Chapter 74: Let Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Ma Jifei and his colleague glanced at the phone number and immediately pressed the answer button, only to be harshly scolded by their superior.

“What are you doing abandoning your post to hassle Shen Chutang? Get back here immediately, right this instant!”

The two of them didn’t dare say a word under the tirade. After hanging up, their attitude toward Shen Chutang became respectful.

“We apologize, Teacher Shen. We failed to recognize your status. Since the academic verification system shows your credentials, there’s certainly no problem.”

Shen Chutang nodded, showing she didn’t mind.

But Mrs. Qian was far from pleased. “Ma Jifei, what’s the meaning of this? This fraud is impersonating a teacher—why haven’t you arrested her yet?”

Ma Jifei replied sternly, “Mrs. Qian, please refrain from wasting public resources. If you continue, we’ll have to arrest you for filing a false report.”

Mrs. Qian was stunned. She had arranged for them to lie in wait and put on a little act, thinking it would be an easy way to drive Shen Chutang out of the affiliated school.

But now, not only were they treating Shen Chutang with deference, they were even threatening her instead!

Ma Jifei and his colleague, not daring to linger, made their exit as soon as they’d said their piece. Inwardly, they both regretted agreeing to Mrs. Qian’s request last night in exchange for a single pack of cigarettes. Now they weren’t even sure if they’d keep their positions.

“What just happened?”

“That’s odd. Wasn’t Mrs. Qian the one who called the police? Why did they just leave?”

“They said Shen Chutang’s credentials are valid. Why didn’t they arrest this fraud? Unless Shen Chutang really does meet the requirements?”

The parents in the back started murmuring amongst themselves, their voices growing louder. Finally, the principal spoke up. “Everyone, Teacher Shen is now a part of our school, dedicated to educating Class Z, and has already achieved remarkable results. If you insist on having her dismissed, I’m afraid that’s impossible. However, if you wish to withdraw your children, I can process the paperwork for you right now.”

The Affiliated School of Jing University was the best in the area, and there was a high chance for direct admission to Jing University itself. Besides, their children were already in their final year—how could they transfer so easily?

The parents exchanged glances. “Forget it, but Principal, you must ensure that someone like her never teaches our children in Class A!”

“Yes, and don’t assign any of our teachers to Class Z either. We don’t want them to be influenced by those troublesome students. Our children are precious—after all, they’re the ones who will boost the school’s university admission rates.”

“That’s right! I suggest that Class A should have the best facilities and meals in the whole school, so the children can be strong and focus on their studies!”

Shen Chutang laughed. “All children are born to their parents—what, is yours some sort of superhuman? If you don’t want to stay, just transfer out. Why insist on making a scene, as if we’re begging your child to remain?”

“How can you speak like that!”

Just as the parents were about to start another quarrel with Shen Chutang, the principal interjected once more. “Ladies and gentlemen, as I’ve said, if you wish for your children to continue here, please leave. If not, come forward and complete the withdrawal process.”

At last, Mrs. Qian glared coldly at Shen Chutang. “You’d best behave yourself and not corrupt my child, or you’ll regret it.”

With that, the group of parent committee members finally left the office.

The principal wiped the sweat from his brow, a little embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Teacher Shen, for troubling you with this.”

Shen Chutang was unconcerned. “Handle these matters yourself in the future. I have no patience for pointless arguments—I’d much rather settle things with action than words.”

The principal had thought Shen Chutang merely disliked wasting her breath. He hadn’t expected her to mean she’d use physical force, and quickly added, “Teacher Shen, this is a school—please keep calm. It’s all settled now, so go get some rest. I won’t trouble you with these issues again.”

Shen Chutang nodded, satisfied, and left.

She had just reached the door when the principal called after her, “By the way, next month is our school’s sixtieth anniversary celebration. Every class must prepare at least one performance. Teacher Shen, would you…”

“I understand,” she replied.

Since it was required of all classes, Shen Chutang did not refuse.

The principal, however, was skeptical. Every year, Class Z never participated in performances at all. Could Shen Chutang really persuade them?

Returning to her office, Shen Chutang gathered her things and headed to the classroom. But as she approached, she saw chaos in the corridor—a brawl had broken out!

Luo Shencheng, tall and athletic, was leading the students of Class Z on one side.

Opposite them stood the boys from Class Y. Both sides disliked each other, hurling insults and shoving until the two tallest among them started throwing punches.

The other students egged them on from behind. Only one female teacher was present, but she was powerless to intervene—the boys, all seventeen or eighteen and in the prime of their growth, towered above her.