Beast Taming: the More the Better Chapter 894 - 380: Departure! Journey to the Imperial Capital

"You are the pride of our Jianghai, Beast Tamers who will represent us in the national youth beast tamer examination. I hope you can achieve excellent results..."

Facing the camera, Qin Erlong, the final representative of the expedition ceremony, offered a concluding speech with a smile to the ten individuals before him.

Yet, none of them displayed any trace of excitement or fervor.

This provincial examination, contrary to their expectations, had not become their arena for glory. Instead, it had morphed into a mere backdrop.

There was no alternative; a monstrous presence dominated the stage.

As they listened to the farewell address from the two leaders of the Beast Tamer Association, their gazes subtly shifted towards the composed, smiling figure, acknowledged peripherally.

The provincial competition had left them with a profound appreciation for this younger individual.

"Alright, President Qin, the live broadcast has concluded,"

Once the repetitive speech concluded, finalizing the so-called expedition ceremony, the cameras ceased rolling. The TV station manager respectfully informed Old Qin, allowing everyone's strained posture to finally ease.

The remaining nine participants exchanged glances, their eyes settling on Su Ping, who had briefly conversed with Qin Erlong. He was now backstage, headphones on, engrossed in his phone, as if awaiting something. Yan Fan contemplated for a moment before approaching:

"Breeder Su?"

Yan Fan arrived at his side. Su Ping looked up, acknowledging Yan Fan and the other eight individuals trailing him. He paused, then removed his headphones:

"What is it?"

"It’s like this: Vice President Xu mentioned earlier that our trip to the Imperial Capital, including airfare and accommodation, would be covered by the Association, and a private jet has been arranged for us.

Therefore, Vice President Xu asked us to confirm our departure time. Breeder Su, when are you planning to head to the Imperial Capital? Could we perhaps coordinate? Li Yaoyao, Nie Yu, and I were considering departing early today.

It would be beneficial to have ample time to explore the Imperial Capital, wouldn't it? What are your thoughts?"

Yan Fan gazed at Su Ping with anticipation.

His cautious approach was evident.

Under normal circumstances, even with Su Ping securing the top spot, the dynamic among peers would be relatively balanced. However, following yesterday's events, the situation had drastically shifted.

Su Ping, despite his limited interaction with them, commanded significant consideration.

Furthermore, they had observed his prior displays of arrogance and dominance before the matches, making him seem rather unapproachable unless absolutely necessary.

Surprisingly, to the nine who had grown somewhat accustomed to each other over the preceding days, Su Ping offered a smile. Without haste in offering his opinion, he stated with a hint of resignation:

"There's no need for such formality; we are all young people. What transpired before the match was merely to aid in promoting Paperman.

It wasn't a matter of looking down on any of you. Please don't misunderstand. If my previous conduct was overly offensive, I offer my apologies here."

These words left the nine individuals taken aback, as they had not anticipated such an admission from Su Ping.

Truthfully, they were not oblivious and had grasped the underlying situation afterward.

Nevertheless, hearing Su Ping directly address the matter personally carried a different weight.

Yan Fan, quick to recover, waved his hand dismissively:

"No issue, no issue at all. If you could consistently achieve such results through that approach, then we all benefit."

"Haha, indeed, Su Ping, you’re incredible..." Li Yaoyao chimed in with a laugh.

"..."

Everyone present was young, and seeing that Su Ping was not as unapproachable as they had initially perceived, their relationships subtly improved, bridging some of the distance between them.

After a brief pause, Su Ping finally conveyed:

"However, regarding this trip to the Imperial Capital, you can make your own arrangements; I may not be traveling with you."

"Huh? Why not?"

Nie Yu inquired, her tone seemingly guileless.

She had hoped to get closer to Su Ping and subtly probe for details about the press conference incident.

After all, it was a rare opportunity to be near the source of such significant gossip.

The prospect of Su Ping not joining them naturally brought her disappointment.

Su Ping explained directly: "I need to head to the Magic Capital first to pick someone up, and then proceed to the Imperial Capital. It's not directly on the way."

Traveling to the Magic Capital to pick someone up?

The group was taken aback. Yan Fan quickly grasped the implication and asked:

"In that case, should we request Vice President Xu if he could arrange for you to be sent to the Magic Capital first?"

Su Ping pursed his lips, regarding this individual with a speechless expression.

Fortunately, Long'er appeared behind him:

"Su Ping, the Jiao Long is prepared and can depart at any moment."

Su Ping nodded, then glanced at the somewhat bewildered Yan Fan and the others:

"I won't require that assistance. However, if you're eager to reach the Imperial Capital, I can offer you a ride."

Yan Fan and the others opened their mouths, but before any words could be spoken, Vice President Xu had already approached them with evident enthusiasm.