Qiao You’s eyes lit up when she heard what the manager offered. Only the team that places first in the competition can enter the Jijing Special Institute. Even if we defeat Imperial College this time, we might not win against other teams. However, they’re now offering us guaranteed spots. All we have to do is get Gu Mang to admit that she faked the recording.
Shen Qianzi glanced at Gu Mang. By sacrificing Gu Mang, Capital University will be guaranteed a spot at the Jijing Special Institute every year. Even a fool knows what the best choice is. This is an irresistible offer. Gu Mang has really overestimated herself if she thinks she can challenge Leng Xuan.
Qin Yaozhi pursed her lips after looking around and noticing the hesitant looks on everyone’s faces. Even she could not be certain whether Professor Yang would refuse Jijing Island’s offer for Gu Mang’s sake.
“You’re just trying to preserve Jijing Island and the Academic Center’s reputations. What about Capital University’s?” asked Yang Tianming with a strained expression.
The manager laughed. “I don’t think Capital University is even comparable to Jijing Island.”
Yang Tianming tightened his grip on the chair’s armrests.
“Of course, you can push all the blame onto Gu Mang. That way, Capital University won’t suffer any damage in reputation,” stated the manager calmly.
Just like that, the group discussed how they were going to put the blame on Gu Mang in her presence.
The manager looked at the team in front of him and said slowly, “I think you need some time to think it over.”
Nobody said anything. Sitting lazily in her seat, Gu Mang spun her phone in her hand, expressionless. It was as if she wasn’t going to be used as a scapegoat.
“In that case, I’ll give you five minutes to discuss it among yourselves, Professor Yang,” said the Center Manager.
Leng Xuan swept a look at them before standing up and leaving the room with Leng Yun and the manager in tow.
As soon as the door closed, Professor Xue looked at Yang Tianming. “What should we—”
Before Yang Tianming could say anything, Shen Qianzi cut in. “Professors, as long as Gu Mang confesses that the recording is fake, our entire team can enter the Jijing Special Institute. On top of that, we’ll be guaranteed a spot every year. We cannot squander this chance.”
The difference between Country Z and Jijing Island was huge. The technology and resources available could not be compared. Capital University had been trying to do joint training with Jijing Island for years, but to no avail. But now the chance was right in front of them.
Qiao You added. “At most, Gu Mang will be criticized by the public for a bit, but that’s nothing compared to entering the Jijing Special Institute.”
Qin Yaozhi clenched her fists in anger. “Since you think that this is a great deal, why don’t you take the blame instead?”
“Why should I take the blame? That’s not my score, nor did I expose that recording,” retorted Qiao You with a frown.
“Talk is cheap.” Qin Yaozhi scoffed. “You sure planned it out well. You’ll get to enjoy the benefits without having to suffer the public criticism.”
“I’m just stating the truth,” said Qiao You matter-of-factly. “As long as Gu Mang takes responsibility for this matter, she’ll just be given a warning and we’ll be able to preserve our university’s reputation.”
Qin Yaozhi’s face was turning increasingly purple.
Qiao You glanced at Gu Mang, who appeared to be quite calm, before continuing. “Even if this matter is published in the news and Gu Mang gets scolded by everyone, she’ll still get the chance to enter the Jijing Special Institute. This matter will blow over in a few months.”
“What do you think, professors?” Shen Qianzi looked over at Yang Tianming and Professor Xue.
“No matter how I look at it, this offer is nothing but beneficial to us.” Qiao You turned to Gu Mang. “Gu Mang, I hope you know your priorities. Don’t be a burden to the entire team any further.”
“This is the only chance for everyone to enter the Jijing Special Institute,” added Shen Qianzi.
Qin Yaozhi felt like she was going to explode in anger as she stared at the idiots before her in disbelief. “Aren’t you two disgusting? Who are you to tell Gu Mang what she should do? Don’t forget, her perfect score was changed to 59. She isn’t a burden to the team at all!”
“If Elder Leng didn’t change her score, would we have this chance at all?” Qiao You felt thankful for what happened. “We should count it as a blessing.”
“You sure are cheap!” Qin Yaozhi shot up to her feet. “Just because you got a piece of candy after getting slapped by someone, you’re going to offer them your other cheek too?”
…
In another meeting room, surveillance footage of Yang Tianming and his team was playing on the big screen.
Sitting on the sofa with a teacup in hand, Leng Xuan laughed when she saw how the girls were about to get into a fight. She commented nonchalantly, “They sure are cheap.”
“Don’t worry, Capital University will definitely accept our offer. Neither you nor Jijing Island will suffer the slightest damage,” assured the manager.
Leng Xuan nodded before turning to Leng Yun. “Go prepare an agreement and an NDA form for them to sign. They can leave after signing them.”
“I’m on it.”
Leng Xuan then added. “Remember to inform the capital’s media outlets. This is something newsworthy, after all.”
“Yes.”