Chapter 40: The Principal Fell to His Knees “Old Liu, I brought your file.”
A low male voice cut through the noise. Everyone turned.
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Commissioner Bai and his team had arrived, startling the principal.Seeing the size of the entourage, he rushed to greet him.
“Commissioner Bai, what brings you here?”
the principal offered his hand, but Bai handed him a manila envelope bearing his name.
“Commissioner Bai, what’s this?”
Bai’s voice was stern. “Take your file and get out of!”
The principal’s hand trembled; the envelope fell. He swayed.
“Commissioner Bai…what did I do wrong…”
He glanced at Evelyn.“If it’s about Zoey’s expulsion, it was a misunderstanding. I’ve already invited her back!”
Bai nodded curtly.“Open your file.”
The principal opened it, his eyes widening. The top document was a transcript of his phone call
check fluttered with
recorded.A was Caleb’s grandmother. Every word
out.
The principal’s legs gave way; he sank to his knees. The reporters, sensing something significant, aimed their cameras at the scattered documents.
“Principal Liu was wiretapped! Was he involved in misconduct?”
Bai said, “Liu, look at these receipts. Do you recognize them? You took bribes, colluded with Caleb’s grandmother to sideline other trustees, and expelled students at her whim.I’m not just
officials here to fire you. I’m here to guide the disciplinary committee; they won’t let any corrupt escape!”
The principal was paralyzed with despair. He pleaded with Evelyn, “Director Ye ordered me to expel Zoey. She’s helped me a lot; I was just following orders…”
Evelyn said, “Apologize to my daughter.”
He kowtowed repeatedly.“I was wrong! I shouldn’t have listened to Director Ye…” Evelyn’s expression was impassive.He was acting for the cameras, hoping to be forgiven.He mentioned Caleb’s grandmother to drag her down.A dog–eat–dog show was about to begin. Evelyn’s eyes were devoid of warmth. She told Zoey, “When someone apologizes, you can choose not to forgive. They may not be truly repentant; they’re just embarrassed.Apologizing is their duty. Forgiveness depends on the price they pay for their mistakes!”
Bai couldn’t stand Liu’s wailing.
“Confess to the disciplinary committee.”
Two officers escorted Liu away.Reporters continued their barrage of questions. “Principal Liu, how much did you take in bribes?”
“What other deals did you have with Caleb’s grandmother?”
< Chapter 40. The Principal Fell to Hi…
Mend
Amidst the chaos, Evelyn stood calmly, meeting Bai’s gaze. They’d met before at the school but hadn’t spoken. When she entered MIT, he was an administrator.He’d been her mentor At fourteen, she’d taken part–time jobs to help her adoptive parents. He’d talked her out of it, urging her to focus on her studies.
When she went to Peking University for her doctorate, he’d been promoted. He waved goodbye at the MIT gates.
“Lu Wan, I’ll see you here. You’ll reach heights I can only dream of. When you’re at the top, looking down, I’ll be cheering you on.”
years later, he was here for a school inspection.After dropping the children off, Evelyn rushed to pick up Caleb’s suit for an evening event, choosing a tie and cufflinks.She reviewed the grocery list, confirming details for Caleb’s parents‘ dinner.She called the chef for a quick meeting. Only then did she remember her brief encounter with Commissioner Bai.
She hadn’t reread his encouraging words from her graduation.She’d lacked the courage to approach him after their chance encounters.Lu Wan, the promising student, had vanished, replaced by Mrs. Fu, a mother of two.That past relationship was distant history.
She saw Bai smiling.“Heard you won first place in the ALI Math Competition.”
Evelyn modestly said, “Just the
still the finals.”
“Congratulations,” Bai said formally. He was relieved to see her forging her own path.
He turned to the reporters.“If you want to know more about Evelyn, you can interview me. I was her advisor when she entered MIT at fourteen.”
preliminary
round.There’s
The reporters were delighted; Bai was
rarely available for
interviews.
Shane watched from his car.He saw Evelyn surrounded, Bai smiling and talking to the reporters.A smile played on his lips.But this wasn’t enough. He wanted to see her ascend, admired and revered.
“Zoey’s mother,” someone called timidly.
Evelyn turned to see parents who’d earlier advocated for Zoey’s expulsion, now smiling apologetically.
“Ms. Jiang, we’re so sorry.Principal Liu misled us.”
They glanced at Bai.“We never saw you talking to Commissioner Bai before. You kept that relationship very well hidden!”
“We heard you won first place in the ALI competition. You’re amazing! My husband said the top twenty
are highly sought–after by companies worldwide!”
“You’re so talented, you’re in high demand. Even Peking University wants you to give a lecture.Ms. Jiang, please let your daughter stay at 1.”
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