"Since that is the case, let us three compete." Cheng Chen smiled and turned to the organizer beside him. "I wonder how many questions are in the afternoon session?"
The organizer managed a bitter smile. He hadn't expected such a sudden twist, but there were indeed many questions. "There are twenty-five questions in total."
Cheng Chen raised an eyebrow. "Continuous buzzer rounds don't truly show everyone's level. How about this? We draw lots for an order. You ask the questions, and we answer in turn. If one cannot answer, the next person may take over. We will do this for seven rounds, covering twenty-one questions. The remaining four will be buzzer rounds. This is fair, isn't it?"
Indeed, this was very fair. Cheng Chen wanted to highlight his strengths but did not wish to appear as if he were deliberately targeting Luo Fuxin. A fair competition was better, and the suggestion was well-received by those present, as it eliminated concerns about cheating.
"Agreed. Let's do it this way." A voice came from below. The speaker was a middle-aged man who had just arrived. Her upright demeanor indicated she was no petty person, and the subtle authority she exuded suggested her status was not simple. Zhu Yanyi glanced at her casually and raised her eyebrows slightly. The person standing behind her was the victim whose theft they had helped solve at the beginning of the semester. This was becoming interesting.
"Director Liu, why are you here?" Luo, the organizer, seemed startled upon seeing the newcomer.
"I have been visiting various towns and villages recently. I just arrived in Yao City and heard about this knowledge competition, so I came to join the fun." From these words, it was clear this was Liu Jianjun, the new Director of Yong City.
Liu Jianjun wore a cheerful smile. "I am just here to enjoy the spectacle. Does anyone object?"
"Of course not." The organizer quickly made room for Liu Jianjun to sit.
Liu Jianjun looked at the people on stage and smiled. "Let's follow this young student's suggestion. We will take turns answering first, then have the buzzer rounds. It sounds quite interesting."
With Liu Jianjun speaking, the others naturally had no objections and nodded in agreement. The organizer on stage broke out in a cold sweat. This was the first time a knowledge competition had developed in such a manner. However, it was actually quite good, at least avoiding any negative aftermath. Of course, such inexplicable incidents would likely be fewer in the future.
The organizer composed himself, cleared his throat, and said, "Since that is settled, let us continue the competition."
The three participants nodded. Cheng Chen said, "Although the previous question on Newton's laws was a buzzer round, I answered it. Let's count that as my first answer. We will draw lots now. That question counts as my first one. When it is my turn again, please add that question to my total."
"Understood." The organizer nodded. Since Cheng Chen had answered that question, it naturally belonged to him.
Next came the drawing of lots. Cheng Chen drew number one, Luo Fuxin number two, and Zhu Yanyi number three. Since Cheng Chen had already answered one question, the first round would begin with Luo Fuxin.
"The second question: What is the structure of a water molecule?" the organizer asked.
Luo Fuxin paused briefly before answering, "Two hydrogen ions and one oxygen ion combine to form a water molecule."