Chapter 169

"Only one day left. The higher-ups are pressuring us hard. Principal, we can't delay any longer."

"Principal, you can't act superior just because Qin Su has been good to you. It's time to announce Qin Su's choice."

"Yes, Principal, you're not He Muzhi."

Aiseboer: "..."

After what happened last time, no one believed him. They just thought he was putting on airs and trying to squeeze more money out of him.

Of course, such a misunderstanding wasn't without its benefits. In order to do everything possible to bring Qin Su to their respective schools, they didn't have to ask for exorbitant sums, especially since the top-ranked schools were offering increasingly generous terms to the Fourth Military Academy.

But...

Aiseboer didn't quite understand why Qin Su wouldn't give him a definite answer.

If Qin Su had given him a clear answer, he wouldn't be so conflicted, hesitating to give a definite answer to this group of people and even those from other Military Academies.

Once the first person spoke, the urging voices in the conference room never stopped. After listening for a while, Aiseboer interrupted, "How could I not know?"

When Aiseboer finally spoke, the meeting room fell silent again, and everyone's eyes were on Aiseboer.

"Since things have come to this, I'll tell you the truth: Qin Su hasn't replied to me even once so far."

Seemingly anticipating what the others were about to say, Aiseboer spoke again before they could even move their mouths, "Not only me, He Muzhi, but also Halton, Sophia, and others who seem to be favored by Qin Su has not had any contact with them."

"Of course, the only evidence that Qin Su had no intention of leaving the Fourth Military Academy is that he contacted Teacher Zhang Minglang to ask for leave."

That last sentence finally allowed everyone who had been holding their breath to breathe a sigh of relief.

"It's common knowledge that Qin Su knows far more than we imagine; it's impossible that he doesn't know about the School Merger."

So far, Qin Su has not commented on this matter.

"That's why I've gathered you all here today."

After Aiseboer finished speaking, everyone's eyes fell on the two options in the air.

I understand now, Hongmen Banquet.

No wonder there were two options; it turns out the Principal was setting a trap for them.

A brief silence followed, then murmurs arose.

"Could it be... that Qin Su thinks this matter is unimportant?"

"That's probably it. What we value is probably just a trivial matter to Qin Su, not worth his attention."

"Is this the time to talk about these things? The point is, Qin Su really doesn't care which school we choose?"

"Who knows? Anyway, we can't fathom Qin Su 'Qin Su thoughts, so we're destined not to be chosen by him. Perhaps... Principal, you could slip in a little something of your own and see who offers the best terms."

Qin Su: "!"

He thinks it's okay.

He doesn't care about anything... He's not as 'indifferent as' as they think. He just doesn't want to take responsibility if something unexpected happens in the future. Since he doesn't have to take responsibility, he naturally hopes that his school can get as much benefit as possible so that he, as a student, can also enjoy the benefits.

"Let's vote." Opinions varied, but Aiseboer tapped the table, making the final decision.

"When in doubt, they drag everyone down with them. If the school doesn't approve of Qin Su's selection and he blames them, everyone will share the blame."

Qin Su: "..."

'The older, the wiser.'

In the matter of shifting blame, he and Aiseboer once again went their separate ways.

"Two schools, three minutes for consideration, followed by one minute for voting."

Everyone: "!"

Phew, thankfully, it was just a throw.

The voting rules are generally anonymous. If the final result doesn't align with Qin Su's preferences, as long as they vehemently deny making a mistake, no one will know what they chose.

After announcing the voting rules, Aiseboer pretended not to notice the subtle expressions on everyone's faces and added, "By the way, it's Real-Name Voting."

"Abstention is prohibited."

Everyone: "..."

'That old fox Principal is so cunning, he should just die!'

Despite the menacing glances directed at him, Aiseboer smiled, concealing his accomplishments.

'Since we're already here, none of us are going to escape.'

"Of course, the vote count will be temporarily hidden during the voting period and will be announced after the voting ends."

"Let's begin."

Ignoring everyone else's expressions, Aiseboer started the Countdown immediately.

With only two options, the range of choices was narrowed down by Aiseboer based on sentiment and reputation. Generally speaking, three minutes is more than enough time to consider, but when Qin Su was mentioned, the time that was originally long for voting seemed excessively short.

Time ticked by, and in the large meeting room, everyone looked at each other, until the time allotted for consideration was up and the one-minute voting period began. With thirty seconds left on the Countdown, not a single person had voted.

Aiseboer didn't urge them. He silently observed everyone's reactions. His long time together had taught him that some people were already restless and about to lose their temper.

Once someone takes the lead, others will rush to vote.

This head...

Let him, as the Principal, run the event; he already has his choice in mind anyway.

When the Countdown reached twenty-seven seconds, Aiseboer spoke up, "I've made my choice."

As Aiseboer finished speaking, everyone saw that the number 'Number of Voters' next to the Countdown had changed from '0' to '1'.

However, no one knows which option Aiseboer chose at the moment.

As Aiseboer had predicted, once someone started voting, the number of voters quickly rose.

In the final seconds, the number of people surged.

With the voting deadline in the last second, and under the expectant gaze of everyone, the 'Fourth Military Academy' won by 6 more votes.

Below, everyone's choices are displayed.

This result sparked heated debate.

"No, why not the First Military Academy? Qin Su should be number one; isn't it only natural that he should be admitted to the First Military Academy?"

"What are you saying? Why didn't Qin Su choose the First Military Academy in the first place, but instead chose the Fourth Military Academy? There must be a reason for that."

"If he orders it, who knows, Qin Su might actually like the name 'Fourth Military Academy' a little bit?"

"Don't try to guess Qin Su's likes and dislikes with the mindset of ordinary people like us."

"Principal, why did you also choose the Fourth Military Academy?"

Aiseboer, who had been listening to everyone's arguing, was suddenly called upon. Without answering the question, he said perfunctorily, "Look, the Fourth Military Academy won by a margin of 6 votes over the First Military Academy. What an auspicious number! It's a lucky number, and it's related to Class 6. What does this mean? It means that the current result is the inevitable trend, the will of Heaven."

Does his reason for choosing the Fourth Military Academy matter?

Anyway, they were chosen by more than half of the people here, so none of them can escape the blame.

Even if he did have ulterior motives, of course, his ulterior motives were not the conditions offered by the Fourth Military Academy, but rather that if he hadn't gotten into the Fourth Military Academy by chance, he wouldn't have met Qin Su, who was choosing the Fourth Military Academy.

His good fortune began at the Fourth Military Academy, and he didn't want anything to change.

What he would never tell outsiders was that the Fourth Military Academy Principal was about to be transferred, and as the former Principal the Former Zerg Fourth Military Academy chosen by Qin Su, he had a more than 60% chance of becoming the New Principal.

If everything goes smoothly, he will eventually rise from the Military Academy Principal tasked with training the Zerg to the Military Academy Principal responsible for sending personnel to various planets and Military Districts of the Federation.

For someone like him, whose family background wasn't in the Upper Region, the difference was tantamount to a leap from 'powerless' to having access to those who would later 'hold real power'.

This was something he had never imagined before.

"Wow, you know what, it actually looks quite auspicious."

"That makes some sense."

"... I hope that's true."

Hearing that everyone had been successfully led astray by him, Aiseboer couldn't help but smile.

Qin Su: "..."

When it comes to seeking psychological comfort through feudal superstition, it's true that in any world, while it's outwardly forbidden and rejected, people always can't help but indulge in a bit of mysticism in secret.

Better safe than sorry. Aiseboer pretended to be very fair, but in reality, he was keeping a record of the work. He immediately sent the voting list and results to Qin Su's Optical Brain, announced them at the Fourth Military Academy, and then reported them to higher authorities.

Less than three minutes after the announcement, those watching the Fourth Military Academy's fate were filled with mixed emotions, some happy and some worried.

On the surface, it was about the whereabouts of the Fourth Military Academy of the Zerg, but in reality, it concerned Qin Su's whereabouts. Wherever the 'news' went, it easily stirred up waves of 'bloodshed'.

[What does Qin Su mean? Ugh, why did our Second Military Academy lose?]

[Who was it that thought 'Fourth Military Academy' was unlucky? The number four is actually incredibly auspicious!]

[Fourth Military Academy: Waaaaah, this number is now clear for me!]

[A truly dream collaboration]

[(Hehe)(rolls eyes) Congratulations to you guys!]

[!! Qin Su is our alumnus! Ahhh, the Fourth Military Academy should be the Fourth Military Academy, no arguments allowed!]

Why weren't they chosen from our First Military Academy? Give us an explanation, @Fourth Military Academy!

[On such an important matter, why did Aiseboer allow people to vote directly? Shouldn't Qin Su be the one to decide?]

[Uh, Qin Su this trivial. Only you guys seem to care. Qin Su doesn't care at all.]

[Is the person upstairs from the Fourth Military Academy? They're getting a good deal and then acting innocent? They should tone it down.]

[(Luxury dormitory. jpg)...(Luxury training ground. jpg), Hurry up and move here, I can't wait to see Qin Su!]

[By the way, Zerg Fourth Military Academy, could you tell us if Qin Su's Class 6) has any plans to recruit new students?]

Are you still hiring? Do you accept transfer students? Anyone with inside information, come forward! Name your price! @Fourth Military Academy @Zerg Fourth Military Academy (I can't afford it anyway)

The matter was already settled, and no matter how unwilling the other Military Academies were, there was nothing they could do except feel envy and resentment towards the Fourth Military Academy chosen by the Zerg Fourth Military Academy.

As the former Principal of the Former Zerg Fourth Military Academy, Aiseboer quickly received a warm greeting from the Orthodox Fourth Military Academy Principal of the Fourth Military Academy after submitting his application for the Fourth Military Academy.

Not wanting to create any unnecessary trouble, the Fourth Military Academy, after consulting with Aiseboer, quickly put the relocation of the Fourth Military Academy in response to the Zerg on the agenda.

As students from each cohort gradually left under the guidance of their Class Advisor, the Fourth Military Academy, designed to counter the Zerg, was ordered to be sealed away by Aiseboer, the last to depart.

Looking at the school, now empty of students, a hint of melancholy crossed Aiseboer's eyes.

He used to criticize how remote the land the Federation allocated to the Fourth Military Academy was, to the point that he had to use his own land. Now he's so glad he used his own land.

Open to the public in the future...

All the profits belong to me!

'With Qin Su's reputation as a major draw, I wonder how many As's should be added before the Fourth Military Academy's "Scenic Area" designation? At least five, right?'

Since no one knows where Qin Su's hometown is, it's not an exaggeration to say that the Fourth Military Academy is Qin Su's "pseudo-hometown".

No wonder everyone says that when it comes to finding bargains, you have to look to Aiseboer. Although those people said it with a sarcastic tone, all those past events are no longer important now.

"Let's go." Aiseboer withdrew his gaze, a wild smile spreading across his face. He turned and ordered in a cheerful tone, "Upgrade to higher rank."

He knew then that his earlier consideration hadn't been in vain.

The Fourth Military Academy is still the Fourth Military Academy, except that from now on, it's the next level version.

"By the way, any news from the First Military Academy?"

"Over there, I heard that no Military Academy was willing to accept the entire First Military Academy. They were scattered and not accepted like we were. There are still many students who are not accepted and are waiting for the deadline for Forced Assignment."

"Not bad." Aiseboer was delighted to hear that Middleton, who had always looked down on him, had met such an end. "Remember, the First Military Academy is in the past. Don't mention it again, lest Qin Su be unhappy."

"... yes."

' Qin Su doesn't care at all, you're the one who's unhappy about it.'

The Secretary verbally agreed, but secretly complained to herself.

The hatch closed, and the Fourth Military Academy's Spaceship took off, Hyperspace Jump, and headed towards a more distant future.

In the Real World, Qin Su reads the Comic Update and sees Aiseboer's inner monologue as he leaves. He then returns to his dormitory in the Comic World, silently packs up everything he left behind, and completely erases all traces of himself from the entire Dormitory Space.

It is guaranteed that even if Aiseboer opens the door to visitors in the future, nothing related to him will be revealed, and naturally there will be no flaws regarding him.

After the cleanup was finished, Qin Su did not return to the Real World. Instead, he quietly appeared in his assigned dormitory room, following the dormitory arrangements announced by the Class Advisor on the Optical Brain.

Upon arrival, Qin Su checked the dormitory himself and then had the system check it a second time. After double confirmation that no one would notice that someone had already moved in, Qin Su then began to organize the things he had packed.

After finishing the task, Qin Su did not leave. He washed up, sat down in a chair, and turned on his Optical Brain to continue organizing the medical records he had compiled during the holiday.

Among the countless open pages on the Optical Brain, the one at the very edge was rapidly recording everything Qin Su could obtain within the current Fourth Military Academy campus area...

The Fourth Military Academy, which officially supplies personnel to Planetary Military Districts of the Federation, is vastly different from the Fourth Military Academy, which only targets the Zerg, in everything from its training grounds and methods to its equipment.

Upon seeing Aiseboer's chosen School Merger in the Real World, Qin Su immediately attempted to obtain all information about the Fourth Military Academy.

I've been trying to capture it for several days, but I still haven't finished it.

While waiting, Qin Su also took the time to mark the names of people who had undergone medical procedures from the previously compiled list that he had found in the last five days, indicating the specific medical procedures they had performed.

Then, based on the mortality rates caused by various diseases in the Comic World, we can determine when they might die from a certain disease or have to retire.

The illness, death, or retirement of any person on the list will cause personnel changes, large or small, within their respective planets or Federations.

Whether it's a natural death or an accidental death, it means someone will fill the vacant spot.

Here comes the space for maneuver.

With several years to go before the next Presidential Election, He Muzhi will spend most of his time at the Military Academy. Compared to others, He Muzhi is not very competitive.

He could use his Life Points as a price to have the system manipulate the Voting Data... but even if He Muzhi became president, very few people would listen to him.

If he wants to accelerate He Muzhi's journey toward the destiny set for him by the comic, in the coming time, he not only needs to make He Muzhi constantly 'shine' and perform well in front of the world, but also needs to control more votes and positions.

To secure He Muzhi's votes with an absolute advantage, it is also necessary to leave some vacant seats for others.

Moreover...

He would not sacrifice his Life Points for He Muzhi.

--

Inside the opulent building, the orange-eyed man seemed to sense something, quickly turned away from the Floor-to-Ceiling Window, and swiftly sat back down in his chair.

Knock knock--

The knocking came almost immediately, and Patrick called out, "Come in."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Pang quickly slipped inside.

Patrick's lips twitched as he watched the door open and close rapidly, and he said in a low, admiring voice, "You're quite the agile fat man."

They were acting suspiciously, even though it was his own territory, which made him a little nervous.

"Mr. Patrick," Qiu Pang greeted him respectfully, used to such teasing, before reporting, "Aiseboer has safely arrived at the Zerg Fourth Military Academy Fourth Military Academy with all members except Qin Su."

"... How do you know 'besides' Qin Su?" Patrick asked, puzzled.

"I watched the whole thing, and I didn't see Qin Su's figure appear even for a second. You know, I can sense Qin Su even if he only appears as a shadow."

Patrick deeply understood this and couldn't find the words to refute it for a moment.

The experience from almost two months ago still sends chills down his spine when he thinks about it now.

After finishing his report, Qiu Pang waited a few seconds but didn't hear Patrick's voice. He only saw Patrick lower his eyes and stare at the chessboard on the table after he finished speaking. Thinking that Patrick had been distracted, Qiu Pang called out softly, "Mr. President?"

Upon hearing the word 'President,' Patrick reacted instinctively, his gaze immediately shifting from the chessboard to Qiu Pang, his voice tinged with helplessness: 'Qiu Pang, you show respect, but not much.'

Qiu Pang chuckled, his chubby cheeks bunching up in wrinkles. "It's pretty unethical, but it works like a charm."

It was the truth, Patrick couldn't refute it. He sighed and asked the person opposite him in a low voice, "Qiu Pang, you said Qin Su could have just made me a puppet, so why did he go through all this step by step?"

Ever since experiencing the utter isolation and despair in Qin Su's "dark room," where he was completely cut off from the outside world, Patrick was emotional for a long time. Especially after finally learning that Qin Su had been able to ignore layers of defense and silently "imprison" him simply to issue an order using his Optical Brain, he was so distraught that he stared at Aiseboer's photo for days and nights, his mind filled with the resentful thought, "What right does this guy have?"

He even became so withdrawn that he wished Qin Su had never appeared, thus achieving his goal of 'imprisoning' him, and that he had secretly 'replaced' him.

Patrick also realized more and more that if Qin Su wanted to, there was nothing he couldn't do.

Unable to answer Patrick's question, Qiu Pang simply smiled.

Patrick continued, "Not only me, but I believe that if Qin Su wants to, any one of us can be a pawn on the chessboard, manipulated at Qin Su whim. He's manipulated me, so why not manipulate He Muzhi and that so-called (Class 6?"

Qiu Pang glanced at the chess pieces and said in a low voice, "Perhaps Qin Su finds simple chess pieces too boring and wants them to have their own thoughts."

"In that case, everything that was originally under his control will develop in an unpredictable direction. Isn't Qin Su afraid that He Muzhi will become too greedy and one day escape his control?"

"Perhaps... this is the kind of fun Qin Su is looking for?" Qiu Pang guessed.

Patrick: "Qiu Pang, you might have the truth."

--

After Qin Su finished compiling the medical list, he opened the Forced Assignment list of the First Military Academy and stared at the name Xuan Jingcheng for a long time.

After some restraint, Qin Su finally couldn't hold back and once again briefly abandoned his morals and standards, manually 'exiling' Xuan Jingcheng the planet farthest from the normal Fourth Military Academy.

"Bye now."

Although the system said that Xuan Jingcheng was He Muzhi's destiny, he didn't really want to see Xuan Jingcheng. It was just a name change, and no one would notice. No matter how Xuan Jingcheng fabricated his identity outside, he didn't dare to let Xuan Jingxi know the truth. Even if he was dissatisfied with the assignment, he didn't dare to make a scene.

As a transfer student, Xuan Jingcheng waited a long time before the list of names officially released by the First Military Academy was finally available.

Upon seeing where he was, Xuan Jingcheng stared wide-eyed in disbelief, muttering, "How is this possible?"

He clearly remembered bribing officials to get closer to the Fourth Military Academy, but the result was that he was the furthest away from it???

Was the other party deliberately fooling him?

"..."

Xuan Jingcheng couldn't think of a second reason besides this one.

[?]

On what grounds?

Who did this? Come out here!

[Qin Su?]

[Get lost! Stop trying to scam me! What kind of idiot dares to try and scam me? You're shameless! If your master chokes to death on water one day, will you blame us?]

Qin Su: "..."

Surprised? You guessed right.

Let him come out, he has no pride.