The department chair didn’t give her a chance to argue, mainly to prevent her from stubbornly denying it and making the police cuff her back to the police station. Their Western Language Department would become famous (for the wrong reasons), and what about the school’s reputation then?
He opened his mouth with a cold expression and said, "Regarding the rumors about Han Xinyan, do you want to admit them voluntarily, or do you want to go with the police to the station and confess?"
These words scared Qiao Shanmei stiff. Beads of sweat were dropping from her forehead instead of just cold sweat: "Chair, I, I, I don’t understand what you’re saying?"
The department chair didn’t expect Qiao to lie at this point: "You better think it through, seems like you don’t want the chance to confess, that’s fine then, suit yourself."
He turned around and said to Qin Peiyi, "Mr. Qin, this is Qiao Shanmei they’re talking about. I leave her to you."
At this, Qiao Shanmei collapsed directly onto the ground in fear: "Chair, I, I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong."
This attitude made Han Jingchen and He Jinxuan, who were watching from the side, furrow their brows.
It didn’t take long for Qiao Shanmei to confess everything she did. Regardless of how the school would handle it, Han Jingchen demanded she immediately, now, go to the school broadcast room to apologize to Han Xinyan and clarify what she had just said.
In fact, the department chair wanted to protect Qiao Shanmei a little because he didn’t want the department’s reputation to be damaged, but seeing the expression on Han Jingchen and He Jinxuan’s faces, he also thought it was understandable for them to be upset. If his own daughter was framed, he’d be angry too.
Vice Principal Huo walked up to Han Jingchen: "Jingchen, I know, with the occurrence of such an event, it’s normal for you as a father to be upset, but you also need to understand us. Beijing University’s reputation cannot be entirely negated because of her personal actions."
When Han Jingchen heard this, he inexplicably wanted to get angry, but just as he was about to speak, he heard Vice Principal Huo continue, "Don’t get angry yet, I’m not trying to cover for her.
The investigation materials you’ve seen show she did indeed commit despicable acts, but fortunately everyone acted swiftly, the rumors didn’t spread outside the department. How about this:
Forget about apologizing to the whole school. Tomorrow morning, the entire Western Language Department students will gather at the playground, having Qiao Shanmei and the other students who spread the rumors go on stage, apologizing publicly to Han Xinyan in front of the faculty and students.
As for the school’s final decision, the department will make it later. Don’t worry, the school will definitely handle it seriously."
Han Jingchen wouldn’t go against Beijing University anyway, since it was Qiao Shanmei’s personal behavior. He nodded in agreement.
The department leaders felt relieved seeing Han Jingchen agree, and the department chair swiftly stepped forward: "Mr. Han, thank you for understanding our work, and here I represent the department to apologize to you all."
Han Jingchen naturally understood what he meant, implying his daughter was still under their control. He’s not someone unreasonable, nor would he relentlessly hold onto issues.
With the matter having a resolution, Han Jingchen didn’t want to stay here any longer. After a few brief greetings, his cold gaze swept over Qiao Shanmei and the students who spread the rumors: "Truly wasted your high IQ."
Frightened by this, those few immediately shivered, each lamenting inwardly, while the female classmates collectively glared at Qiao Shanmei. One of them couldn’t stand it and directly cursed: "Qiao Shanmei, you troublemaker."
But Qiao Shanmei couldn’t care less about their cursing now; all she could think was ’It’s over.’
Only now did Qiao Shanmei realize how outrageously wrong she was. Han Xinyan wasn’t just pretending, she genuinely had the capability. Just as Jiang Peiqin said, she didn’t want to be showy, whereas Qiao had to pay for her own foolishness and arrogance, ruining her bright future.
The more she thought about it, the more scared she became, and Qiao Shanmei started to cry: "Chair, I was wrong, I truly realize my mistake, I won’t dare to cause trouble again, please give me another chance.
I will properly apologize to Han Xinyan and seek her forgiveness, hoping the department will see my sincere acknowledgment of my mistake and forgive me once."
She really recognized her mistake, but her words were only for the department leadership’s sympathy, and after saying this, she thought she must play the victim to elicit everyone’s sympathy, hoping not to get disciplinary action.
She imagined too beautifully. This matter must never occur again in the department. Since the school leadership already knows, there must be a severe punishment to serve as a deterrent, making everyone mindful of their behavior.
After all, their words and deeds represent not only themselves but also Beijing University, and as members of Beijing University, they have the obligation to uphold the school’s reputation.
At this moment, the counselors of these students received the news and hurried over.