Chapter 700: Teacher Zhou Apologizes
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Like many children, Su Li held a fundamental reverence for his teachers. Hence, he felt an innate sense of trepidation towards them.
Now, his homeroom teacher was a woman named Zhou, who seemed to have a particular dislike for him. Her demeanor would shift abruptly, one moment calm, the next stormy, which frightened Su Li. He quickly lowered his head, apologizing, “Teacher Zhou, I’m sorry.”
Gu Zi noticed her son’s fear and felt a pang of concern. She couldn’t understand why the teacher would behave in such a manner. She could ignore the teacher’s nonsensical words, but she couldn’t stand by and watch her son be wronged. She stepped forward to reason with Teacher Zhou.
“Teacher Zhou,” she began, “handing out test papers is a task assigned to you by your superiors. If you don’t want to do it, you can report it to them and refuse the task. You can’t blame the child for this, especially when we were called here instead of picking up the papers ourselves.”
Gu Zi shielded Su Li from Teacher Zhou, who, seeing that Director Du had not yet returned, became even more disdainful. She crossed her arms and looked Gu Zi up and down, sneering, “Don’t try to pin any blame on me. Just because you’re articulate doesn’t mean you’re right. In this society, status and position are what matter most, and you have neither. But some people do.
“Even if your two sons are admitted to this school, whether they can stay is another matter. I can see that you’re the type of woman who likes to take what isn’t yours and force your way into circles where you don’t belong. I predict trouble for you in the future!”
With that, Teacher Zhou turned to leave.
Gu Zi found her attitude extremely problematic. She was certain she had never offended this woman, but it was clear that someone was pulling strings behind the scenes. As for who that might be, she had no clue.
However, she was not about to let this go. She stepped forward to block Teacher Zhou’s path, “Teacher Zhou, you’ve overstepped your bounds with your words. I ask that you apologize to me and my son.”
Gu Zi had initially decided to let go of the teacher’s previous remarks, fearing that she might make things difficult for Su Li in the future. But she hadn’t expected the teacher to be so aggressive. It seemed that regardless of whether she let it go or not, the teacher would likely cause trouble for Su Li in the future. So, she decided to stand her ground.
Teacher Zhou was dismissive and tried to walk away, but Gu Zi was quicker and blocked her path again, repeating, “Please apologize, Teacher Zhou. Otherwise, we’ll wait for Director Du to return and let her judge the situation.”
Gu Zi stood her ground, causing the previously arrogant Teacher Zhou to feel a hint of fear.
This woman was not easy to deal with. She had thought that her harsh words would intimidate Gu Zi into silence, but instead, Gu Zi was demanding an apology. Who did she think she was?
But remembering the instructions from the person behind her, not to reveal her intentions too soon, and her fear of Director Du, she decided to apologize. After all, she had completed her task of showing her displeasure, and she could report back later. She could apologize now and find a way to deal with them later when Su Li was in her class.
Teacher Zhou suddenly changed her demeanor and apologized directly, “Su Li, and Su Li’s mother, the school has been very busy today, and I’ve been running around. I was irritable and spoke harshly. I’m truly sorry. There’s no need for a judgment. I apologize for losing my temper at you.”
Only then did Gu Zi let her leave. But as she watched Teacher Zhou’s retreating figure, she couldn’t help but worry about Su Li’s future situation. She knew the school’s rules; once classes were assigned, they wouldn’t be changed easily. She had no reason to request a class change for Su Li upon arrival, which would break the school’s rules.
Gu Zi turned to Su Li, “Su Li, you need to be careful with Teacher Zhou in the future. If you encounter any difficulties, you must tell your brother and me immediately, understand?”
Although Su Li was still somewhat scared, knowing he would have to face such a homeroom teacher every day, a teacher who seemed to dislike him, he didn’t want his mother to worry. So, without hesitation, he promised his mother, “Mom, I will protect myself.”
Su Bing also reassured their mother, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’m at the school too. Even though we’re not in the same grade, I’ll look after my little brother. I have my ways.”
After Teacher Zhou left, she went to the school’s public phone booth and made a call. Her tone became extremely obsequious, “Deputy Commander Hu, it’s me, Teacher Zhou. I’m calling to report the situation. I’ve met with that woman and her child.”