My Dearest General: It Has Always Been You

An uproar erupted as soon as the man announced his identity.

"Jia Ming'en? Isn't that the newly elected President Jia?"

"Oh, I have heard of him. They said that he was a gold medalist at the Physics Olympiad last year. He's also the genius who enrolled in Civil Engineering with the highest admission score in the history of Sangzhe University, right?"

"Yes, yes. Vice President Guang is the senior in my class. He said that President Jia is a very low profile and humble person. He doesn't like to appear in public so every single event is attended by Vice President Guang and Secretary Ji hahahaha!"

"Oh? So why does he appear now?"

"Shush, be quiet! President Jia wants to speak!"

The auditorium fell silent as everyone waited for President Jia Ming'en to speak. One of his palms was still pressing tightly onto the man's shoulder who sat in front of him, so heavy that his knuckles turned white, trembling ever so slightly. Yet his nonchalant expression gave nothing away. "First and foremost, I would like to thank Mr. Qing for your superb presentation."

"You're too generous." Qing Si smiled. "The pleasure is all mine."

The MC who was taking a break behind the stage was hastily summoned. He looked back and forth between Qing Si and Jia Ming'en, confused. What happened? This section wasn't on the rundown, right? Did President Jia want to ask something? No, moreover, why did nobody tell him that President Jia was here?! If he knew it, then he would have reserved the first row VVIP seat for him!

"No need to turn on the lights." Jia Ming'en held the mic loosely in his hand and his eyes, coincidentally or not, fell upon the maintenance staff who was going to turn on the lights. The poor staff was frightened by the sharp glint in Jia Ming'en's eyes that he retreated step by step before sticking to the wall, pretending to be a wallpaper. Thus, the whole auditorium remained dim.

Qing Si narrowed his eyes, trying to catch a clear sight of Jia Ming'en to no avail. The man was seated on an inconspicuous seat, perfectly shadowing his whole body. Hence, all Qing Si could do was to smile in the direction of the voice, albeit the smile looked a bit stiff.

He sensed that something was off, but at this moment, even the Dean and directors didn't dare to make a squeak, much less the MC who cowered behind the stage and gave Qing Si an apologetic smile. They all waited patiently until Jia Ming'en spoke.

"There's a few things I would like to say. Firstly, Mr. Qing has always portrayed the image of a refreshing youth full of indomitable spirit, determination to fight and competitive nature, very befitting of a role model for every teenager." Even a deaf knew that it was all rainbow farts. And as expected, President Jia's next words took a turn for the worse.

"However, I am quite disappointed to see that the reality isn't how the media described Mr. Qing to be. All I can see is a narrow minded, petty and despicable man. Even though I am not a fan of high jumping, I have followed the development of many competitions in my free time. You and your self proclaimed friend, Mr. Jiang have always been the worst rivals and I believe everyone knows that. As soon as you both appeared on social media, your fans would tear at each other. In every competition, you often sabotage him, both psychologically and physically so it's a bit far-fetched to say that he's your good friend whom you look up to."

Seeing Qing Si's face reddened in humiliation with his mouth parted to rebuke, Jia Ming'en sharply interjected. "I have not finished talking. Mr. Qing, as an intellectual figure, one has to learn to listen before debating with the opposite speaker."

Buzz and soft whispers resounded through the room. Everyone kept it to the bare minimum, didn't dare to offend President Jia albeit quite a few took out their phones to secretly record the scene.

Without turning around, Jia Ming'en asserted. "Put down your phones and turn off the recording, my fellow students. Staff in the security department, I have to trouble you to maintain order."

He lifted his eyes slightly to look at Qing Si. "Please believe that I mean no harm, Mr. Qing. It just didn't sit well on me to hear you guiding public opinion for the worst. In the years you and Mr. Jiang became an athlete, I have never seen the media put you two together in one frame and when he's involved in the car accident, you have never sent your condolences either. Instead, paparazzi photographed you entering a bar on the very same night. Don't ask me how I know it, I have my own way."

Qing Si tried hard to muster a smile. "President Jia, I don't understand what you're talking about."

Jia Ming'en nodded casually. "Then take it as I have recognized the wrong person."

Qing Si's face almost turned blue. He gave up trying to speak to Jia Ming'en and turned to the directors in the front row who had specifically invited him here. "Sirs, I don't know what President Jia is trying to claim but this has gone beyond the line. I expect a formal apology." Without waiting for the MC to conclude the session, he started to walk off the stage.

"I will give you an apology after this." Jia Ming'en said directly. "Once again, I only want to offer my humble opinion."

Qing Si smiled grimly, almost baring his teeth. "And what is it?"

"Don't pretend to befriend Mr. Jiang if all you want to do is to harm his reputation." His tone grew slightly harsh and a faint disgust passed his eyes before disappearing. "In short, it repulses me to see such a person. Now that Mr. Qing's session has come to an end, let us give a warm applause for his wonderful presentation."

Jia Ming'en changed face faster than the speed of light. He took the start to clap his hands and the students followed, sparsely at first before it turned thunderous. Even a few girls were screaming. "President Jia, you're so cool! I love you!"

"President Jia, I trust Jiang Jinyan too! He must be innocent!"

"President Jia! President Jia!"

The cheers and whistles were getting out of control, everyone was immersed in the thrill and excitement of the faceslap. Damn! Qing Si could be counted as a public figure with decent fans and reputation throughout the nation but Jia Ming'en didn't hesitate to tear his face apart in front of the public! Too handsome! 

Qing Si fumed in anger and proceeded to rush backstage. The MC—who kept on wiping the sweat on his forehead—had a smile worse than crying. Usually, after every presentation, he would give a short review and insert his own opinion, but now, all he wanted to do was escape and drop the aftermath to President Jia. "E—Everyone, it's very regrettable that the time is limited so we have to end today's seminar. Please submit your summaries to the front desk and don't forget to put your name and department. Thank you very much!"

The students still couldn't catch up with the rapid development. They saw President Jia walk toward the directors and bowed deeply. After exchanging a few words, they made their way backstage, presumably to offer the formal apology which President Jia said he would give.

It was a pity that the security had shooed them away. If not, they also wanted to rush backstage and watch the showdown! 

They looked at each other and blurted out the most important question that made their hearts itch uncontrollably.

"So...is President Jia Jiang Jinyan's fan?"

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A/N: Yeah, give it to him, Jia Ming'en!!! ლ(｀∀´ლ) Finally someone can teach Qing Si how to behave!

If Jia Ming'en has the memory of his past life, he will definitely reply in disdain: "Laozi doesn't even fear the Emperor, why should I bother myself with this snotty brat?" ┐(￣ヘ￣)┌