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Chapter 196: The Unyielding Principal
Wu Deyu looked at Zhang Qiu with a stern expression and asked in a low voice, "What do you mean by 'transaction'?"
Zhang Qiu raised his phone and deliberately waved it in front of Wu Deyu, smiling as he said, "I can guarantee that this media outlet will not report on the class strike. At the same time, I also assure you that there will be no more strikes."
Wu Deyu asked, "What do you want?" In fact, he had already guessed what Zhang Qiu was thinking; he just wanted to hear it from Zhang Qiu himself.
"Let Hall Society go."
"Impossible." Wu Deyu rejected him outright.
"This won't harm the school. There's only a month left until the college entrance exams. I can ensure they won't cause trouble, and they don't want to either. After reflecting at home this time, the principal knows very well that the fault isn't mine. I'm willing to make sacrifices for the school, and I hope you can understand me."
Zhang Qiu's sincerity was evident. He never expected the principal to agree immediately; officials were used to being high above others and needed time. Even opening a sealed bottle required some effort.
Wu Deyu's tone softened slightly as he said, "Regarding Lu Bin, the school's actions weren't entirely correct, but they were for the benefit of most students. Moreover, you did indeed violate school rules."
"Principal, I won't argue about this matter. I was wrong for fighting, and I'm willing to accept punishment, including a disciplinary record and reflecting at home—I've agreed to all of that, right?"
Wu Deyu emphasized, "But you also organized a strike."
"Officer Ma didn't clarify the situation to you?"
"What situation?"
Seeing Wu Deyu's reaction, Zhang Qiu realized that Ma Zhen hadn't recounted the events to Principal Wu. It made sense; Captain Ma was a decisive person who preferred to resolve issues rather than report them. Reporting was for higher-ups, not something necessary for a school principal.
"Oh, here's what happened: after my reflection was publicly criticized by the school, the students spontaneously initiated a strike. You know how much pressure students are under; after being suppressed for so long, many wanted to vent their frustrations. Now that they've vented, and since you've promised not to punish them, of course they'll be happy to study obediently."
Since Ma Zhen did not come out, Zhang Qiu was not prepared to tell Wu Deyu that the person behind this class boycott was Zhao Jialiang. The principal would not punish anyone; that was aimed at ordinary students. If he knew that the one opposing him was actually a student council Chairman chosen by his own team, it would be a different story. Zhao Jialiang would definitely have to take the blame and would likely face criticism and education. Zhang Qiu thought to himself, Zhao Jialiang, how will you thank me? I have taken on such a big burden for you.
Wu Deyu acknowledged that Zhang Qiu had a point; the students were indeed feeling oppressed. In their school days, there were no morning or evening study sessions, and after school, they had to help with chores at home. However, times had changed. Since you were born in H Province, you could not expect to be as carefree as those in the capital or western cities. Oppression was one thing, but there were countless ways to relax; boycotting classes was absolutely unacceptable.
Wu Deyu could not agree with Zhang Qiu and stated seriously, "I will look into your situation. There is definitely pressure; everyone faces pressure during the college entrance examination—not just students but also teachers, directors, and even I as the principal feel pressure. But oppression is another matter. Our school has running exercises and breaks, and we have opened the library for you. What is there to feel oppressed about? I checked with the health office, and there hasn't been a single student seeking psychological counseling; this is certainly not a reason for your class boycott."
Not going did not mean there wasn't any, Zhang Qiu thought to himself but did not voice it. Arguing would not help; it would only make the principal angrier and benefit him in no way. Zhang Qiu continued, "I also believe this is not a reason for a class boycott, nor can I let my actions affect everyone's studies. So as soon as I received Director Zhao's call, I rushed over here. The first thing I want to do is assist the school in resolving this issue; surely the principal can sense my sincerity?"
"You're right about that, but the students are boycotting classes because of you. Shouldn't you assist the school in stopping this? Moreover, those participating in the boycott are all from your so-called Hall Society!"
Seeing Wu Deyu shift the blame onto Hall Society again made Zhang Qiu want to curse. The students were boycotting classes to protest against the school's unjust actions regarding the gymnasium! However, Zhang Qiu could not express this; for the sake of the club, he had to swallow his anger. In front of absolute authority, Zhang Qiu felt powerless.
"Principal, I assure you that Hall Society will not cause any more trouble for the school. Our intention is not to create chaos; if anything else happens, you can expel me without any complaints."
Having said this much, Zhang Qiu stopped speaking and quietly stared at Wu Deyu's slightly plump square face.
Wu Deyu picked up his cup to drink water and then held it out in front of Zhang Qiu, saying, "Look at this cup: when water is inside it, it's for drinking. If it's on the ground, it can only be used for mopping. You are the same; outside of school, you can do whatever you want. But inside school, your identity is only one: you are a student. As a student, you must follow school rules—whatever the school asks you to do, you do it; whatever it does not allow you to do, you cannot do it. This simple principle should be understood by you."
Zhang Qiu stared at Wu Deyu and asked, "Is it really impossible?"
"Absolutely impossible!" Wu Deyu replied firmly. "Only three organizations are allowed in school: the Party branch, the Youth League Committee, and the Student Council. Anything else is strictly prohibited; your Hall Society must disband. After May Day returns, announce it personally during the flag-raising ceremony. Otherwise, you won't need to come back; go build your club instead."
Zhang Qiu remained silent as he stared at Wu Deyu. Wu Deyu raised an eyebrow and asked, "What’s wrong? Did you not understand my words?"
"I understood," Zhang Qiu replied.
"Good that you understood." Wu Deyu took another sip of water and spoke slowly: "As for your journalist friend, if she wants to report on this matter, let her do so; Bei Luan No. 1 High School does not care if someone tries to smear our reputation."
Zhang Qiu remained silent.
Wu Deyu asked, "Have you thought it over?"
"Can I go back and think about it?"
Wu Deyu clasped his hands together, "Alright, if you come to a conclusion, come back after the May Day Holiday. If you don't agree, then you don't have to come back."
Zhang Qiu nodded and left with a sense of desolation. Watching Zhang Qiu's retreating figure, Wu Deyu nodded in satisfaction; he couldn't believe that a student would actually dare to stand firm against him.
When Zhang Qiu reached the bottom of the Senior High Building, he looked up at the direction of his classroom. There were his loved ones, his brothers, and classmates he had spent years with. At this moment, he should have told them that the principal wouldn't pursue the Hall Society, but things were not developing as he had imagined. The principal had presented him with a question that had no correct options for him: either disband the Hall Society or end his high school career. Disbanding the club was something Zhang Qiu could not do; leaving the place he had fought for nearly three years was even more impossible.
His phone rang, and the ringtone of Beyond felt particularly fitting at that moment. Huang Jiaju's unique voice perfectly expressed what loneliness and solitude meant. Zhang Qiu answered the call, and Liu Fangfei asked, "So, did your principal agree?"
Zhang Qiu replied weakly, "No."
"How could that be? Doesn't your principal fear media exposure?"
With a bleak smile, Zhang Qiu said, "It seems he doesn't fear it, or if he does, he is unwilling to compromise with me."
"Zhang Qiu, where are you now? Come on, cheer up." On the other end of the line, Liu Fangfei sensed Zhang Qiu's low spirits and couldn't help but worry.
"Sis, I'm fine; I'm still at school." Zhang Qiu choked up a bit. "I'm right under our teaching building."
"Zhang Qiu, listen to me. You've gotten through so much; you can get through this too. Think about Jiang Xue; she's here supporting you. What else can bring you down?" Liu Fangfei raised her voice. Outside, Liu Mother heard and knocked on the door: "Fei Fei, what's wrong? Why are you shouting?"
Liu Fangfei explained to her mother outside, "Mom, it's nothing; I'm just watching a drama." Then she asked Zhang Qiu, "Are you listening to me?"
"Sister, I'm listening." When it came to Zhang Qiu, her spirits did indeed lift, but they quickly fell again. It wasn't just Jiang Xue who could bring her down; it was also the Hall Society that she had worked so hard to build.
"Zhang Qiu, it's okay. I'll help you. As soon as I get to work, I'll make sure your class boycott gets reported. Let's give that money-hungry principal a good humiliation," Liu Fangfei said, wanting to stand up for Zhang Qiu and also worrying about her mindset.
"Don't, sister, don't report it," Zhang Qiu quickly stopped her.
"Why not? Isn't this your idea?"
"This is to scare the principal. If we can't scare him, then it's useless. A class boycott isn't the real issue; I can't really let the school be in the spotlight like that. So many students need to prepare for their college entrance exams; I can't let my actions affect them." There was one more thing Zhang Qiu didn't say—she didn't want Liu Fangfei to lose her newly found job because of this incident.
"You really are a kind child, but sigh." Liu Fangfei sighed repeatedly, unsure of how to comfort Zhang Qiu. "How about this? I'll go to Beilan County tomorrow and see you."
"No need, sister. Spend time with your parents instead. Let's stick to our plan; you come on May Day, and I'll take you somewhere nice."
"If you won't go, then you have to promise me to take care of yourself."
"I promise you."
"Then what nice place are you going to take me to?" Liu Fangfei had been looking for an opportunity to change the topic to something lighter so that Zhang Qiu wouldn't remain immersed in sadness. Luckily, Zhang Qiu provided her with a topic.
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