C210 Facing a Slap in the Face Anger!

In that instant, there was an eerie calm in the air.

Previously, Chu Yi and Zhang Zhongqi might have appeared harmonious, but now Chu Yi no longer cared to even feign civility.

If Zhang Zhongqi could tolerate such blatant disrespect to his subordinates, then his reputation would be utterly tarnished by the end of the night.

"What are you implying?"

Zhang Zhongqi's demeanor was slightly off as he confronted Chu Yi.

Chu Tianfeng had already made his way to Chu Yi's side. While he had faith in Chu Yi's capabilities, Chu Tianfeng wasn't willing to gamble recklessly.

After all, it's better to err on the side of caution.

"What do I mean?"

Chu Yi shrugged: "I was merely offering a friendly reminder."

"Is there something wrong with that?"

After a long stare, Zhang Zhongqi finally exhaled deeply, "So, you're not willing to let this go, are you?"

"Lee Zi has chosen to put all this behind her. By bringing it up again, aren't you just making her upset?"

Zhang Zhongqi believed that Chu Yi was still seeking retribution for Lee Zi.

Lee Zi remained silent, simply observing Chu Yi.

Since Chu Yi had spoken earlier, her mind had been a blank slate, and she was still somewhat dazed.

Chu Yi shook his head: "As I said, it was just a friendly reminder."

"Moreover, since Lee Zi has decided to wipe the slate clean, I naturally won't bring it up again."

"This isn't about Lee Zi; it's about—"

"Myself!"

For yourself?

Zhang Zhongqi's interest was piqued.

He understood that Chu Yi and he were cut from the same cloth, and such people didn't bother with lies.

Thus, Chu Yi's statement had to be rooted in truth.

But what connection did Chu Yi have with Adirang Academy?

"Your dog... Oh, my mistake, one of your subordinates, Vice Principal Zhen, correct?"

Vice Principal Zhen?

Certainly.

Zhang Zhongqi glanced back at an elder with a look of bewilderment.

If Zhang Zhongqi was unaware of even the Vice Principal's identity, then his grip on the Adirang Academy would be questionable.

"And what about it?"

"Has he offended you?"

Chu Yi shook his head: "He hasn't offended me personally, but his grandson..."

While conversing, Chu Yi turned his attention to the elderly man.

His grandson?

This was news to Zhang Zhongqi.

He was familiar with the Vice Principals, but their grandsons...

Frankly, not even the grandsons of the War God were noteworthy enough for Zhang Zhongqi to remember.

"What's the situation?"

Zhang Zhongqi furrowed his brow and directed his gaze at the elderly man.

Crossing Chu Yi was no significant matter.

If they were justified, then Zhang Zhongqi wouldn't back down an inch, even if it meant causing an uproar.

But if the other party was in the right...

No need to ponder that!

If Chu Yi were being unreasonable, he wouldn't dare to make such statements at this event.

The old man with the surname Zhen was just as baffled.

He had many grandsons, yet none were known to have had dealings with Chu Yi.

Moreover, this appeared to be the first encounter between himself and Chu Yi.

It didn't add up.

Wait!

As Mr. Zhen's eyes briefly passed over Lee Zi standing behind Chu Yi, his pupils constricted.

Clearly, he had realized which grandson it was and what the issue might be.

The shift in Mr. Zhen's expression did not go unnoticed by the elite attendees, instantly arousing their curiosity.

It was evident there was an issue.

Indeed, after a moment's hesitation, Mr. Zhen finally spoke up, "Chu Yi, my young friend, you must be referring to Zhen Ye, aren't you?"

"If he has done anything to offend you, I offer my apologies on his behalf right here..."

For any ordinary grandson, even a direct descendant, Mr. Zhen wouldn't have bothered.

He wouldn't tarnish his reputation in front of Zhang Zhongqi over a grandson.

But Zhen Ye was an exception.

He was the beacon of hope for the Zhen family, the linchpin for their ascendancy!

Thus, while the passing of other grandsons wouldn't faze Mr. Zhen, when it came to Zhen Ye, he was even prepared to step forward and make amends personally.

Chu Yi's smile radiated brilliantly, yet to all who witnessed it, it carried a profound sense of irony.

"An apology?"

"Just saying sorry and that's it?"

Zhang Zhongqi looked at Chu Yi with dissatisfaction, and the elderly Mr. Zhen also furrowed his brow.

"So, what would you have us do?"

To be honest, Chu Yi seemed to be pushing the envelope a bit too far in the eyes of the onlookers.

Though Mr. Zhen might not have the same clout as the others present, he was no ordinary person.

Given his stature, humbling himself to apologize to Chu Yi should have been sufficient.

Someone glanced over at Chu Tianfeng, silently suggesting that he should intervene and encourage Chu Yi to accept the gesture and move on.

Regrettably, Chu Tianfeng was unmoved.

Chu Tianfeng was privy to everything, including Zhen Ye's identity, which he had helped uncover.

Plead?

That was out of the question.

Chu Tianfeng was content to simply watch the drama unfold.

Unwilling to forgive when in the right?

Then so be it!

"What do I want?"

Chu Yi's smile was radiant.

"To ruin someone's future prospects and obliterate their path forward—do you really think such deep-seated animosity can be resolved with a mere apology?"

The room went quiet.

For practitioners, the path of cultivation is paramount.

All else pales in comparison.

If Chu Yi's allegations were true, then they were dealing with a vendetta that could not be easily quelled.

But Chu Yi...

Had he truly severed someone's path of cultivation and dashed their future hopes?

If that were the case, Chu Tianfeng would have likely dealt with the matter decisively by now.

"Explain yourself!"

Zhang Zhongqi could no longer keep his composure.

He regretted coming here today.

Chu Yi gestured dismissively. This time, he refrained from sarcasm and simply recounted the incident regarding his assessment.

Zhang Zhongqi fell silent, as did Elder Zhen and everyone else.

Though the incident had no real impact on Chu Yi, for anyone else, it would mean the loss of a lifetime's opportunities.

"Alas, I had once hoped to join Adirang Academy alongside Lee Zi, and even my parents shared that dream..."

Chu Yi spoke with a hint of regret in his voice.

Was Chu Yi telling the truth?

The influential figures in the room were suddenly struck by the gravity of his words.

Chu Tianfeng might have made extensive preparations and managed to deceive many, but fooling them was still out of the question.

Thus, when Chu Tianfeng was making these arrangements, it's fair to say they were a mix of truth and deception.

Most people were aware that just over a month ago, Chu Yi was oblivious to his own identity.

Back then, he genuinely considered Adirang Academy as his future goal.

So, had Zhen Ye not intentionally hindered Chu Yi, allowing him to secure the special enrollment slot, would Chu Yi's ties then be solely with Adirang Academy?

Indeed, that was the case!

They didn't need to worry about whether Chu Yi was invested in the Aristocratic Alliance, or even about his status as a scion of an aristocratic family!

As long as Chu Yi became a special enrollee of Adirang Academy, he would be aligned with the government side in the battle for the three Milky Way Academy recommendations, unless Adirang Academy decided otherwise.

It was similar to the situation with Lee Zi, whom they had actively expelled.

Otherwise, Lee Zi would still be considered a student of Adirang Academy, and even with her close ties to the Aristocratic Alliance, she would still be associated with the government.

Ultimately, this affiliation meant that all of Chu Yi's achievements would be credited to them!

Considering this possibility, the government officials in attendance felt the gravity of the situation.

They realized that Chu Yi was intentionally stirring up animosity to provoke them.

And clearly, Chu Yi had succeeded, as they were unable to contain their agitation.

"Damn it!"

"Damn it!"

"This obstruction demands severe punishment!"

Previously, when Chu Yi and Zhang Zhongqi had clashed, these high-ranking officials hadn't intervened. But now, they were incensed over what seemed to be a trivial issue.

They even publicly confronted Zhang Zhongqi!

Yes, by voicing these sentiments, the officials had made their stance clear.

Zhang Zhongqi's face was a picture of extreme displeasure.

He had gone to great lengths, even sacrificing his own pride, all for the purpose of winning Lee Zi over.

And the ultimate goal of bringing Lee Zi into the fold was to secure the final say over the three coveted Milky Way Academy spots!

But now he was being told that they had a sure spot, only to lose it to their rivals due to the personal ambitions of some individuals within their ranks.

Who wouldn't be furious upon hearing this news?

Chu Yi was the prize everyone was vying for, far more than Lee Zi. But since they knew there was no chance with Chu Yi, they had already thrown in the towel.

But now, to their astonishment, they realized just how close Chu Yi had been to them all along!

Infuriating, utterly infuriating!

Zhang Zhongqi shot a venomous look at the elderly Mr. Zhen, his face contorted with rage.

He had never anticipated the truth would be this shocking!

Had it been a mere feud with Chu Yi, the bigwigs, despite enjoying the spectacle, would have surely stepped in to save their grandson for the sake of their reputation.

But now...

Their clenched jaws and seething rage made it clear that their fury surpassed even Chu Yi's.

What now?

The flustered Mr. Zhen turned his gaze to Zhang Zhongqi.

Little did he know, Zhang Zhongqi was even more incensed than the rest!

They were merely upset about a missed opportunity, but Zhang Zhongqi had been personally shamed by Chu Yi.

Indeed, he was the biggest loser in this debacle.

First Chu Yi, then Lee Zi—one was nearly a shoo-in for the spot, and the other had a strong chance.

But in the end...

It was nothing short of a disgrace!

However, Zhang Zhongqi's deepest anger wasn't over this.

It was Zhen Ye's behavior!

It was the conduct of the teachers who had participated in the assessment alongside Zhen Ye!

What is the cornerstone of a school?

Some argue it's the faculty, others the curriculum, and still others the network of connections.

But in truth, all these miss the mark!

The students are what truly matter!

Zhang Zhongqi had understood this from the very beginning.

That's why he approached student recruitment with the utmost caution each year.

He feared wasting resources on the mediocre and dreaded overlooking exceptional talent.

But now...

Under my leadership, to think that someone would so blatantly abuse their power for personal vengeance!

This was utterly intolerable to Zhang Zhongqi!

So, when the elderly Mr. Zhen pleaded for mercy, Zhang Zhongqi's fury was nearly beyond containment.

"Bring your grandson here!"

It was time for a public reckoning!

Upon hearing Zhang Zhongqi's command, Chu Yi began to see him in a new light.

Clearly, this time Zhang Zhongqi meant business, and he wasn't just putting on a show.

"Principal, I..."

Zhang Zhongqi's gaze was icy, "Do I need to repeat myself?"

Mr. Zhen fell silent, finally biting the bullet.

"Yes!"

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