Chapter 45: Publicly Humiliated by Shen Chutang

As soon as the principal spoke, everyone’s faces registered shock—even Luo Shencheng and his friends were stunned. This was the first time a teacher had ever offered them an apology! A moment ago, several teachers had spoken rashly, but now, publicly contradicted by Shen Chutang, they could only swallow their pride and apologize to the students in front of all these witnesses.

“We’re sorry, we were too hasty. Once the facts are clear, we promise to give everyone a proper explanation.”

Luo Shencheng and his friends exchanged glances, unexpectedly embarrassed. “It’s... it’s fine.”

Shen Chutang pointed to the cafeteria security cameras. “There’s surveillance here. I don’t want to accuse my colleagues of bullying students. It’s best to clarify the situation first.”

Soon, the security office sent the footage to the principal’s phone. Shen Tingting and Qian Zihan went pale; they hadn’t expected Shen Chutang to actually be a teacher. And everything they’d just said was caught on the recording, including the voice of an English teacher from Class A, who now looked deeply uncomfortable.

The principal barked, “What are you waiting for? Come here and apologize!”

Qian Zihan and several girls walked over to Shen Chutang, trembling. “We’re sorry, Teacher.”

Shen Chutang looked at Shen Tingting. Reluctant but cornered by the crowd, Shen Tingting had no choice but to mutter an apology as well.

The principal continued sternly, “A two-thousand-word handwritten reflection. Not a word less. On Monday, you’ll make a speech under the flag and reflect properly!”

Qian Zihan and the other girls had always been star students—they’d never done anything like this before. Now their eyes filled with tears as they nodded. They blamed Shen Tingting for egging them on to bully Shen Chutang, only to find out her own sister was a teacher!

After leaving the cafeteria, Qian Zihan and the others wanted nothing to do with Shen Tingting.

“Why are you all walking so fast? Wait for me!” Shen Tingting called after them.

Qian Zihan replied coldly, “Don’t follow us. Shen Tingting, you did this on purpose, didn’t you? Your own sister is a teacher and you pretended not to know, making fools of us and getting us punished with a reflection!”

Shen Tingting hurried to explain, “I didn’t!”

But Qian Zihan and the others ignored her and walked away.

Once the cafeteria farce ended, the principal said to Shen Chutang, “We’d originally wanted to treat you to a meal today to welcome you to our school. I’m truly sorry for what happened.”

Shen Chutang shook her head. “It’s all right. Please, principal, enjoy your meal. I’ll eat with my students.”

The other three teachers looked awkward, so the principal led them away, leaving only Shen Chutang and the boys behind.

Shen Chutang simply took them to a restaurant outside the school, knowing teenage boys had big appetites, and ordered a table full of dishes. “Eat up.”

Luo Shencheng sat there in a daze; even Lü Wendong, usually lively, was quiet.

Shen Chutang couldn’t help but ask, “What’s the matter, did getting scolded leave you all dumbstruck?”

Lü Wendong slapped the table. “Holy crap! Did I hear that right? A teacher actually apologized to us!”

Luo Shencheng was also incredulous. “Same here! It’s the first time I’ve seen a teacher take our side and punish Class A!”

Xu Gaoyuan pinched his thigh. “I’m starting to wonder if I’m dreaming... Ow, that hurts!”

Shen Chutang could see it clearly now: they were still just kids. Their parents lacked involvement, and the toxic school environment had led everyone to label them as hopeless cases. Whenever there was a conflict between good students and bad ones, everyone instinctively blamed the bad students.

After living in such an environment for so long, these so-called “bad students” had given up on themselves.

Just then, the food arrived, and Shen Chutang said, “Let’s eat. We still have class this afternoon.”

Their appetites restored, the boys quickly polished off two big bowls of rice and all the dishes. Luo Shencheng, visibly more cheerful than before, exclaimed, “Teacher, can I call you Boss from now on? You were amazing today—even the principal deferred to you!”

“Yeah, Boss, you were so cool!”

Shen Chutang said, “Actually, when you grow up, you’ll encounter situations like this all the time. Because you lack the skills, people are unwilling to believe you. This society is harsh—even if you’re wealthy, in others’ eyes you’re just another empty-headed rich kid, the kind who’d help count the money after being sold out.

That’s why you should study hard. At least in school, you won’t be dismissed as parasites who can’t learn. Outside, you’ll be more than just idle young masters. When you step into society, you can shine in your own fields.”

Luo Shencheng and the others stared at Shen Chutang, eyes full of hope. They’d long wanted to shed those labels, but no one had ever told them how, and no one had believed in them. Gradually, they stopped believing in themselves.

“Boss, do you really think we can do it?”

“Of course you can. You’re only eighteen. You can become anyone you want to be.” Shen Chutang stood up. “And stop calling me Boss.”