A Warm Marriage After Rebirth

Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Resounding Face-slapping (Part 1)

”I’ll need to hear it from you first!” Though the Marshal appeared calm and composed, he was nowhere near as tranquil as he let on.

They were already on the back foot in this winter camp. Fortunately, their disadvantage was only in physical fitness, which had little to do with the main theme. But if today’s event also went awry, it would be completely unjustifiable! Today was a genuine presentation of traditional Apex culture.

Judging by Simon’s repeated actions, he was clearly just provoking them and looking for trouble. Since they had used the mountain climbing event to put Apex in its place, there was no guarantee their team didn’t include an expert on Apex culture! If the theme was traditional Apex culture, and the Apex students ended up knowing less than the foreign students, they would lose not just face, but all substance as well!

Seraphina Sterling remained silent. Michelle Galloway had already walked up to the prepared tea set to perform a tea ceremony.

One had to admit, Michelle Galloway really had some skill. The way she prepared the kung fu tea was quite good; every movement was poised and authentic. She must have received proper, formal training, likely from a renowned master.

With Crystal Marshall accompanying her on the guzheng, the performance was subtly enhanced, adding a touch of classical elegance. Furthermore, Michelle Galloway had clearly put great effort into her makeup and attire for this event promoting Apex culture. As a whole, the presentation was... acceptable.

Of course, it was merely acceptable. If judged by the standards of a high school student, Michelle Galloway’s performance was passable—but only just. In Seraphina Sterling’s eyes, it was nothing more than child’s play.

The Marshal, however, was in no mood to appreciate the performance. He was still waiting for Seraphina Sterling’s answer; he couldn’t rest easy until he heard it.

”You know who I am. No matter how high your price, I, the Marshal, can afford it!”

Seraphina Sterling remained perfectly composed. She was waging psychological warfare.

This exchange was being held in Sanford. Although Aethelgard had sent an official, if Apex lost both face and substance, it would leave these foreign students with the impression that Apex was nothing but a gilded exterior with a rotten core. It would make them think that Apex’s own students didn’t even understand their country’s traditional culture. ’What right do they have to promote it to the world!’ That would be a disaster.

The influence of these foreign students could not be underestimated. Leaving aside Simon’s special status, the others were all top students from their respective schools. They were the future pillars of their nations, and their impression of Apex was critically important. A figure like Simon represented a massive international conglomerate—his influence was absolutely not to be trifled with.

If Apex’s reputation suffered, Sanford’s top official would undoubtedly face censure from above. It would leave a black mark on the Marshal’s father’s political record. And that was precisely what the Marshal was worried about.

The longer she remained silent, the more nervous the Marshal would become. After all, his vital interests were at stake. If this went well, his father, Corbin Yorke, might advance to the next level next year and secure another promotion. But if this event was botched, it would mean his father had failed to properly manage the city’s educational affairs, and his political career might be over.

That was the life of a politician—not a single misstep was permissible. That’s why the Marshal was so agitated now, unable to keep his composure.

”Don’t speak with such certainty. Do you think your opinion represents the entire Yorke Family?”

If anyone had noticed the Marshal at that moment, they would have been stunned. The student council president, who was always smiling, now wore a chillingly grim and terrifying expression.

Meanwhile, Michelle Galloway’s tea ceremony had just concluded to a wave of applause. She shot a smug glance toward Seraphina Sterling. ’Now *this* is real talent!’ she thought. ’Mountain climbing and all that is for country bumpkins!’