Chapter 886: Sever Ties with the Ji Family, His Majesty’s Personal Teaching (1)
He was already one step behind Gu Huiyan, and he hadn’t found a student with the high artistic talent of Si Fuqing.
Furthermore, he had been humiliated at the International Youth Cultural Exhibition due to the Ji family, which made him harbor a grudge against them.
Despite it being a blatant case of plagiarism, the Ji family shamelessly promoted it far and wide. It seems they have no idea what the word “shame” means!
He had heard about Duan Jingtao’s incident from the guards’ gossip.
It was self-inflicted.
With five thousand senior members in the Heaven Earth Alliance, Duan Jingtao was insignificant.
What gave him the confidence to boss others around?
Director Mou saw Duan Jingtao as nothing more than a joke.
Master Zhuang felt as if a thunderclap had exploded by his ear, leaving his mind blank and making him dizzy. “…D-Director Mou, what did you say?!”
“Your student from the Ji family, I advise you to sever ties with her immediately,” Director Mou said blandly, not repeating himself. “You might not understand how she plagiarized, but she did. If you continue to protect her, your position will be at risk.”
Master Zhuang’s expression changed drastically.
Director Mou’s words were understated.
If Si Fuqing truly became the future director of the Heaven Earth Alliance, few could rival her influence in the art world.
Although he was older than Si Fuqing, he couldn’t go against her.
The plagiarism case involving Ji Qingwei was full of suspicions.
Ji Qingwei had always insisted she didn’t plagiarize, and Master Zhuang, who had taught her for seven years and watched her grow, naturally tended to believe her.
Those who watch from the sidelines see clearly, while those involved are often lost in confusion.
But as an observer, Director Mou’s reminder was a wake-up call for Master Zhuang, making him realize he was on the verge of a disastrous path.
Even though the Ji family forcibly suppressed the plagiarism issue, Ji Qingwei’s career in the art world was over.
If any more mistakes occurred, not even a deity could save him.
He had to distance himself from the Ji family!
Cold sweat continued to pour from Master Zhuang’s forehead. “Thank you, Director Mou, for the reminder. I’ll go apologize to Miss Si right away.”
Director Mou said nothing more and hung up the phone.
Master Zhuang felt lingering fear.
Thankfully, he woke up in time.
“Teacher, what are you saying?” Duan Jingtao, who had only heard Master Zhuang’s responses, was incredulous. “You want to apologize to Si Fuqing? Is she worthy? Her abilities and character are lacking. She plagiarized my junior sister’s work. It’s outrageous that others are blind and can’t see her true nature!”
“Smack!”
Before he finished speaking, Master Zhuang slapped him hard across the face.
Duan Jingtao was stunned. “Teacher?”
“You are the one who is blind and ignorant!” Master Zhuang couldn’t contain his anger. “Is that your junior sister? No, she is a plagiarist! You are sacrificing your future for a plagiarist. Duan Jingtao, you are truly something else.”
Duan Jingtao, still trying to argue, said, “But Teacher, my junior sister had no contact with her. How could she have plagiarized?”
“If they had no contact, then why do you assume Miss Si plagiarized?” Master Zhuang stood up, speaking calmly. “Your skills in calligraphy and painting are not bad. You can make a living setting up a stall. Just consider me as no longer having you as a student.”
Duan Jingtao shouted, “Teacher!”
Master Zhuang had his assistant escort Duan Jingtao out, then blocked all contact from the Ji family, finally feeling relieved.
If anyone wanted to get involved with the Ji family’s mess, they could go ahead. He wasn’t going to be dragged down anymore.
**
Meanwhile.
Si Fuqing was writing a new protection system.
Suddenly, her chest felt hot.
She paused, narrowing her eyes slightly and touching the talisman paper on her chest, lost in thought.
Si Fuqing made a call to JI Xingzhi and said, “I just felt the talisman you gave me heat up again, but nothing special happened today. I’m wondering if there’s another way to collect luck.”
“Could it be that one of her benefactors left?” JI Xingzhi speculated. “Those who gather great luck often attract many powerful figures. These figures are also sources of their luck. Let’s take Emperor Yin as an example.”
“He had the destiny of an emperor and immense luck, so he encountered dragons among men like my ancestor and JIANG Haiping. Even after his death, countless people still protect the Great Xia Empire’s everlasting foundation.”
Si Fuqing immediately refuted, “That’s nonsense. It’s because he was personally capable and worthy of being followed and believed in.”
“Yes, yes, that’s also crucial,” JI Xingzhi agreed, feeling a bit choked. “His abilities and his luck complemented each other. Without abilities, luck would dissipate sooner or later.”