Zhu Dehua's face was so dark it seemed like it could drip water. He was already extremely displeased by the loss of his greatest ally, Wu Yifan. Now, to be publicly contradicted by a freshman—if he wasn't severely punished, how could he save face?
Lin Chen's actions were undoubtedly a blatant challenge to his authority. Even if Lin Chen were to admit his mistake now, he would never let him off easily! In this school, Lin Chen was nothing more than a fish on his chopping block; he had plenty of opportunities and means to make Lin Chen "feel good," or even get him kicked out of the academy!
Faced with Zhu Dehua's aggressive questioning, Lin Chen looked at him as if he were an idiot. A wicked smile curled at the corner of his mouth, his laughter revealing endless mockery and disdain.
"Is that so? You have to bear the consequences for doing something wrong?"
He thought to himself, "How can such a shameless person become the vice-principal of a top university? The world is going to the dogs, and people's hearts are no longer what they used to be!"
The surrounding crowd cast puzzled glances, wondering why Lin Chen had suddenly burst into laughter. Had he gone mad with anger? Why would he do something so strange?
However, the three women present seemed to understand Lin Chen's feelings. They could sense the anger within him, like a volcano about to erupt.
Lin Ruoyan, Lin Chen's current tutor, was the first to step forward. She knew Zhu Dehua's character well and didn't want to see Lin Chen suffer because of this.
"Vice Principal Zhu, I'm so sorry. I'm Lin Chen's counselor, and I apologize to you on his behalf!" Her voice was gentle yet firm, trying to give Lin Chen a glimmer of hope.
It's perfectly reasonable for counselors to take responsibility for their students. Zhu Dehua's eyes flashed with surprise when he saw Lin Ruoyan. However, he had always been a bully who preyed on the weak, and since learning Lin Ruoyan's true identity, even though he longed for her, he dared not act rashly. Now, with Lin Ruoyan pleading for Lin Chen, he couldn't help but hesitate.
"Well, since Teacher Lin..." He was about to speak when he was interrupted by a sudden cough. Zhu Dehua was taken aback, then remembered that Lin Ruoyan was using an alias, and immediately changed his words.
"Oh no, no, it's Teacher Yao... Oh, I'm wrong again, it's Director Yao! Since Director Yao is pleading for you, I'll give you face for now! After all, who hasn't made mistakes in this world? But the important thing is to admit your mistakes, bear the consequences, and correct them in order to stand firm in this world. Otherwise, what's the difference between a human and an animal? As long as he's willing to bow and apologize to me, this matter will be over."
When Zhu Dehua spoke, his face was filled with righteous indignation, as if he were the most impartial and selfless referee. At that moment, he indeed gave people an impression of integrity and fearlessness, inspiring a sense of trust in them. However, Lin Chen's lips curled into a meaningful smile once again.
"Oh? Only by admitting and correcting one's mistakes can one stand tall in this world? Zhu Dehua, what you say is truly insightful! As a mere student, I am utterly impressed by Vice Principal Zhu's knowledge. However, speaking of which, Vice Principal Zhu, have you corrected your own mistakes?" Lin Chen's voice was deep and powerful, seemingly able to penetrate the heart.
Those around felt a chill run down their spines upon hearing this, and the hairs on their bodies stood on end.
"Lin Chen, that's enough!" Lin Ruoyan hurriedly pulled Lin Chen back, giving him all sorts of meaningful glances, afraid he would say something even more outrageous. Although she didn't think Lin Chen would apologize easily, this stalemate would only make the situation more awkward.
Zhu Dehua was initially quite pleased with Lin Chen's words, but he also felt there was more to them than met the eye.
"While I dare not say that I have a clear conscience about everything I have done, I will at least reflect on and correct my mistakes afterward. Otherwise, how can I set an example, how can I teach my students, and how can I be a role model for others?" Zhu Dehua continued, still arrogant.
Looking at Zhu Dehua's righteous and awe-inspiring demeanor, Lin Chen couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Without deep insight, he might not have been able to see through the man's despicable nature. Thinking of this, Lin Chen couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Zhu Dehua was furious when he saw Lin Chen still mocking him. He didn't even care about Lin Ruoyan's feelings anymore and just wanted to give Lin Chen a punishment immediately, at least a major demerit, so that Lin Chen would not be able to graduate!
Just then, another person stood up and spoke up for Lin Chen. "Vice Principal Zhu, please don't take this madman seriously. He's not quite right in the head."
Surprisingly, this person was Yang Meixi!
She walked up to Lin Ruoyan and looked at Lin Chen with disdain. She didn't want Lin Chen to be fired so quickly; how could she retaliate then?
Zhu Dehua couldn't help but feel uneasy when he saw Yang Meixi pleading for Lin Chen. He knew Yang Meixi's status well and naturally wouldn't dare offend her easily. Now, the daughters of two of Haizhou's most powerful families, each worth billions, were pleading for this young man. Did he have some special talent in that area, managing to "win them all over"?
Thinking of this, Zhu Dehua couldn't help but nod in admiration. "Yes, I did get a little angry just now. You'd better apologize quickly, and I'll give you another chance!"
However, will Lin Chen accept Yang Meixi's favor?
He smiled faintly and continued, "Are you stupid? You want me to apologize to you? Speaking of those five people, I'm sure you don't know them, Vice Principal Zhu. However, you definitely know the younger sister of one of them. She's Jin Meizhu, a second-year student in the School of Music at Haizhou University, and she was the recipient of the first-class scholarship last year."
Upon hearing the name, Zhu Dehua felt a sudden surge of panic. He realized that his guess might be true!
The man who came in and started beating Wu Yifan like a madman must have something to do with women. But who would have thought he was Jin Meizhu's brother?
Fortunately, that person didn't ask for the specific details and only dealt with Wu Yifan. Otherwise, if they had dug deeper, the consequences would have been unimaginable! Thinking of this, Zhu Dehua wiped the fine sweat from his forehead and secretly rejoiced.
“As the principal of a school, I have at least eight or ten thousand students under my charge. How could I possibly know all of them? You just casually mention a name, how am I supposed to know who it is?” Even at this point, Zhu Dehua still tried to remain calm and said without changing his expression.
"Really? Our esteemed principal has forgotten such an outstanding student? You personally awarded her the scholarship and promised her that she would study hard and become your graduate student in the future. Have you really forgotten such a student on whom you placed such high hopes?" Lin Chen said.
Zhu Dehua's expression finally changed slightly. He widened his eyes, as if trying his best to deny the fact.
"Nonsense! When did I ever say such a thing!" His voice carried a hint of panic, but more so, anger. After all, he had said those words to Jin Meizhu in private, and his voice hadn't been loud; apart from him and Jin Meizhu, no one else should have been able to hear them.
However, Lin Chen had already seen through his thoughts and sneered, "Am I talking nonsense? Then I think that scumbag lying in the hospital right now should know very well whether this happened or not. Three months ago, what sweet words did you use to trick Jin Meizhu into going to the 'Boundless Happiness' club? Wasn't Wu Yifan there that night too?"
Zhu Dehua's face instantly turned ashen. He angrily rebuked, "Nonsense! What nonsense are you spouting here! At such a young age, you don't know how to be virtuous, yet you spout nonsense and slander your teachers! Haizhou University should not have a student like you, and cannot have one! You have tarnished China's top school! I'm expelling you, right now!"
At this moment, Zhu Dehua had completely lost his composure. Those around them stared at Lin Chen and Zhu Dehua, their minds seemingly unable to process what had just happened.
However, Ning Jiaqi, Lin Ruoyan, and Yang Meixi, who were beside Lin Chen, gradually understood the whole story. They all belonged to the upper class and naturally knew about the dirty dealings at the "Boundless Happiness" club. What could possibly happen to an ordinary female student who was taken to such a place?
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