Chapter 20 Police Station

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Outside the crowd, Director Xia watched the whole thing from the sidelines. She had no classes this morning and came specifically to visit Teacher Zhu, only to find herself witnessing a good show. She was furious when Luo Xiaoling accused her of seeking special treatment, even though she was known for being a person who always followed the rules.

Fortunately, She Ning was quick-witted and didn't get caught up in her trap.

"Who are you? You say she's number one in the grade, so she's number one?" Luo Xiaoling was still feeling aggrieved when she heard this and looked up to question Director Xia.

How can someone who didn't even graduate from elementary school get first place in their grade? It's hard to believe. Maybe someone they know is here to support She Ning.

"Mom, this is my school's head of the grade." The boy, who initially thought she looked familiar but after taking a closer look, finally recognized Director Xia, gently tugged at Luo Xiaoling's sleeve and whispered.

Apart from the patter of rain, there was no other sound. Although he spoke softly, everyone present heard him, and the scene became somewhat awkward.

Director Xia stepped out from the crowd, her demeanor poised and confident.

"She Ning's skipping a grade to enter the third year of junior high school is entirely in accordance with regulations. If you have any questions or objections, you can apply to the school for a review at any time."

"Our school has always adhered to the principle of recruiting talents without being bound by convention. If you have any students who want to skip a grade or have promising talents you would like to recommend to our school, we welcome you to participate in the assessment at any time."

Director Xia said loudly, "A person with a clear conscience has nothing to fear; she is ready to be assessed and inspected by the people at any time."

“Director Xia, I believe in you, and I also believe that the school is fair and just.” As soon as she finished speaking, someone in the crowd responded.

Many others echoed this sentiment.

She was wearing a raincoat and standing in the back, so no one recognized her. Now that she's showing her face, everyone recognizes her.

Anyone with a child attending Xiahe Middle School knows Director Xia. No child in the school hasn't received her care. At the same time, she is very principled, selfless, and never asks for anything in return. The shady thing that Luo Xiaoling implied before was probably about bribery.

Without any evidence, she made baseless accusations against the virtuous elderly teachers and even tried to use them as pawns. Upon discovering this, everyone's gaze towards Luo Xiaoling changed.

Despite everyone's reproachful looks, Luo Xiaoling remained defiant. Just as she was about to retort, someone forcefully tugged at the hem of her clothes.

Turning back to meet her son's dark, unfocused eyes, Luo Xiaoling felt a jolt of fear. She finally realized that Director Xia was her child's grade head. If her nonsense had ruined her child's future, the thought sent a chill down her spine, and she guiltily looked away from her son's eyes.

Luo Xiaoling is very good at changing her tune depending on the situation. Now that she sees the situation is not in her favor, she wants to run away.

“Aunt Luo, you have repeatedly slandered me without any evidence, seriously infringing on my right to reputation. This time I will report it to the police. Everyone present is a witness.”

Last time, Luo Xiaoling spread feudal superstitions in the village, spreading rumors that she was a jinx and would bring misfortune to her relatives. This time, she spread rumors that she used improper means to get into school. Last time, out of respect for the village secretary, they accepted her eggs and didn't pursue the matter.

This time, She Ning didn't intend to let it pass by so easily.

"Call the police?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned, especially Luo Xiaoling.

Xia Qiuxia couldn't help but glance at She Ning, and then showed an admiring look. She was neither humble nor arrogant, and she was not weak even when bullied. She was someone with her own opinions.

"Are you crazy? You're going to call the police for such a small thing?!" Luo Xiaoling realized what was happening and was furious. She lunged at She Ning to teach her a lesson.

She Ning stood still, calmly looking at her. "Intentionally harming another person's body is punishable by up to three years in prison or detention. You can try it."

Luo Xiaoling slammed on the brakes and barely stopped a short distance in front of her. Panting heavily, she glared fiercely at She Ning, but dared not make a move.

Xia Qiuxia and She Ni stood protectively on either side of She Ning. People around them whispered among themselves, some thinking that calling the police was going too far, while others thought it was a good thing, because a soft persimmon that doesn't resist will only be manipulated at will.

However, no matter what they say, She Ning will not change her mind.

"Xiao Ni, Aning." After returning from her stall, She Hongmei heard from Grandma She that She Ning had gone to pick up She Ni, so she stayed home to cook lunch.

However, lunch was already cooked, but they still hadn't returned. Worried that something might have happened to them, She Hongmei rode her second-hand bicycle, which she had just bought a couple of days ago, to look for them.

To her surprise, when she arrived at the door, she saw a large group of people surrounding She Ning and She Ni, including Luo Xiaoling, that troublemaker. Knowing Luo Xiaoling as she did, she knew without asking that she was the one causing trouble.

"What's wrong? Did she bully you again?" Pushing the cart forward hastily, She Hongmei pulled She Ning and She Ni up and down for a close inspection.

"Mom, we're alright," She Ning reassured her.

She Hongmei ignored her and grabbed her hands all over until she saw no bumps or bruises. Only then did she let go. It was then that she noticed who was standing next to She Ning. She was a little surprised to see her there, but it was clearly not the time to think about such things.

"Director Xia." After politely greeting her, without waiting for Xia Qiuxia to say anything, She Hongmei shielded She Ning and She Ni behind her like a mother hen protecting her chicks, and turned to stare directly at Luo Xiaoling.

When Luo Xiaoling saw She Hongmei arrive, she was overjoyed, and a smile spread across her face.

Although the two women didn't get along, they were still aunt and cousin-in-law. She Ning was just a child and didn't understand, but She Hongmei was an adult and would always consider social etiquette. She would definitely not let She Ning report to the police. Otherwise, if they were accused of causing their aunt to go to jail, their family would be shamed by the villagers.

Luo Xiaoling's idea was good, but She Hongmei was not one to follow the rules. What did other people's opinions matter to her? Her daughter's thoughts were the most important to her. After hearing She Ning say that she wanted to report the case to the police, She Hongmei unconditionally supported her actions.

There are telephones at the school, and the police station responds quickly. After clarifying the reason and collecting evidence from those around them, both parties have to go to the police station.

On She Ning's side, neither She Hongmei nor She Ni wanted her to go alone, and Director Xia also went with her, saying that he would testify for She Ning. As for Luo Xiaoling, her two sons had already abandoned her and run away when She Ning said she was going to report to the police.

When Luo Xiaoling entered the police station for the first time, her legs went weak.

Because the defamation was not a serious offense, she was only punished with an on-the-spot apology and having to read her self-criticism aloud in the village. This level of punishment was within She Ning's expectations, since the offense was not serious and did not constitute a criminal offense, so she would not be subject to criminal penalties, only civil liability.

Even so, Luo Xiaoling fell ill after returning from the police station. When she was seen again, she had lost a lot of weight. She would dart around She Ning when she saw her, and would avoid her from a distance. She also dared not gossip about others in the village.

Because of her example, everyone in the village learned about the crime of defamation, and the melons eaten under the big tree at the village entrance were more authentic. For a time, the atmosphere in Xiahe Village improved a lot.

"Director Xia, thank you." After leaving the police station, She Hongmei held her hand and thanked her for standing up to clarify when Luo Xiaoling slandered She Ning, and also for coming to the police station to testify for She Ning. "Look, because of Aning's matter, you didn't even get to eat lunch. This time, you must do us the honor of having a meal with us."

"No need to thank me, I'm just telling the truth." Director Xia waved his hand, not taking it to heart at all. It was common for him to miss meals while working. "I'll just grab something quick when I get back to school. I have classes this afternoon, so I won't join you."

"Oh right, She Ning, this is the material I brought for you. I almost forgot about it." She opened the bag she had been carrying and pulled out a stack of materials. "These are all past competition questions. You can try to do them. If you don't understand something, write it down and ask me at school later."

"In a while, the school will be setting up an after-school math Olympiad class. I'll reserve a spot for you. Think about it." Xia Qiuxia handed her the materials, patted She Ning on the shoulder, and her eyes were full of affirmation and expectation. "I believe in you. Good luck."

After returning home, She Ning opened the stack of materials, which was almost as high as a fist. It contained past competition papers from various cities across the country. She didn't know how much time and effort she had spent collecting such a large stack.

Thinking of the way Director Xia looked at her when they parted, She Ning felt a warmth in her heart. How fortunate she was to have met such a teacher.

If you give me a peach, I will repay you with a precious jade.

She Ning also prepared a gift in return for Director Xia, and took out all the math olympiad materials she had previously compiled. These were examples of problems modified from later versions, as well as multiple solutions to the problems, which she had written down in two thick notebooks.

Originally intended for He Xiaoyan and Lin Qian, She Ning now feels it would be more appropriate to arrange for Director Xia to give them gifts. As for a return gift for He Xiaoyan and the others, she plans to prepare another one.

As for the math Olympiad class that Director Xia mentioned, she didn't plan to go to school before because she had to take care of her family. Now, She Hongmei's business is gradually getting on track, and the family's financial situation is getting better and better. At the same time, thanks to the rice from the cultivation world that she secretly fed her during this period, the family members are much healthier, and everyone's face is rosy and they have gained weight.

Grandma She, who suffered a stroke, not only has a good appetite, but also spends more and more time exercising every morning. She can even walk for a while with the help of a cane.

As her family's situation improved, she was able to take some time to go to school. After deciding to attend the math Olympiad class, She Ning went to the school the next day to give Director Xia her reply, and also gave her the compiled materials.

Director Xia flipped through the documents, her eyes lighting up. "The teacher was right about you!"

I've already secured first place in the town's joint exam this year, and getting first place in the city's math Olympiad isn't out of the question!

"What's wrong with your brain? This problem, this solution... wow, you can actually solve it like this..."

This was the first time Director Xia had shown such emotional expression, and She Ning was somewhat overwhelmed, so she made an excuse and left.

After leaving the school, thinking that she hadn't been to a market in a long time, She Ning headed towards the market.

Suddenly, a familiar man in a floral shirt and bell-bottoms appeared across the street. She Ning immediately ducked to the side and hid behind a big tree. The man looked around and then turned into a side alley.

She Yaozu.

A note from the author:

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