Qing Zhe and the other Mushroom People had been behaving themselves lately. After what happened last time, they knew the situation wasn't one they could afford to stir up. If they caused another disturbance and Master Duo or Master Qian found out, they wouldn't be as lucky as they'd been before.
The most infuriating part was that Zu Yao had always been lukewarm toward the Mushroom People, acting as if he didn't want to get close to them. They'd thought he was so high-minded. Who would've guessed the guy had no integrity at all? He groveled to Master Qian without the slightest restraint.
It made Qing Zhe jealous and resentful, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Qing Zhe had considered currying favor with Master Duo, a member of the Treasure Tree Clan. He'd also thought about getting on better terms with Master Qian and the others.
But for some reason, Master Duo had no interest in the Mushroom People whatsoever. And Master Qian, Master Duo's assistant, seemed to have a natural disdain for their group. No matter how Qing Zhe tried to ingratiate himself and curry favor, it did little good. He simply couldn't get into Master Qian's good graces.
At work, Master Qian yelled at them whenever he felt like it. Even when there was no reason to, he'd still occasionally throw a few insults their way. He never gave them a kind look.
That left Qing Zhe and the others no choice but to keep their heads down and act like obedient underlings, lest they anger Master Qian and make their lives even harder.
He endured it all because he was waiting for the right moment. He believed that if he waited long enough, an opportunity would eventually present itself, and he could take advantage