RebirthⅠ: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 20：Don't Be Afraid! I'm Here

"Let go of her!"

With Jiang Fan's loud command, both Mayor Deng and Minister Zhou Huai De immediately sensed that something was wrong over in that direction!

Minister Zhou raised his hand, signaling his security personnel. More than ten guards armed with assault rifles rushed forward, their guns aimed at everyone but Jiang Fan. Liu Zhi, who had never witnessed such a display of force, was paralyzed with fear. The sight of the dark, menacing barrels, as if black holes ready to swallow him whole, made his entire body tremble.

Without thinking, he released Chu Ruoxi's wrist, raised both his hands in surrender, and stammered, "No... please don't kill me... I... I surrender!"

Sweat, as small as peas, began to bead on his forehead, and his legs trembled uncontrollably. Soon, a yellowish liquid began to leak from his body, filling the air with an unbearable stench.

The students behind Liu Zhi were equally terrified, their teeth chattering as they cowered, too afraid to speak a word.

Chu Ruoxi's face turned pale with fear; she looked like a helpless little rabbit surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves, trembling in terror.

In the midst of her panic and confusion, a warm hand gently grasped hers, dispelling the chill that had gripped her. A surge of safety and reassurance washed over her, as if a ray of light had pierced through the darkness. It was like a lost ship finally sighting the shore, or a lost child finding their way home.

"Don't be afraid, Ruoxi. I'm here," came a deep, comforting voice in her ear. Without thinking, Chu Ruoxi instinctively moved closer to the person offering her this unexpected sense of security.

Mayor Deng and Minister Zhou rushed over at the same time.

Mayor Deng, his expression stern, scolded Principal Ma, "How are you educating your students? Letting them bully Jiang Fan like this? If this continues, you won't be Principal for long!"

Mayor Deng himself was also startled. Jiang Fan was a person personally chosen by Minister Zhou—someone of immense importance, second only to the president of the country. If anything were to happen to Jiang Fan, especially in front of Minister Zhou, Mayor Deng's career would be over.

Principal Ma quickly apologized and turned to scold Teacher Wang.

"Wang, what kind of teacher are you? If Jiang Fan is scared, can you take responsibility for that?"

Teacher Wang stood frozen, completely confused. What was going on?

In the office, Principal Ma had been so harsh, saying that someone like Jiang Fan, a "trash student," deserved to be treated with cruelty. He had even said that one bad apple could ruin the whole batch.

But now, listening to Principal Ma's words, Jiang Fan seemed to be treated like a precious gem!

Teacher Wang wanted to explain but was struck mute by the overwhelming pressure of the armed SWAT team. His throat felt dry as if he were choking on glue, and despite trying to speak, no words came out.

Minister Zhou, who had remained silent until now, turned to Jiang Fan.

"Jiang Fan?"

"Yes?" Jiang Fan nodded slightly in response.

"Let's talk."

"Mm."

Without further words, Minister Zhou walked toward the helicopter, and Jiang Fan followed closely behind.

When they reached the side of the helicopter, Minister Zhou stopped, and Jiang Fan stood a meter away, waiting for his question.

It took over ten seconds before Minister Zhou finally spoke.