CHAPTER 52: CHAPTER 52: UNDERCURRENTS

What Ethan didn’t expect was that Sophia Shire entered that bluestone building with him to meet the president.

The president of Winster University was sitting behind the desk in his office.

He looked a little over sixty, his hair already somewhat white, but he seemed energetic, sitting there with an amiable yet substantial demeanor.

Just like the bluestone that built this house.

Loren Rose, that was his name.

Upon seeing Ethan and the others, Loren Rose did not greet Ethan first, but instead, he welcomed Sophia Shire. He stood up and opened his arms towards Sophia, saying, "Sophia, why are you here? How is your father?"

"Uncle Loren, my father is fine, just that he can’t drink anymore, which he’s not used to. How about you, are you well?"

Sophia quickly walked up, holding Loren’s hand with the manner of a girl greeting her elder.

It was then that Ethan realized why the surname Shire sounded so familiar. Wasn’t the big boss behind John Hott also named Shire?

Combining that with Loren’s identity, Sophia’s identity became apparent.

He didn’t expect she was his daughter.

After chatting for a while, Loren seemed to remember the business at hand. He quickly patted his head and said, "Sorry, I get so happy when I see Sophia that I forget my duties. Ethan, you’re Ethan, right? Come over, let me take a look at you, young man."

Hearing this, Ethan walked over.

Being closer, Ethan could sense an indescribable aura emanating from Loren.

Not just the heaviness of bluestone, but something tranquil yet hiding a powerful undercurrent... divine?

"Hello, President Loren."

"You’re indeed an outstanding young man, no wonder you could create such paintings."

Loren said this while inviting Ethan and the others to sit down.

"Actually, here’s the thing, I saw your painting. You have a lot of talent, there’s a sense of reverence for and contemplation of the sea in it. I’d like to invite you to create another piece for exhibition during the university’s centennial celebration. How about it?"

"This..." Ethan didn’t expect such a good opportunity. Wouldn’t this tie him to Winster University?

"Of course, I would be honored and very..."

"I absolutely disagree with this!"

However, at this moment, a booming voice came from outside the door, followed by a tall man leading a group into the president’s office.

"President, you absolutely can’t let him participate in the celebration. Do you know his identity?"

The newcomer was aggressive, confrontational.

As he spoke to Loren, he also glared at Ethan.

"Sitting before you is Ethan Polleta, his real identity is the head of the notorious Mafia, the Bolita Clan in Winster City. His hands are stained with blood and lives, and every penny he donates to the school is tainted with filth. I absolutely disagree with allowing such a demon to attend the celebration and tarnish Winster University’s reputation. I also urge you to expel him immediately!"

"Ramon, what are you doing? How can you barge into the president’s office and slander my student like this?"

As Ethan’s admissions guide and head of his department, El naturally had to speak up, yet he seemed a bit weak in his defense.

"Hmph, El, you still have the face to speak? You know exactly what kind of person he is, and yet you dared bring him to campus. Are you true to your beliefs? Do you remember the teachings of the Lord? Never walk with demons! I suggest you resign immediately, then go to church and confess your sins!"

Indeed, the tall man named Ramon wasn’t intimidated at all, instead raising his voice even more.

Ramon...

Ethan recalled the data about Winster University; this person should be the current head of the law department.

Why was he targeting him?

Was it a Prohibition Agent issue, or had he inadvertently become embroiled in internal school conflicts?

Ethan looked at Ramon and those behind him.

"Ramon, I’ve told you many times not to bring faith into the campus."

Finally, Loren, who hadn’t spoken yet, spoke up, his voice not loud, yet seemingly quelling Ramon instantly.

It was like a calm sea suddenly stirred by an undertow.

"Sorry, President, I was too impulsive, but this person is really dangerous..."

"Excuse me, President, may I say a few words on my behalf?" Ethan ignored Ramon and looked at Loren.

"Of course," Loren nodded with a smile.

"Dean Ramon, your words just now constitute a very serious accusation. If you truly have evidence, if I am indeed so wicked, then report me to the Security Office and sue me, instead of slandering me here. You must apologize, or my lawyer will retaliate."

Ethan didn’t know how deep the waters ran here, but for now, he could only stand on Loren’s side.

At the mention of the word lawyer, Ramon and his group laughed, rather disparagingly.

Clearly, they found it laughable for someone to attack them with the law when they studied it themselves.

"Dean Ramon, Ethan is right. If you have no evidence, it’s slander, and you must apologize."

What Ethan didn’t expect was that Sofia stood up before Loren spoke.

This was something Ramon hadn’t anticipated.

He hesitated and said, "Sophia, you..."

"Ramon, the child is right, you need to apologize," Loren also exerted pressure.

"President, even if we put those aside, I also doubt whether he truly has artistic talent. Was that painting really done by him? You know how cunning the Mafia can be. Perhaps he bought the painting in advance and pretended it was his to win your favor?"

Ramon shifted angles to attack Ethan.

"Ethan was once Kingdom Art Academy’s best student..." El had to step in.

"You said once was," Ramon sneered, "if he was truly excellent, why would he transfer to our school?"

"Ramon, what on earth do you want?" El was almost seething.

"It’s simple, retest his talents. If he is indeed extraordinarily talented, I’ll apologize. If he doesn’t have that talent, then he should be expelled, and you should resign in shame."

Ramon sharply pointed at El.

"Of course, the evaluator can’t be someone from our arts department. In half a month, the great artist Pupol will be visiting our school for an exchange. Let him be the judge, how about it?"

El suddenly lost his confidence, and he couldn’t help but look at Loren.

But Ethan spoke before him, standing up and straightening his collar, he said, "An apology is not enough; you should also resign. Deal?"

"Deal," Ramon looked at Ethan, as if there was an undercurrent in his eyes.