Beast Taming: Starting From Zero
Author: 给我加葱
Chapter 624: The Interview
Qiao Sang took a step back, wary.
"Did you guys make a mistake? I never applied to the Imperial Beast University."
She was well aware of her own abilities. It was already a miracle if she could get into Central Hollow University,
Come on, that was the most prestigious school on Blue Star, second only to the top academy in the entire interstellar system!
Hearing this, her homeroom teacher, Mu Deli, looked at the two women who had presented their Imperial Beast University faculty IDs with surprise.
Cecilia and Summer exchanged glances, a flicker of surprise flashing in their eyes.
The woman with green eyes, Cecilia, lowered her hand and asked,
"Are you Qiao Sang, from Dragon Nation on Blue Star, who came to Chaosu Star as an interstellar exchange student?"
Qiao Sang complained inwardly but remained expressionless as she nodded.
"That's me. But this information isn't exactly a secret."
Cecilia quickly understood and said, "Your recommendation letter was written by Professor Wang Yanmao from Dragon Nation. All the information was verified before we sought you out, so there's no mistake."
Qiao Sang was momentarily stunned. She had seen that name in textbooks before, he was a big shot in the research field.
Qiao Sang glanced at the two women in front of her, who could lie without batting an eye, with a strange expression. She ignored them and pulled her homeroom teacher aside, whispering, "Teacher, these two are scammers. I never applied to the Imperial Beast University."
No matter how softly Qiao Sang spoke, her words still reached Cecilia and Summer clearly.
The corners of their mouths twitched, but they said nothing, pretending not to hear.
"They're not." Mu Deli whispered back.
"The school wouldn't let just anyone in. Their identities were thoroughly checked upon entry, they are indeed teachers from the Imperial Beast University."
Qiao Sang gave her a look as if she were too gullible and said, "I heard that some mechanical-type pet beasts have skills that can alter all kinds of data."
"Ahem."
Summer finally couldn't take it anymore and cleared her throat.
"You can check your email. You should have received interview details from our school. The email was sent from our official address, it can't be faked."
Qiao Sang turned her head, deciding to be less subtle.
At that moment, Cecilia added, "You applied through a recommendation letter. This kind of application doesn’t necessarily require the applicant to submit it themselves. Every year, our school receives many recommendation letters, and based on them, we select a small portion of applicants for interviews."
"You can contact Professor Wang Yanmao to confirm or find out who helped you secure that recommendation letter."
Applicants who reached the interview stage were the top high school students across the interstellar system. Naturally, they wouldn’t give up on a candidate over a small misunderstanding.
To be honest, Qiao Sang’s qualifications were already outstanding enough that the interview was practically a formality.
Otherwise, the school wouldn’t have sent people over even when the applicant hadn't confirmed the interview schedule.
Qiao Sang was momentarily speechless.
She had never encountered this kind of direct recommendation system in top-tier schools before. She had always thought she needed to get in through exams or special talent admissions.
If that was the case, could someone have really gotten her a recommendation for the Imperial Beast University?
Qiao Sang hesitated for a moment before asking,
"Does the interview cost anything?"
Cecilia smiled.
"No."
Qiao Sang remained cautious.
"If I pass the interview, will there be any additional fees?"
Cecilia's mouth twitched.
"No, we don’t charge anything."
Qiao Sang fell silent, then tentatively asked, "Can we do the interview right now? Right here?"
From what she’d heard, these two didn’t seem like scammers anymore.
But she couldn’t trust them completely just yet.
For safety’s sake, the interview had to happen right here at Sainan High School. The homeroom teacher would be nearby, which would greatly increase her security.
Cecilia immediately agreed.
"Of course!"
She then turned to Mu Deli and politely asked, "Would it be possible to borrow this office?"
"No problem." Mu Deli replied. After speaking, she gave Qiao Sang another complicated look before stepping out and thoughtfully closing the door behind her.
Qiao Sang suddenly thought of something. She quickly formed a seal with her hands and summoned her pet beast, Yabao, who had been training.
"Yap?"
Yabao, confused about the sudden change in location, tilted hs head.
Qiao Sang picked him up.
Cecilia and Summer exchanged smiles before sitting on the couch.
Qiao Sang pulled up a chair and sat across from them.
"The interview is simple. We just have a few questions." Cecilia said.
For any top-tier school, the interview was the most crucial stage, it revealed whether a candidate was truly as capable as their application suggested and provided insight into their background and personality.
But for someone like Qiao Sang, who wasn't applying based on academic scores, they only needed to ask some basic questions.
"Can you introduce yourself?" Cecilia asked.
Qiao Sang answered easily, "I'm Qiao Sang, 16 years old, a student at Shengshui High School. During my first semester of high school, I won the senior division of the National Campus Beast Mastering League and became an exchange student at Sainan High School."
"My brain domain awakened on its own, and it's currently developed to 39%. I have four pet beasts: Blazing Star Canine, Ghost Ring Phantom, Ice Xilu, and Steel Guardian Falcon."
Summer nodded slightly.
"What are your plans for the future?"
"After the college entrance exams, I'll focus on evolving my Blazing Star Canine." Qiao Sang replied.
"Yap!"
Yabao puffed out his chest, confirming his determination to evolve.
The room fell silent for three seconds.
"That's it?" Summer asked in surprise.
Qiao Sang nodded.
"That's it."
"...Do you have any dreams?"
"Yes. I want to compete in the Interstellar Cup." Qiao Sang said without hesitation.
A common dream among interviewees. Cecilia and Summer weren’t surprised.
"Are you interested in research?" Cecilia asked.
"I am, but I won’t spend too much time on it." Qiao Sang replied.
---
Meanwhile, in the principal's office, a video call was in progress.
The principal frowned.
"Did Qiao Sang’s application not go through?"
A blonde man on the screen adjusted his glasses and replied coolly, "There were disagreements. Some believe that no matter how high her beast-taming talent is, her academic scores should at least meet the average threshold. They suggested she repeat a year and reapply next year, keeping her recommendation letter on hold."
The principal scoffed.
"Next year? Do you know that the Imperial Beast University is here interviewing her right now?"
The blond man on the video call froze, his expression filled with surprise.
"How is that possible? Qiao Sang's academic scores…"
The principal interrupted him, "It's exactly because some of you academic types are too rigid that you're ranked third, while others are second!"
To be fair, this accusation was a bit unjust to Yulianton University.
The recommendation letters sent to Yulianton University and the Imperial Beast University were not identical.
The letter to the Imperial Beast University included an additional note about Qiao Sang's involvement in the successful research and evolution of the Fire Fang Dog into the Flame Hound.
The blond man pondered for a moment and said, "There may have been some miscommunication. I'll report this matter."
With that, the video call ended.
---
Homeroom Teacher's Office.
Cecilia asked, "One last question, have you applied to any other top-tier academies besides ours?"
Qiao Sang looked at her with a strange expression.
"I never applied to your school."
Cecilia: …
"Do you not like our Univeristy?" Summer, who was beside her, asked.
Qiao Sang shook her head and said,
"It's not that."
Hearing this, Summer smiled and said, "You're from Blue Star. You should know that there’s no better top-tier academy on Blue Star than the Imperial Beast University."
Qiao Sang silently ridiculed in her mind but nodded on the surface.
"I know."
"Then, aside from our academy, have you applied to any other top-tier schools?" Cecilia asked again.
"Yes, Central Hollow University." Qiao Sang paused for a moment before continuing,
"And Yulianton University."
"Did you guys make a mistake? I never applied to the Imperial Beast University."
She was well aware of her own abilities. It was already a miracle if she could get into Central Hollow University,
Come on, that was the most prestigious school on Blue Star, second only to the top academy in the entire interstellar system!
Hearing this, her homeroom teacher, Mu Deli, looked at the two women who had presented their Imperial Beast University faculty IDs with surprise.
Cecilia and Summer exchanged glances, a flicker of surprise flashing in their eyes.
The woman with green eyes, Cecilia, lowered her hand and asked,
"Are you Qiao Sang, from Dragon Nation on Blue Star, who came to Chaosu Star as an interstellar exchange student?"
Qiao Sang complained inwardly but remained expressionless as she nodded.
"That's me. But this information isn't exactly a secret."
Cecilia quickly understood and said, "Your recommendation letter was written by Professor Wang Yanmao from Dragon Nation. All the information was verified before we sought you out, so there's no mistake."
Qiao Sang was momentarily stunned. She had seen that name in textbooks before, he was a big shot in the research field.
Qiao Sang glanced at the two women in front of her, who could lie without batting an eye, with a strange expression. She ignored them and pulled her homeroom teacher aside, whispering, "Teacher, these two are scammers. I never applied to the Imperial Beast University."
No matter how softly Qiao Sang spoke, her words still reached Cecilia and Summer clearly.
The corners of their mouths twitched, but they said nothing, pretending not to hear.
"They're not." Mu Deli whispered back.
"The school wouldn't let just anyone in. Their identities were thoroughly checked upon entry, they are indeed teachers from the Imperial Beast University."
Qiao Sang gave her a look as if she were too gullible and said, "I heard that some mechanical-type pet beasts have skills that can alter all kinds of data."
"Ahem."
Summer finally couldn't take it anymore and cleared her throat.
"You can check your email. You should have received interview details from our school. The email was sent from our official address, it can't be faked."
Qiao Sang turned her head, deciding to be less subtle.
At that moment, Cecilia added, "You applied through a recommendation letter. This kind of application doesn’t necessarily require the applicant to submit it themselves. Every year, our school receives many recommendation letters, and based on them, we select a small portion of applicants for interviews."
"You can contact Professor Wang Yanmao to confirm or find out who helped you secure that recommendation letter."
Applicants who reached the interview stage were the top high school students across the interstellar system. Naturally, they wouldn’t give up on a candidate over a small misunderstanding.
To be honest, Qiao Sang’s qualifications were already outstanding enough that the interview was practically a formality.
Otherwise, the school wouldn’t have sent people over even when the applicant hadn't confirmed the interview schedule.
Qiao Sang was momentarily speechless.
She had never encountered this kind of direct recommendation system in top-tier schools before. She had always thought she needed to get in through exams or special talent admissions.
If that was the case, could someone have really gotten her a recommendation for the Imperial Beast University?
Qiao Sang hesitated for a moment before asking,
"Does the interview cost anything?"
Cecilia smiled.
"No."
Qiao Sang remained cautious.
"If I pass the interview, will there be any additional fees?"
Cecilia's mouth twitched.
"No, we don’t charge anything."
Qiao Sang fell silent, then tentatively asked, "Can we do the interview right now? Right here?"
From what she’d heard, these two didn’t seem like scammers anymore.
But she couldn’t trust them completely just yet.
For safety’s sake, the interview had to happen right here at Sainan High School. The homeroom teacher would be nearby, which would greatly increase her security.
Cecilia immediately agreed.
"Of course!"
She then turned to Mu Deli and politely asked, "Would it be possible to borrow this office?"
"No problem." Mu Deli replied. After speaking, she gave Qiao Sang another complicated look before stepping out and thoughtfully closing the door behind her.
Qiao Sang suddenly thought of something. She quickly formed a seal with her hands and summoned her pet beast, Yabao, who had been training.
"Yap?"
Yabao, confused about the sudden change in location, tilted hs head.
Qiao Sang picked him up.
Cecilia and Summer exchanged smiles before sitting on the couch.
Qiao Sang pulled up a chair and sat across from them.
"The interview is simple. We just have a few questions." Cecilia said.
For any top-tier school, the interview was the most crucial stage, it revealed whether a candidate was truly as capable as their application suggested and provided insight into their background and personality.
But for someone like Qiao Sang, who wasn't applying based on academic scores, they only needed to ask some basic questions.
"Can you introduce yourself?" Cecilia asked.
Qiao Sang answered easily, "I'm Qiao Sang, 16 years old, a student at Shengshui High School. During my first semester of high school, I won the senior division of the National Campus Beast Mastering League and became an exchange student at Sainan High School."
"My brain domain awakened on its own, and it's currently developed to 39%. I have four pet beasts: Blazing Star Canine, Ghost Ring Phantom, Ice Xilu, and Steel Guardian Falcon."
Summer nodded slightly.
"What are your plans for the future?"
"After the college entrance exams, I'll focus on evolving my Blazing Star Canine." Qiao Sang replied.
"Yap!"
Yabao puffed out his chest, confirming his determination to evolve.
The room fell silent for three seconds.
"That's it?" Summer asked in surprise.
Qiao Sang nodded.
"That's it."
"...Do you have any dreams?"
"Yes. I want to compete in the Interstellar Cup." Qiao Sang said without hesitation.
A common dream among interviewees. Cecilia and Summer weren’t surprised.
"Are you interested in research?" Cecilia asked.
"I am, but I won’t spend too much time on it." Qiao Sang replied.
---
Meanwhile, in the principal's office, a video call was in progress.
The principal frowned.
"Did Qiao Sang’s application not go through?"
A blonde man on the screen adjusted his glasses and replied coolly, "There were disagreements. Some believe that no matter how high her beast-taming talent is, her academic scores should at least meet the average threshold. They suggested she repeat a year and reapply next year, keeping her recommendation letter on hold."
The principal scoffed.
"Next year? Do you know that the Imperial Beast University is here interviewing her right now?"
The blond man on the video call froze, his expression filled with surprise.
"How is that possible? Qiao Sang's academic scores…"
The principal interrupted him, "It's exactly because some of you academic types are too rigid that you're ranked third, while others are second!"
To be fair, this accusation was a bit unjust to Yulianton University.
The recommendation letters sent to Yulianton University and the Imperial Beast University were not identical.
The letter to the Imperial Beast University included an additional note about Qiao Sang's involvement in the successful research and evolution of the Fire Fang Dog into the Flame Hound.
The blond man pondered for a moment and said, "There may have been some miscommunication. I'll report this matter."
With that, the video call ended.
---
Homeroom Teacher's Office.
Cecilia asked, "One last question, have you applied to any other top-tier academies besides ours?"
Qiao Sang looked at her with a strange expression.
"I never applied to your school."
Cecilia: …
"Do you not like our Univeristy?" Summer, who was beside her, asked.
Qiao Sang shook her head and said,
"It's not that."
Hearing this, Summer smiled and said, "You're from Blue Star. You should know that there’s no better top-tier academy on Blue Star than the Imperial Beast University."
Qiao Sang silently ridiculed in her mind but nodded on the surface.
"I know."
"Then, aside from our academy, have you applied to any other top-tier schools?" Cecilia asked again.
"Yes, Central Hollow University." Qiao Sang paused for a moment before continuing,
"And Yulianton University."