Before the crowd could process Boss Zhang's words, a single "but"—an unexpected turn—forced everyone to perk up their ears and listen closely.
But what? What's there to 'but' about? If we're going by the rules, what's left to 'but'? Seriously.
Nobody dared to speak these words aloud, but those from the Yunzhou Medicine Association thought them, all the while nodding and smiling. "Please, do tell," one said. "Whatever it is, as long as it's within the rules, we're open to discussion." The Chief Referee had given them a way out; they couldn't very well ignore the gesture, could they?
Victory seemed within their grasp. Anything was acceptable as long as it didn't affect the outcome.
Members of the other Medicine Associations looked on with unpleasant expressions. They had heard that if the inhibition rate was the deciding factor, then the 99.9% figure would likely clinch the victory. Even if the Chief Referee had additional demands, it seemed too late for them to turn the tide.
