Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The grade director had been waiting for this question and discreetly whispered to the principal, âPrincipal, donât our schoolâs library need expansion?â
The principalâs eyes widened in astonishment, âAre you suggesting that they donate againâ¦â
The grade director grasped the principalâs hand and motioned for him to keep his voice down, âIf you agree, we can tease them a bit longer, make them unable to resist any longer, and then present our conditions. I guarantee theyâll agree without hesitation!â
âBut Mei Muâs expulsion has already been announced to all the students in the school!â The principal still felt that this was somewhat inappropriate.
However, the grade director had a plan in mind, âDonât worry; 1 have a way to get the money and make Mei Mu leave willingly later.â
After a moment of silence, the principal finally nodded, âAlright, go ahead and talk to them. Iâll wait for your good news.â
âRest assured, Principal.â The grade director had a confident smile on his face.
But when he turned to face Wang Yue, who was eagerly awaiting their response, he changed to an expression of concern. âMei Muâs mother, Iâve really done my best, but the principal still canât agree to let Mei Mu return to school.â
âThis wonât do! Principal, you should really think it over!â The elderly lady shouted, trying to approach the principal again.
The grade director quickly intercepted her, âPlease listen to me first! This is also a decision from higher up, and the principal is in a difficult position. As you know, while the principal is nominally in charge of the entire school, he is under the control of the Education Bureau. Our school has clear rules for rewards and punishments, and we canât set a precedent by forgiving a student who has made a mistake without consequences.â
The elderly lady, having lived for many years, had become shrewd.
Hearing the grade directorâs explanation, she realized that there might still be room for maneuver in this matter. She quickly pulled him aside and asked, âTeacher, I think youâre an honest person. Letâs make a deal: what do we need to do to get Mei Mu back to school?â
The grade head hesitated and said, âWell⦠we canât just say that. If those words come from my mouth and they happen to get out, I could be accused of favoritism. Then Iâll have a tough time with no one on my side.â n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
âDonât worry, only a few of us know about this matter,â the elderly lady hurriedly assured him. âIâve said it before, as long as you let my granddaughter return to school and continue her studies, Iâm willing to do anything.â
The grade director hesitated visibly.
The elderly lady pursed her lips and, trembling, took out a bank card from her pocket and hastily handed it to the grade director while the principalâs back was turned. She whispered, âThis token of appreciation is just for you. Please donât let the principal know!â
âDear lady, 1 sense your sincerity. In that case, I can share something with you.â The grade director accepted the bank card and lowered his voice, âThis upcoming inspection is mandated by the higher-ups. The principal is concerned because the schoolâs funds are tied up, and he canât afford to rebuild the library. Heâs worried that this issue will cause trouble with the higher-ups.â
Upon hearing this, the elderly lady instantly understood everything. She patted the grade directorâs hand and said, âYou wait here; Iâll talk to my daughter-in-law and provide you with an answer.â
âIâll wait for your good news!â The grade director personally helped the elderly lady to sit on the sofa and then pretended to go fetch some water and prepare tea on the other side, creating a space for the two women to discuss privately.
Mei Mu had been crying for a while. When she saw her grandmother return, she hurriedly asked, âGrandma, did the teacher agree?â
âIâve already found a way for you to return to school. However, your mother needs to agree to it,â the elderly lady fixed her gaze on Mei Mu.
Wang Yue wiped her tears and asked, âMom, what did the grade director tell you just now?â
The elderly lady sighed and repeated the grade directorâs request.
Wang Yue was on the verge of screaming.
But the elderly lady quickly grabbed her to keep her from losing control.
However, the impact of this news was significant, and Wang Yue couldnât help but feel angry. âMom, you donât understand. I recently donated a whole teaching building to the school. How can I possibly afford to rebuild the library now?â
âI know you donât have much spare money right now, which is why Iâm discussing this with you!â The elderly lady kept her voice low. âAfter all, Mei Mu is my granddaughter. Even though her father is neglecting her, 1 canât just sit idly by. 1â11 provide half of the money, but youâll have to solve the rest.â
Wang Yue bit her lip, struggling inwardly.
Expanding the library would cost at least six million yuan. Even if the elderly lady agreed to pay half, she still didnât have enough money.
But the situation had escalated to this point, and as Mei Muâs mother, she couldnât back down and let an elderly lady handle it. She couldnât appear weaker than a grandmother.
Facing Mei Muâs eager gaze, Wang Yue had no choice but to reluctantly nod. âAlright, Mom, I agree, but please talk to the school for me. I canât come up with that much money right now.. Can they wait for a few days?â