Chapter 746: I’m Not A Thief
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Upon hearing the question, Gu Zi and Su Bing shared a knowing glance, their faces struggling to suppress their laughter. Su Li was about to press further when Gu Zi deftly changed the subject. “You two look after my sister. I’ll go make a call to the security office.”
With a single phone call, Gu Zi summoned the security team of the villa district. The team promptly dispatched two towering guards to address the issue at No. 1 Fulun Road. Upon arrival, they spotted a woman in her forties or fifties, peering nervously into the villa through the gate. The guards swiftly apprehended her.
One of the guards, his voice brimming with authority, demanded, “Where did you come from, thief? It’s still early, and yet you dare to cause trouble here. Do you know where you are? Leave immediately!”
Teacher Zhou’s arm throbbed where the guard had grabbed her. She protested, “I’m not a thief! You’ve misunderstood. I’m here to see the owner of this house! Please, let me go. I came to apologize. If you don’t believe me, call the owner out and ask her. I know the owner’s name is Gu Zi!”
The two guards exchanged puzzled glances. They had been dispatched because the owner had reported suspicious activity around her property. Could there have been a misunderstanding?
Even if there was, they couldn’t possibly admit that the owner had summoned them. And this woman claimed to be here to apologize, yet she had been refused entry and had arrived empty-handed…
The older guard seemed to grasp the situation. He ordered his colleague to release the woman, saying, “Stop your nonsense. I’ve never seen anyone come to apologize empty-handed before. I suggest you leave immediately, or don’t blame us for kicking you out.”
Teacher Zhou’s face darkened, but she had no choice but to leave. She knew that Gu Zi was doing this on purpose. Every time she came to apologize, she was rebuffed. But she couldn’t retaliate because Gu Zi and Yang Zhen had powerful backers. These two women were skilled at currying favor, even winning over the principal’s daughter. She had been careless, not realizing the connections these people had.
Whatever she did in the future, she would have to be more discreet. Despite understanding this, she was still furious. As she walked away, she tried to calm herself down.
Don’t get angry, she told herself. Hold it in. Once the dust settles, she would have plenty of opportunities to vent her anger. After all, she had Deputy Commander Hu backing her. If it came to a fight, others might not be able to handle her.
Teacher Zhou failed to secure Gu Zi’s forgiveness and was left with no choice but to seek out Director Zeng at her old home. She carefully chose words that would favor her, but to her dismay, she was still reprimanded by Director Zeng.
Director Zeng said, “Teacher Zhou, you claim that Yang Zhen is a teacher, a new one at the school, and a junior to you. You chose not to apologize to her, which is one thing, but you were the one who offended the parents of the students first. You cannot avoid apologizing for that.
“Furthermore, you are a seasoned teacher. It’s really unbecoming of you. Who goes to apologize empty-handed? It’s no wonder the security guard turned you away. If you had shown up at the door with fruits and a gift box, would they have treated you like a thief and chased you away? I’ll say it again, you must secure the forgiveness of the parents of Su Li, or else you should not return to work.”
For the first time, Teacher Zhou saw Director Zeng show such a stern face, and she immediately backed down. She could not afford to lose this job.
So, swallowing her pride, she hurriedly pulled out money from her pocket and handed it to Director Zeng. Director Zeng looked at her seriously, “Teacher Zhou, what is the meaning of this? Are you trying to bribe me?”
Sweating profusely, Teacher Zhou hurriedly explained, “Director Zeng, I wouldn’t dare! What I mean is, could you please do me a favor and apologize on my behalf? I’ve tried three times already, and I couldn’t even get through the door. It’s just too difficult!”
Upon hearing her explanation, Director Zeng considered that as a teacher at the school, Teacher Zhou’s actions had indeed chilled the hearts of the parents. An apology was necessary, but she suspected that Su Li’s parents would not want to see Teacher Zhou. Only then did she accept the money from Teacher Zhou, left to buy some fruits and biscuits, and rode her bicycle to Gu Zi’s house.
Director Zeng arrived at Gu Zi’s house and was easily admitted. She handed the fruits and biscuits to Gu Zi, saying, “Gu Zi, this incident was Teacher Zhou’s fault. She bought these as an apology gift for Su Li. I have already severely criticized her several times for this incident. Moreover, after discussions with our leadership, we have decided to revoke her qualification for the Outstanding Teacher Award last year.”
Gu Zi was well aware of the school’s system. The school held an Outstanding Teacher selection event at the end of each year. Those who were selected received a substantial bonus. This selection process particularly favored veteran teachers, and those with five or six years of teaching experience could usually be selected without any surprises.