Published: March 12, 2025
CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE: A Huge Gain (Subscription Requested)
When Zhao Hai spoke, the crowd below was not surprised. They knew Zhao Hai did not wish to endure Terry's provocation any longer. To be honest, they were quite impressed that he had managed to hold on until this point.
Although Terry was unwilling, Zhao Hai's open declaration made it difficult for him to insist on keeping him there. He could only raise his glass to Zhao Hai in agreement.
Zhao Hai smiled slightly, bowed to the crowd, and continued, “Mr. Terry says no singing, then I won’t sing. Coincidentally, during my recent voyage, I wrote a short poem of just two lines. I invite everyone to critique it.”
Upon hearing this, the crowd was momentarily stunned, followed by a burst of chatter. Two lines? Could that be considered a poem? It became clear to everyone that Zhao Hai was likely about to embarrass himself tonight.
Laura and the others looked concerned, while Terry wore a triumphant expression, convinced that victory was assured!
Zhao Hai glanced at the crowd's expressions and smiled, saying, “Recently, during my seaside expedition, I caught some magical beasts from the sea to bring back to the mainland for Divine Grace Day. This poem was inspired after seeing one of those magical beasts. It’s just two lines, very short, but I believe it is quite vivid and profound.”
The crowd looked anxiously at Zhao Hai, wondering what kind of poem he was going to present after building up suspense for so long.
Zhao Hai smiled at everyone and said, “I believe there are quite a few crab lovers in the audience. This poem is about crabs. Please enjoy!” He cleared his throat, glanced at the audience, and then at the smug Terry before slowly reciting, “Always watch crabs with a cold gaze, let’s see how long you can run rampant!”
Silence. An overwhelming quietness, more profound than when the singing had just ended!
Suddenly, a burst of laughter erupted, shattering the silence. Zhao Hai didn’t need to look to know that it was Jason laughing.
Jason's loud laughter triggered a chain reaction, and soon the entire hall was filled with laughter. Everyone understood the meaning of Zhao Hai's two lines; they knew who he was targeting.
The young nobles found themselves increasingly fond of Zhao Hai. Had he remained silent, they would have viewed him as spineless. Even if he retaliated later, they would consider him a sly character.
But with the release of those two lines, they quickly grasped Zhao Hai’s intent. It was an unmistakable insult, direct and pointed. The best part was that while it was clear he was insulting Terry, Terry couldn’t respond. If he began to shout back now, it would not only compromise his dignity but also mean he accepted the insult—a brilliant move.
At this moment, Zhao Hai stood on stage, bowing slightly to the audience, “Everyone, I must leave due to family matters. Thank you, Mr. Terry, for your hospitality. I am very grateful.” After bowing to the crowd once more, he stepped off the stage and headed outside.
The young nobles flocked around Zhao Hai, as if he were a moon surrounded by stars, escorting him out. Meanwhile, Terry stood there with a pale face, knowing he would become a laughingstock, the subject of ridicule throughout the entire Gersen Empire’s noble circles by tomorrow.
Laura and the others followed Zhao Hai outside, smiles on their faces. At the entrance of the hall, Zhao Hai turned to bid farewell to everyone before leaving.
Although the nobles liked Zhao Hai, they still had to give some face to the Robert family and didn’t immediately leave with Zhao Hai. However, the strange looks they cast at Terry were unmistakable.
Jason, however, had no such hesitations. He didn’t care about the rest and directly left with Zhao Hai. The servants were unaware of what had happened in the hall but had received word from Terry that Zhao Hai would still be taking the skinny carriage home. Jason, however, could not. The Krook Family, while not an ancient clan, was still formidable and required respect. So, several servants quickly brought out both Zhao Hai’s skinny carriage and another one.