Chapter 651: The Financial Backer Is Actually Myself?
“Well, hello there, Principal Mei!”
In front of the principal’s office, a group of teachers filed in. Rong Taotao, who was behind the towering Li Lie, poked his head out and grinned at Mei Hongyu.
Although the old principal was stern-faced and iron-fisted, always carrying himself with an imposing air, he looked after Rong Taotao a great deal in private.
Rong Taotao was no fool. Whenever he had a mission, Pine Soul’s teachers would show up at a moment’s notice, bringing powerful backup. What’s more, Principal Mei had used his personal connections and influence to smooth things over with the Snow Burning Army, paving the way for Rong Taotao. All of this…
To put it bluntly, it came down to four words: The principal loves me!
“Good,” Mei Hongyu said. He was seated on a sofa, leaning on his cane with both hands, its handle propped under his chin. His single eye swept over the group before finally settling on Xiao Ziru.
For a moment, that clouded gaze filled with a complex mix of emotions.
“Principal.”
“Principal.” The teachers greeted him one after another, but Yang Chunxi thoughtfully added, “Principal Mei, Coach Xiao isn’t doing very well. He’s barely speaking.”
“That’s alright.” Mei Hongyu waved a hand dismissively, his gaze fixed on the silent Xiao Ziru. He sighed softly. “All that matters is you’re back. All that matters is you’re back… Li Lie.”
“Here.”
Mei Hongyu said, “A room at the school hospital has been prepared. You and Xia Fangran take Ziru there to rest and recuperate. Someone is waiting for him.”
“Understood.” Li Lie draped an arm over Xiao Ziru’s shoulder. Both were tall men, at least six-foot-four, so the gesture looked quite natural.
Among all the Pine Soul Four Seasons and Four Rites, Xiao Ziru was the only one who could compare in stature to the “great bear” Li Lie.
But Xiao Ziru was far too thin now. He had already spent a full three months recuperating with the Snow Burning Army, yet he hadn’t improved much. It seemed his problem was less physical and more psychological.
‘How could he possibly return to his former self if he was gloomy all day and had no appetite?’
Just as Li Lie was about to lead him away, Xiao Ziru planted his feet and pointed at Rong Taotao. “I… teach him.”
For a moment, everyone in the room froze.
“Hm?” Mei Hongyu was inwardly surprised. He hadn’t held out any hope of communicating with Xiao Ziru. ‘I can’t believe it… he actually spoke?’
‘I teach him?’
Beside them, Yang Chunxi thoughtfully offered an explanation. Mei Hongyu nodded, understanding the situation.
Although Xiao Ziru was withdrawn and his speech was muddled, he was using his actions to express his gratitude to Rong Taotao.
Mei Hongyu had already heard from Xia Fangran about what Rong Taotao did in the hospital room.
‘A session of Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon, a cheap and harsh cigarette… His methods were certainly interesting.’
“Heh.” At this thought, Mei Hongyu let out a small laugh and turned to look at Rong Taotao, his heart swelling with emotion.
Rong Taotao had only been at Pine Soul Soul Martial for two years, yet he had already done so much for the university.
Achievements, honors, developing a New Soul Skill, participating in a City Defense Battle, acquiring a Lotus Petal, and recovering a renowned Pine Soul teacher.
And that was just his impact on Pine Soul Soul Martial University. His impact on the Snow Burning Army, and even on all life in the northern Snow Realm, was even greater.
His pursuit of the Poachers was a major highlight on his life’s resume.
He had personally cut down half of the Money Organization·Eight Great Coins. Afterward, under his influence, the remaining Eight Great Coins led the surrender, and the organization disintegrated, completely annihilated.
All life in the Snow Realm truly had reason to be grateful for Rong Taotao’s arrival, the Snow Burning Army included. A few months ago, during that skirmish thirty kilometers outside Wan’an Pass, if Rong Taotao hadn’t been there, hadn’t drawn out that legendary figure…
There was every reason to believe that Wan’an Pass would not have been so secure during the long, ensuing months of blizzards in the Extreme Night.
“Chunxi.”
Yang Chunxi responded, “Principal Mei?”
Mei Hongyu said, “Since Ziru wants to teach, how about we have him move into the Martial Arts Hall?”
“Of course, Principal Mei. The north side of the Martial Arts Hall faces the forest, and I’m the only one living on the third floor, so it’s very quiet.” Yang Chunxi immediately understood his intention and added, “I’ll take good care of Coach Xiao.”
Mei Hongyu said, “Good. Take these Soul Pearls. You, Rong Taotao, and Gao Lingwei head to the school hospital now, pick up Xiaochen, and then go to the Martial Arts Hall.”
“Understood,” Yang Chunxi said softly, accepting the four brocade pouches Principal Mei handed her.
Mei Hongyu looked at Rong Taotao and said, “Two are rewards from the university, and two are from the Soul Martial Association for the national tournament. Their types and effects are described on notes inside the pouches. It’s just that after your time with the Cyan Mountain Army, you two might not find them all that impressive.”
Rong Taotao scratched his head, a goofy grin spreading across his face. “Oh, come on now. I can’t speak for the ones from the Soul Martial Association, but I know for a fact that anything from our principal is top-tier stuff.”
“Hmph.” Mei Hongyu snorted. “Get going.”
“We’re going, we’re going!” Rong Taotao flinched and ducked his head, hastily pulling Gao Lingwei toward the door.
“Taotao.” As he reached the doorway, Mei Hongyu’s hoarse voice called out from behind him.
“Here!” It was his first instinct, a habit from his time in the military.
“Pine Soul Soul Martial owes you one,” Mei Hongyu said, looking at Rong Taotao. “I’m saying this on behalf of the entire university. In the future, at any time and any place, you can call upon any teacher of Pine Soul Soul Martial University for aid—myself included. We will help you to the best of our ability. Cherish this opportunity.”