Who would have thought that by the time the male teacher finished his second sentence, her expression would suddenly change?
"...guess what? After the Principal looked through those records, he became completely composed, reacting as if nothing had happened. So, I figure those kids must be from families with no background; their deaths don't matter. The Principal's intention is clearly for us to just protect the children already in the school, especially focusing on those with impressive backgrounds..."
The male teacher was still speaking proudly, completely oblivious to the change in the female teacher's expression. Meanwhile, Teacher Jin, as he called her, had her face instantly transform, and she quietly distanced herself from him. Her expression was grim, and her eyes now held a clear sense of estrangement, a chasm of irreconcilable differences. Any nascent camaraderie and closeness that had begun to form between them evaporated in that instant.
The male teacher, however, was still prattling on. "So, in my opinion, Teacher Jin, you don't need to bother with them. The Principal doesn't care anyway. Whether they live or die, they've brought it on themselves..."
However, it was apparent when he finally registered Teacher Jin's demeanor that the situation was not unfolding as he had expected. In fact, not only had Teacher Jin failed to draw any closer to him, but the displeasure on her face had also intensified to the point of being utterly unwelcoming.
Only when the male teacher finally fell silent did Teacher Jin, suppressing the profound disgust and revulsion in her heart, turn to him. Her face was a mask of disdain and cold indifference as she said, "Teacher, I'm sorry. I don't believe I could ever do such a thing, and I also don't believe the Principal would either. So, I'm going to find the Principal. I trust he isn't the kind of person you're describing, and I'm sure he'll have a solution!"
With that, she turned and walked away, as if merely being near him was enough to constrict her breathing.
After she departed, the male teacher stared blankly at her retreating figure, dazed. Only then did it dawn on him. That woman was basically calling me shameless, saying she was ashamed to be associated with me!
Having been practically called out to his face, he spat fiercely on the ground. "Pah! Acting so high and mighty. Pretentious little wench, so only you have the heart to save people? Only you are a saint? What utter nonsense..."
And the Principal isn't that kind of person? Is she his mistress, speaking with such conviction? Does she really think everyone in the world is as naive as she is...
Just as Teacher Jin left the male teacher and rushed towards the Principal's office.
「Inside the Principal's office.」
At this very moment, the stern-faced Principal was on a call with an acquaintance. Not only did he show no sign of anxiety, but he was also laughing and joking. This was partly because all the teachers were currently outside supervising the students, preventing them from making any further audacious attempts to sneak out. Consequently, the office appeared deserted. Not even the familiar Vice-Principal or other staff were around; there wasn't a soul in sight. Naturally, no one knew who was on the other end of the Principal's call, nor could they guess the content of their conversation.
However, it was quite clear that Teacher Jin, rushing over, had already witnessed this scene. Yet, the Principal perhaps assumed she was merely coming to the office about some routine matter and thus didn't pay her much mind. He continued his phone conversation with hearty laughter, engaging in a lively back-and-forth.
"...You wouldn't believe it, I was startled when I heard the news myself. These youngsters are far too audacious! There are beasts out there, yet these fledgling Martial Students dare to get involved in such things. It's as if they think they've lived too long..."
"...Heh, you can say that again. Even if our school produces many seeds of Martial Arts, it's all thanks to the State Governor's efforts! If it weren't for his prior instructions, I wouldn't even have known this situation was real..."
"...Then I'll have to trouble you! Rest assured, apart from those students whose parents secretly conceal their abilities and refuse to let them be known, all the other students are very well-behaved. Not a single one will get away..."
But just then, KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK! The sound of knocking echoed.
It was then the Principal noticed Teacher Jin waiting outside the door, clearly there to see him. So, the Principal quickly addressed the person on the phone. "Alright, I won't keep you any longer. You should quickly inform the State Governor. This news is... neither good nor bad. If I weren't just an ordinary person, I might have actually gone out to bring them back myself... Anyway, that's that. I have a teacher here who seems to have an issue. I'm hanging up now..."
Immediately, with the Principal's permission, Teacher Jin entered his office. Before doing so, still reeling from the nauseating encounter she'd just experienced, Teacher Jin had taken several deep breaths outside the door, trying to expel the foul, contaminating stench from her very core. Only then, managing to maintain a semblance of her usual calm demeanor, though appearing somewhat rushed, did she approach the Principal.
The Principal immediately asked with a smile, "Teacher Jin, what brings you here to see me?"
Teacher Jin quietly took a deep breath, composing herself before asking, "Principal, a few children from my class, mischievous and incredibly audacious, have actually snuck out of the school. I'm at my wit's end, so I had to come and ask you how we should handle this situation..."
Her face still bore a look of genuine urgency, as if she hadn't paid any mind to the male teacher's earlier disturbing words, choosing instead to maintain her unwavering faith in the Principal's character.
The Principal understood instantly. She's here about those children! Actually, this isn't a huge problem, and there's no harm in telling her. But I don't know if the State Governor has other arrangements. If his plans get disrupted, that wouldn't be good!
Therefore, after a moment's deliberation, his mind racing, he replied with a somewhat troubled expression, "Teacher Jin, you should know that we are just an ordinary school, not a Martial Arts Academy. Therefore, in such a situation, the only thing we can do is seek help from the Federal State Government."
He still chose to withhold the truth. The State Governor's plan outweighs everything, no matter how close this girl in front of me is to him.
However, even the Principal hadn't expected it. The world might be short on builders, but it's never short on saboteurs.
At that, a chill ran down Teacher Jin's spine. There are Martial Artists in the school! Even if they're scarce, if everyone organizes, surely one can be spared to go out and rescue them, right?
Therefore, much as Teacher Jin didn't want to entertain such suspicions, she couldn't suppress them. She interjected directly, her words laced with a hint of ice, "So, Principal, you've already sent a request for support to the Federal State Government, and we are to continue holding our position at the school, is that correct?"
She desperately wanted to know what the Principal's answer would be, and whether he had truly chosen to ignore those students. And clearly, the Principal's choice would be evident from the meaning behind his response.
However, the Principal didn't answer directly. Instead, he looked at her with a somewhat grave expression and asked, "What exactly are you trying to get me to confirm?!"
In fact, he had figured it out. This young woman, though unaware of his reasons, had already guessed that something was amiss. It made him mutter to himself, The State Governor's family is certainly sharp! No wonder people often say he's an old fox. Looking at it now, it's clearly a whole den of foxes...
Teacher Jin took a deep breath. Then, her gaze sharp, she looked directly at the Principal, whose demeanor often exuded an intimidating severity. Unflinching and without a hint of retreat, her tone carrying a sharp, challenging edge, she stated bluntly, "Principal, what I mean is, have you truly requested assistance from the Federation?! Or, as I've heard, are you really planning to ignore those students who snuck out of school and intend to let them fend for themselves?"
After all, she was still young. Any other woman, especially one of her looks, would never dare to do such a thing without substantial family backing. This was the kind of confrontation that could genuinely cost someone their job! But she didn't care. If having a relative in an official position meant she had to constantly walk on eggshells, terrified of causing negative repercussions for her family, then what was the point of that person holding office at all? Was it wrong to uphold one's sincerity and kindness, to firmly choose to believe in what was right based on evidence?
So, she had asked it outright, without any reservation.
But following this pointed question, her heart surprisingly settled, the earlier turmoil completely gone.
This is my original conviction! As long as the foundation of this conviction is good, and it represents a justice I firmly believe aligns with worldly morality and law, then I absolutely will not back down!
However, as the Principal looked at her, a flicker of astonishment crossed his face. Cunning I may be, but this girl's kindness is truly genuine. And she just heard... that I've supposedly been painted as a villain who plans to ignore the students' safety?
The Principal became pensive. And I've immediately identified a target. Heaven knows what fate awaits that 'fine young man' who speaks so recklessly.
Then, the Principal slowly lifted his head. The sharp glint in his eyes was enough to make those with weaker minds tremble and feel a pang of guilt.
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