Yu Xiaogang slammed his hand on the table, making the solid wood top give a dull thud. He sprang to his feet, pointed at Flender, and demanded angrily:
"Flender, what exactly are you thinking? Education Committee Member Meng Shenji has already made such enormous concessions. What are you still hesitating for?"
"Are you going to make the children stay holed up in that wretched place with you and ruin their futures?"
Flender leaned back in his chair, his gaze passing over Yu Xiaogang's anxious face before sweeping across the teachers beside him, each wearing a different expression.
Zhao Wuji's brows were tightly knitted. Li Yusong and the others simply watched him, clearly all waiting for him to decide.
He rubbed his throbbing temples hard, buried both hands in his hair, and slowly lowered his head. For a moment, only his heavy breathing remained in the hall.
Meng Shenji was in no hurry either. He lifted his teacup, took a sip, and continued waiting.
Holding his teacup, Meng Shenji took a small sip and watched Flender calmly without urging him.
He was completely confident that no one could resist such a temptation, especially someone as fond of money as Flender.
Five minutes passed, stretching out as though an entire century had gone by.
Flender abruptly raised his head and pulled his hands from his hair, the hesitation on his face replaced by resolve.
He stood and looked Meng Shenji straight in the eye. His voice was quiet, yet exceptionally firm:
"Education Committee Member Meng Shenji, Heaven Dou Royal Academy's offer is indeed generous enough to tempt anyone, but I refuse."
"What did you say?!"
Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, Yu Xiaogang instantly flew into a rage. He pointed right at Flender's nose, his voice trembling with anger.