"Director Zhao, you're back."
Jiang Qiu wiped the sweat from his face and quickly rose to his feet. In his eyes, Zhao Gongzheng's face was weathered and wrinkled like old tree bark, his pupils as murky as black stones sunk in mud.
"Yes. Has Teacher Wu Shan told you about the Prodigy Program?" Bloodshot veins spiderwebbed the corners of Zhao Gongzheng's eyes. His lips seemed pinned by an immense weight, and he had to force the words from his chest. "The Military Department originally said they might add a spot to the Prodigy Program. Tomorrow morning, you'll compete with Liu Yong from No. 1 High. Whoever wins will proceed to the Military Department for testing.
