Bai Xiao said with a smile, "Vice Principal Zhao, didn’t you tell me to pack my bags and leave? Here I am, ready to go. I can’t disrupt the overall situation of the school, nor can I affect your enjoyment of the pre-rain Longjing tea!" With that, she strode away.
It wasn’t that she was being unreasonably persistent upon seizing the right; she was simply irritated by the officials’ mutual protection.
And she wasn’t even an official.
Since it was so, she couldn’t blame herself for being persistent when she had the right on her side.
Vice Principal Zhao felt a slight disappointment in his heart, but he maintained an indulgent smile on his face. He really had misjudged the situation this time.
"Bai Xiao, look, isn’t this all a misunderstanding? Come on, let’s go to the office and talk it over. You should also try the pre-rain Longjing tea. I had to take a call earlier and wanted you to wait for the news with me, but I may have spoken too casually, leading to this misunderstanding. Come on, as the Vice Principal, how could I stand by and watch our student be delayed like this? Academics are most important, academics are most important."
The cunning and crafty Vice Principal Zhao had quickly thought of an excuse, creating a way out for himself.
Bai Xiao also realized that if she continued to hold her ground at this point, it would be too much. After all, these matters were not within her purview as a student, and she was only involved because of her uncle’s influence. Moreover, she still had a long time to study at the school. If things got ugly from the start, causing a rift with the Vice Principal, even if he were to be dismissed, what benefit would it serve her?
"Alright, Vice Principal, I believe the school leaders will give me a fair explanation."
"Of course, certainly."
Vice Principal Zhao finally managed to persuade her to come back. He was worried that some people would not give face, making things difficult to handle. If someone insisted on escalating the issue, the outcome would likely be unpalatable for him.
Director Yu was their immediate superior, holding sway over the funding approval and construction project approvals for the entire school, including the affiliated hospital. If he offended the director, especially with the impending shortfall for the construction funds for two dormitory buildings in their college, things could get tight with just a single tightening of the purse strings.
The entire college staff would probably curse him to no end.
Now, the priority was to ensure this little ancestor felt thoroughly satisfied and appeased. As long as Bai Xiao maintained her connections for at least two more years of advanced studies, or even after that, if they decided to give her two more years to consider staying on with the university, it wouldn’t be a problem.
This little ancestor represented a significant opportunity for them. Even Director Yu, who might not take into account the monk’s face but rather the Buddha’s, would likely be more lenient with them.
If the old Principal found out that he had let slip such an opportunity and offended her, he’d be kicking himself.
Upon entering the office, they found Teacher Li collapsed on the ground, with Liu Hongmin by his side trying to persuade him, "Teacher Li, please get up. What’s the meaning of sitting on the floor like this?"
When Liu Hongmin caught sight of Bai Xiao following Vice Principal Zhao back, he immediately left Teacher Li and greeted them cheerfully.
"Student, don’t be upset, don’t be upset. Let’s talk things over nicely; our Vice Principal will surely stand by your side. We can discuss this calmly. Come, both of you take a seat first, and I’ll pour you some tea." At this moment, Liu Hongmin knew his status couldn’t match the Vice Principal’s, but that didn’t stop him from trying to curry favor delicately.
Vice Principal Zhao casually instructed, "Lao Liu, quickly brew that pre-rain Longjing tea and let Bai Xiao try it. Let’s see if it tastes good." He smiled warmly, as soothing as a spring breeze, and gestured for Bai Xiao to sit down on the sofa.
"Don’t be shy; think of our school as your home. I really enjoy interacting with students and hearing what’s on your minds."
These words almost made Liu Hongmin laugh out loud; old Zhao sure knew how to sweet-talk.