Principal Jin was well aware of his strengths and weaknesses; he was no match for someone surnamed Gu in a war of words.
If he continued, he wouldn't know what he'd be criticized for next, so it was better to admit his mistake first.
As for writing a self-criticism, he wouldn't even consider it!
Principal Jin had his own plans, but Principal Gu had no intention of letting this matter go so easily.
He said to Principal Jin with a stern face, "You can go back first. We'll discuss whether to read the self-criticism publicly at the meeting, but you must write it and submit it to me before school ends this afternoon!"
Principal Jin felt a surge of anger he couldn't express, almost to the point of exploding.
A higher rank always trumps a lower one, that's how it is!
He was determined to find a way to suppress the person surnamed Gu, absolutely not allowing him to continue acting so arrogantly in front of him.
This time, he had the backing of the Zhou and Wan families.
The Zhou family was one thing, but the Wan family held real power. Even their married daughter, Wan Hongying, wielded authority, even more so than her husband, Zhou Yuan!
He needed to immediately send word to the Zhou and Wan families, asking them to find a way to resolve this matter.
Having thought this through, Principal Jin stopped lingering.
Seeing this, Director Wu no longer dared to think about the unfinished wine.
He finally understood now: unsolicited kindness often hides ill intentions.
Principal Jin had essentially trapped him with a drink today!
The wise know when to retreat.
Director Wu immediately apologized.
"Principal, I didn't intentionally refuse to retrieve the exam papers; the door was locked, and I couldn't do anything!"
Principal Gu listened with a cold expression, showing no intention of speaking to Director Wu first.
Director Wu had no choice but to brace himself and continue explaining.
"Principal, I know I was wrong and will correct it in the future. If similar situations arise, I will find every possible way and will never retreat at the critical moment!"
Seeing that Director Wu had said enough, Principal Gu snorted and said, "If it were just retreating, that would be one thing, but I fear it might be switching sides!"
This statement made Director Wu break out in a cold sweat. He understood the implication.
With the two principals at odds, they, as subordinates, had to tread carefully, fearing being targeted by their superiors. He had made a mistake today.
Principal Gu suspected him.
This would not do. No matter what, he had to perform well in front of Principal Gu and make him stop suspecting him.
"Principal, don't you know what kind of person I am? I just didn't think clearly for a moment and made a mistake!"
"Were you bribed by a couple of glasses of cheap wine?"
Director Wu dared not deny it and quickly said, "Principal, I know I was wrong and will correct it. I promise not to be greedy for wine in the future!"
Did he dare to be greedy for wine anymore?
If he continued to be greedy for wine, he might even lose his future.
"You write a self-criticism!"
Hearing that he was to write a self-criticism, Director Wu felt much more relaxed.
Writing a self-criticism was not a big deal. He would do it, as long as he could keep his position as director.
Although Principal Jin wanted to inform the Zhou and Wan families, he had not given up on destroying the exam papers.
He was also listening to the conversation between Principal Gu and Director Wu.
He now harbored a strong resentment towards Director Wu, that fence-sitter.
And Principal Gu, after reprimanding Director Wu, casually glanced at Principal Jin.
"Principal Jin, aren't you going back to write your self-criticism?"
As Principal Gu asked, he specifically raised the stack of exam papers in his hand, letting Principal Jin see them clearly.
Previously, Principal Gu could tolerate Principal Jin, his rival.
But this time, he had almost dragged him into an abyss. Principal Gu wished he could slap him a few times himself to vent his anger!
Despite his immense reluctance, Principal Jin eventually left the archive room and walked towards his office.
Director Wu knew he had made a mistake and needed to write his self-criticism quickly, so he also planned to leave immediately.
However, Principal Gu had no intention of letting him go so easily. Seeing his movement, he directly said, "Director Wu, are you planning to follow Principal Jin, or will you complete the task I've given you now?"
Director Wu was still a bit dizzy from the alcohol but hadn't lost his senses. He clearly understood the weight of Principal Gu's words.
He had no choice but to brace himself and flip through the exam papers one by one, searching for the scores of several students as Principal Gu had instructed.
Principal Gu stood by, watching Director Wu flip through the papers, feeling somewhat relieved.
Half an hour later, Principal Gu returned to the principal's office with the exam papers.
This time, Principal Gu's demeanor was even more respectful and humble, with a hint of fawning and caution on his face.
They were indeed in the wrong.
These children were all good students, each with better grades than the last.
Their exam papers were properly archived, and their names were on the compiled list of scores.
Only the publicly posted list did not include the names of these children.
"Comrade, it was an oversight on our part; we missed listing a few children! We will correct this immediately and allow these children to study!"
Principal Gu first adopted a proper attitude and bowed to Chen Zi'an.
Then, Principal Gu also bowed to Su Xiaotian and the others.
The children were all well-mannered and could not accept Principal Gu's bows, so they each stepped aside.
Hearing Principal Gu speak like this, Chen Zi'an understood that Principal Gu had no intention of thoroughly investigating the matter.
"Principal Gu, how do you plan to handle this?" Chen Zi'an asked in a cold voice.
Finding the scores and exam papers proved that the situation had not yet reached its worst.
Principal Gu quickly replied, "Comrade, how about we amend the list now and re-publish a new one?"
Chen Zi'an snorted, speaking so casually.
Even if a new list were posted now, it would likely cause questioning from others.
After all, the names on the list had already been announced, and the school's admissions process had begun.
Adding the children like Xiaotian would mean that those originally admitted would be turned away.
With such a drastic change, it would be strange if the children and parents who were initially admitted and then rejected didn't cause a scene!
Chen Zi'an was primarily concerned that his children, despite their excellent exam results, would face controversy because of this incident.
"Principal Gu, will re-publishing a new list now solve all the problems?"
Chen Zi'an's aggressive questioning left Principal Gu momentarily speechless.
Su Xiaotian immediately understood Chen Zi'an's meaning.
Indeed, the list had already been published. Re-publishing another one, with her and her siblings suddenly appearing on it, would cause what kind of trouble?
Perhaps even their hard-earned results would be thoroughly questioned.
Su Xiaotian shot an annoyed glance at Principal Gu.
Seventh Middle School was considered one of the top middle schools in the capital; why would such a thing happen?
She wondered how the school was managed!
"One child being omitted is an oversight. My five children being omitted together, does Principal Gu think our entire family are fools?"
Chen Zi'an's words were laced with sarcasm.
His words were devoid of warmth, cold as ice blades piercing straight into Principal Gu's heart.
Principal Gu felt utterly miserable.
How could he dare to consider this family fools?
If people who were looked after by several leaders were fools, how many smart people would there be in the world?
But this was clearly not the time to discuss that; he needed to find a solution to the problem.
Only by properly resolving the issue could he satisfy the people in front of him.
If the people in front of him were satisfied, then the leaders above would also be satisfied.
However, this matter involved too much.
After much deliberation, Principal Gu could not make up his mind!
He worried that if this matter were fully disclosed, it would be a devastating blow to Seventh Middle School.
How could parents and students trust a school where such a serious incident occurred?
But if it were not disclosed, and only the admission list were modified, it would inevitably lead to speculation from others!
At that time, rumors and doubts about the authenticity of this admissions test would arise.
It was difficult!
Chen Zi'an glanced at Principal Gu, knowing that he couldn't remain silent any longer.
He suddenly stood up and took long strides, preparing to leave.
Seeing Chen Zi'an about to leave without a word, Principal Gu became anxious.
Did he have no patience to wait for him to handle it?
No, if he let this man leave today, it would mean his handling of this matter had failed.
Then, the pressure from the leaders would be enough for him to bear.
Moreover, he would lose such excellent students.
"Comrade, please wait a moment, I will definitely give you an explanation."
After saying this, Principal Gu showed a bitter smile and continued, "As the principal, I must consider the school and cannot ruin a school over this matter."
These words were earnest, even carrying a hint of pleading, which Chen Zi'an could understand.
"Principal Gu, I don't intend to be aggressive, but this matter must be thoroughly investigated; this is my only hope!"
Chen Zi'an did not say the rest, but Principal Gu understood that if this matter could not be thoroughly investigated, this man would likely not let it go!
"We will definitely investigate thoroughly, but the people who should be dealt with will be dealt with. I have only one humble request!" Principal Gu said after weighing the situation.
"Please state your request, Principal Gu!" Chen Zi'an could sense that Principal Gu still wanted to resolve the issue, so he patiently replied.
"Can we try to avoid making this matter widely known?"
Before Chen Zi'an could reply, Su Xiaotian suddenly spoke.
"Principal Gu, when we looked at the list earlier, the first place in the recruitment for the gifted class of the first year had a score of three hundred and ninety-six."
Hearing Su Xiaotian say this, Principal Gu instinctively glanced at the scorebook he was holding.
First name: Su Xiaotian, Math 100, Chinese 97, Physics and Chemistry 100, Politics and History 99, Total score 396!
He was startled, because on this list, only one person had this score, no one else.
But what was this young girl, Su Xiaotian, saying? The published list showed the first place with this score.
What did this mean?