Xiao Zhigang looked at the people beside Qin Siyang, his expression furious.
He swept his gaze over them and spotted several people who should not have been there.
"Chu Zhongxiong! You'd better remember where your loyalties lie!"
Seeing Chu Zhongxiong, Dean of the Heavenly Prosperity Research Institute, standing beside Qin Siyang too, Xiao Zhigang flew into a rage.
Chu Zhongxiong showed no fear whatsoever.
As the former deputy minister of economic affairs, Chu Zhongxiong had been transferred to the institute with an important mission. His rank was effectively equal to Xiao Zhigang's.
Now this idiot Xiao Zhigang had not only botched things himself but was trying to order him around. Naturally, he would not stand for it.
"Minister Xiao, you'd better get our relationship straight first. I'm not your subordinate."
"But you're the dean of a research institute! Aren't research institutes under the Ministry of Education?"
"If you think I'm wrong, I can ask Chairman Gu to accept my resignation as dean. Feel free to find someone more capable."
"You!"
Xiao Zhigang clenched his fists.
Chu Zhongxiong's transfer had been endorsed by the United Government's senior leadership. There really was nothing he could do to him.
Then he looked at Wang Bozhong, Dean of the Earthly Prosperity Research Institute, behind Qin Siyang, and snapped, "Wang Bozhong! Your institute belongs to the United Government. Whose side are you on?!"
Wang Bozhong patted Dmitri Ivanov, the minister of armaments, beside him. "My institute belongs to the United Government, not your Ministry of Education."
"Fine, fine, fine! Every last one of you. Now I see you for what you are!"
Gritting his teeth, Xiao Zhigang pointed at Qin Siyang. "Well played, student Qin. I hope you'll still be smiling at the end."
"Let's go!"
With that, Xiao Zhigang stormed off with his people.