"This... this..." Mrs. Qi stared at the evidence before her, momentarily at a loss for how to defend her child.
After a moment of hesitation, she turned to Qi Shanshan and exclaimed, "Look at the mess you've made! How could you even lie to your own mother?"
"Mother?" Qi Shanshan had never expected her own mother to shift all the blame onto her.
She had told her mother everything, and it was her mother who had arranged all of this.
"I apologize, Mr. Zhan, Mrs. Zhan. I truly had no idea things had escalated to this. My child merely told me she was being bullied, and naturally, I would protect my daughter. I hope you can understand."
Mrs. Qi's sudden change of demeanor caused everyone present to frown.
They all felt she was a failing mother.
The teacher addressed Mrs. Qi, "Since the matter has become clear..."
Before the teacher could finish, Mrs. Qi pulled Qi Shanshan aside. "What are you standing around for? Hurry up and apologize to classmate Zhan and his parents."
Qi Shanshan still felt resentful, but even her own mother had said this, so what could she do?
"I'm sorry."
Although she apologized, her tone was insincere.
"Look at that attitude of yours!" Mrs. Qi was displeased.
Wei Yumeng felt that if this continued, the parents would never learn, and only the children would suffer.
Ultimately, if Mrs. Qi were not such a person, how could she have raised such a child?
"Alright," Wei Yumeng said. "Since neither party has been harmed, we will not pursue this matter."
Mrs. Qi was naturally delighted. "Thank you, Mrs. Zhan. I will definitely educate Shanshan properly when we get home."
As she spoke, she cast a wary glance at Zhan Mohan.
Even though Zhan Mohan had not voiced an opinion, his mere presence exuded an oppressive aura.
If she were given another chance, she would absolutely not do the same thing again.
Just then, Zhan Jinzhi stepped forward. "The apology is not just for Qi Shanshan."
Zhan Shiqing also nodded. "Aunt Qi, you were making a scene here just now, wasting the teacher's time and bullying my mother. This matter cannot be let go just like that."
Mrs. Qi was incensed but could not express her anger.
"Yes, yes," she said, looking at Wei Yumeng and the teacher. "I apologize to both of you and the children for the trouble we've caused. Please forgive us."
The teacher felt that this was somewhat satisfactory, as she had already taken a disliking to Mrs. Qi during the entire resolution process.
"It's fine, Mrs. Qi. I just hope that such a situation does not happen again."
Zhan Mohan also said calmly, "It is best if there isn't a second time."
Mrs. Qi immediately replied, "Of course, of course."
This farcical scene finally reached a conclusion.
After some more conversation, everyone returned home.
However, Qi Shanshan, who had gone home with Mrs. Qi, did not feel satisfied with the outcome of the matter; instead, she felt even more bewildered.
She couldn't understand why her mother, who had always sided with her, would shift all the responsibility onto her at the last moment.
She had never been lectured like that in her life.
She also couldn't understand why, despite being so good, Zhan Jinzhi wouldn't even spare her a second glance until the very end.
"Mother, why did we have to bow to them?" Qi Shanshan finally asked the question.
Mrs. Qi simply replied, "Because the Zhan family's status is higher than ours. We can't afford to offend them."
"Is that all?"
This answer only fueled Qi Shanshan's desire for Zhan Jinzhi and her resolve to find an opportunity to seek justice for herself.
A week later, as per the school's arrangement, a youth Go tournament was to be held, with the ultimate champion having the chance to participate in the National Go Championship.
Go was one of Zhan Jinzhi's few hobbies, so he naturally registered.
On the day of the competition, Rong Qian and Zhan Mohan came together to cheer for Zhan Jinzhi.
"Brother! Go! Brother will win!"
Zhan Shiqing's loud shouts were so clear that almost everyone in the venue could hear them.
Seeing this, Zhan Jinzhi could only press his forehead.
This was a Go tournament, yet Zhan Shiqing was acting as if it were a sports day.
The teacher managing the venue wanted to remind Zhan Shiqing not to shout so loudly, but upon seeing Zhan Mohan beside her, she immediately stopped.
Although she didn't recognize Zhan Mohan, she was already intimidated by his aura.
"Alright Shiqing, the competition is about to start. Don't disturb Jinzhi's concentration."
Wei Yumeng reminded Zhan Shiqing, who then sat down quietly.
"Mom, will Brother win?"
Wei Yumeng nodded confidently. "Of course, he will win. I can't even beat him anymore."
Zhan Mohan agreed. "At least I believe that the other participants in this competition are likely no match for him."
Zhan Jinzhi's Go skills were honed by practicing with Zhan Mohan, and it was because of Zhan Mohan that Zhan Jinzhi had come to enjoy Go.
To Zhan Mohan, Go was like the business world; it required careful planning and consideration of all aspects before making a move.
However, Zhan Jinzhi believed that even the most meticulous plan would have its imperfections, which was why he constantly challenged Zhan Mohan.
Yet, to this day, he had never managed to defeat him.
But for Zhan Mohan, his progress was significant.
Wei Yumeng glanced at the time. The first match was in five minutes. Only by winning two out of three matches would one qualify for the finals.
"Nervous?" Zhan Mohan noticed Wei Yumeng's unease.
Wei Yumeng nodded. "I don't know why, but the closer it gets to the start, the more nervous I become."
"It's normal to be nervous, because he is our child," Zhan Mohan said, pulling Wei Yumeng into his embrace, unconcerned about others' opinions.
"Are you nervous too?" Wei Yumeng asked.
Zhan Mohan nodded. "Yes, but I believe in his abilities."
Zhan Shiqing also smiled. "I believe in Brother too! Brother is so amazing!"
Finally, the competition began, and the participating players started to arrive one after another.
In the first round, Zhan Jinzhi's opponent was a participant from a higher grade.
Seeing his young age, the opponent revealed a look of disdain.
"Junior, I suggest you forfeit directly. It would be embarrassing if your parents saw you lose badly."
However, Zhan Jinzhi merely glanced at him calmly. "As you say, I will definitely win against you."
"Hmph, you talk big for someone who seems so incapable."
Zhan Jinzhi stopped engaging him and focused his attention on the chessboard.
Just as he had said, he was determined to win today's match!