He took a deep breath, as if he had cast off some burden, or perhaps as if he had simply given up trying to salvage the situation. In a low voice, he explained:
"Because the Shrek Seven Monsters are the team from my alma mater, Shrek Academy. Headmaster Flender was my mentor. Those children are my junior schoolmates."
The moment those words came out, the living room erupted once more.
So that was it!
No wonder Teacher Qin had acted so out of character, desperately speaking up for that "Shrek Seven Monsters" team and even making such an absurd request!
Everything now had an explanation. This was not a rational judgment—it was pure selfishness and favoritism!
Everyone's expressions changed.
Even the Shi Mo brothers, who had the gentlest tempers, frowned.
Yu Feng and Osler exchanged a glance, each seeing deep dissatisfaction in the other's eyes.
A cold sneer curled Dugu Yan's lips, her emerald pupils filled with the disdainful look of just as I thought.
Yu Tianheng's face darkened as well. He had not expected Teacher Qin, who had always been fair and professional, to neglect public duty for private interests to such an extent.
As for Snow White, after hearing Qin Ming's explanation, the clear eyes that had been calm as a lake finally rippled visibly.
It was not anger, but a coldness mixed with disappointment, understanding, and final resolve.
She slowly rose to her feet.
She was only a twelve-year-old girl, still not fully grown, yet when she straightened and looked calmly at Qin Ming, she naturally exuded an authority that could not be ignored.
It was the authority of a princess of the Heaven Dou Empire, and of the captain of this team.
"Teacher Qin."
Snow White's voice was calm, yet as crisp and icy as colliding