"Principal, may I go check on the other students?"
Li Dezhi glanced at the student with mild surprise but little enthusiasm. Although he didn't outright object, it was clear he didn't entirely approve either. Was this her way of shirking responsibility? Though yesterday's events had indeed been distressing, now wasn't the time for such antics. However, recognizing the need for caution, he waved his hand dismissively, deciding against further antagonizing anyone. With stakes this high, it was wise to let tempers cool.
Taking on the role of the strict disciplinarian, Li Dezhi walked over to the seat recently vacated by Zhao Jieying and settled in, smiling as he turned his attention to the two students standing before him. "So, students, are you unhappy with the school's decisions? If you have any grievances, speak up. We're here to hear you out and ensure we make wise and fair decisions. Isn't that so?"
He paused, gesturing toward the empty chairs. "Would you two like to sit down?"
Zhang Xue blinked, briefly taken aback, but quickly understood the principal's intent. This gesture was a subtle move to placate the students, perhaps even an attempt to appeal to their sense of pride. After all, kids their age valued respect and validation. If the principal were to show them such courtesy, they might find it harder to keep up their guard.
"Thank you, Principal, but as our teacher, you deserve respect. We're fine standing," Shen Nan replied with poise and grace.
Li Dezhi regarded the young girl, genuinely impressed. He had met them before, but today he found something novel in their bearing. Here they stood, in front of him and Zhang Xue—and even their homeroom teacher—without a trace of nervousness. Instead, they seemed entirely calm and composed. This wasn't a quality one could foster easily.
"Very polite," Li Dezhi remarked, allowing a small smile. "But I've heard the two of you plan to resign from the school committee. I'd like to know the exact reason behind your decision. If this is in response to yesterday's reprimand, let me be clear: to respond by stepping down is hardly the action of an exemplary student."
In the past, such words might have been enough to sway Shen Zheng and Shen Nan, but today, bolstered by their brother's guidance, they remained unflinching.
"Principal Li," Shen Nan began with a calm and measured tone, "we reflected deeply on Teacher Zhang's words yesterday and gained valuable insight. We recognized that we're not fit for these roles, and we're grateful to have discovered our limitations now rather than later. It's clear to us that these positions should be held by those with both the capability and resolve to serve and set an example for others."
Shen Zheng stepped forward at this moment and pushed two neatly folded resignation letters across the desk. "Yes, Principal. Please accept our resignations."
The faint smile on Li Dezhi's face evaporated instantly, and his gaze grew sharper. These two were proving unexpectedly difficult to sway. Suppressing a flash of irritation, he hardened his tone. "Have either of you thought about what this decision means for your futures? How do you think this will impact your prospects? And your parents—are they aware of your actions? Surely they wouldn't simply stand by and let you do this."
In his mind, Li Dezhi couldn't help but suspect the influence of an adult. How else could two young students make such a calculated decision? The situation seemed implausible.
Shen Nan replied steadily, "We discussed it with our father last night. He respects and supports our decision."
Before she could say more, Li Dezhi's hand struck the desk in a sharp, reprimanding gesture. "What sort of parent would encourage this kind of thinking? What exactly is his occupation? And your mother—what does she think? This is unacceptable. I'll need to speak with them directly."
"Principal, we live with our father," Shen Zheng said, flipping one of the letters to reveal a signature and phone number. "Here's his number, if you'd like to reach him."
After handing over the paper, Shen Zheng stepped back, calm and unflinching. "If that's all, we'd like to return to class now. English is next period, and focusing on our studies was always our priority. Isn't that what matters most?"
Watching them leave, Zhang Xue turned to the principal, her voice tight with panic. "Principal, are we just letting them go? What about the repercussions?"
"What about them?" Li Dezhi replied, keeping his frustration tightly in check. "Didn't you notice how resolved they are? Even if we call their father, this might not end the way you hope. It's likely we'll have to accept it."
"But—but Principal, the school's reputation, the students' reactions—if this isn't contained, the impact…" Zhang Xue's voice wavered. Panic was starting to rise as she realized how this could damage her career, casting a shadow over her future. She could already imagine students spreading the story during lunch, carrying it home that evening.
Li Dezhi glanced at her, his frustration evident. If not for her father's position on the education committee, he might have already dismissed her from this mess. But now, rather than cast her aside, he decided to offer a plan. "Reach out to their father. Perhaps he can help us salvage this. And Zhang Xue, consider what you hoped to accomplish here."
Once he was back in his office, Li Dezhi picked up the phone. Instead of calling Shen Zui, however, he dialed the number for Zhang Xue's father, Zhang Chun, a key figure in the local education committee. Given the potential fallout, it was best to alert him now and minimize any surprises.
After an extended delay, Zhang Chun finally answered, his voice somewhat terse. Without preamble, Li Dezhi described the situation, sensing that Zhang Chun had already been briefed by his daughter.
Meanwhile, Zhang Chun sat at his desk, hand pressed to his forehead as he processed the mess. His daughter's indiscretion had landed him in a difficult situation. In another context, he might have quietly resolved the matter, but here, a more delicate figure complicated things: Ouyang Lan.
Recently, Ouyang Lan had been appointed head of the school's junior student council, with her candidacy being discussed for city-wide leadership programs. Yet barely a week had passed, and she already faced resignations from her deputy and vice-president, leaving her in an impossible situation. Such a blow to her confidence could ripple through the student body, tarnishing both her and the school's reputation.
"Director Zhang," Li Dezhi's voice cut in, snapping Zhang Chun back to the moment. "I can reach out to the children's father, but I can't guarantee it will solve anything. If we encounter resistance…"
Zhang Chun, a veteran of administrative politics, read the unspoken implication. If this negotiation failed, his daughter would likely have to shoulder the blame. She would need to make amends to contain the damage and prevent it from escalating further.