After class, Teacher Shang came to look for Gu Qili and spoke to her about the scholarship, cheerfully telling her that the principal had agreed to review the case again, and it was very likely that her spot would be reinstated.
Faced with Teacher Shang’s enthusiasm, Gu Qili felt an unbearable sense of guilt.
The problem was, she couldn’t provide a reasonable explanation to comfort his trust in her, "Teacher, you don’t have to offend the people at the academic affairs office on my behalf."
"I’ve already offended everyone at the academic affairs office a long time ago. I teach my lessons with integrity; what can they do, make things up out of thin air?" Teacher Shang patted her hand reassuringly, "Qili, don’t worry, as long as I’m here, I will ensure justice is served on your behalf. No matter the outcome, we will not regret because we fought for it."
Gu Qili nodded vigorously with gratitude. From Teacher Shang, she had learned not just knowledge, but also the backbone of being a person. A good mentor and friend, indeed.
Gu Qili told Mickey the news; Mickey was happy for her, too.
"If the scholarship is reapplied successfully, you won’t have to worry about tuition fees anymore, it’s just..." She pursed her lips, hesitating.
"What can’t you say to me?" Gu Qili nudged her with her elbow.
Only then did Mickey say: "I haven’t told you before, but Teacher Shang’s father-in-law was hospitalized. The old man doesn’t have health insurance and the surgery cost a lot of money, consuming all the savings Teacher Shang and her husband had over the years. I heard they even borrowed money. I learned about it from a fellow townsman whose uncle works in the same department as Teacher Shang."
Gu Qili stopped in her tracks: "Why didn’t you tell me earlier?"
"There was no point in telling you after you had lost your scholarship; you could only worry about it. But now there’s hope again, isn’t there? Once the scholarship is awarded, you can pay Teacher Shang back."
However, Gu Qili couldn’t get excited because she knew all too well that the principal was just giving lip service, and the academic affairs office was unlikely to actually re-investigate. This matter involved too many people; why would they go to such lengths for a student of no importance? Moreover, she had never intended to make a defense for herself from the beginning.
The scholarship was truly irretrievable.
Not wanting to dampen Mickey’s kindness, Gu Qili smiled and said: "Yeah, let’s wait patiently, believing that good things happen to good people like Teacher Shang."
After dinner, Mickey went to train new club members, and Gu Qili went to the library alone with her backpack.
She had agreed to meet Yishu at six o’clock here, but she arrived early since she had nothing else to do.
Upon entering the library, many students were already present, so she headed directly to the foreign books section. She bumped into someone wearing a black cap and a mask. Gu Qili didn’t pay attention, but he glanced at her subtly before walking towards the bookshelves.
Just as she sat down, a girl with a ponytail and a bit of baby fat on her face approached and stood in front of her.
Gu Qili didn’t recognize her, but given her ’popularity’ at school, there were probably few who didn’t know her by face.
"Senior Gu, I wish you and Senior Chen a long and happy union." The junior handed her a red heart-shaped card and ran off giggling, with a blush on her face.
Gu Qili was completely baffled and picked up the card to read it. It bore a clean and elegant line: Qili, I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?
On the back, there was also a row of small writing: If you receive this card, please pass on my blessings to Gu Qili. Today, I want to confess my feelings to her, Yishu.