Gazing at the darkened screen, Bai Xiao found herself contemplating the swift passage of time.
Fire Finch, who had once been so diminutive, now stood as a guild leader, her equal in every respect.
“Leader, are we truly not going to contend for that position?”
Having served Bai Xiao for many years, the secretary understood implicitly that once her leader made a decision, it would remain unyielding.
Nevertheless, as the guild leader’s secretary, her mind instinctively gravitated towards securing advantages for their organization.
“Contend?” Bai Xiao gently corrected. “That word strikes me as rather unrefined.”
While a competitive dynamic certainly existed among the Four Symbols Guilds, at their core, every member was a citizen of Z-Country, and all their efforts were ultimately dedicated to the nation’s welfare.
There was simply no need to jeopardize their camaraderie over a mere principal’s position.
“I overstepped.”
Realizing her lapse in judgment, the secretary quickly amended, “But Leader, do you truly dare to entrust that child with the role of principal?”
Aya Tone, after all, possessed a criminal record—a history of full-scale rampages.
Was it truly acceptable to appoint him as principal?
“Why not? Have you forgotten the power Aya Tone possesses?”
The secretary naturally understood what Bai Xiao meant by ‘that power’.
Although she hadn’t experienced it firsthand, when clearing everyone’s memories at the time, even just from their recollections, she could sense a warmth akin to the sun.
Possessing formidable healing and combat capabilities.
He had also successfully led a team to clear an S-rank dungeon, with all members returning unscathed.
Perhaps, setting aside certain imperfections, he might indeed prove to be the most suitable candidate.
****
Yan’an City, Providence Apartments.
Over half a month had elapsed since the S-rank dungeon in the Imperial Capital was unsealed, and the weather had grown progressively warmer.
Summer vacation was fast approaching.
“Boss is generous, thank you, Boss!” Clutching a million-yuan check, Aya Tone beamed with the joy of a child of six.
He finally had money, enough to take Xiao Jiu out to play everywhere.
Conveniently, kindergarten was slated to begin its holiday in just a few days.
Aya Tone had already begun mapping out destinations for his daughter’s summer excursions.
‘Perhaps taking Xiao Jiu to the Imperial Capital to escape the summer heat would be ideal?’
Aya Tone stroked his chin. ‘That actually sounds like a good idea.’
Meanwhile, Fire Finch, momentarily forgotten, observed Aya Tone, now completely engrossed in his own world, with a smile that failed to touch her eyes.
“…”
‘Don’t get angry, don’t get angry.’
“I went to great lengths, using kind words with Aunt Bai, to get this back for you. Seeing you like this, I’m truly heartbroken,” Fire Finch said, wiping away two theatrical tears.
Seeing no actual tears welling up, she even deliberately licked her tongue twice to moisten the corners of her eyes.
After all, all this money was earned from the high-purity crystals produced in the dungeons Aya Tone had raided.
It was just a small portion of her personal stash.
She didn’t feel a pang of regret.
But appearances had to be maintained; after all, no matter how much a boss truly earned, they invariably claimed to be operating at a loss.
“Yes, yes, yes, didn’t I already say thank you, Boss?” Aya Tone clearly didn’t take Fire Finch’s words seriously.
‘But the check in my hand is real, hehe~’
“Just a question, are you interested in taking Xiao Jiu to my place for summer vacation?”
“No interest,” Aya Tone refused without a second thought.
The last time Xuan Yuanhuai had visited, she had seemed poised to devour him whole. Returning with Fire Finch would be akin to delivering himself directly to their doorstep.
Even if the heavens themselves crumbled, he would not return with Fire Finch!
“Oh, what a pity. My hometown has a few items suitable for children. Since you’re not coming along, I wonder where I’ll put them?”
While Fire Finch articulated her regret, her expression betrayed an undeniably mischievous provocation.
‘Just tell me if you’re coming or not.’
‘Hiss!’
‘An open scheme!’
‘What a sinister woman!’
Aya Tone suddenly felt that the money in his hand no longer held its charm.
Most items available on the market catered to adults; specialized gear for children, whether offensive or defensive, was exceedingly rare, such treasures being truly sought after, yet seldom found.
Moreover, they were very expensive.
“I think I’m interested again.”
Fire Finch’s lips curved into a subtle smirk as she mimicked Aya Tone’s tone, “Didn’t you just declare no interest? You wouldn’t be reluctantly agreeing only because those few items have caught your eye, would you?”
“Oh, what is Leader talking about? Aunt Xuan Yuan keeps inviting me over for meals, and Xiao Jiu is about to have summer vacation, so we might as well go out and play together.”
‘Ugh! So annoying!’
“Are you really not reluctant?”
Aya Tone snapped, “Absolutely not reluctant!”
“Then it’s settled.”
‘Mission accomplished!’
Fire Finch chuckled inwardly. ‘Indeed, as long as I focus on Xiao Jiu, this man will definitely be unable to resist the temptation.’
The clan meeting would be a breeze.
“Oh, and one more thing.”
Aya Tone: “I don’t want to hear it…”
“You have to listen. It concerns you.”
Fire Finch then recounted, in meticulous detail, the proposition of Aya Tone’s appointment at the newly established Combat Academy.
“You want me to be the principal?”
“No!” Aya Tone shook his head wildly, indicating he wouldn’t do it.
Becoming a principal would be an absolute nightmare; even slacking off would likely invite incessant criticism.
Moreover, he would be burdened with writing summary reports every single week, all destined for the education bureau.
‘Ah—’
This made him recall his past struggles with overtime work, instantly draining him of all enthusiasm.
Moreover, he knew his own personality; he couldn’t be a corrupt official.
Bestowing that position upon him would be nothing short of a colossal waste of resources.
“It’s fine, I also know you’re not cut out for that job, so I directly refused on your behalf.” Fire Finch folded her arms across her chest, nodding in profound agreement.
Aya Tone: “…?”
‘Seriously, Fire Finch.’
‘While I’m well aware I’m not suited for the role, hearing it stated so bluntly to my face is truly… something else.’
“I appreciate it, really…”
“No need to be polite.”
“…”
Aya Tone decided against pursuing the principal topic further. His curiosity, however, was piqued by why Fire Finch would even bring it up if she had already refused on his behalf.
While he couldn’t entirely dismiss Fire Finch’s penchant for mischief, there was still…
“You wouldn’t just tell me this, would you?”
“Of course not.”
From her satchel, Fire Finch produced a file bag, emblazoned with the stark words “TOP SECRET.”
“!” Aya Tone’s eyes narrowed.
‘Good heavens!’
‘Surely this woman isn’t planning some grand scheme, only to drag him into its depths?’
Disregarding Aya Tone’s alarmed gaze, Fire Finch extracted a document from the file and extended it to him.
“What’s this?”
Aya Tone took it and saw, ‘Dragon Court Academy Project Proposal?’
‘What on earth is this? I’ve never even heard mention of it.’
“This,” Fire Finch explained, “is the final project proposal for the Combat Academy I just mentioned. It’s already been finalized; the only reason no official announcement has been made yet is that the principal’s position remains unconfirmed.”
“Then why are you giving me this…” Aya Tone slowly turned to the subsequent page, and in that instant, he comprehended Fire Finch’s true intent.
‘Dragon Court Academy Letter of Appointment’
“Physical education teacher?”
“That’s right! I fought to get this for you. You only need to teach two simple classes a week, you’ll receive comprehensive social benefits, no fixed office hours, and absolutely no overtime.”
“A monthly salary of a million, complete with an array of additional benefits and resources. What do you say? Are you in?”
Fire Finch proudly arched her fair, swan-like neck, her face radiating an unmistakable plea for praise.
“…!” ‘Another million a month!?’
‘Is this truly legitimate?!’