Chapter 1088: Want to Meet Lu Guixin’s Parents? (Lu Guixin Part 12)

“You can go back first,” Mrs. Su said to Xia Cheng before walking to the principal’s office in her high heels.

Xia Cheng’s heart raced as she watched Mrs. Su leave, and she squeezed her fingers slightly. Su Zeyue was embarrassed in front of the whole school. No matter whose fault it is, the Su family won’t be able to take it lying down since they’ll be ridiculed if word of it reaches the high society. Someone had to take the brunt of their anger to save their face. The school would naturally protect Zhou Fu and ask Lu Guixin to leave since the former was the top student and the latter was a pretty face with bad results.

Even if I didn’t say anything to Mrs. Su, this matter would still end with Lu Guixin’s expulsion. I’m not doing this out of jealousy. Lu Guixin has nothing but her looks. She’s not worthy of my jealousy.

With a slight curl of her lips, Xia Cheng turned around and left.

…

In the principal’s office.

Everyone was seated on the sofa in the meeting area, and Su Cheng had already understood the entirety of the matter.

Principal Lin poured a cup of tea for Su Cheng. “This is the most critical period for the child. You should reconsider your decision of having your daughter transferring to another school, Mr. Su.”

Su Cheng’s expression was unreadable as he took the teacup from him. Two seconds later, he smiled and politely said, “I get what you’re saying.”

Upon seeing that there was room for discussion, Mr. Dong hurriedly said, “Su Zeyue’s results are excellent. There’s still some time before the university entrance exams. As long as she pushes herself to work harder, she’ll definitely be able to get into Capital University. It’ll be such a shame if her results get affected because of the transferring of schools.”

“Exactly,” echoed the form teacher of Class One. “Zeyue’s learning progress will be affected since she has to adjust to the new learning environment and the new teachers. It’s better for her to just stay here.”

That was what Mrs. Su heard when she opened the door, her heels making sharp clacking sounds as she strode in. “Yue’er won’t be transferring to another school, of course.”

“Mom!” Su Zeyue jumped to her feet and stared in determination at her mother. Tears fell from her red and swollen eyes. “I told you that I’m transferring!”

My self-esteem has been trampled over by the entire school. I’m too embarrassed to stay!

Mrs. Su walked over to her daughter and wiped the tears away while cooing, “Nobody is allowed to bully my daughter! I’ll make them pay for bullying you!”

Principal Lin understood what she meant when he heard that. He turned to Su Cheng and said calmly, “Mr. Su, what happened today was Zhou Fu’s fault. Of course, the school won’t deny our responsibility too.”

Su Cheng didn’t say anything, so Principal Lin continued. “Zhou Fu is young, rash, and arrogant. He was wrong to cause so much hurt to Su Zeyue.”

Mr. Dong added, “Mr. Su, Mrs. Su, Zhou Fu has realized his mistake. He regrets his impulsive action of speaking out of turn.”

Principal Lin drummed his fingers against the sofa’s armrests and said courteously, “Well, how about I get Zhou Fu to come over and sincerely apologize to Su Zeyue?”

“You want to settle this with just an apology?” Mrs. Su’s face darkened, and she screeched, “Isn’t that as good as telling people that anyone can ride over the Su family?”

“Of course not.” Principal Lin flashed a smile at Mrs. Su. “I’ll get Zhou Fu to write a letter of apology. It’ll be published on the school forum for all the students to see. It’ll also be pasted on the bulletin boards of all departments. What do you think about that?”

Mrs. Su scoffed. “And that’s considered sincere? It seems like your student’s hand is quite precious to you, Principal Lin—so precious that it’s on par with the Su family’s reputation.”

“You’ve misunderstood my words, Mrs. Su. I didn’t mean that.” Principal Lin then realized that Mrs. Su was still standing, so he motioned her to sit down. “Please calm down and take a seat.”

Mrs. Su didn’t move, though. “You have to give me an answer today!”

“Of course.” Principal Lin poured some tea for her. “Please sit down, everyone.”

“Just sit down first,” said Su Cheng.

Only then did Mrs. Su put her arm around Su Zeyue’s shoulders and sit.

“Parents are the ones who get most anxious when something happens to their child. I understand what you’re feeling right now.” Principal Lin pushed the cup of tea towards Mrs. Su before asking politely, “What would you like the school to do?”

In an overbearing tone, Mrs. Su said, “My daughter won’t be transferring schools on the condition that the person behind today’s incident leaves the school.”

Hearing that, Su Zeyue turned to her mother in shock and disbelief.

Mom wants the school to expel Zhou Fu? That won’t happen. The school will never agree to it. If Dad and Mom exert pressure on the school to make Zhou Fu leave, I’ll become the target of criticism given his status in school.

At the thought of that, Su Zeyue pursed her lips and stood up while grabbing her backpack. She looked at her parents grimly. “You won’t let me transfer to another school? Fine, I won’t come to school at all.”

“Yue’er!” Mrs. Su reached out to grab her daughter, but the latter shook her hand off and moved to leave.

“Stop right there!” Su Cheng sternly ordered.

Su Zeyue stiffened and instinctively stopped.

“The adults will find the best outcome for you all. You’re not capable of making decisions on your own yet.” Su Cheng then said in a gentler but firm tone, “Sit down.”

Su Zeyue gripped the strap of her backpack.

Mrs. Su pulled her back to the sofa and whispered, “Behave.”

Although Su Zeyue didn’t put up a struggle, her entire body was tense.

Su Cheng looked at Principal Lin. “She just wants to hide herself from the humiliation after getting scolded in front of the entire school population. I seek your kind understanding.”

Principal Lin nodded. “Of course.”

While rubbing his fingers against the teacup, the Su family slowly said, “Although she can hide, the Su family can’t lose face. We expect an answer for this matter.”

Principal Lin’s eyes glinted. “I’ll get Zhou Fu to make a public apology.”

“Principal Lin, on account of our years of friendship, I won’t beat around the bush with you. That’s not enough.”

“Stop wasting our time. Our time is very precious,” said Mrs. Su. “As I said before, the person behind today’s incident has to leave.”

Although Su Cheng didn’t say anything, it was clear that he agreed with his wife.

Mr. Dong frowned. His grip on the sofa’s armrests tightened slightly as he looked at Principal Lin. There are many schools that would be willing to take Zhou Fu in if he leaves our school. It’ll be our loss if we expel the top Year Three student. The management of the school will surely be criticized by the public.

He was now regretting his decision to make Zhou Fu reflect on himself under the national flag very much, for things wouldn’t have been blown up so much if he hadn’t done that.

The form teacher of Class One panicked too. She didn’t want to see her most promising student whom she had taught for three years, be expelled from school at this juncture.

Principal Lin’s eyes darkened, although his attitude remained as gentle as before. He said frankly, “I’m afraid we can’t do that. It was wrong of Zhou Fu to be so mean to his schoolmate, but his mistake isn’t so serious that he needs to be expelled.” Besides, he apparently has some background, seeing how the higher-ups had sent him here in person. They aren’t people the Su family can afford to offend.

Principal Lin carefully said, “Mrs. Su, Zhou Fu’s achievements are obvious to all. He’s a promising talent with a bright future ahead. Expelling him will be a great loss to the school. I hope you can understand this.”

“Are you mistaken about something, Principal Lin?” Mrs. Su looked at him. “I’m talking about the person who started it all.”

Everyone present was a bit confused by that.

Su Cheng turned to his wife in confusion. Even if the school isn’t willing to expel Zhou Fu, Principal Lin will have no choice but to comply if I exert pressure on his boss.

“May I know what you mean by that, Mrs. Su?” asked Principal Lin.

“I can do the school a favor and not pursue Zhou Fu’s responsibility,” said Mrs. Su.

While hope lit up in Mr. Dong and the form teacher’s eyes, Principal Lin didn’t say anything and simply waited for Mrs. Su’s catch.

“I already know what happened on the school forum,” said Mrs. Su. “This all started because of a freshman named Lu Guixin, isn’t that right?”

Principal Lin’s grip on the teacup tightened at the mention of Lu Guixin. If one looked carefully, one would notice that he was sitting a little straighter than he had earlier at the mention of Zhou Fu.

“We won’t pursue this matter if you expel her.” Mrs. Su leaned back as she stared Principal Lin down.

On the other hand, Su Zeyue’s dull eyes lit up when she heard what her mother said.

That’s right! Nobody will laugh at me again if Lu Guixin gets expelled. Everything started because she tried to get close to Zhou Fu. I don’t have to transfer to another school anymore.

Principal Lin frowned and put down his teacup. “This matter seems to have nothing to do with Lu Guixin.”

“Nothing?” Mrs. Su sneered. “It’s because of her that Zhou Fu embarrassed my daughter in school today. Don’t tell me that you have no idea about this.”

Principal Lin kept quiet.

“Zhou Fu’s character, results, and reputation in school have always been good. Even us, as parents, have heard about him. I can’t believe he did such a thing for a Year One girl. That girl sure is something. Principal Lin, aren’t you worried that she might have a bad influence on Zhou Fu’s results?”

Everyone understood what she was insinuating—Zhou Fu and Lu Guixin might be dating.

Principal Lin’s heart started racing, but it wasn’t Zhou Fu’s results he was worried about. Instead, he was more worried about how he was going to answer to the big shots in the capital if the two were really dating. His back broke out in a cold sweat.

“It’s either you expel Lu Guixin or you expel Zhou Fu.” Mrs. Su picked up her teacup. “I’ll leave the decision to you, Principal Lin.”

Mr. Dong and the form teacher exchanged a look before turning to look at Principal Lin.

One is the top student, while the other is a freshman with atrocious results. Given the choice, any school would surely choose the former. Expelling Lu Guixin is obviously the best choice. Not only will the Su family be satisfied with this outcome, and their reputation be saved, but it’ll also stop people from talking about Su Zeyue.

Mrs. Su narrowed her eyes when she noticed Principal Lin’s silence. “What, are you not satisfied with such a big concession? Is it really that hard for you to expel an ordinary student?”

Principal Lin looked at her with an unreadable expression.

The office was quiet for a while.

After a while, Su Cheng put down his teacup and looked at his watch before saying, “I still have a lot of work to do.”

Everyone looked at him.

“I know that Principal Lin treats the students equally and believes that education is for everyone, regardless of their background.” Su Cheng paused for a couple of seconds. “How about this? Contact Lu Guixin’s parents and tell them that I’ll give them a sum of money on the condition that Lu Guixin leaves Ming City High School and transfer to another school.”

Principal Lin remained silent.

Mrs. Su’s tone became aggressive. “We’re already doing you such a huge favor. All we want is for Lu Guixin to leave the school. I hope you’re wise enough to choose what’s good for the school, or things might become ugly.”

That’s an outright threat. The Su family’s term is actually pretty good since Lu Guixin can find another school. There will be rumors about her once she leaves, but it won’t affect her since she won’t be around to hear or face them. Mrs. Dong looked around and cautiously asked, “Principal Lin, in that case, I’ll go get the form teacher of Class Nine to contact Lu Guixin’s parents?”

Principal Lin still didn’t say anything.

Su Cheng, whose patience had apparently run out, said in a harsher tone, “I’ve already given you the best option. I’m sure Lu Guixin’s parents will be amenable to reason.”

“Let’s video-call them and make things clear face-to-face. We can keep this as evidence to prevent them from talking nonsense to people and saying that we bullied his daughter into quitting school,” said Mrs. Su.

They knew very well how powerful the internet and public opinion were, so they didn’t want anything about this matter to go online.

Su Cheng nodded and then looked at his watch again. “Principal Lin, please contact them.”

Principal Lin regarded them with a meaningful look. “Are you sure you want to meet Lu Guixin’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Su?”

As the Su family weren’t people who anybody could just meet, Mrs. Su couldn’t be more annoyed at the thought that they had to meet and talk to the working-class people from an ordinary family. Hence, she didn’t notice Principal Lin’s oddity.

Mr. Su, on the other hand, was in a hurry to get back to his office. He said curtly, “I’ll give you five more minutes.”

“Please wait here for a bit while I step out to make a call,” said Principal Lin as he nodded and got up with his phone.

The office’s door was opened and then closed.

Mr. Dong and the form teacher of Class One heaved a sigh of relief. That should settle it. This matter will end with Lu Guixin leaving the school.

Su Zeyue took out her phone and sent a text to Xia Cheng. [I’m not transferring schools anymore. Lu Guixin will be leaving instead.]

…

It was extraordinarily quiet in Year Three’s Class One.

When Xia Cheng came back, a few girls crowded around her. “Xia Cheng, is Su Zeyue really going to be transferring schools?”

Xia Cheng shook her head. “I don’t know. Her parents are here in school right now. Mr. Dong and our teacher have gone over to meet them, so I believe they’ll persuade her otherwise.”

As soon as she said that, she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She took it out and saw Su Zeyue’s message. Although she had figured that, under the Su family’s pressure, the school would protect Zhou Fu and push the blame on Lu Guixin, she couldn’t help but get excited when she saw the outcome. She pushed down her emotions and feigned surprise. “Oh, Zeyue says she’s not going to transfer schools anymore. Lu Guixin will be the one to leave instead.”

Although her voice wasn’t particularly loud, everyone in the vicinity heard what she said. The faces of the girls around her lit up. “Really?”

Crash! The sound of a chair being knocked to the ground was particularly abrupt in this quiet classroom. Everyone looked over, only to see Zhou Fu walking over towards Xia Cheng from the corner of the classroom.

“Repeat that.” Zhou Fu’s eyes were dark, cold, and hostile as he said that.

Xia Cheng, who had never seen him like that before, was taken aback. “W-what?”

Tian Rong glanced at the menacing Zhou Fu before hurriedly saying, “Is the school going to expel Lu Guixin?”

Xia Cheng looked at Zhou Fu, then quickly turned her attention to Tian Rong and hummed her acknowledgment.

A girl said, “Isn’t that the right thing to do? This entire thing started because of her.”

“Exactly. She’s the cause of this mess and a bad influence to the students here. How could the school possibly want to keep her?”

“Just look at the difference in their results. Even an idiot can guess who the school will choose to keep.”

Zhou Fu clenched his jaw and looked at Xia Cheng. “Where did you hear this from?”

“Su Zeyue just texted me.” Xia Cheng held up her phone and showed him the message. “Her parents are here, so this is probably how the school is going to handle it.”

“Where are they?” Zhou Fu’s voice was as cold as a knife.

“In the principal’s office,” whispered Xia Cheng, her heart trembling slightly in fear.

Zhou Fu then turned around and coldly walked out of the classroom.

“Zhou Fu!” Afraid that his friend would get into another conflict with the teachers and the principal, Tian Rong hurriedly followed after him.

Xia Cheng pursed her lips and sank her nails into the flesh of her palms when she saw how Zhou Fu reacted to the news about Lu Guixin.

Whispers broke out in the classroom. “I really don’t get why Zhou Fu cares so much about Lu Guixin’s matters.”

“What other reason could it be? The campus belle has won over his heart, of course,” someone answered.

“So what? She landed herself in trouble with the Su family, and she’s about to get kicked out of the school.”

“Who knew that things would end like this…”

“She deserves it…”

…

The principal’s office.

After replying to his assistant’s message, Su Cheng put down his phone and looked at his daughter. “Are you happy with the way we’re settling this matter?”

Su Zeyue nodded. Of course, I am. Lu Guixin’s going to get kicked out of the school.

Mr. Dong and the form teacher also seemed visibly more relaxed now.

Not long after, Principal Lin, who had stepped out to make a call, returned to the office. “I couldn’t reach Lu Guixin’s parents.”

Su Cheng thus got up and smoothed his suit. “Settle the paperwork first and let Lu Guixin leave. Once you manage to reach her parents, I’ll get my assistant to settle the matter. My daughter will go back and attend classes as usual. Don’t let this affect her results.”

The way he talked was almost like he was giving out commands.

Before leaving, he emphasized in a threatening tone, “Principal Lin, I don’t want the matter to reach the city bureau. Things will become ugly.”

He didn’t think much about Lu Guixin’s parents as he reckoned that there was no need for him to waste his time with people from an ordinary family who he could easily crush with just a finger.

After saying his piece, he turned around to leave.

Principal Lin narrowed his eyes in a meaningful manner.

Just then, his phone suddenly rang, and the caller ID indicated that the call was from [The Capital].