novelraw Chapter 411: The Dust Settles Down
Chapter 411: The Dust Settles Down
In the private room on the top floor of the restaurant.
A reunion banquet that had been delayed for over five years was underway.
The massive circular table was laden with exquisite delicacies.
Amidst the clinking of glasses.
The faces of the several young men were slightly flushed from the alcohol and excitement.
Liu Ziming was undoubtedly the most animated one at the table. He was full of witty remarks, vividly describing Su Zhan's heroic bearing in the arena at times, drawing exclamations of admiration from everyone.
At other times, he would spill the beans about interesting and embarrassing incidents that had happened at the academy over the years, making everyone double over with laughter.
In his own way, he was desperately trying to make up for the five years of time Su Zhan had missed.
Presenting the most relaxed side of things to this long-lost brother.
Xu Hao, on the other hand, was more like the best straight man and atmosphere enhancer.He played along with Liu Ziming, laughing loudly, slapping the table forcefully, and occasionally adding some details.
Feng Jue still didn't speak much, but every time he raised his glass, he did so with utmost sincerity.
When his gaze met Su Zhan's, he would give a slight nod; everything was understood without words.
Teacher Wang Mingyuan sat at the head of the table, looking at these four students who had now grown into adults before him, his eyes filled with emotion.
He didn't overly participate in the young men's lively topics, only occasionally interjecting a few gentle words, asking about Su Zhan's health, urging everyone to drink less.
Most of the time, his gaze lingered on Su Zhan, containing concern and pride.
Seeing this student, who had suffered so many twists of fate, finally break free from his shackles and soar into the highest heavens.
The heavy stone that had been weighing on his heart for many years finally settled completely.
And Su Zhan, at the center of this banquet.
Listening to his brothers' banter, laughter, anger, and scolding, looking at his teacher's kind and gentle smile.
He was no longer some Calamity-level powerhouse, no Special-Grade Strategic Advisor. He was just Su Zhan, Wang Mingyuan's student, the brother of Feng Jue, Xu Hao, and Liu Ziming.
He didn't need to be constantly vigilant.
Didn't need to scheme and weigh pros and cons.
He only needed to immerse himself in this warmth, regained after being lost.
Occasionally, he would also briefly share some inconsequential experiences from the Mist World, skillfully avoiding the dangerous parts, eliciting amazed exclamations from everyone.
The feast lasted a long time, until late into the night.
Outside the window was the myriad lights of the Capital.
Inside the window were long-lost close friends and family.
There was no probing, no estrangement, only endless words and boundless affection.
For Su Zhan, the significance of this night was in no way inferior to him making a name for himself in the arena.
...
Inside the office.
Qin Bai paced anxiously.
The phone was clutched in his sweaty hand, the screen displaying an encrypted contact number.
It belonged to a powerful figure within the upper echelons of Daxia who had previously explicitly expressed concerns about Su Zhan's existence and hinted at support for his actions.
This was the last lifeline he could think of now.
He had to grasp it, even if he had to lower his posture to the absolute minimum.
Qin Bai took several deep breaths, forcibly suppressing the panic in his heart, and pressed the call button.
The phone rang a few times before being answered.
A middle-aged male voice came from the other side: "Hello, Specialist Qin?"
"Director Zhao, good evening, sorry to disturb your rest."
Qin Bai's tone was respectful, completely unlike his usual cold and stern image: "I'm taking the liberty of calling you about... about that matter concerning Su Zhan.
You see, the Council has already made a resolution now, the situation is very unfavorable for us... for me.
I wanted to ask for instructions, does Elder Li and your side have any... directives?
Or, could you perhaps mediate a bit for me on an appropriate occasion?
I, Qin Bai, will definitely remember this great kindness, in the future..."
He carefully weighed his words, not daring to be the slightest bit forceful, only daring to make a humble request.
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line.
"Specialist Qin, what you're saying is incorrect."
The voice on the other side held not a single ripple: "The Council has already conducted a comprehensive assessment and made a final resolution regarding Su Zhan's situation.
Su Zhan is a rare talent for our Daxia and has been formally appointed as a Special-Grade Strategic Advisor.
All doubts about him have been clarified by the highest-level inspection team.
This matter... is settled."
Qin Bai's heart sank violently, and he hurriedly said, "Director Zhao! But his identity... his dangerousness..."
"Specialist Qin!"
The other side cut him off, the tone intensifying a few degrees: "Watch your words. The Council's resolution is not to be questioned. As for some of your personal... past actions and statements, I hope you will know better and not repeat your mistakes."
"Repeat my mistakes?"
Hearing this, Qin Bai burned with fury: "Director Zhao, back then it was you who hinted to me that Su Zhan's identity was problematic, that his potential was immense and uncontrollable, requiring close attention... and now you tell me I'm repeating my mistakes?
You're burning the bridge after crossing the river!
Back when you needed a knife like me, you tacitly approved, even supported my actions!
Now, seeing the situation turn unfavorable, you want to kick me aside?
Nothing in this world comes that cheap!"
The person on the other end of the phone clearly didn't expect Qin Bai to dare tear off all pretense like this.
After a brief silence, his voice turned completely cold:
"Qin Bai! Mind your position! Who supported you? Who gave you any hints? It's best not to speak recklessly without evidence! Otherwise, you know the consequences very well!
Considering you have also contributed to the Aberrant Purge Division in the past, I'll give you one last piece of advice...
While the higher-ups haven't ordered a move against you yet, find a place where no one knows you and disappear quickly.
Otherwise, when the reckoning truly falls upon your head, wanting to leave then... won't be up to you anymore!
Know better!"
After saying this, without giving Qin Bai any chance to speak again, the phone was decisively hung up.
"Beep... beep... beep..."
Qin Bai remained frozen in place, maintaining the posture of holding the phone to his ear.
"Heh... hehehe... Hahahaha!"
Qin Bai suddenly hurled the phone violently onto the ground. The expensive communicator instantly shattered into pieces.
Humble begging had only been met with ruthless dismissal.
He had once thought he was the one moving the pieces, or at least a sharp blade, but now he realized that from beginning to end, he had only been a disposable pawn... a sacrificial piece!
Qin Bai felt the despair of having nowhere to turn.
He knew he was finished.
Within Daxia's system, he had been completely abandoned.
...
The presidential suite of the hotel.
Su Zhan slowly opened his eyes, the first sensation being a throbbing pain at his temples.
He subconsciously frowned, and then the scenes from last night flooded into his mind...
The smiling faces of his brothers, the gratified look in his teacher's eyes, the lively clinking of cups and glasses, and the mellow, aged fine wine that entered his mouth...
He remembered drinking cup after cup, not using the slightest bit of spiritual energy to disperse the effects of the alcohol, letting the feeling of deep inebriation engulf him.
"Heh..."
Su Zhan raised a hand to rub his temples, revealing a relaxed smile.
A headache?
This feeling... was really... long overdue.
Ever since he was forced to leave Vermilion Bird Academy and step into the perilous Mist World, then to struggle for survival in Black City under the alias Chen Qing, every moment had been like a tightly drawn bowstring. He had been vigilant of everything around him, not daring to relax in the slightest.
Let alone getting drunk, even in sleep he had maintained a degree of alertness.
The numbness and loss of control brought by alcohol were a fatal luxury for him.
And last night was the first time in so many years that he had completely let down all his defenses and guard, fully trusting the people around him, immersing himself in pure, joyful reunion.
"It's been so long... since I've been this happy."
Su Zhan murmured softly to himself.