Chapter 110: Rebirth of the Tool Man in a Pampered Protagonist Novel

Several contestants who didn’t achieve their expected rankings began shouting on the field, their voices filled with frustration and unwillingness. Although it was a display of poor sportsmanship, the results were just too hard for them to accept.

The contestants from M Nation, who had a bet with the Hua Nation team, looked particularly grim. They never anticipated that the Hua Nation contestants would use a new programming language. Without even being able to interface with their opponents’ data, how could they possibly launch any successful attacks? It felt like they were being utterly crushed.

The judges remained silent, clearly deep in thought.

Seeing this, Fang Ziyang stood up calmly and asked, “Dear judges, is there a rule that prohibits the use of new programming languages in this competition?”

Of course, there wasn’t. Who could have predicted that someone would use a new programming language in the competition? Developing a new programming language isn’t something that happens as easily as picking cabbages.

However, the contestants who were deeply frustrated couldn’t accept this and shouted, “This is cheating! Even if you use a new programming language, it should still connect with our data. If your data isn’t compatible with ours, what kind of competition is this?”

They were so agitated that they couldn’t see their own technical shortcomings. They believed Fang Ziyang and his team were taking advantage of loopholes.

“Not connecting? Then who was it that hacked into your computers just now?” Fang Ziyang’s strikingly handsome face no longer bore the innocent and cute smile from before. His gaze turned sharp and piercing.

“Being outmatched isn’t scary; what’s scary is the inability to tolerate others. There’s no pinnacle in technology—only continuous progress. The story of the tortoise and the hare is known worldwide. Who’s to say that the person you look down on today won’t be standing above you tomorrow?”

“If the so-called rules of this competition require sticking to outdated frameworks without allowing any innovation, what’s the point of even holding this competition?”

Fang Ziyang’s youthful face was marked by unparalleled seriousness and confidence.

The once proud young man now radiated his light to the entire world, like the sun in the galaxy, becoming the center of attention and drawing everyone’s gaze.

His words rang true, and the competition did not prohibit the use of new programming languages. Whether others were convinced or not, the results were final.

After a brief discussion among the judges, despite the displeased expressions of a few, the results were announced: “In the first round of the tech competition, in the individual event, Hua Nation takes first place, B Nation takes second place, and C Nation takes third place…”

As the results were announced, the audiences from the winning nations erupted into joyful cheers and tears.

The unexpected victories sparked lively celebrations in the live streams of these nations:

“Well done! That Hua Nation contestant said it well: there’s no pinnacle in technology, only continuous progress. Who’s to say the person you look down on today won’t be above you tomorrow?”

“I knew we didn’t have much chance of making it to the finals, but getting a top ten spot in the individual competition is still something to be happy about…”

“Did you see the faces of those contestants who were furious? Their expressions were so twisted. It’s just a loss in an individual event; can’t they handle it?”

“Exactly. Every time we compete, we’re out in the first round, and we don’t get this upset. If you’re not as good, just work harder to catch up. What’s the point of being a sore loser?”

“…”

In every competition, there are those who rejoice and those who lament, but overall, there were more smiles than frowns. After all, some countries’ long-standing practices have never been particularly well-received, and people are more than happy to kick them when they’re down.

With the results firmly established, Fang Ziyang finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried that some might shamelessly defend and protect their own in front of the entire world—such things have happened before. Fortunately, under the watchful eyes of everyone, the judges didn’t dare to provoke public outrage, especially since the outcome of this competition was so clear-cut.

In the stands, Xie Zheng couldn’t help but smile as he watched his lover shine at the center of the stage. He took out his phone, zoomed in, and captured a few photos of the dazzling figure at the center of the arena. Then, he posted on Weibo, resuming his daily routine of showing off his husband.

Xie Zheng v: My hubby. [Picture] [Picture]

All the senior executives of New World Tech: …

All the fans: …

Here we go again, the boss is showing off his husband.

Following the individual competition, there would be a team competition scheduled for the day after tomorrow. With today’s events concluded, the contestants left to rest and prepare.

When Fang Ziyang returned to the lounge, he immediately spotted Xie Zheng and Rick waiting by the door with water in hand. A smile spread across his face, and without a second thought, he rushed over, enthusiastically wrapping his arms around Xie Zheng’s neck and pulling him in for a passionate kiss, completely unconcerned about the suggestive looks from those around them. After all, people abroad are generally more open-minded.

Although Xie Zheng was somewhat old-fashioned, he couldn’t resist his little lover’s enthusiasm. Naturally, he wrapped his arms around Fang Ziyang’s slender waist and enjoyed the passionate kiss.

“Honey, wasn’t I amazing just now?”

After the kiss ended, Fang Ziyang couldn’t help but seek some praise. He didn’t quite understand it himself, but ever since he got together with Xie Zheng, his personality seemed to have regressed. He had become adept at acting cute, rolling around, and seeking praise, often forgetting that his soul was far from young.

Perhaps this was the result of being spoiled? After all, look at how well Jin Yu has mastered the art of being pampered!

In truth, Xie Zheng also preferred his little lover to be more reliant on him.

Although seeing his lover shine so brightly was indeed captivating, it left Xie Zheng feeling like he had no room to dote on Fang Ziyang, making him question his own value in their relationship.

“Amazing, absolutely amazing,” Xie Zheng said, gently tapping Fang Ziyang’s nose, not holding back his praise.

Fang Ziyang’s eyes curved into joyful crescents as he smiled.

The two of them continued to bask in each other’s affection, while nearby, Tang Xun looked on helplessly. Seeing Rick’s hopeful eyes beside him, Tang Xun couldn’t help but blush… His brother was so lively and passionate, which made him, as the elder, seem a bit too reserved with his own affection.

However, Tang Xun was too shy to kiss in public. Being naturally reserved, he could only muster the courage to hold Rick’s hand, their fingers intertwined, his ears turning a deep shade of red.

This gesture delighted Rick, who was overjoyed.

The four didn’t linger in the lounge for too long, as it was a public space. After drinking some water and taking a short break, they gathered their things and returned to the hotel with the rest of the team to begin strategizing for the upcoming group competition.

Given the overwhelming advantage they had shown today, the team anticipated that the competition organizers would likely adjust the rules to make the group match more challenging. They needed to prepare accordingly.

Professor Yu, with a serious expression, addressed everyone, “Our insider in the judging panel has informed us that they are already discussing rule changes. It’s unlikely we’ll be able to use the new programming language in the group competition the day after tomorrow. I know you’re confident even without it, but I want to remind you not to let your guard down—give it your all.”

Confidence is good, but overconfidence leads to arrogance. Even a lion uses all its strength when hunting a rabbit. The teams that lost today weren’t lacking in skill; they were simply too arrogant and let their guard down, which is why they lost so badly. Otherwise, they could have at least fought for a better ranking.

“Don’t worry, Professor Yu, we’ll stay vigilant!” everyone responded seriously. They were determined to win the championship and secure their country’s position and development on the international stage for the next decade.

Professor Yu was pleased with their response and continued, “Good, I’m glad you understand. Not only did we win the individual competition, but we also earned the highest points. As long as we place in the top three in the team competition, our position for the next round’s exhibition is secured.”

After the first round focused on information and security, the subsequent rounds were primarily about showcasing scientific achievements. The top ten teams would be assigned exhibition spaces, and in addition to the judges’ evaluations, visitor turnout and satisfaction would play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

While it’s true that quality stands out even in obscurity, having a prime exhibition space could significantly influence the results. The allocation of these spaces depended on the previous round’s performance, which was why they made such a strong showing in the first round.

“However, based on past experience, since we’ve made a splash today, some people might not take it well. So, before the team competition, none of you should leave your rooms, and don’t touch anything in the hotel. Our support team will handle all your meals and supplies,” Professor Yu cautioned them.

In the last competition, G country made a small mistake and lost the championship because of it.

This time, they made a splash, and with the bet hanging over them, they really couldn’t afford to let their guard down.

“Especially you two, Tang Xun and Ziyang—you’ll definitely be their primary targets, so be extra cautious,” Professor Yu said with a stern and worried expression.

The Tang brothers nodded solemnly. Their excellence was a blessing, but it was also a cause for concern. If it weren’t necessary for them to participate in the competition, the country would have preferred to keep them hidden.

“Don’t worry, Professor, we understand,” they assured him.

Meanwhile, just as Professor Yu predicted, the team leaders from M Country, A Country, H Country, R Country, and others, along with some government officials, were gathered together. The atmosphere was heavy, with everyone seated in silence.

Moore’s expression was especially dark. The wine glass in his hand was on the verge of being crushed as he spoke in a cold tone, “Share your thoughts. We can’t afford to lose this bet, and the Hua Country team cannot advance. This tech competition is our stage, not a stepping stone for others.”

Originally, Moore had been confident about this competition. Even though he was aware that Hua Country’s technological level had improved, he didn’t take it too seriously. But now, they’d pulled out a new programming language, and his confidence had started to waver.

According to Yan Tong, the information that the Tang brothers possessed had been stolen from the Lu family’s relics by the Fang family. It was possible that the Tang brothers had other valuable data as well.

The atmosphere grew more tense among the group.

“This competition is being broadcast live, and after what happened last time, the Hua Country team will be on guard. It’s not going to be easy to make a move,” one person remarked.

It was because some people had been too obvious last time that this year, all the countries were united on the issue of fairness. They had to tread carefully; they couldn’t afford to alienate everyone else.

“If overt actions won’t work, what about subtle ones? If we can’t attack them directly, how about we manipulate the rules?” Shi Liangchen suggested.

The group turned to him for clarification. They knew of Shi Liangchen, despite him being from Hua Country, as he had defected and was now Moore’s right-hand man, highly valued by him.

Moore’s tension eased, and a smile appeared as he relaxed his grip on the wine glass, his voice finally carrying a note of satisfaction. “Shi, show them what you’re capable of.”

“Yes, esteemed Mr. Moore, but I’ll need an assistant,” Shi Liangchen responded with a slight smile, standing tall and composed.

“Take him,” Moore said offhandedly, pointing to someone in the room. Being in a position of power meant he didn’t need to ask for anyone’s permission.

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