin Lingling’s face.

"..."

The atmosphere instantly fell silent.

Jin Lingling’s face turned beet red, her fists clenched tightly.

"Sorry, my cat ate sweet potatoes this morning. We’ll be going now." Gao Neng was a bit speechless. Not daring to linger, he quickly left with Gao Xiaomeng.

"Senior Gao Neng!"

"..."

"Sister Lingling, you failed again?"

"Looks like Tactic Number Two wasn’t very effective either... Could it be that Gao Neng doesn’t even like the youthful type? That’s impossible. Sister Lingling is the number one beauty of our girls’ high school. What man can resist her charms?"

"I think... you could let me give it a try..." the short-haired girl said shyly.

"Get lost! I, Jin Lingling, will win him over! I will! I still have one last trick up my sleeve. If I can’t get him with this one, I’ll write my name, Jin Lingling, backward!" Jin Lingling roared.

...

Amid a clamor of heated shouts, the afternoon’s talent test finally arrived.

However, because the talent testing machines were extremely expensive and precise, they were basically all shipped directly from the City of Hope. And with the sudden explosion in the number of students from the Forgotten Land signing up for the exam, there was a temporary shortage of machines.

Long lines quickly formed in front of the ten machines.

Gao Neng kept a low profile, queuing up in the middle of the seventh long line, surrounded by students from the girls’ high school. Fiery gazes were fixed on him from all directions.

As for these kinds of stares...

He was already used to them.

Soon, the first test results came out.

"Iron Talent 15%, Copper Talent 10%... Unqualified."

"Waaaah..."

The announcement was accompanied by the sound of sobbing.

Then came several more failures.

The examinees’ moods began to grow tense.

"Iron Talent 26%, Magnesium Talent 12%!" After testing eight people in a row, a hint of relief finally appeared on the Examiner’s face.

"Wow, I’m qualified! I passed the 20% passing mark!" an excited voice cried out.

"Whoa, 26%?! That’s amazing!"

"Yeah... I hope I can get that, too."

A wave of envious voices followed.

"Iron Talent 47%, others are all below 10%!" Another result was announced.

"It’s Mao Shan!"

"Mao Shan from Fourth High! He actually has 47% Iron Talent! That’s incredible! The lieutenant last time said he was over 50%. Mao Shan is almost at his level. He’s definitely getting accepted now!"

"..."

"I, Mao Shan, will work even harder to shine for the Alliance!" Mao Shan patted his chest, his face full of pride. With a 47% talent, he was in a very stable position.

The other students looked at Mao Shan with even greater envy.

After all, a 47% Iron Talent alone, even without a second high-level talent, was already extremely good.

"He Haifan, Copper Talent 43%, Phosphorus Talent 35%!" For the first time, a smile appeared on the Examiner’s face. Although his Iron Talent was below 10%, Copper and Phosphorus were dual talents stronger than Iron.

"Wow, dual talents!"

"And it’s Copper and Phosphorus?!"

"I heard He Haifan’s brother also tested for dual talents last year and got accepted. I can’t believe He Haifan has dual talents too. Two champions from the same family!"

This time, the sounds of envy became extremely intense.

He Haifan held his head high.

He had been obscure all morning, but now he was finally in the spotlight. He, He Haifan, was a genius after all. Dual talents, plus his decent theory and combat scores, meant he had a good shot at a mid-tier Military University.

"Examinee number 0734, Gao Neng!" After a long wait, Gao Neng finally reached the front of the seventh line and announced his number.

"Gao Neng?" The Examiner looked up.

At the same time, over a thousand pairs of eyes all focused on him. Everyone was looking at Gao Neng, and at the silver cat perched on his shoulder.

(We got two new Helmsmen today, I’m so happy! About mass releases, hmm... there will be a mass release after the novel goes premium! If all goes well, that will be on January 1st. There’s still over half a month of free Chapters left! Please keep the recommendation tickets coming!)