In Wang Yifeng's office, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting mottled shadows on the floor. Zheng Zha sat on a soft sofa, cradling a warm teacup in his hands. The walls were adorned with ink paintings of renowned martial artists, each stroke powerful and vigorous, as if containing endless martial truths, yet exuding a sense of calm and authority, silently narrating the glory and legacy of martial arts.
"The principal just now was as anxious as a blind monk in a cosplay," Zheng Zha murmured to himself, making his way to the principal's office.
He didn’t deliberately observe the antique decorations but took a deep breath, focusing his attention inward. Closing his eyes, he felt the faint ripples brought by the Nezha Killing God Bloodline, flowing like a gentle stream through his veins. This power had not fully awakened yet, but each time he used it, he sensed the stirring potential deep within him, like a volcano on the verge of eruption, harboring world-destroying strength.
"This is just the beginning," he whispered to himself, determination flashing in his eyes like stars twinkling in the night sky.
Creak—
The office door swung open, and Wang Yifeng strode in briskly, wearing a complex expression that mingled relief, confusion, and a hint of barely perceptible concern. He glanced at Zheng Zha before breaking into a warm smile. "Young brother, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting."
Zheng Zha turned around, slightly bowing with respect. "No need for such courtesy, Principal."
Wang Yifeng waved his hand dismissively, signaling him to sit down. His tone turned serious. "Don’t be so formal. I just went to confirm some matters regarding your... test results." He paused, fixing his intense gaze on Zheng Zha. "Your performance honestly surprised me and filled me with anticipation. You have passed the exam."
A wave of warmth surged through Zheng Zha’s heart at those words, yet he maintained an outward calmness. "Thank you for your kindness, Principal. However, I have another matter I would like to discuss with you."
"Oh? What is it? Please go ahead," Wang Yifeng raised an eyebrow, encouraging him to continue.
"Regarding the rewards for passing the entrance exam..." Zheng Zha spoke plainly without any hesitation. "I heard that passing the exam grants a reward of two hundred thousand; is that true?"
Wang Yifeng was momentarily taken aback by Zheng Zha's directness. After pondering for a moment, he replied with a smile, "That is indeed the case. But why are you so eager? You should still be underage, right?"
Zheng Zha took a deep breath and gazed out the window at the blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds that resembled cotton candy—light and soft. After a brief silence, he spoke slowly with sincerity in his tone: "Principal, I am not someone who covets wealth; it’s just... my family is in urgent need. My grandmother is currently hospitalized and requires emergency surgery, which costs... two hundred thousand. I... truly have no other options."
His voice trembled slightly with emotion; each word seemed to carry immense weight that struck Wang Yifeng's heart.
Wang Yifeng felt a jolt within him as he carefully scrutinized the slender yet upright figure before him. The clear yet resolute gaze reminded him of his own struggles during youth while pursuing martial arts. He sighed softly, compassion lacing his voice. "I see; you truly are a filial child."
Zheng Zha bowed his head and clasped his hands, speaking earnestly, "Principal, I know that making such a request directly may put you in a difficult position, but I truly have no other choice. If you are willing to help me, I will remember it deeply and repay you doubly in the future!"
Wang Yifeng paused for a moment before suddenly bursting into laughter. "Hahaha! Your grandmother would be so happy to know how sensible you are! Money is just an external thing, not worth worrying about!" He pulled out a black bank card from his pocket and handed it to Zheng Zha. "Here are five hundred thousand, of which two hundred thousand is your reward, and the remaining three hundred thousand is my personal support for your daily life and cultivation needs."
Zheng Zha was stunned. He stared at the bank card, momentarily hesitant to take it. It wasn't just the enormous sum that overwhelmed him; it was the suddenness and warmth of this help, like a ray of sunshine breaking through the cold winter, illuminating his icy world.
"Principal, this..." His voice choked slightly, filled with gratitude.
"Take it. Beast meat and cultivation resources all require money," Wang Yifeng said gently but firmly as he pressed the card into Zheng Zha's hand. "You are a good child, filial and full of potential. As long as you can become a remarkable person in the future, that will be my greatest reward."
Hearing these words, a warm current surged within Zheng Zha.
The principal must have reviewed his information.
He was well aware of the truth regarding Zheng Zha's D-grade aptitude.
The deeper meaning of D-grade aptitude implied almost no potential. As the head of the entire academy, the principal was undoubtedly more perceptive than anyone else.
Just weeks ago, he had only awakened this D-grade aptitude, and even his blood-related uncle had left him without a second thought.
In contrast, the principal had just met him today; they were hardly familiar.
Yet under such circumstances, the principal could be so unhesitatingly generous.
He didn't even question the authenticity of Zheng Zha's words.
How could this not fill Zheng Zha with gratitude?
If only he had encountered someone as generous as the principal in his past life, perhaps everything would have been different.
Zheng Zha felt deeply moved, but he concealed his emotions well. He tightly grasped the bank card and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you for your great kindness, Principal! I will not let you down!"
At that moment, Director Liu, who had just entered the room, witnessed the scene. He frowned slightly and said in a low voice, "Principal, isn't this a bit hasty? After all, we have encountered similar situations before..."
Wang Yifeng turned to look at Director Liu, his smile fading somewhat. "Old Liu, are you referring to Zhao Yu's case?"
Director Liu nodded. "That's right. Zhao Yu also received your support back then, but later transferred to Longyao Academy and even defeated our students at the Martial Arts Tournament, publicly mocking our Qingli Academy. That incident brought great shame to our institution!"
Mentioning Zhao Yu made Wang Yifeng's brows furrow slightly, but he quickly relaxed again. Shaking his head, he replied calmly, "Old Liu, everyone has their own aspirations. I helped Zhao Yu because I hoped he would go further. Even if he ultimately chose to leave, I have no regrets. Moreover..." He paused and turned his gaze toward Zheng Zha, his eyes filled with determination and trust that mirrored his younger self. "I believe he is different from Zhao Yu."
Director Liu seemed to want to say more but ultimately kept silent, letting out a sigh instead. He knew that once Wang Yifeng made a decision, it was hard to change.
Meanwhile, Zheng Zha was deeply touched by all of this. He clenched his fists and silently vowed: no matter what, he would not let Wang Yifeng's trust go to waste!
As night fell outside Qingli Academy's gates, a hovering bus slowly came to a stop. Zheng Zha stood beside the vehicle, looking at the bank card in his hand before gazing up at the starry sky. "Grandma, I will make sure you regain your health!" he murmured and then stepped onto the bus, his silhouette appearing particularly resolute and upright under the lights.
Meanwhile, in the office, Wang Yifeng sat alone at his desk, watching the sky gradually darken outside. He picked up a teacup and took a gentle sip before speaking to himself, "If I had someone like this helping me back then, my family wouldn't have suffered. Zheng Zha, I hope my choice is not wrong..."
On the other side, Director Liu stood by the window smoking a cigarette. Watching the young figure disappear into the night, he couldn't help but shake his head and sigh: "I hope this time it won't turn out to be another story of an ungrateful wretch..."
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