Chapter 908: Wealthy Benefactor
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The director of moral education adjusted her age-old black-rimmed glasses and looked at Gu Zi as she stepped out of the luxury car and walked to the student assembly point at the school gate.
After confirming that she was indeed there to take the exam, the director sneered and said coldly, “I am the invigilating teacher and the director of moral education at this school. Name?”
Gu Zi heard the disdain in the middle-aged teacher’s voice but didn’t rush to defend herself. She simply replied, “Gu Zi.”
The director glanced down at her roster, her finger tracing the names as she searched for Gu Zi’s. Upon finding it, she read aloud, “Gu Zi, a recent graduate from last year’s college entrance examination, previously attended Guangcheng First Bilingual Middle School. You’re a Guangwai student!”
As she continued reading, her surprise became evident. Guangwai was the top-ranking school in the city, known for consistently placing in the top three at the provincial level as well. Despite Renhe Middle School being backed by the Central Education Bureau, it often found itself overshadowed by Guangwai’s reputation.
To get into Renhe, students had to excel academically or possess a special skill while maintaining decent grades. While these students were undoubtedly talented, the college entrance exam primarily relied on academic performance. In pure academic comparison, Renhe could not hold a candle to Guangwai.
Although the director hoped Renhe would one day surpass Guangwai, she held a deep respect for its students, recognizing their rigorous academic discipline and overall quality. She had never heard of any female student from there engaging in relationships for financial gain, and as she thought this, her gaze intensified on Gu Zi, scrutinizing her with newfound curiosity.
Gu Zi remained calm under the director’s piercing stare, meeting her gaze confidently. “Teacher, I am a Guangwai student, or rather, I was. Now that your school has accepted me, I am a Renhe student.”
A hint of regret flickered in the director’s eyes. Initially, she had looked down on Gu Zi, but her composed demeanor suggested that she was not the type to rely on wealthy benefactors. Perhaps there were family difficulties that left her with no choice, but it was inappropriate to ask directly.
Instead, the director chose to express her thoughts more gently, “While Renhe may not have a ranking as high as Guangwai, we do have our basic rules and principles. As a student, you should embody the spirit of a student. If you’re facing difficulties, you should first seek help from the school or the government, rather than allowing things to come to this point where Guangwai would no longer accept you.”
Gu Zi picked up on the director’s assumptions and couldn’t help but find them amusing. Did the moral education director really think that Su Shen was a wealthy benefactor she was leaning on? It seemed she had somehow concocted a dramatic tale of Gu Zi being a struggling student, forced into a life of servitude and humiliation, all for the sake of survival, and had even concluded that Gu Zi’s situation was a result of her newfound negative fame at Guangwai. The thought made her chuckle.
Despite the director’s somewhat rigid demeanor, Gu Zi realized that she was a competent teacher, at least in the sense that she genuinely felt regret for a promising student. It was clear the director valued talent.
Gu Zi decided to clarify her situation. “Teacher, while I am married, there’s no rule that states married individuals cannot take the college entrance examination, right? The person who dropped me off just now is my husband. I don’t need to seek help from anyone. Thank you for your concern, but I would like to clarify that Guangwai didn’t accept me for reasons I don’t fully understand, but it’s not my fault.”
Her words were clear and articulate, and the moral education director listened intently. Gradually, her gaze softened. “So, that was your husband. I apologize for the misunderstanding and for the harsh words I spoke earlier. It’s admirable that you are married yet still have the desire to pursue your studies. I wish you the best in obtaining your college entrance qualifications.”
She continued, “However, even if you don’t perform well on the exam, that’s okay. If you have a special skill, our school can still admit you for a year of retakes, allowing you to try again. With your eagerness to learn and passion, any challenge can be overcome.”
The moral education director was strict with herself; she believed in admitting when she was wrong. By setting an example, she aimed to be a true role model for her students. Although she could be quite traditional and sometimes harsh in her words, very few of her students disliked her. In fact, some remained friends with her long after graduation.
The director considered Gu Zi’s explanation about being rejected by Guangwai. She suspected that it was likely due to Gu Zi’s academic performance. Guangwai had the strictest standards, and if a student’s grades did not meet their requirements, they might be encouraged to leave, fearing that such a student could negatively impact the school’s overall admission rates.