Chapter 50: Flander

"Hello, Dai Shao has already taken responsibility for all the losses here, so you don't need to worry about it," the manager said, maintaining a professional demeanor despite the visible damage. His mouth twitched slightly at the sight of the chaos.

"Okay," Tang San replied with a shrug, feeling a bit helpless.

Brother Feng is truly formidable. Luckily, the accommodation area in the back remained unaffected; otherwise, they would have had to find new lodgings.

"You two should go shopping for now. I have some business to attend to," Qin Feng said to Tang San and Xiao Wu.

"Sure, Brother Feng. You handle your business, and we'll catch up for dinner later," Tang San responded, surprised but understanding. He knew that Qin Feng often disappeared on mysterious errands, so his sudden busyness was not entirely unexpected.

Qin Feng then returned to his room at the Rose Hotel, collected a few items, and headed out. His trip to Soto City wasn't just for schooling; it also had a significant business purpose.

He went to a coffee shop in Soto City, following a note he had received earlier. After about half an hour, a man in his fifties, wearing glasses, appeared before Qin Feng.

"Are you Mr. Feng?" the man asked kindly and politely.

This man was none other than Dean Flender of Shrek Academy.

"President Flender, I've been expecting you," Qin Feng said, rising with a smile to greet him.

"Feng Shao" was his pseudonym. Having started his business ventures at the age of seven, Qin Feng had learned to disguise himself as the son of a prominent family to gain attention and respect.

Outside, all business dealings are conducted under the name "Feng Shao."

"I heard that Feng Shao was in Soto City, so I brought a few things for you. These are some local specialties," Flender said with a warm smile, presenting a selection of fruits and other items.

True to his reputation for frugality, Flender, known for his tight-fisted nature, saved money even on gifts. Although he knew that Qin Feng was interested in rare ores and precious metals, this time he brought only inexpensive fruits, reflecting his characteristic thriftiness.

Qin Feng, who had dealt with Flender when he was at level 19, had specifically sought out crystal hair from Flender to prepare for the battle with the Golden Mao Titan. He had established a business relationship with Flender, often purchasing rare minerals from his shop for use in hidden weapons and other projects.

This arrangement was part of Qin Feng's way of thanking Tang San for his help in acquiring the second soul ring. Without Tang San's assistance, the hunt for the Golden Mao Titan would have been an epic challenge.

Before coming to Soto, Qin Feng had heard about Shrek Academy's financial difficulties and had hinted at a willingness to invest. This was why Flender was now meeting with him.

Of course, neither Master nor Tang San knew about this connection with Flender. Qin Feng kept his business dealings discreet and rarely revealed his true ambitions. In fact, he was one of the shareholders of the Rose Hotel, although he rarely took part in its operations.

As an investor, he did not concern himself with the day-to-day management of the hotel. Had he been involved in its management, he would have made significant changes, focusing on improving the quality of service and ensuring a more positive environment.

Qin Feng was, in essence, a person of pure intentions, dedicated to maintaining the integrity of his investments and relationships.

"I heard that Feng Shao is considering investing in our Shrek Academy? Our Shrek Academy is one of the premier intermediate colleges in the entire city of Soto. We have..."

Flender continued to extol the virtues of Shrek Academy, describing it with great enthusiasm. His words painted a picture of the academy as a prestigious institution, albeit with a touch of exaggeration.

Qin Feng listened quietly, sipping his coffee with evident interest.

After half an hour of Flender's monologue…

"Our faculty is exceptional. We have Master Shao Xin, renowned for his skills in the Food Department; Lu Qibin, the expert in the Control System; Li Songyu, the battle expert; and Mr. Zhao Wuji, the King of Soul Stability," Flender continued proudly.

Qin Feng's smile grew more thoughtful at the mention of Zhao Wuji. The name evoked a sense of nostalgia and anticipation. It seemed that this time, he would encounter Mr. Zhao again.

"President Flender, I must say, I'm quite impressed," Qin Feng remarked with a smile.

"That's right! Shrek Academy is a well-regarded institution with immense potential. Just look at the caliber of our faculty," Flender said, patting his chest with pride. He emphasized the academy's commitment to recruiting talented individuals, acknowledging the importance of exceptional faculty in maintaining the institution's reputation.

"By the way, Dean Flender, what if I were to join your Shrek Academy?" Qin Feng asked, his gaze fixed on Flender with a hint of intrigue.

Flender's previously confident smile faltered and then stiffened, his expression betraying a mixture of surprise and concern.

"Feng Shao, no matter what, all applicants must pass the entrance exam to join Shrek Academy," Flender said. "If you're hoping to use your investment to bypass this requirement, I'm afraid it's not possible."

Flender looked at Qin Feng with a serious expression. Despite the academy's dire financial situation and his eagerness for investment, he couldn't compromise the academy's integrity. Shrek Academy was like his very soul, and he refused to tarnish its reputation.

In the past, many wealthy families had sought to secure places at Shrek Academy through investment, but Flender had always rejected such offers. Although he was desperate for funds, he would never betray his principles for money.

"President Flender, do you think it's possible for me to bypass the entrance exam?" Qin Feng asked with a hint of a smirk.

As Qin Feng spoke, a purple light began to emanate from him, and a black aura coalesced into a soul ring. The sight was so stunning that Flender's coffee cup slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor.

Flender stared at Qin Feng as if he were a statue, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"The first soul ring is a thousand years old? And the second soul ring is ten thousand years old?!!!"

It took Flender a long moment to regain his composure. His face twitched involuntarily as he processed the shock. The realization that Qin Feng's second soul ring was ten thousand years old was mind-boggling. It was unprecedented and left Flender feeling as though his brain was experiencing a shortage of blood supply.