Zhou Shuren squinted his eyes at Wu Ming, calculating in his mind. Although talents couldn't all be from one family, the age difference between them was significant; Wu Ming was seventeen this year, and he was already forty, a gap of twenty-three years.
Because of his and Zhulan's intervention, Wu Ming had already lost the determination to ascend to greatness. From Wu Ming's desire to band together, it was clear that he lacked confidence in himself and was instead seeking support.
The Emperor must surely know of Wu Ming's actions today. Without the resolve to go it alone, Wu Ming had already lost his advantage. If Zhou Shuren were the Emperor, he guessed he would already regret having chosen Wu Ming as the Top scorer. In the future, Wu Ming would be put to the test.
At least as long as the Emperor did not abdicate, Wu Ming wouldn't rise. Unless he demonstrated great talent—therein lies the importance of first impressions. The Emperor already had a poor impression of Wu Ming.
