You Should Be Grateful

Chapter 163 You Should Be Grateful

"Your Majesty, it seems that the young man has been targeted by Jiang Mingyue from Chang'an District."

In a corner of Tiannan District, the Heavenly Mystery Goddess slowly opened her eyes from the open-air bath bath, which reflected scattered pale golden sunlight. After several days of separation, her delicate and indifferent snow-white cheeks finally showed a rare bit of interest: "This is a good thing."

"He kept insisting he wasn't a cultist, and even passed a lie detector test. Both Yu Jin and the Legalists seemed to trust him completely," Tianji Niangniang said meaningfully, glancing at Xiao Xuan out of the corner of her eye. "Do you know what this means?"

Xiao Xuan, dressed in a blue-and-white floral-patterned ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), seemed lost in thought, murmuring, "This means that the secret he carries far exceeds the normal range—"

The Heavenly Goddess narrowed her eyes with satisfaction: "It seems you've really made progress since you started following me."

"He can fool everyone, but he can never fool me. Simon's Nightmare Plan has been in the works for twenty years, and it has been flawless from beginning to end. How could he possibly let in someone who isn't a cultist?"

"Either Simon has gone mad and can't wait to die, or Qiao Yuan harbors an even bigger secret."

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"Go ahead, keep an eye on things."

Xiaoxian listened intently, her heart inexplicably pounding.

Such a strange thing was only realized today, after being enlightened by the Goddess of Heavenly Secrets, that it was indeed very wrong.

At that time, around 11 o'clock, several teachers and Associate Professor Li came to the Su Xiao Laboratory.

Among them were Deputy Director Wang, who had received Qiao Yuan and his fellow freshmen, and Associate Professor Daniel, the mentor of the Second Luan and then a junior in the Beidou class.

In addition, Jiang Yun's uncle, the deputy director of the Academic Affairs Office with golden hair, whom he had met before, also came.

Many more classmates gathered around, including Charlie and Elizabeth Lucy.

Qiao Yuan maintained his previous stance, insisting that Er Luan, Jiang Yun, and Dioren's black-haired junior brother issue a public apology and write a 1-word self-criticism before school ended this evening.

Associate Professor Daniel frowned slightly; in fact, he had already heard about Qiao Yuan's achievements.

To make significant contributions outside of school activities and receive unanimous recognition and special commendation from the Academic Affairs Office.

Such special cases are not uncommon in the history of Galaxy University, but they are indeed few in number.

Moreover, the vast majority of the exceptions are junior and senior students and some sophomores.

There have been a total of ten instances in the past where freshmen, especially those who haven't started their studies yet after a month of school, have not yet returned.

That's it.

Their Galaxy University has been established for over 900 years, so this is almost a once-in-a-century event.

But he still shook his head and said, "My disciple has caused you all trouble. A public apology is fine, and a written self-criticism is also fine, but ten thousand words is not acceptable. It does not comply with the school's rules and is somewhat malicious."

Qiao Yuan had expected Daniel's opinion and laughed out loud: "Malice? I'm the one being bullied, I'm the one being constantly targeted. Now I'm just asking the senior's apprentice to write more self-criticisms, how come it's my fault?"

Daisy immediately emphasized, "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Ten thousand words are not too many."

Seeing that the Second Phoenix was about to speak in protest, Daniel suddenly interrupted, "Teacher Daisy is absolutely right, but rules are rules. If the rules can be changed today, can they be changed tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and every day? Wouldn't that create chaos?"

Qiao Yuan remained calm, knowing full well that things wouldn't be so easy and that he would face numerous obstacles.

He calmly said, "Senior Daniel is right. Rules can't be changed arbitrarily, but malice can run rampant. If this continues, I'm afraid I won't dare to go to Galaxy University."

"That's alarmist!" Daniel scolded. "You little rascal, you're not as cunning as you seem. If you ask me, an apology would be enough. Don't make things awkward."

Associate Professor Li frowned immediately: "How embarrassing? I think what Qiao Yuan just said is correct. Your disciple is only at the fourth level. He's bullying freshmen from the previous two years. What if he goes too far and causes someone to die? After all, young people are impulsive."

"If we insist on bringing up malice, this matter will only escalate further. Let's leave it at that."

Daniel was slightly speechless. A 10,000-word self-criticism might be acceptable in private, but to write it in front of so many students would be a laughing stock if it got out.

He became increasingly embarrassed.

Deputy Director Jin Faji remained silent.

Although Galaxy University divides the freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors into four campuses and four separate academic affairs offices, in reality, there is no difference in terms of authority and level.

It's based solely on their own experience.

Some teachers are better suited to teaching freshmen, while others are better suited to tutoring graduating seniors, and still others tend to favor sophomores and juniors.

He was already very disappointed in Jiang Yun. Of all people to mess with, why did he have to mess with someone who was going to be recognized as a meritorious student by the school this morning?

But it's also his fault; he didn't explain things clearly to Jiang Yun beforehand, otherwise things wouldn't have developed to this point.

However, as the deputy director of the sophomore teaching affairs office, he didn't know much about the freshmen.

Oh well, whatever.

He quite agreed with the 10,000-word self-criticism, hoping to use this opportunity to teach Jiang Yun to restrain his temper, otherwise he would suffer sooner or later and encounter troubles that he couldn't help with.

Seeing that the situation was deadlocked, Deputy Director Wang quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Oh dear, it's normal for students to play around, but Luan did go too far just now. An apology is a must, and a self-criticism is also required. There is absolutely no room for negotiation on this point."

"As for the ten thousand words," Director Wang Fu turned to Qiao Yuan and smiled, "With the commendation coming soon, why worry about the noise? If they dare to do it again, I'll personally make them write a ten thousand-word self-criticism, how about that?"

Jack was incredibly disappointed; as always, things always end up like this once they're discussed.

Hu Tu then recalled that Qiao Yuan had stood up for him and taught Qin Xue a lesson for being a bully at Yao Guang University, but Qiao Yuan himself was powerless to do anything when he encountered such a situation.

He couldn't help but feel a little sad.

By this point, Qiao Yuan had come to understand what had happened today. Apart from Daisy, who was constantly defending him, everyone else either didn't care, thought he was making a mountain out of a molehill, or thought his demands were excessive, and all wanted to downplay the incident.

Ha, that's reality.

In the past, I lived in constant fear outside the city. Even after arriving in the third main city, it was still full of assassins, cultists and other evil forces.

Aside from home, only Galaxy University can give him a sense of peace and tranquility.

Although during military training, I was provoked by some students, such as Lu Qiuhai and Charlie.

But overall, the difference isn't that great, so it's still acceptable. But now, a fourth-tier senior student is making a life-or-death struggle. What will happen if a fifth-tier student from the senior year comes along later?

Faced with Vice Director Wang's question, Qiao Yuan decisively shook his head: "Schools should be places for teaching and nurturing people, not for fighting at every turn. My fight with Second Junior Brother Luan was already over, but she kept holding on. She was the one with real malice, she was the one who really broke the rules. But today, I don't want her to pay any price! I want to save him."

Today's final conclusion, coupled with the setback he just encountered, has gradually led him to develop a new plan.

His voice greatly excited Hutu and Jack, as if they had seen the flame of justice still burning in the darkness.

However, Hu Tu and the others didn't quite understand Qiao Yuan's last two sentences.

"You're talking nonsense!" Second Luan immediately retorted, "Dare to say you didn't provoke me first, forcing Jiang Yun and me to attack together? You dare deny it? Do you think I don't know what kind of person you are? You're the kind of person who likes to provoke others first, then play the victim, pretending to be innocent!"

"What do you mean you want to save me? That's ridiculous! You're such a hypocrite, all talk and no action!"

Jiang Yun sneered, "That's right. Many students saw it earlier. If you hadn't provoked me repeatedly, who would have paid any attention to you? Who do you think you are?"

Daniel and Deputy Director Wang's expressions changed abruptly. Indeed, they couldn't listen to only one side of the story; this was actually better, and more conducive to turning a major issue into a minor one.

Deputy Director Wang smiled and said, "Qiao Yuan, I can actually understand your thoughts very well, but you see, both sides have their reasons in this matter. In the end, it all comes down to being impulsive and going too far. You will definitely have to write a self-criticism, but let's forget about 10,000 words."

Daisy was just about to speak up for Qiao Yuan when she saw Qiao Yuan's gentle smile: "Teacher Daisy, there's no need. Let me speak."

In fact, he could have directly used his connections with Legalists, but there was no need for that at all.

He first looked at Deputy Director Wang: "That won't do, that doesn't count, because as I just said, everything I did was to save her."

He immediately countered the second phoenix, saying, "That's right, I did say I'd let you all come at me together, and that did indeed provoke and challenge you."

"But so what?"

Qiao Yuan pursed his lips arrogantly and said, "From the moment you blocked our way in the Ferris wheel, I was absolutely certain that you would not give up today. So whether I provoke you or I keep holding back, you will still make a move."

"Don't rush to yell. If you think I'm the one who provoked you, let's go to the Embers. Under the lie detector, everyone is equal. Dare to do it? Hmm?"

Second Luan's face suddenly stiffened, as if he had completely guessed what he was thinking.

Qiao Yuan was very satisfied with this.

He continued his description unhurriedly: "You and Jiang Yun are both people who care a lot about their reputation. It's only because of school that we protect you. Once you're outside, you'd be dead by now."

"My knowledge is quite limited compared to the seniors here, but it's enough to save you."

Qiao Yuan gave Daisy and Deputy Director Li a special look, his meaning all too clear.

What he wanted to express was that he had participated in the entire Night Operation and had outwitted Simon, and that he had the confidence to back up his knowledge based on this alone.

"Bullshit!" Second Luan was so angry that his teeth itched. He couldn't understand why Qiao Yuan was so arrogant and dared to spout nonsense.

Jiang Yun was even more confused.

Associate Professor Li coughed twice: "Haha, now that I hear it, it seems that what Qiao Yuan said does make some sense. Daniel, just stop making a fuss and let them write 10,000 words. Otherwise, if they really run into trouble one day, you'll be the one who suffers the loss."

Deputy Director Wang laughed and looked Qiao Yuan up and down a few more times: "Well, I second that. Let's do it this way. After all, they're all promising students from our Galaxy University, and things are chaotic outside right now."

Even Jack was bewildered, not knowing what had happened. Deputy Director Wang, who had been trying to smooth things over, suddenly changed his attitude.

Hu Tu was the only one who knew a little, but not much.

She immediately looked at Daniel: "Master, are you really going to make me write ten thousand words based on just this brat's few words?"

She didn't even want to write a 3000-word self-criticism, because a self-criticism is not like writing an essay; it often takes a long time to think about writing even a few hundred words.

Writing thousands or tens of thousands of words is equivalent to writing a thesis. To produce it in a short day is not just torture, it's downright humiliating!

Seeing her master remain silent, she grew angrier and angrier. She raised her finger and pointed it at Qiao Yuan's nose, cursing loudly. This caused Deputy Director Wang, Teacher Daisy, and Associate Professor Li to frown, and their impressions of Qiao Yuan plummeted.

Qiao Yuan smiled and said, "You should be grateful; you should be thanking me."

The second phoenix was so enraged that she gritted her teeth and said, "Fuck you—"

Seeing that the Second Phoenix was losing her temper and hurling increasingly vulgar insults, Daniel shouted, "Enough!"

Although Qiao Yuan's words were somewhat presumptuous, they were indeed very reasonable, making it difficult for him to find a point of rebuttal; it was quite...

unexpected.

This noble and awe-inspiring spirit—

Wait, something's not right? He suddenly realized that the boy's attitude had changed, from being confrontational at the beginning to lecturing him.

That is indeed quite interesting.

They probably realized that simply hedging wouldn't bring any benefits, so they changed their approach.

Now, considering the safety of the senior student, they have brought this incident to the school level, which is truly a unique approach that has impressed him!

If they object now, it will be against the school disregarding student safety.

And their Galaxy University is indeed very protective of its own, especially of outstanding talents.

"This child—interesting!"

Daniel looked Qiao Yuan up and down again.

Daisy was also quite surprised, not expecting that Qiao Yuan could make the final decision in this way!

She was right.

With Deputy Director Wang and Associate Professor Li reiterating their points, the matter has now come to a close.

Second Luan and Jiang Yun had no choice but to apologize to Qiao Yuan in public, though they were unwilling.

Seeing this, Jack felt extremely satisfied, just like Hu Tu, and felt it was something he hadn't experienced before.

"Yes, I accept this apology."

"Remember to write it properly. I'll be looking at it this afternoon. After all, this is your self-criticism to me. Ten thousand words means ten thousand words. Not a single word less, and you can't skimp on it."

Qiao Yuan looked at the exasperated Second Luan and Jiang Yun with a gentle expression, seemingly unconcerned. He then turned and followed Teacher Daisy and the others to the ruby-shaped Crimson Sky Laboratory ahead.

This is exactly the effect he wanted; if a direct confrontation doesn't work, then he'll try something else.

Whether it's to establish his authority or to show off his strength, he wants the Second Phoenix to pay the price!

Now, Qiao Yuan was finally very interested in the upcoming school awards and what he would receive.