Chapter 420: Chapter 409: The Best Teacher
"Take care and rest up over the holiday. Don’t let studying wear you out," Ye Qiu earnestly advised Liu Tong.
"I understand, teacher. Thank you!" Liu Tong expressed his gratitude by bowing deeply to Ye Qiu. His life throughout the semester had been full of ups and downs; from the initial confusion upon entering this school, to the ensuing despair, and finally the renewed hope given by Mr. Ye, Liu Tong felt like he was in a dream. The sequence of events had made him cherish his current life all the more.
"Teacher, my mom would like to invite you over for a meal at our home, if you have the time," Liu Tong said shyly.
"No, thank you." Observing Liu Tong’s disappointed expression, Ye Qiu continued, "The teacher has other commitments, and I might not be in the city this winter vacation. There’s no hurry for the meal, you can treat me to as many meals as you want once you’re successful."
"Yes, I will. I definitely won’t let you down, teacher," Liu Tong said, clenching his fists.
This time, Ye Qiu wasn’t lying. He indeed had plans for the summer. School bullying wasn’t confined to just this one institution; countless students suffered, and he decided to visit those who had been bullied, to collect real-life data from the internet and then perhaps write a book or create a TV program to raise public awareness.
He resolved to make the bullies realize how despicable their actions were, to inform their parents about the right way to educate their children, and to teach the students who had been or were being bullied how to fight back and protect themselves. Parents and teachers should focus not only on academic achievements but also on the mental and physical wellbeing of students at school.
The task ahead was arduous and long, Ye Qiu neither the first nor the last to undertake it, but he was willing to put in the effort.
"Hello, I know your child has been hurt before. I’m a teacher and sincerely hope that you could share with me the details and how things turned out, so that we can work together to address campus bullying." This was the third time Ye Qiu had knocked on the door of this family, whose child had also been a victim of school bullying and subsequently jumped from the teaching building. Although the child’s life had been saved, their body was left disabled; it was said they hadn’t wanted to meet strangers for many years.
"Please leave!" said the female homeowner, looking exhausted as she opened the door. "He doesn’t want to see outsiders, and we can’t afford to be hurt a second time. I know you’re a good teacher, but I hope you won’t bother us again."
Hearing this, a look of distress passed through Ye Qiu’s eyes: "I understand. Here is my business card. I will continue to investigate and take action against school bullying. I won’t disturb you again, but if you ever change your mind, feel free to call me anytime."
The woman took the business card and said to Ye Qiu before closing the door, "You are a good teacher. It’s a pity that you weren’t the one teaching my son back then. Goodbye!"
"Hello, I’m Ye Qiu. I had made an appointment with you before." After leaving the previous family, Ye Qiu arrived at another household.
"Hello, come in." The husband and wife of this household were present, and sitting somewhat uncomfortably and timidly on the sofa was a young girl.
"You must be Xiao Yu. My name is Ye Qiu, I’m a mathematics teacher. Here’s a little gift for you, I hope you like it." Ye Qiu produced a small monkey made from various beads, looking very cute with its ears covered and hands scratching its head.
As expected, a glimmer of joy flashed in Xiao Yu’s eyes, and she shyly thanked Ye Qiu: "Thank you, Mr. Ye."
Seeing this, Xiao Yu’s father and mother both smiled happily.
The subsequent conversation went smoothly. Xiao Yu’s mother explained to Ye Qiu about Xiao Yu’s previous experiences of being bullied at school and the eventual resolution. What resolution could there be, Xiao Yu’s mother remarked wryly: "They’re just a few minors, with no serious visible wounds. What could be done to them? Just a bit of compensation money, but who cares about that? Can money bring back my once cheerful and optimistic child? Can it erase the shadows in my daughter’s heart?"
"It’s alright." Xiao Yu’s father held her to comfort her.
"Mom, don’t cry." Xiao Yu took her mom’s hand sensibly, "I’m already fine."
Ye Qiu sighed, his voice somewhat low: "I’m sorry."
"It’s okay, I was just too agitated," Xiao Yu’s mother wiped her tears. "My daughter has always been well-behaved; I never understood why they bullied her from start to finish. But now that she has transferred schools and made two new friends, things will get better gradually. Agreeing to do this interview with you, Mr. Ye, today is because I hope that schools and parents will pay attention to school bullying and prevent such tragedies from happening again."
"I understand. I’m a teacher too, and it’s exactly because I’ve seen the horrors of school bullying that I decided to take this action. Xiao Yu’s father and mother, may I ask Xiao Yu a question in private?"
"The couple exchanged a glance, then looked at Xiao Yu, and upon seeing her nod, they agreed to Ye Qiu’s request."
"Xiao Yu, can you tell the teacher why they bullied and isolated you at the beginning? What were you most afraid of during the bullying? If you don’t want to talk about it, don’t force yourself; it’s okay," Ye Qiuqing said softly.
Listening to Ye Qiu’s gentle question, Xiao Yu glanced at her parents and then lowered her head, speaking softly, "Because a boy in the class said he liked me."
"Just because of this? Then, did you accept his pursuit?"
"No, dad and mom said not to date while studying, so I refused him. But those girls didn’t believe me, saying I had no shame in seducing men. But I didn’t, I really didn’t." As she spoke, Xiao Yu’s emotions became agitated, and her voice filled with sobs.
"The teacher believes you didn’t; your father and mother certainly believe you too, it’s okay," Ye Qiu gently patted her shoulder. "It’s fine; you did nothing wrong, they are the ones who are wrong."
Xiao Yu’s mother looked at her daughter with heartache; this was the first time she heard the truth from her daughter’s mouth. Just because of such an unnecessary matter they bullied her daughter? Why? It was that boy who confessed, even though her daughter refused, so why not go after that boy?
"Is that boy very handsome? Is he very popular at school?"
"Yeah." Xiao Yu nodded, reiterating, "But I really don’t like him."
"The teacher knows. Looking at Xiao Yu, it’s clear she’s a good kid who loves to study. Then let me ask you another question, how did they bully you?"
Xiao Yu clenched the hem of her shirt, her look very wronged and sad: "They spread rumors all over the school that I had many boyfriends, that I seduced men, that I wasn’t a virgin, that I... that I had an abortion."
Seeing Xiao Yu’s state, Xiao Yu’s mother clutched her nose and mouth tightly, trying hard not to let herself cry aloud.