!
As soon as Okamoto Yuji finished speaking, the entire competition arena erupted in an instant.
Except for the nobles, represented by Tanaka Kenho, who had anticipated this and conferred beforehand, who would have thought…
These important figures from Sakura Country would actually choose to side with Lin Ran???
Had they gone mad?
Due to the previous tense atmosphere, the arena had returned to a deathly silence.
Now that Okamoto Yuji had dropped this bombshell, every corner was buzzing with commotion.
"Holy crap, what's going on?"
"The guys from Sakura Country aren't standing up for their own people, they're actually choosing to protect Lin Ran?"
"And the head of a prominent family, a peak ninth-tier awakened one, kneeling to a sixth-tier awakened one..."
"Yeah... it's just bloody ridiculous!"
"They even went so far as to publicly execute the original judge of the competition system... Aren't they afraid of chilling their own people's hearts?"
"The most absurd thing is, why is Okamoto Yuji's attitude towards Lin Ran so subservient!"
"Even if he had to apologize, he wouldn't need to adopt such a low posture, right?"
"Anyone who didn't know would think they were facing their Emperor..."
"Could it be that Lin Ran's performance made them feel immense pressure, so they simply abandoned these superficialities and started to appease him?"
"No way... no matter how strong Lin Ran is, he's still just one person."
"Why would the people of Sakura Country pay such a huge price for one person, even demeaning themselves?"
"Or maybe they also felt that Tanikawa Tadahiko's actions were too extreme?"
"But even so, they could have chosen a more moderate way to handle the matter."
"By doing this now, aren't they offending the Red Leaf Country quite significantly for the sake of Lin Ran alone?"
"It can't be that on their scale, Lin Ran's weight outweighs the entire Red Leaf Country, can it?"
"I don't understand, I completely don't understand anymore..."
"But regardless, Tanikawa Tadahiko's death is still satisfying."
"..."
The contestants chattered amongst themselves, discussing everything under the sun, yet they couldn't arrive at any plausible conclusion.
As for Lin Ran, the person involved, he also looked at Okamoto Yuji in front of him with considerable surprise, not knowing what he was up to.
Could it be that the cunning Japanese were playing a stratagem on him?
Based on the principle of not trusting any Japanese person, Lin Ran immediately began to doubt Okamoto Yuji's motives.
Okamoto Yuji, on the other hand, was quite satisfied with his performance.
Such a passionate display might help him regain some favorability with Tanaka Kenho, and refresh their perception of him.
Okamoto Yuji stood up and bowed to Lin Ran again:
"Due to the incompetence and errors of our original competition organizers, you have suffered severe mental distress..."
"Here, I once again express our sincere apologies."
"We are willing to provide substantial financial compensation, and from now on, we will replace all competition officials and publicly apologize to you. We only hope to receive your forgiveness."
As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face. With Okamoto Yuji acting this way, Lin Ran was truly unsure of how to proceed.
He had originally planned to unleash a fierce battle, with his Black Dragon Body already poised in the Divine Might space.
If the situation allowed, he had even considered replicating the spectacular double meteor shower from the City of Ruins back then.
But now...
After a moment of hesitation, Lin Ran sighed:
"This isn't a matter of great importance, there's no need to make such a fuss."
"How about this, I accept your apology, but I don't need your compensation."
"The willingness to admit your mistakes and correct them is already very satisfying to me..."
"That's all, I'm heading back now."
With that, without giving Okamoto Yuji a chance to press further, Lin Ran leaped back to his waiting area.
Until he figured out the intentions of the Japanese, he was still unwilling to take their things lightly.
Lin Ran understood that there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
Meanwhile, looking back at Okamoto Yuji.
Although Lin Ran's tone was somewhat preachy, like an elder to a junior, Okamoto Yuji's face showed no trace of displeasure.
On the contrary, he seemed a little happy, his demeanor quite buoyant.
After excitedly returning to their spectator seats, Okamoto Yuji whispered a few words into Tanaka Kenho's ear.
At this point, Tanaka Kenho's expression improved slightly, and he nodded at Okamoto Yuji.
Okamoto Yuji became even happier.
This unexpected incident had indeed turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Not only had he made an impression on Lin Ran, the most crucial target for their country to win over, and significantly boosted his favorability,
but he had also left Tanaka Kenho with the impression of being calm in crisis, responsive, and adaptable.
After all, among the people of Sakura Country currently, the most valued quality was adaptability.
The people of Sakura Country, currently in a state of hardship, firmly believed that they would one day rise to power and become the most influential existence among the world's nations.
To achieve that goal, no matter how tragic the hardships on the path, or how much they had to grovel before others, it would all be worth it!
Furthermore, Okamoto Yuji keenly realized that due to his special status at this moment, he might have encountered the greatest opportunity of his life.
This opportunity could very well elevate him from the head of an unremarkable ordinary family to a true magnate in Sakura Country.
Perhaps he could even go further, marry into the imperial family, and become a favored figure before their new Emperor leader!
After all, he was currently the only one who had made an impression on Lin Ran, and it was likely a good one.
If Sakura Country's policy of courting Lin Ran were to be successfully implemented in the future, he would be the most suitable negotiator to face Lin Ran!
With this connection, wouldn't he be able to play both sides, profit from both, and ascend to the peak of his life?
As for those other nobles who had secretly laughed at him on stage just now, they likely hadn't realized this yet.
Still daring to give me a smirk and a knowing wink? They truly don't recognize true talent!
Even if such an opportunity were placed before them, they wouldn't grasp it as clearly as he did.
Just let them enjoy their brief moment of triumph for a few more days...
Once things are set in stone and the situation is irreversible, I will definitely make them run over to fawn over me non-stop!
Just you wait!