Zhang's mother's finger lightly slid across the phone screen, dialing that familiar number. Her heart was filled with doubt and anxiety; Li Wei's behavior unsettled her, and she needed to find out the truth behind it all. The phone rang, and she held her breath, hoping her son would give her a reasonable explanation.
“Zhang Yuan? It’s me, Mom.” Her voice trembled slightly, but she tried to remain calm. “I just heard some things about Li Wei that have shocked me. Can you tell me what happened?”
On the other end of the phone, Zhang Yuan's voice came through; he was clearly surprised by the sudden news. He knew this was a huge blow to his mother, and he had to handle the situation carefully.
“Mom, this matter is a bit complicated, and I don’t know all the details. But I promise I will find out as soon as possible and give you a complete answer.” Zhang Yuan’s voice revealed determination and a sense of responsibility; he knew he couldn’t let his mother worry for too long.
Hearing her son's words, Zhang's mother felt her anxiety ease slightly. She knew Zhang Yuan was a trustworthy person and would do his best to uncover the truth. She took a deep breath and decided to patiently wait for her son's reply.
After hanging up the phone, Zhang's mother was still filled with turmoil. She sat on the sofa in the living room, her gaze unconsciously falling on the family photos hanging on the wall. Those photos documented the long-standing friendship between the Zhang and Li families, from gatherings in their youth to the children's growth—each one a precious memory. But now, these memories seemed shrouded in a shadow.
She stood up and decided to go to the study to wait for Zhang Yuan's reply. The study was filled with the faint scent of books; it was Zhang Yuan's grandfather's favorite place. Zhang's mother gently stroked the spines of the books on the shelf, weathered by time, and a wave of indescribable sorrow washed over her.
Just then, the phone rang, breaking the silence of the study. Zhang's mother quickly answered the phone; it was Zhang Yuan.
“Mom, I’ve learned some things.” Zhang Yuan’s voice sounded heavy. “Li Wei’s behavior at school has indeed gone too far. She seems to have been involved in some pranks against her classmates, and even some serious bullying.”
Zhang's mother frowned deeply; she hadn't expected Li Wei to do such a thing. "What about the Li family's bankruptcy? Is it related to this?" she asked anxiously.
“It’s not certain yet, but I’ve heard that the Li family’s finances have always been strained, and they’ve recently faced some legal troubles. These pressures may have led to the Li family’s bankruptcy,” Zhang Yuan replied.
After a moment of silence, Zhang's mother slowly said, "Zhang Yuan, your grandfather always said that one should be kind and grateful. Although the Li family is at fault, we cannot stand by and watch them die. Can you think of a way to help them?"
Zhang Yuan was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone, then said firmly, "Mom, I will do my best. But I must also remind you that we cannot blindly help them; we must act within the bounds of the law."
Zhang's mother nodded. Although she was still filled with worry, she believed that Zhang Yuan would make the right decision. "Alright, Zhang Yuan, be careful. I'll wait for your news."
After hanging up the phone, Zhang's mother calmed down a bit. She decided to go to the kitchen to prepare some tea and snacks; perhaps when Zhang Yuan returned later, they could sit down and have a proper talk.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yuan sat in the school library, his brow furrowed. He knew this matter wasn't simple, and he needed more information to make the right judgment. He picked up his phone and dialed an old friend with extensive experience in the student union, who might be able to offer some advice.
"Hello, it's me, Zhang Yuan. I need your help with something," Zhang Yuan said directly.
The friend on the other end of the phone chuckled. "Zhang Yuan, it's rare for you to ask me for help. So, what's up?"
Zhang Yuan briefly explained the Li family's situation, then asked, "What do you think we should do?"
My friend pondered for a moment, then said, "First, we need to understand Li Wei's behavior and influence at school. Then, we can consider whether we can use the power of the student council to help her correct her mistakes."
Zhang Yuan nodded; he knew this was the right thing to do. "Okay, I'll gather the information as soon as possible, and then we'll discuss it in detail."
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yuan began to take action. He first contacted other members of the student union, asking them to investigate Li Wei's behavior at school. Then, he contacted the school's counselor, asking them to look for disciplinary issues related to Li Wei.
A few hours later, Zhang Yuan sat in the library, surrounded by piles of documents and materials. He carefully read through them, trying to find the root of the problem.
According to the student council's report, Li Wei's behavior at school was indeed somewhat excessive. She frequently bullied classmates and even participated in some malicious pranks. Although these actions caused dissatisfaction among some students, they did not attract sufficient attention from the school.
Zhang Yuan frowned. He knew this information wasn't enough to explain the real reason for the Li family's bankruptcy. He needed more clues, more evidence.
Just then, his phone rang. It was his friend from the student council.
“Zhang Yuan, I’ve found some information.” His friend’s voice sounded somewhat serious. “Li Wei has indeed been behaving badly at school recently, but that’s not the main reason for her family’s bankruptcy. I heard that her family has recently been involved in a much bigger case involving some improper business practices.”
Zhang Yuan's brow furrowed even more. "Unfair business practices? What exactly?"
“It’s not clear yet, but it’s said to involve some insider trading and bribery. This is a very sensitive matter, and if confirmed, the Li family could face even more serious legal consequences,” my friend said.
Zhang Yuan was silent for a moment, then said, "Thank you, I will handle this carefully. This matter could affect our school's reputation, so we cannot take it lightly."
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yuan felt even heavier. He knew this matter had exceeded his expectations. He had to act cautiously and not let the school get involved in this mess.
He decided to call Zhang's mother again to tell her the latest situation.
“Mom, I’ve found out some new information.” Zhang Yuan’s voice sounded tired. “Li Wei’s problem is more serious than we thought. Her family may be involved in some improper business practices, which could affect our school’s reputation.”
After a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, Zhang's mother slowly said, "Zhang Yuan, I know this matter is very complicated. But we cannot back down because of fear. Our Zhang family has always been known for its integrity and fairness, and we cannot abandon our principles because of the Li family's problems."
Zhang Yuan nodded; he knew his mother was right. "Okay, Mom, I'll handle it carefully. I'll work with my friends in the student council to do my best to help Li Wei correct her mistakes, while also protecting our school's reputation."
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yuan took a deep breath. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he was prepared. He would face this challenge together with his fellow student council members and find the best way to solve the problem.
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