The rising sun.
Sunlight filtered through the shade of the trees, spreading across the entire campus.
Inside the Principal's Office.
The Principal sat behind his desk. A former Soldier, even nearing seventy, his back remained ramrod straight, and his expression was solemn.
The nameplate on the desk bore his name.
Fu Zhoupu.
"Principal, the New Students' Military Training for this year is fully prepared. Except for students with special circumstances or medical reasons, all other New Students are orderly participating in the Military Training."
The School Director reported on the work while holding the report form.
Fu Zhoupu nodded upon hearing this, his voice firm and resonant: "The Military Training must be implemented thoroughly. It absolutely cannot become a mere formality or procedural step at our school. For at least these fifteen days, let the New Students truly feel the benefits that the Military Training brings them."
"Of course..."
Fu Zhoupu changed the subject: "The weather is hot, so heatstroke prevention work must be done well to avoid any accidents among the New Students. Do everything possible to ensure the Military Training proceeds smoothly and successfully."
"Understood."
The School Director nodded: "Medical personnel have been assigned. If any student suffers from heatstroke, they will receive immediate rescue. The Principal can rest assured."
"That's good then."
A hint of satisfaction appeared on Fu Zhoupu's usually stern face.
Just as he was about to dismiss the meeting, the desk phone rang.
Fu Zhoupu picked up the phone: "Hello, this is Fu Zhoupu."
"Xiao Fu, it's me."
A slightly hoarse voice came from the other end of the line.
"Old Class Monitor."
Fu Zhoupu's spirit lifted, and his face immediately broke into a smile: "Old Class Monitor, we haven't seen each other for years! Why are you suddenly calling me?"
"Xiao Fu, the reason I'm calling you today is to tell you something."
The person on the phone said: "As the Principal of Hucheng Conservatory of Music, you must know that this responsibility you carry is no lighter than when you were in the military. Those children at the school are the future of our society; you must not be careless in the slightest."
Fu Zhoupu was silent for a moment, his gaze filled with doubt. He immediately nodded: "Please rest assured, Old Class Monitor. I certainly know this. In the decade I have been Principal, I have always followed everyone's teachings and dared not slack off in any way."
"Cough, cough..."
The Old Class Monitor coughed twice, then said: "Having this awareness isn't enough... A school is a sacred place. You must restrain your subordinates more, absolutely not allowing unhealthy trends or corruption to enter the campus. The school is the final bottom line. If even the children are affected, what will become of society in the future?"
"Old Class Monitor... have I done something poorly? Has something happened?"
Fu Zhoupu frowned. If he still couldn't understand the meaning behind the Old Class Monitor's words at this point, he would have wasted his time as Principal for so long.
The Old Class Monitor was his squad leader in the military; later, the Monitor chose to enter the education system, while he went into politics.
Now, their status and position were quite high.
He would not call without reason to give him seemingly meaningless guidance.
Every effect must have a cause.
"It's not that you haven't done well enough, but the school is so large, it's inevitable that some pests will breed. As the Principal, how can one person have enough energy to manage everyone?"
The Old Class Monitor explained: "The responsibility isn't yours, but you must restrain your subordinates more. Once you find the source of the trouble, you must immediately extinguish it, nip it in the bud, so it doesn't implicate you."
"Old Class Monitor, what exactly happened?"
Fu Zhoupu felt the situation seemed quite serious based on what the Old Class Monitor was saying.
"Don't ask too many questions. I only received some advance notice, so I'm warning you. You had better start checking for gaps and omissions now, expel those who should be expelled, and discipline those who should be disciplined."
The Old Class Monitor sighed: "Don't let the Higher-ups send people for inspection; by then, it will be too late."
Fu Zhoupu was shocked internally!
It was indeed not as simple as he imagined.
However, the Old Class Monitor's words were too vague. He hadn't heard any rumors in this vast campus. What exactly happened among his subordinates that it could alarm an Inspection Team?
He suddenly felt helpless.
Fu Zhoupu could only pin his hopes on the Old Class Monitor: "Old Class Monitor, you guided me since the year I enlisted. I have always remembered your kindness over the years, but this time... I truly don't know what happened. Could you perhaps give me a hint?"
"Consider it helping me out."
The other end of the line fell silent for a moment.
Fu Zhoupu waited patiently for a response.
After a long time,
The Old Class Monitor finally spoke: "There is a young master from the Zhou Family who just reported to your school this year. It seems he had some friction with the Dean of his department."
"This matter was originally minor, but the Person in Charge of the Zhou Family called our superiors directly."
"They angrily denounced the school for being rife with corruption and graft. The Higher-ups are currently taking this matter extremely seriously. If you cannot resolve it, then they will have to step in."
Corruption and graft!
Fu Zhoupu's eyes widened.
He knew that the Higher-ups always maintained zero tolerance for schools, absolutely forbidding any form of corruption from appearing within the educational institutions that nurture the future of society.
If it were just a conflict between two people, it would be a small matter, but once it escalated to graft and corruption, the nature of the issue changed completely.
If the Higher-ups came to inspect and truly discovered any evidence,
Even if he himself had no issues, he would still bear secondary responsibility.
Not only would he lose his position as Principal... there could even be more severe punishments.
Fu Zhoupu couldn't help but feel a chill down his spine, filled with lingering fear.
This matter was likely true.
If the Old Class Monitor hadn't reminded him, he would have remained completely in the dark.
By the time he discovered it, it would have been too late.
"Old Class Monitor, I truly thank you. If it weren't for you, I would probably be ruined. I will bring two bottles of fine liquor to visit and thank you during the National Day celebration this year."
Fu Zhoupu repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
The Old Class Monitor, however, said: "Put that matter aside for now. Deal with the issue at hand first. The Zhou Family entrusting their child to the school is a sign of trust in our Huaxia; you cannot disappoint them."
"Yes, I understand. I will handle it immediately."
Fu Zhoupu's expression turned serious: "However, Old Class Monitor, could you give me a small hint as to the background of that Zhou Family? I need to apply the correct remedy to avoid displeasing them."
"The Zhou Family? Which Zhou Family could there be in Huaxia? Think about Jiangcheng."
The Old Class Monitor hesitated for a moment, then whispered: "They are involved in the Heavy Industry Sector."
"It's them!"
Fu Zhoupu's heart tightened.