The Interstellar Queen of Scavengers

Chapter 1409: Chapter 1409: Saying One Thing, Meaning Another

Truth?

With Hong Jiang’s mouth, even his spit could be fake; who would dare to trust him?

So, led by Yang Zhi and Niu Houdao, several school representatives found it impossible to maintain their gentlemanly demeanor towards Hong Jiang, each rolling their eyes at him.

Hong Jiang glanced at them, put on a serious face, and said, ”If you don’t believe me, go ask General Shen Chi yourself.”

Everyone paused when they heard this.

Ask General Shen Chi?

No way. How could it be done? General Shen Chi is incredibly busy every day, ensuring the front lines are defended; it’s not necessary to disturb his elder for such trivial matters.

Cough cough...

Although some present might be older than General Shen Chi... compared to his achievements and dedication, everyone found their own contributions quite insignificant...

No one present failed to admire General Shen Chi, and none lacked respect and admiration for the Shen Family.

For a moment, the atmosphere was awkward.

After a second of silence, Niu Houdao grunted, ”I’m not as idle as you, always making nonsense.” Deep down, he didn’t believe Hong Jiang. Whether based on school rankings or public perception, the First Army surpassed that Lanyue Star’s remote school but why would Shen Changqing pass up on the First Army?

Because of General Shen Chi?

Impossible.

Niu Houdao never admired anyone in his life; Chu Zhan and Shen Chi were exceptions who he always respected and admired.

General Shen Chi dedicated his life to national defense, the Shen Family generations have fought on the front lines... How could General Shen Chi neglect his grandson’s studies and hinder the child’s potential?

At that time, the First Army always seemed stronger than Lanyue Star.

That kid Shen Changqing, Niu Houdao not only met him but always quietly observed him. Because they both were on Nami Star, Niu Houdao followed Shen Changqing’s grades from elementary to high school, and had prepared several teaching plans to guide the child specifically, so he was waiting for Shen Changqing to enroll...

Result?

The result was someone else scooped him up!

The person who scooped him was his least favorite, Hong Jiang.

Naturally, Niu Houdao suspected Hong Jiang used some underhanded means, perhaps misleading the inexperienced Shen Changqing, promising conditions...

Upon hearing Niu Houdao’s words, Hong Jiang disdainfully glanced at him, saying, ”Oh—didn’t you pull some stunts to win over Shen Changqing? As far as I know, someone even brought out Master Song Qingfeng, planning to invite him to the First Army as a Mechanical Manufacturing instructor. Unfortunately, Master Song Qingfeng is too busy to take that offer.”

Why invite Master Song Qingfeng?

Wasn’t it because Shen Changqing’s ambition and interest was mech manufacturing?

Hmm!

Hong Jiang despised this aspect of the First Army. For years, it would select all the best talents from the Alliance before other schools had any chance, yet the talents it nurtured were increasingly mediocre.

Recent years have seen a surge in other schools’ rise, yet the First Army remains complacent, especially under Yang Zhi, who fails to focus on teaching tasks, delving into teaching, deeply cultivating teaching, and enhancing student capabilities, preferring instead to play tricks.

For instance, to persuade Shen Changqing to change his aspiration, they brought out Master Song Qingfeng? Song Qingfeng is a mech manufacturing expert from the Alliance Military, how could he remain in the First Army teaching? Just occasional lectures at best.

Yet the First Army dared to mislead Shen Changqing, claiming Master Song Qingfeng will teach him personally, one-on-one...

If this isn’t deceitful, what is?

This applies to Shen Changqing and other students misled too?

These ridiculous tactics are truly disdainful.

Having been mocked by Hong Jiang, Niu Houdao was furious, puffing his beard and glaring, ”Hong Jiang, you old tortoise, keep quiet. Don’t go bragging after getting the goods. The reason you have so many spots this time is just because you snatched our First Army’s students. Had Shen Changqing, Chu Jiaojiao been with us, you’d have nothing.”

”Oh—” Hong Jiang lifted his eyelids casually, saying, ”So you’re confident in handling them differently, preventing them from turning into fools like you?”

Niu Houdao was stunned: ”You! You—”

Yang Zhi raised his hand, nudging Niu Houdao to keep him from exploding on the spot, and looked at Hong Jiang, saying calmly, ”Hong Jiang, while Shen Changqing has indeed progressed with you, don’t get too proud. These are excellent seedlings, inherently talented to achieve such breakthroughs.”

”Oh?” Hong Jiang shook his ears: ”According to you, there’s no need for acquired guidance or teaching, they’re naturally talented and will succeed on their own. Then what’s the need for our schools? Let’s all shut down and go unemployed, scavenging together.”

Yang Zhi got stuck.

Impossible to argue.

Impossible to argue with this guy.

Thus, both Niu Houdao and Yang Zhi dropped the topic, turning to others to bring the conversation back to life in the teahouse.

Hong Jiang didn’t stir more trouble, sipping his tea and secretly checking Star Network, seeing the Alliance Research Institute’s official shop had sold out the newly launched 5000 Heavenly Dog Replica Mechas.

Moreover, many buyers claimed discounts under Hong Jiang’s name.

Hong Jiang put down his teacup and glanced around the teahouse, noticing several individuals shift their gaze, somewhat guilty.

Hmph!

A bunch of hypocritical old folks, claiming disinterest yet acting with integrity.

Finishing the pot of tea, Hong Jiang didn’t wait for the host’s invitation, opened a pack of tea leaves himself, brewed another pot, and poured himself a cup. This tea was excellent, specifically used by the First Army for guests, natural tea leaves with a fragrant aroma, a taste that was a gain.

Cough cough...

A bargain not taken is a fool’s choice.

In the teahouse, various schools harbored personal schemes and thoughts, gathering continually to observe.

Meanwhile.

After leaving the arena, Ji You rejoined Shen Sheng, Sheng Qingyan, Yue Qigu, and Lou, returning to the plaza, setting up a small table near the exit with snacks from Shen Sheng, watching the matches while waiting for Shen Changqing.

Soon enough.

A tall, upright figure appeared before Ji You and the others.