The atmosphere in the office was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.
An icy chill surged in Zhen Hua's eyes, making both master and disciple tense.
Looking at Zhen Hua's somewhat darkened expression, Chang Gong Yan's heart tightened. He mistakenly thought Zhen Hua did not believe his account.
After suffering that undeserved calamity and then suddenly being branded the mastermind behind the assassination, Chang Gong Yan was already exhausted in body and mind. Afraid of implicating his disciple, he hurriedly explained:
"President Zhen Hua, we truly know nothing about whoever was behind today's attempt on your life. We had absolutely no knowledge of it!"
"That is all I have to say. Whether you believe me is entirely up to you, President Zhen Hua."
Then his tone shifted, his expression growing even more earnest and taking on a pleading look:
"But my disciple Yu Han had nothing to do with any of this, from beginning to end. If anyone must be blamed, blame me."
"Whatever you ultimately decide to do with me, please show mercy and spare Yu Han, President Zhen Hua!"
Seeing Chang Gong Yan's open sincerity and eagerness to protect his disciple, the last trace of doubt in Zhen Hua's heart vanished. His expression softened, and he reassured them:
"There is no need to be nervous. I know you had nothing to do with the attacker and knew nothing about this. The person behind it deliberately used you as a shield."
"I certainly won't blame innocent people."
At those words, Chang Gong Yan's heart finally settled back into place, and he let out a long breath of relief.
Zhen Hua's gaze sharpened as he pressed in a low voice, "Since someone goaded you into coming here to challenge me, can you tell me exactly who encouraged you