"You still look like you can't straighten your back after gaining the slightest advantage, Huai Shi."
The old lady seemed unimpressed by Huai Shi's politeness and respect. She shook her head instead. "If your skin isn't a little thicker, you'll have a hard time achieving much in the future."
"Whether my skin is thick or not has nothing to do with whether I respect others." Huai Shi answered without concern. "I'm merely grateful for the support you once gave me."
"Hahaha, you're still so good at talking. It puts people in a good mood. I'll take it as you liking to cast a long line for a big fish."
The Azure Emperor laughed cheerfully, no longer putting on her usual arrogant and aloof manner. Instead, she pointed to the seat beside her. "Since you happened to arrive at just the right time, would you like to chat with this old woman for a while?"
Huai Shi was about to politely decline when Isaac spoke first. "My apologies, I have other important matters to discuss with Huai Shi."
"Then next time." The old lady waved her hand briskly. "I won't force you to join an afternoon tea party for old people like us."
The two senior figures were quite gentle and had no intention of showing off their mastery by casually picking on the younger generation.
That monkey, however, took advantage of Huai Shi's inattention to yank out a handful of his hair before scampering back, cackling.
Utterly pleased with itself.
With Nāgāmbikā nearby, Huai Shi did not dare fish that damned monkey out and beat it up. He could only nod politely in farewell.
After going upstairs and settling into Isaac's suite, the Vice Principal brought over a glass of liquor. After sitting down and pondering for a moment, he