164 164 Losing Your integrity
When Director Wang heard the principal’s merciless criticism of him, he was furious. However, he was in the wrong now and so it was useless to say anything.
The principal didn’t even want to look at Director Wang again. He just said, “You’ve forgotten your roots. We can’t work together because we’re not on the same path. Leave! You’ve been in the education industry your whole life, don’t lose your integrity in the end.”
No matter how anxious and angry Director Wang was, he could not do anything about it.
The principal’s last sentence also hit his heart. He didn’t expect that after so many years of peace, he would fail miserably today. He was afraid that no school would be willing to hire him in the future. Did he lose his integrity now? After all these years?
Director Wang could no longer stay. He snorted coldly and strode away with his head lowered. He no longer had the authority of the Director of the school like before.
In the past, when the students saw him, they were like mice seeing a cat. They would avoid him at all cost, but now, everyone saw the downfall of Director Wang and felt extremely happy. Seeing his figure escape, some boys were so excited that they started to boo him, returning all the grievances they had in the past.
This was really a historical day!
Tan Rou remained expressionless. She had only been a bystander from the start. Wang Li deserved this outcome. He should have expected this outcome when he agreed to the Tan family’s request. If she had not exposed him today, how many more students would he have harmed?
After the principal dealt with Wang Li, he looked at Madam Li.
Madam Li was so nervous that she trembled. She quickly said, “Principal, I didn’t do it on purpose. I wasn’t instructed by anyone and I know that I’ve misjudged. It’s my fault!”
The principal saw that Madam Li had admitted her mistake with a good attitude. Considering that the situation was really as what she had said, Madam Li should not have been involved in this matter, she merely played a role in adding fuel to the fire.
The principal didn’t say anything but looked at Tan Rou instead.
Tan Rou knew that the principal was waiting for her to show her stand.
Madam Li also noticed it. Before Tan Rou could say anything, she hurriedly said, “Tan Rou, I’ve wronged you earlier but I really have no ill intentions!”
If it was any other time, Madam Li would never admit that it was her mistake. However, with Director Wang’s fate as an example, Madam Li did not dare to be arrogant anymore.
Tan Rou looked at Madam Li’s nervous and helpless expression and sighed slightly. Madam Li had not completely lost her conscience and so, she could not be ruthless as well.
In the end, Tan Rou didn’t have the heart to do so and only said indifferently, “Madam, sometimes, your unintentional words and thoughts can have a huge impact on the students. What you see may not be true. Please listen to the students’ explanations in the future and don’t let such things happen again.”
Tan Rou deliberately smiled playfully to ease the atmosphere. “After all, not every student has the guts to drag you to the principal to argue with you like I did.”
When Madam Li heard what Tan Rou said, she felt even more apologetic. She smiled with mixed feelings. “I’m sorry for accusing you earlier. I’m old and always thought that I’m experienced but I’ve lost my initial patience and fairness.” If what she said just now was for self-protection, then what she said now was sincere from the bottom of her heart.
Tan Rou nodded and accepted Madam Li’s apology. “In that case, I won’t hold it against you. Teacher, take today’s incident as a new experience and be more careful in the future!”
Madam Li heaved a sigh of relief. In her heart, she was scolding herself for being muddled due to menopause. Just now, she stubbornly believed that Tan Rou was the kind of bad child who had evil intentions and was only good at quibbling. No matter how she looked at it, she did not like Tan Rou but now that there was no misunderstanding between them, listening to Tan Rou’s words made her feel Tan Rou’s sensibility. This was a good child with a backbone, who dared to take responsibility and was also someone forgiving!
The principal nodded in agreement.
Tan Rou knew when to advance and when to retreat. She was not unreasonable. It was very rare for someone her age to have such skills. The more the principal looked at her, the more he liked this young firl. It was as if he was looking at a rising star in the future.
Tan Rou’s future was bound to be boundless.
The principal’s mood was much better. Times were constantly changing; only by eliminating old forces like Wang Li could they welcome new blood like Tan Rou!
Madam Li looked at the principal, waiting for his final say. The principal shook his head and said, “Although Tan Rou has forgiven you, you still have to be punished. You will not be accepted in this year’s evaluation. Just take it as a small lesson and correct your attitude when you go back!”
Madam Li did not complain. She felt that such punishment was already a very light one. She nodded gratefully at the principal and smiled apologetically at Tan Rou before leaving.