Seeing Ye Tian had arrived, He Biandan got up, saying he had to go to work, but he was worried about his child, so he entrusted the kid to Ye Tian. Without a second word, Ye Tian pulled He Ku over, and then reassured He Biandan to go to work with peace of mind.
When they were on their way out, Mo Yan’s room door was closed, and Ye Tian didn’t knock either, just took He Ku out to have breakfast. When they returned, they saw Mo Yan and Xiao Jian checking out of the hotel.
"Yo, has the hero awakened?"
The "hero" was a reference to Xiao Jian. Had this man been born in ancient times, he surely would have fit the role of a sword-wielding wanderer, not to mention the dramatic and distinctive flair of his speech that alone had enough character. Heroes are all about distinctiveness, right? Like a plum branch, a red maple leaf, Chu Liuxiang, and the likes.
Ultimately, Xiao Jian’s face was brass, aware of his embarrassing antics from the night before. Even though Mo Yan hadn’t mentioned it, he knew himself well.
"Sorry for the trouble last night, my apologies."
"Heh, no worries, that drunken fist performance last night sure was an eye-opener."
A ’drunken fist’ performance to boot. Xiao Jian’s cheeks blushed even more radiantly, scratching his head and at a loss for words while reminding himself internally, over and over, to quit drinking.
"Hey, hero, can I ask you for a favor?"
Ye Tian’s shamelessness was coming through again, prompting Mo Yan to feel a surge of urgency—was this your friend or mine? How come you speak so much more directly than I do?
Ignoring Mo Yan’s murderous glare, Ye Tian brought He Ku to the forefront, "This kid was kicked out of school because of exorbitant fees. We’re just a poor household and can’t help much. So, you see, could you please speak to the school on his behalf, let him continue his education?"
Perhaps feeling that his plea wasn’t pitiful enough, Ye Tian also pulled Mo Yan into the conversation, "Originally, Miss Mo wanted to talk to you, but she was afraid to trouble you, that’s why she didn’t mention it, so here I am, shamelessly asking. When it comes to it, it’s not our fault that..."
For the next ten minutes, Ye Tian vividly described the hardships faced by He Ku’s family and the unreasonable tyranny of the Zheng family. His strong choice of words and vivid tone were akin to the rhetoric of a United States presidential campaign.
Xiao Jian listened but didn’t react as strongly as Ye Tian had hoped, "This is a tough situation. I’m part of the public security system, not even the head of the Public Security Department can intervene directly. I would suggest you gather all the relevant materials and first take down the Zheng family. Then deal with the school issue. He Ku, your school is privately run, right?"
He Ku nodded, "The principal is from the northeast."
"Oh, then this is even harder. It’s common to run private schools, but the issue is that these schools are not just about educating anymore; they’ve added the goal of profiting. Just like what you described as financial crime, it won’t stand. Since they dare overcharge, their books will surely be immaculate, and the extent of bribery and entanglement of interests are complex, beyond what one person can unearth. Even if you do manage to expose them, how will you resolve the aftermath? You can’t just leave it hanging. If it escalates, and the education bureau can’t settle it, nobody can escape."
Xiao Jian’s analysis sent a chill down Ye Tian’s spine. He hadn’t been oblivious to these issues, but it was only after Xiao Jian verbalized them that he realized the severity of the situation. Regardless of private or public schools, how many were actually clean? Scrutiny could bring down any, and it was only a matter of whether higher-ups chose to investigate.
Peaceful times call for no excesses; nobody wants to cause a stir, especially with year-end upon us, and all departments prioritizing stability over all. Who would risk stirring?
Mo Yan glanced unintentionally at He Ku, and Xiao Jian caught it.
"Although it is quite tricky to resolve, it’s not entirely without a solution. Ahem, stop looking at me like that; I’m just making a point."
Seeing all three staring at him made Xiao Jian a bit embarrassed.
"Xiao Jian, don’t play me. You’ve been known since college for being sneakily naughty—quiet on the regular, yet once trouble stirs, it traces back to you, the instigator. Got any sly ideas hidden up your sleeve? Speak up, so we all can chip in, there’s strength in numbers after all."
Xiao Jian gave a wry smile, "Miss Mo, this isn’t a matter that can be solved by numbers. Even if we use some tough tactics to deal with it, can you guarantee that the child won’t be bullied at school? There have been cases where teachers coax students to bully other students, the damage to that child’s psyche is no small matter."
"Don’t play games, if you’re talking , you must have a solution."
What Mo Yan said was exactly what Ye Tian wanted to express. This guy had been beating around the bush, but a closer analysis would reveal faults in his words. With their connections, getting a child into school was just a matter of word. Yet here he was, emphasizing difficulties, clearly setting up his own stage.
"I do have a way, but I’m afraid you might not agree."
"I have a friend who also works at a school. If I talk to him, I should be able to get He Ku enrolled there. It’s an international school; He Ku could get a better education and even go abroad for university if he does well. What do you think? Oh, and naturally, you shouldn’t worry about tuition fees. They have a scholarship for poor families, up to ten thousand yuan per semester, which can also help with household expenses. Maybe you can start a small business at home too. He Ku’s circumstances will definitely be taken care of, I’m not sure of the specifics, but tuition fees will certainly not be a problem."
"I forgot to mention, he doesn’t have local household registration."
"That’s fine, international schools don’t have household registration restrictions."
It sounds beneficial without any disadvantages.
Seeing Ye Tian quiet, Xiao Jian added, "You don’t need to rush your decision; it’s an important matter after all. Wait for the kid’s father to return, and you can discuss it then. But as for the issue with his former school, I advise you to let go as much as possible. After all, it’s not that you can’t settle the score, but if you do, who guarantees you won’t get harassed later? I don’t need to elaborate on that, do I?"