As is commonly known, the only way to suppress one matter is to elevate another. Xia Huanao employed this very tactic.
The destruction of Lingyao Star – what was that? It was an event that none could escape. If such a thing happened, it happened. Matters that involved everyone equally were not of particular concern to anyone. Especially after the rumors were dispelled, and it was something nobody cared about to begin with, it was even less of a concern.
The college entrance examination, however, was different. It concerned only a portion of the population. At such a time, those taking the exam were consumed with anxiety, while others were more inclined to watch the spectacle, and the bigger the spectacle, the better.
This was why Xia Huanao had so easily quelled the rumor of world destruction.
However, speaking of which, although Xia Huanao had solemnly declared in front of the cameras and lights that he had merely returned a rumor to the public with his previous statement, the entire Minglong Kingdom knew that the credibility of Xia Huanao's words was questionable. Even if he claimed it was a rumor, if you chose to believe him, you would fall into his trap.
As Xia Huanao and the host continued to discuss other news, speculation about exam questions had already begun online. Of course, the instigator of this bad practice of speculating on questions was none other than our student Yu Longdu. As soon as Xia Huanao's rumor finished, Yu Longdu posted a dynamic, tagging his teacher:
"Teacher, give us some support! With this bastard's broad scope of coverage, if the predictions aren't accurate, it'll be tough to narrow it down."
A tidbit of knowledge about the Minglong Kingdom: If you follow Xia Huanao's dynamics, it's best to also follow Shen Yu, Zhang Hong, Yu Longdu, and Mu Zhishui. This is because the five of them are likely to combine forces to release a major piece of news. One person's evasive smoke bombs might lead others to uncover the truth.
Just like this time, the rumor smoke bomb thrown by Xia Huanao was confirmed by Yu Longdu.
As a result, the entire internet erupted, with everyone pondering what kind of question Xia Huanao, with his personality, would come up with to test them. For instance, would he involve a mythical beast to make a cameo?
Xia Huanao was still filming his program and knew nothing of this. By the time he finished filming and arrived at the studio, the most popular answer online had already been provided by Wei Chiting:
"I suggest everyone guess with the hardest questions in mind, because the boss Xia, who fears no chaos, is not participating in this college entrance examination..."
This comment received all likes and not a single downvote...
Returning to Xia Huanao, after finishing his program, he and Yu Longdu still had to return to the headquarters building to report to Chairman Ma Lanqi that the mission had been completed.
Elder Ma Lanqi was not in his office. He only had a sign on his office door with a note attached. The note read:
"I watched your program. You did well. If you're here, just go back. I'm off work for the day."
Xia Huanao tore off the note and threw it into the trash bin. "The old man is really something. At his age, to still pull this stunt. A'du, let's go."
Turning back, he saw Yu Longdu stealthily peeking through a door that wasn't fully closed, trying to peer inside. Xia Huanao also tiptoed over, glanced up, and saw that it was Meng Tianya's office.
As Xia Huanao approached, he heard Meng Tianya, who was working diligently at his desk inside, say, "Why are you hiding outside and sneaking around?"
Yu Longdu and Xia Huanao pushed the door open. Yu Longdu asked with a smile, "Wow, that's strange, Meng Tianya, you're still here?"
Meng Tianya pointed to the television in his office, which was replaying Xia Huanao's earlier program. "Do you think I'm like you, always late and leaving early? Besides, didn't Xia Huanao say there would be an added psychological assessment phase? I'm staying late to prepare."
Xia Huanao rested his chin on his hand. "So, I told you that was a rumor. You and I aren't new acquaintances, how could you still do something like this?"
Meng Tianya stopped what he was doing. "Precisely because we aren't new acquaintances, I'm working overtime here. When you say it's a rumor, it means you definitely have the intention of creating such a question. You know that psychological assessments can be simple or difficult, especially for college entrance examinations. I have to prepare now, of course."
Xia Huanao nodded. "There must be another reason. With your abilities, this isn't a reason for you to be working overtime now."
Meng Tianya took out his phone from his pocket. "Indeed. But isn't there also the person next to you?"
Xia Huanao glanced to the side. Yu Longdu was scratching his head, putting on a silly grin. Xia Huanao grinned and took out his own phone to check online comments. As expected, the entire trend was instigated by Yu Longdu, the troublemaker.
Xia Huanao sat in front of Meng Tianya's desk. "So, you believe him over me? Is his guess about my thoughts more accurate than mine?"
Yu Longdu pointed to the most liked comment under his own post. "Look at this, Wei Chiting's message. He's your student, a strategist for Liu Ling University. Even he agrees with me."
Xia Huanao wagged his finger. "No, no, no, don't get the wrong idea. He's not just echoing my sentiment; he and I are in sync. You can ask him if you don't believe me. I have a group chat."
Xia Huanao opened a group chat on his phone. There were only three people in the chat: him, Wei Chiting, and Chu Xiaodie. Xia Huanao initiated a video call. "Come on, I'll start a video call for you so you can hear their thoughts."
The video call connected quickly. Xia Huanao tapped on his desk and questioned Wei Chiting. "Wei Chiting, you're quite idle, aren't you? You're almost graduating, so why are you stirring up trouble for the college entrance examination?"
"Isn't it to cooperate with Boss Xia?"
"Tell me more."
Xia Huanao leveled his phone. The Wei Chiting in the video said, "After several major competitions, the entire Minglong Kingdom should understand Coach Xia's character. If Coach Xia says it's a rumor, it's absolutely true. Coupled with Yu Longdu's confirmation, the matter becomes even more real. But Coach Xia will definitely go against the grain this time. By placing immense and unknown pressure on all candidates, not releasing questions becomes a question in itself."
Xia Huanao proudly gestured to Wei Chiting with his thumb. "See? This is the person I've trained. He understands me. If we do nothing, we've done everything. But speaking of which, Wei Chiting, you guessed my intentions correctly. What if you hadn't guessed correctly?"
Wei Chiting glanced at the line displaying Chu Xiaodie's avatar on the screen. Chu Xiaodie chuckled. "I think Senior Brother probably doesn't care. If he didn't guess Boss Xia's intention, he still guessed Boss Xia's intention. If Boss Xia were to release questions, it would be just as Senior Brother said. In that case, he would be on the side of the netizens, profiting no matter what."
Yu Longdu's mouth twitched upon hearing this, but he remained silent. Xia Huanao clicked his tongue. "See? This is the person I've trained. Not only do they understand my thoughts, but they've also learned to think three steps ahead. Alright, I won't disturb you any longer. You two must not reveal this matter."
Wei Chiting and Chu Xiaodie nodded and ended the video call. In the office, Xia Huanao glanced at Meng Tianya, who in turn glanced at Yu Longdu. Yu Longdu took out his phone, thought for a moment, then put it back. "Forget it, since that's the case, I won't explain anything. I'll keep this to myself. My apologies, Meng Tianya, for causing you trouble."
Meng Tianya looked at the documents on his desk and heard Xia Huanao say, "I think you're not causing trouble for Meng Tianya; you're just making things difficult for yourself."
Yu Longdu blinked. "Is that so? I don't think so. Even if someone analyzes it later, the blame won't fall on me. I have Wei Chiting's explanation from earlier, which I can use. I'll say I was cooperating with you and was forced."
Xia Huanao was satisfied with Yu Longdu's response. "I can see you've grown in certain aspects. However, people don't worry about poverty, but about inequality. If you say that, it implies you are a candidate who knows the questions, even if you only know that I definitely won't ask a certain question. The best approach for you is to say nothing and ensure you are also a victim, claiming you were kept in the dark."
"I see. Learned something new."
Xia Huanao picked up a paper cup from the desk and poured himself some water. "Of course, that's not what I originally intended to say. I originally wanted to say that you still don't understand me well enough. Do you think I would stand by and do nothing while Meng Tianya wasted his effort here?"
Yu Longdu's expression immediately changed, as if he had realized something. "No, isn't this targeting me? Didn't you just say not to worry about poverty, but about inequality? Have you forgotten that?"
Xia Huanao said matter-of-factly, "Yes, I did say that. But, your surname is Yu."
As he spoke, Xia Huanao glanced at Meng Tianya. Meng Tianya had already intended to put the documents into the shredder, but upon hearing Xia Huanao's words, he put the files away. "I think the same way. I don't think you'll get any benefits even if this matter escalates to Uncle Yu. Don't worry, I'll put my heart into creating the questions."
Xia Huanao continued, "Create a few more, and then we'll let Uncle Yu choose from them. A father knows his son best."
The two of them reached an agreement. Meng Tianya extended his hand. "As expected, my shrewd strategist Xia."
Xia Huanao also extended his hand and clasped Meng Tianya's. "Likewise, my great general Meng captain."
The two exchanged knowing glances, then slung their arms around each other and went out for a late-night snack. The sound of Xia Huanao could still be heard from the hallway: "Do you know which place nearby is the best? I want to buy some for Xiao Yu and the others."
"You've come to the right person. Let's go, I'll take you to a private kitchen I like. Why don't we call them over?"
Their voices faded away, leaving only the darkness of the office. Yu Longdu, on the verge of tears, muttered, "You two really are a pair of bastards..."