"Fine, I will continue to work hard. Not for vanity, but for my own future. I will do my best."

Han Lie still offered no direct commitment.

Director Che was used to it and consoled himself: There was still some gain. Yes, that's it. Not a wasted trip!

After some more idle chatter, just as Director Che was preparing to leave, Han Lie suddenly spoke up—

"I hear that some people on campus have a big problem with me?"

"Ah?!"

Even though Han Lie's demeanor was completely nonchalant, Director Che was still taken aback by the question.

"Not at all! Our school's support for you has been consistent. The award has been ready for a while, just pending announcement. The formal commendation is also being prepared; we just haven't managed to book the auditorium next door yet... Why do you ask?"

"Oh."

Han Lie replied casually, "I just heard some mentions of it and thought I'd ask. After all, it does tend to spoil one's mood."

"Haha... that's true..."

Director Che understood Han Lie's implicit message. He gave an awkward chuckle, a sudden weight settling in his heart.

The phrase "spoil one's mood" was a thinly veiled warning, one that could be taken lightly or seriously.

Taken lightly, it meant that if they kept their heads down for a few days, it would blow over.

Taken seriously, it would be a constant thorn in their side, a clear message: "Don't bother me with your affairs."

So, was Han Lie being light or serious?

Director Che asked earnestly, "Han Lie, do you think there might be some misunderstanding here?"

Han Lie smiled.

Then he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, his body language radiating strong resistance.

"Perhaps. But under normal circumstances, I tend to trust my friends and elders more."

His words were still very polite. But politeness could sometimes mean distance.

Director Che understood. Recalling the internal meeting, he felt a pang in his heart.

Aside from Yu Xueqin, there weren't any other younger people at the meeting, were there? So, it was either Yu Xueqin who leaked the information, or some 'elder' who tipped him off?

Just as Director Che was about to seek clarification, Han Lie suddenly dropped the subject and shifted the conversation himself.

"Let's not talk about these unpleasant things. By the way, when is our student council due for its election?"

CRACK!

A metaphorical lightning bolt struck, and Director Che understood everything.

Yu Xueqin! Among all those who had subtly opposed giving Han Lie too much honor, only he was a student! Even though I don't understand how those two became enemies, and even though Yu Xueqin only said a couple of sentences, his attitude was veiled, and his rationale was based on the student council's workload... Still, the conclusion was undoubtedly correct.

Personally, I feel that Han Lie, as a student, is being far too presumptuous. Is it your place to meddle in this? Know your place!

So Director Che asked, his voice stern and decisive, "When do you think would be appropriate?"

Unbelievable! Han Lie was stunned by Director Che's shamelessness and promptly tossed the hot potato back.

"What does it have to do with me? I don't care about those things. But I imagine it depends on how heavy the student council's workload is, right?"

Good heavens, Director Che was shaken by Han Lie's brazenness.

Is this kid really a freshman?

He sighed and probed, "Then... Han Lie, who do you think is better suited to handle such an excessively heavy workload?"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, I wouldn't know anything about that."

Han Lie quickly waved his hand, looking incredibly modest.

"I'm busy enough as it is; where would I find the time to get to know people from the student council? The only two I'm acquainted with are the ones who accompanied you last time..."

Director Che was a smart man, truly smart.

A thought flashed through his mind, and he immediately recalled who had accompanied him last time.

President Yu Xueqin, and Minister of Publicity Wang Tianqing.

"Only know two people." Anyone who didn't get that might as well go back to tilling the fields.

Director Che not only understood the first layer of Han Lie's implication but also grasped the second: I'm not taking the blame for this. You decide who to choose; it's all your internal decision, and it has nothing to do with me.

Director Che sighed again, a heavy, somewhat bitter sound.

But he still had to put on a pleasant face and humor this prodigy before him.

"Han Lie, you rest well, compete well. The school won't let you suffer any injustice for nothing. You are the pride of our Humanities department..."

And a string of other platitudes.

Han Lie finally showed a smile and played along until the end.

After Director Che finally departed with somewhat heavy steps, Han Lie reopened the system panel. Looking at his Rogue Skills, all of which had increased, he gained a new insight.

These so-called Rogue Skills, all combined, clearly amounted to two words—Emotional Intelligence.

****

Just a moment, adding some extra spice!

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