Chapter 453: Losing Face

It’s over!

The moment Zhu Xiaozhu began to speak, Shi Su knew everything was ruined. She could perhaps deceive others, but not her own disciple, whose skills she had taught. She understood her too well.

Facing Zhu Xiaozhu’s regretful gaze, Shi Su’s eyes carried a hint of pleading. Now she could only hope that Zhu Xiaozhu would help keep this hidden. Once the matter came to light, she was well aware of the consequences she would face.

Not to mention the loss of her reputation, she would also have to endure others’ accusations, spitting, and the gaze of contempt, and would never be able to turn things around. More importantly, this issue would inevitably implicate the Shi Family, affecting their reputation.

"Please help me for the Pavilion Master’s sake," Shi Su implored softly, afraid of being overheard. By saying such words, she was admitting her own actions. However, Shi Su could no longer care about that much; after all, this was the territory of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. With her relationship with the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, as long as the Pavilion was willing to stand up for her, she could at least keep her reputation intact.

Regarding Shi Su’s request, Zhou Qi frowned and said, "Ms. Shi, I have always respected you, but you should be aware that the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion always seeks justice in its actions. I’m sorry, I can’t help you with this matter, and I believe the Pavilion Master would agree with me."

With that, Zhou Qi stepped to the edge of the stage, his gaze sweeping across the hall, and he spoke in a loud voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, the situation is now clear. We were able to get through this crisis thanks entirely to Ling Chen and his team, who risked their lives to infiltrate the enemy camp and find a way to treat the virus, saving everyone on this ship. On behalf of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Ling Chen and the others, and also hope they can forgive the Pavilion’s mistake for trusting the wrong people."

At this point, Zhou Qi paused, glanced over the ashen-faced Shi Su, and continued, "Regarding the actions of Shi Su and Han Yu, these were purely out of personal greed. As friends of Ms. Shi, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion feels deep shame. From now on, character will be our utmost priority in friendships. The Pavilion refuses to associate with those of poor character."

This sentence undeniably declared the end of the relationship between the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion and Shi Su.

"I really didn’t expect her to be this kind of person."

"Now she’s done for—not only did she not gain any merit, but she also ruined her own future."

"She has only herself to blame."

Upon learning the truth, the attitudes of those present changed in an instant, their discussions filled with undisguised contempt.

Shi Su stood stiffly on the stage, her limbs cold. At this moment, she felt so disgraced she wished she could crawl into a corner.

"Hey! Han Yu, where do you think you’re going? Weren’t you so pleased with yourself just now?"

At this moment, Zhou Jun spotted Han Yu trying to silently slip away from the banquet hall and sneered sarcastically.

His words immediately drew everyone’s gaze to Han Yu. Han Yu glared at Zhou Jun with resentment; she had wanted to sneak away unnoticed, but the sharp-eyed Zhou Jun had spotted her, making her the center of attention.

Faced with the mocking looks from everyone, Han Yu’s face turned beet red. Especially since the people around her stepped back as if to avoid being associated with him, which made him even more ashamed.

"And here I wonder, who was it that shamelessly told Ling Chen to buzz off just now? Hmm! Han Yu, I’d like to ask, who is making a fool of themselves now? Is it Ling Chen, or is it you?" Zhou Jun had no intention of sparing Han Yu, pressuring him aggressively.

Hearing this, Han Yu clenched his teeth, his humiliation and anger barely squeezing through his gritted teeth: "Remember this." After speaking, under everyone’s gaze, he quickened his pace, fleeing from the banquet hall.

Watching Han Yu’s retreating figure, everyone couldn’t help but shake their heads. Clearly, it was his own fault to begin with; not apologizing was one thing, but to add threats was another. It was clear to see, his character really wasn’t that great.

After Han Yu left, Shi Su felt too ashamed to stay, unable to bear the cold stares from everyone, so she silently disappeared from the stage, out of sight.

Seeing Shi Su leave, Zhu Xiaozhu quickly followed after her.

"Xiaozhu."

Noticing Zhu Xiaozhu’s actions, Ling Chen immediately caught up to her, grabbed her arm, and asked, "What are you doing?"

Zhu Xiaozhu’s face showed a woeful smile as she bitterly said, "No matter what, she is still my Master. You all can scorn her actions, but she has been kind to me for over a decade; I cannot ignore her. With such an incident, she definitely needs someone by her side." Having said that, Zhu Xiaozhu apologetically looked at Ling Chen, full of remorse, "I’m sorry, I know my Master did wrong, and I hope you don’t hold it against her."

"I won’t."

Although Shi Su’s actions had angered him, he wasn’t concerned about the credit. In his eyes, as long as the people he cared about were safe, it didn’t matter who received the credit. If Zhou Jun hadn’t brought this to light, perhaps he would have never investigated.

"Xiaozhu, if you need anything, just come find me," Ling Chen instructed.

"Okay, I know," Zhu Xiaozhu nodded lightly.

Watching Zhu Xiaozhu leave, Ling Chen let out a silent sigh. Having known Zhu Xiaozhu for so long, he understood her dilemma and pain. Zhu Xiaozhu was a kind-hearted and upright girl, but facing her Master’s wrongdoing was certainly causing her intense inner turmoil.

If she chose to cover up for Shi Su, she would undoubtedly be violating her principles. But not doing so might be seen as betrayal in the eyes of others. Although Zhu Xiaozhu had made her choice, it must have been hard on her heart.

A carefully prepared banquet had ended prematurely, even before it began, with Shi Su and Han Yu’s embarrassing departure.

At that moment, Zhou Jun approached Ling Chen with a gleeful smile, as if expecting praise, and laughingly said, "How was that? I handled it quite well, didn’t I?"

Ling Chen curiously asked, "When did you start suspecting her?"

"I never believed her from the start," Zhou Jun stated bluntly. "Even though she’s a friend of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, I never really liked her. I can’t stand people who act so high and mighty like her."

"Forget it, it’s already come to this; I believe she has learned her lesson. There’s no need to dwell on it," Ling Chen said, then turned his head to Song Ge, expressing his gratitude, "Song, thank you for earlier."

"No need to be polite," Song Ge replied with a faint smile. "There’s a martial contest tomorrow; you should go back and rest early." After a pause, Song Ge added, "Friends aside, if we meet in the arena, I won’t show any mercy."

"Nor will I," Ling Chen said, and after waving goodbye, accompanied by Qiu Yong and the others, he returned to the guest rooms.