Foundation
Huang Hui's fate...
...was witnessed by everyone.
He had lost his status as both an instructor and a university student.
Once the school's announcement was released, his reputation would certainly be in tatters.
He was like a hyena whose teeth had been pulled.
Given his abilities and character, his future was destined to be bleak.
Was he pitiable?
Zhou Xing didn't think so.
Whether in his past life or today, everything was Huang Hui's own doing.
As an adult... one should be responsible for one's own actions.
The fact that the school didn't pursue criminal charges was already considered lenient treatment.
Once he entered society...
...others wouldn't give him such chances.
A mistake is a mistake.
They weren't Huang Hui's parents; no one would coddle him.
His end would only be more miserable.
"A school should naturally be tolerant of its students and guide them patiently, but it must also apply both kindness and authority. Otherwise, it will only further indulge people like Huang Hui."
Zhou Xing said, "For the school, that is not a good thing."
"Exactly."
Fu Zhoupu nodded, his gaze toward Zhou Xing filled with admiration. "I didn't expect Student Zhou to have such profound insights at such a young age. It seems our school has found a treasure."
"It's just my personal, shallow understanding."
Zhou Xing smiled and said, "I'm sure the Principal's understanding is much deeper than mine."
"Student Zhou, don't be modest. Since it's a truth, there's no such thing as shallow or deep."
Fu Zhoupu waved his hand and said, "Governing a school should be exactly like this. We absolutely cannot let someone like Huang Hui escape punishment. He is a student, but weren't those he harmed also students?"
The School Director immediately fell silent and stopped speaking.
"Student Zhou, I really must thank you this time."
Fu Zhoupu walked up to Zhou Xing and said with some emotion, "If you hadn't rooted these people out in time, I would still be kept in the dark. The harm done to those students can no longer be erased, but fortunately, no more people will be affected because of this. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to make amends even if I spent my whole life trying."
His gratitude toward Zhou Xing was heartfelt.
Although Zhou Jianping's phone call had alerted the higher-ups to establish an inspection...
...it also served as a wake-up call for him.
Without this reminder, if he had allowed the likes of Huang Hui and Huang Dahai to run rampant in the school...
...by the time the incident broke out, anything he did would have been in vain.
At least now... Zhou Xing had given him a chance to make amends in time.
He would take this opportunity to thoroughly clean up the campus environment, so he wouldn't feel like he was sitting on a bed of needles in the Principal's chair.
"The Principal is too polite. As this is my alma mater, maintaining the campus is also helping myself."
Zhou Xing smiled.
"I am very moved that you have this sentiment."
The Principal sighed and said, "This school is like my child; I've worked hard for decades and watched it grow all the way."
"If all the students in the school cared about the school as much as you do, this kind of thing wouldn't have happened."
Fu Zhoupu shook his head and said, "Speaking of which, this matter is still my responsibility for giving others the chance to defile this child."
Zhou Xing glanced at the Principal.
Old Man!
Are you taking advantage of me?
His face remained calm as he smiled and said, "The Principal is busy with a myriad of affairs, managing tens of thousands of students. It's inevitable that such things happen; it's enough to solve the problem promptly when it arises."
"Please rest assured on that, Student Zhou."
Fu Zhoupu said with a serious expression, "In the future, I will strengthen management. I will never allow my child to have any more problems, and I will leave a pure land for the vast majority of students to study in peace."
You're still saying it!
The muscles at the corner of Zhou Xing's eyes twitched a few times.
"Principal, I'm sure you're already aware of my previous intention to donate to the school."
Zhou Xing chose to change the subject directly. "It's just that the process of talking with Dean Huang wasn't very pleasant, so it was shelved midway. Since you're here, I'd like to ask, in what form would it be better to deposit this sum into the school's account?"
He had always adhered to the philosophy that if someone respects me by a foot, I return it by a yard.
The matter had been resolved.
Naturally, he had to return the favor.
Fu Zhoupu's politeness toward him was largely for his father's sake.
However... things like 'face' were hollow.
Interests were the most solid foundation.
Fu Zhoupu had invited him to the office and watched him handle these matters personally.
He had given him plenty of face.
Zhou Xing naturally had to respond in kind.
Fu Zhoupu looked at Zhou Xing with a chuckle.
The conversation wasn't very pleasant?
That was more than just 'not very pleasant'; he had broken the man's nose bridge.
However, he didn't take it to heart. Someone like Huang Dahai... his death would not be a loss.
"Student Zhou, let's not mention the donation again."
Fu Zhoupu frowned slightly and said, "After such a thing happened, as the Principal, I already have no face to look you students in the eye. How could I have the heart to accept your donation?"
"This is a personal gesture of mine."
Zhou Xing had long expected this and said calmly, "No matter what happens, my intention to donate has never changed."
"So, just like before, I plan to invest ten million."
"Ten million isn't much, but as a member of the school, it's enough for me to do what I can to help the school."
Fu Zhoupu let out a long sigh. "Having a student like you is a great honor for both the school and me."
"Ten million is already a lot; it's not a small sum. If these funds are used well, it will be of infinite benefit to the entire school."
Fu Zhoupu said, "Since you are so insistent, then I will brazenly accept this donation. It just so happens the school is in need of money; many facilities in the school need to be renovated."
"On behalf of the school and all the students, I express my gratitude to you."
Fu Zhoupu's expression turned serious. "Don't worry, Student Zhou. In a while, when you are free, I will organize a donation ceremony and then inject the funds into the school. Every single expenditure will be clearly documented; you can investigate and verify at any time. I will definitely not let your money go to waste."
"It's a small matter, no need for such a big fuss. A private donation is fine; there's no need to make it known to the whole school."
Zhou Xing refused directly.
He wasn't giving this money to show off in front of the whole school.
Besides... he didn't need to use this method to make a name for himself in front of the school.
"I've seen the Principal's character for myself. I am absolutely at ease with the use of these funds."
Zhou Xing smiled.
Fu Zhoupu took a deep look at Zhou Xing. "Not arrogant or impetuous, not discouraged or frustrated, acting with modesty and politeness—a student like you is truly too precious. Today's youth really are the 'blue that comes from indigo,' getting better and better."
"That's also thanks to the cultivation by generations of people like you, Principal. Without teachers like you, it would be hard to have excellent students."
Zhou Xing said this without blushing or losing his breath.
Compliments didn't cost anything anyway.
Even if Fu Zhoupu was just a small figure compared to his family, he was still the local power here; he had to be polite.
Convenience for others is convenience for oneself.
"Hahaha!"
Fu Zhoupu laughed heartily. Clearly, Zhou Xing's words had hit home, making him extremely happy.
"Principal... if there's nothing else, I'll be going?"
Zhou Xing said.
"Eh, don't be in such a hurry to leave. Sit a while longer. In the future, when you're free, you can also come to my office to keep this Old Man company."
Fu Zhoupu appeared very enthusiastic. "As one gets older, one starts to feel lonely. It just so happens I also like dealing with young people. Only by communicating more with you can I integrate with today's youth and learn how to nurture the growth of students."
"This... might not be appropriate?"
Zhou Xing raised an eyebrow.
"What does that matter? I'm not as busy as you imagine; I have plenty of time."
"Well then, I hope the Principal won't find me bothersome in the future."
"Why call me Principal? That's too formal. I'm so many years older than you; if you don't mind, you can just call me Uncle."
"Then I shall accept the honor, Uncle Fu."
"..."