169: Returning the Employment Letter: Su's Mother's Experience

Xiao Zhenxuan almost roared these words.

Even if the Xiao Family had fallen to its current state, he still wasn't willing to be swallowed up by other factions just like that.

If it were the Martial Artist Training Base that swallowed them, that would be one thing—at least they were one of the Three Great Powers of the Wall, and they would still have some face when people talked about it. But what was the Jiuyou Martial Arts Training Center?!

"Alright, since Clan Leader Xiao is so persistent, I suppose there's no need for us to continue this discussion. I'll take my leave."

Director Li was also very angry. After saying this, he flicked his sleeves and left.

"Bah! If you don't want to talk, then don't! Dreaming of taking advantage of our misfortune to swallow my Xiao Family? Go dream on!" This time, Xiao Zhenxuan was quite resolute, completely severing any possibility of cooperation with Director Li.

Director Li left just like that, leaving only Xiao Zhenxuan and his son in the private room.

However resolute Xiao Zhenxuan had been when cursing Director Li, he was now just as dejected.

"Alas..." He sighed deeply. Was the Xiao Family truly beyond saving?

It was the first time Xiao Yue had seen Xiao Zhenxuan like this, but he also thought Xiao Zhenxuan had done the right thing: "Father, that Director Li had no good intentions at all. If he's gone, he's gone. We'll think of other solutions."

"That's easy to say, but who else can we turn to now?" Xiao Zhenxuan supported his head with his hands, shaking it.

The Xiao Family could truly be described as precarious at the moment.

However, they were already much better off than the Wang Family and the Hua Family. The talented youngsters from those two families had all been abducted, with none remaining, meaning there was no hope for their next generation.

The Xiao Family at least still had Xiao Yue.

Xiao Yue was a Level 7 Martial Artist with the superior Qi Cavity, Jade Dragon Acupoint. Neither Wang Xingge nor Hua Shaoyou could compare to Xiao Yue.

As for the Liu Family, there was even less to say. Liu Ling'er had run away from home and hadn't returned, very likely having died Outside the Bastion, and Liu XinFan and the others had all been captured. The Liu Family was undoubtedly the first of the Four Great Families to collapse.

If the Xiao Family wanted to rise again... could they start with the other three great families?

Xiao Zhenxuan raised his head, reached up to touch the stubble on his chin, his expression solemn... Outside the 155 Fortress, at the Guild's Alchemy Hall.

Mother Su walked in with a dejected expression, as if she had made some kind of resolution, her face not looking very well.

"Madam, do you need to buy any potions?" The staff member at the Alchemy Hall smiled and asked when he saw Mother Su enter.

Mother Su shook her head and said, "I'm here to return this."

She took out an envelope from her storage bag. It was given to her by Xiao Xu from the Alchemy Hall three days ago, and now she was returning the envelope unopened.

It was heartbreaking, truly heartbreaking.

She didn't know what Zhuang Sanming was thinking. He had clearly gone for the interview secretly, so why was he unwilling now that he had passed?

Mother Su couldn't understand it.

Not only Mother Su, but Father Su also couldn't understand it.

Su Duo, however, probably knew why, but she supported her cousin's every decision, so she didn't feel there was anything wrong.

Moreover, she believed her cousin was the most capable. Since he could pass the Alchemy Hall's interview this time, he would definitely be able to pass again next time.

That's right, she had such blind faith in Zhuang Sanming.

Several people were standing outside the Alchemy Hall, all of whom had followed Mother Su out of the Mall, including her colleagues and those who had come to watch the spectacle.

When Mother Su received the envelope from Xiao Xu at the Mall, everyone was very envious and surrounded Mother Su with flattery for a while. They hadn't expected that in just a few days, the joy on Mother Su's face would be gone.

Inside the Alchemy Hall.

Hearing Mother Su say this, the Alchemy Hall's front desk staff member was very surprised. He took the envelope, looked at it, and said, "Madam, do you mean that Mr. Zhuang Sanming refuses to become a staff member of our Alchemy Hall?"

"Yes..." Mother Su said dejectedly, gritting her teeth.

The greater her pride and confidence in the Mall three days ago, the greater her disappointment now.

Ever since this letter was delivered to her, both her colleagues and customers who came to buy things had been particularly envious of her. Some even sent her gifts, hoping to get closer to her.

After all, her nephew was about to become a staff member of the Alchemy Hall.

How glorious!

Why weren't their sons as capable as Zhuang Sanming?

Of course, where there was envy, there would be jealousy.

For example, Mother Su's neighbor, Qi Feifei.

After receiving the acceptance notice from the Alchemy Hall, Mother Su had certainly gloated in front of Qi Feifei, constantly boasting at her doorstep about how good Zhuang Sanming was, how strong and smart he was, and how diligent and hardworking he was. This made Qi Feifei stomp her feet every time, but she couldn't argue with Mother Su.

Because her child wasn't as capable as Zhuang Sanming, who could be hired by the Alchemy Hall.

"Are you sure Mr. Zhuang Sanming himself is giving up joining the Alchemy Hall?" The front desk staff member also seemed unable to understand why anyone would refuse an invitation from the Alchemy Hall.

"I'm sure." Mother Su nodded. She didn't want this either, but the person who was hired was Zhuang Sanming. Su Duo's message back had indeed told her that Zhuang Sanming said so, and she had no choice.

It was a pity that Zhuang Sanming hadn't been home these past few days, otherwise Mother Su and Father Su would have persuaded him not to make such a decision, no matter what.

"Alright, I will inform our manager." The front desk staff member accepted the letter.

"Okay, I'm leaving."

Mother Su left immediately after speaking. She didn't want to stay there for another minute.

But as soon as she went out, all the onlookers surrounded her.

"What's going on? Is it true that your nephew doesn't want to come to the Alchemy Hall?"

"Exactly, being a staff member of the Alchemy Hall is so good, why refuse?"

"This child is a bit ungrateful..."

These words made Mother Su frown. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore and angrily rebuked, "Enough! How my nephew chooses to act is none of your business. Move aside, I still have to go back to work."

Everyone was surprised that Mother Su would suddenly say this, and they were a bit awkward for a moment.

Mother Su pushed them aside and went back into the Mall.

Only the crowd was left, looking at each other.

"Why is she like this? We didn't say anything..."

"As if anyone wants to bother with her. If her nephew hadn't been hired by the Alchemy Hall, who would fawn over her? Now that her nephew has refused to go to the Alchemy Hall, she must be losing face."

"Oh, alright, alright, everyone disperse. There's nothing good to see, and we still have to go back to work."

...

After Mother Su returned to the Mall, she clearly felt that the atmosphere around her had changed from a few days ago.

Everyone looked at her with strange eyes and always whispered.

At first, Mother Su might have felt a bit embarrassed, being judged by others, but then she thought, this is her family's own business, what does it have to do with anyone else?

Although her nephew refused the opportunity to join the Alchemy Hall, among so many people here, why hadn't their sons, nephews, or daughters received an acceptance notice from the Alchemy Hall?