While Ji Yeran was facing the stern scrutiny of his mother, a certain "delicate brat"—who had inexplicably become a Xi Tribe cub—was busy stirring up animosity with practiced ease.
Inside the Lanli Research Institute, on the top floor of the administrative building, the high-level executives were in the middle of a meeting.
As the Chief of the Lanli Research Institute, Feng Zhixi held voting rights on all major matters. For the first time ever, he had actually deigned to attend.
In the meeting, the Vice Dean representing the "Orthodox Lanli Academy" faction and the Vice Dean representing the "External Forces" faction were arguing until they were red in the face. The high-level officials under their respective commands followed suit, refusing to yield an inch, looking for all the world like two flocks of roosters preparing for a cockfight.
Feng Zhixi sat with his hands clasped, watching the farce unfold with leisurely interest. It was a fascinating scene. There were many familiar faces here—these two groups currently at each other's throats had once been as close as brothers when it came to kicking him while he was down, united in their shared hostility toward him.
Thinking of that future, Feng Zhixi let out a mocking smile.
The core reason for their heated argument was simple: Hill, who had previously been favored by Master Zhou, had been decisively discarded following the discovery of his academic fraud. The question of who should take the resulting vacancy left a significant amount of room for political maneuvering.
Naturally, the two factions were fighting tooth and nail for the opportunity.
Hearing such shameless words, the Vice Dean representing the external forces snorted in contempt. "Return to its rightful owner? Benjamin simply lacked the skill and let a little Omega beat him to the punch. Don't go thinking those from the Lanli Academy are superior within this institute. We all got in based on merit; let everyone prove their worth!"
As the two sides engaged in a war of words, locked in a stalemate, Feng Zhixi—who had grown bored of the show—let out a lazy yawn and spoke up airily. "Actually, it’s not that complicated."
The moment Feng Zhixi spoke, the old Dean’s heart skipped a beat.
He knew the arrogance rooted in this child’s bones all too well. In the past, Feng Zhixi never attended these tedious meetings. Now, not only had he made an unprecedented appearance, but he also wanted to speak. The old Dean was suddenly struck by an ominous premonition.
By tradition, the Chief of the Lanli Research Institute held immense authority. However, most Chiefs were pure researchers who detested administrative affairs. Consequently, the Chief’s seat in the administrative conference room usually served as little more than a ceremonial mascot.
This was especially true for their new Chief, Feng Zhixi. An Omega who kept to himself and lived in a state of near-total social isolation, he hadn't attended a single administrative discussion since taking the position.
But now, against all odds, their new Chief was not only present but speaking. It wasn't just the old Dean whose heart sank; the power players of both factions also felt a faint sense of dread.
Once Feng Zhixi finished his sentence, the room fell into a pin-drop silence. The expressions of both Vice Deans turned unsightly.
A deathly hush followed.
"Since no one has reached the 3A level, is there anyone who has at least passed the 2A test?" Feng Zhixi asked again.
Not a single person in the hall answered. Facing this result, Feng Zhixi, having guessed the reason, couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. With such mediocre skills, they still had the nerve to fight over spots until they were red in the face? Did they feel no shame for the Lanli Research Institute?
*How embarrassing...* Feng Zhixi thought to himself, his fingers lightly tapping the table.
Despised by this insufferably arrogant Omega, the two high-ranking Vice Deans furrowed their brows in deep resentment. However, they were suppressed by the presence of the venerable old Dean, and Feng Zhixi, as the Chief, had just published a sensational research breakthrough. His prestige was currently at its peak.
They could only temporarily suppress their fury, though the looks they directed at the young man were far from friendly.
Yet, amidst the glaring eyes of a room full of Alphas, Feng Zhixi—the eye of the storm—seemed completely unfazed. He composedly picked up his cup and took a sip of tea, as if he couldn't feel the oppressive, angry pressure emanating from the group at all.
"..." Watching Feng Zhixi max out everyone's hostility with just a few sentences, the old Dean felt a headache coming on. He wanted to bury his face in his hands and sigh. This troublesome child had gone out for a trip and come back even more lawless than before. Just who had been spoiling him?
Feng Zhixi, focused on his tea, looked perfectly calm and unruffled.
The utterly exasperated old Dean: "..." Seriously, why had he gone to such great lengths to bring this troublesome child back?!
Looking at the stubborn, impenetrable boy, the old Dean felt a pang of grief. The child had always been sharp and uncompromising, but fortunately, he used to hate politics and threw himself entirely into research. He hadn't interacted with others and didn't draw much attention, aside from being criticized for being aloof and cold. Now, however, he had returned from his travels even more uncontrollable.
He had failed his old friend; he couldn't keep this cub in check anymore! The old Dean’s head throbbed.
Nevertheless, no matter how much his head ached, as the Administrative Dean, he still had to step in to smooth things over.
Under the old Dean’s masterful peacemaking, the institute’s executives exchanged glances and finally reached a grudging acceptance. After all, the Dean was right—the final choice rested with Master Zhou. It seemed they would have to direct their efforts elsewhere.
Just as everyone was returning to a state of hypocritical outward harmony, a sudden, urgent knocking sounded. With a loud *bang*, someone no one expected burst into the room.
With golden hair and large emerald eyes, the Omega who rushed in looked sweet and fragile, carrying a stubbornness that seemed to defy authority.
"I—I want to appeal!" Hill cried out, his voice soft and sweet. Tears fell as he looked like an innocent, vulnerable child.
Having watched the boring play for so long, the main lead had finally arrived. Feng Zhixi propped his chin on one hand and lazily arched an eyebrow, coming face-to-face with this "genius thief" at last.
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
Starry Rebirth: The Warden and the Outlaw’s Interstellar Revenge | Chapter 89 | The Chief's Scorn | Novela.app | Novela.app