The Principal kept a neutral face and was unmoved by Chang Yingying’s begging. “Everyone has to pay the price for their mistakes. You should have considered the consequences prior to putting out the post.”
Chang Yingying’s face blanched before she started crying again.
The Dean of Students shook his head helplessly and said, “It’s too late for regrets. Go back to class. We will decide on your punishment after a discussion.”
Chang Yingying left the office dejectedly.
The Dean watched her leave and sighed. “Why did she spend all that energy on slandering a school mate instead of concentrating on her studies instead?”
The Principal was indifferent and said nothing.
Before long, Lu Xia came to the office.
Although she came up with many excuses on her way here, she was still panicking in her mind. Only after receiving her father’s text, did she finally calm down.
As a result, there was not a shred of nervousness on her face when she entered the office. She bowed politely to the Principal and teachers, displaying as if she was not the source of the vile accusation.
At that moment the Principal could tell how scheming she was. It was certainly no mean feat for a young girl to stay calm under such circumstances.
“Why did you instigate Chang Yingying to pick on Huo Yao online?” This time, it was not Wei Mingzhe but the Principal leading the questioning.
Lu Xia looked at the Principal. His stern, dignified manner left her in awe of him. She squeezed her hands to calm herself before replying unhurriedly. “It was my fault. Huo Yao is the Lu family’s foster daughter. She asked my father to get her those notes from his friend, who works for the Education Association. My father couldn’t refuse her and mailed them to her when he received them.”
“I felt it was unfair to cheat, so I mentioned it to Chang Yingying privately. I didn’t think that she would post it on the school forum because she wanted to highlight the injustice in this situation.”
With a sad smile, Lu Xia bowed deeply to the Principal and teachers. In a soft voice, she said, “I’m sorry. Please don’t punish Chang Yingying too harshly. She did it because of me. I’m willing to take full responsibility for letting my tongue slip.”
She seemed particularly sincere when she apologized.
Since Lu Xia was in the Rocket Class, she undoubtedly possessed good grades. Also, Wei Mingzhe was keenly aware of how her results had improved in leaps and bounds during the last semester. Hence, he felt a little moved when Lu Xia took the initiative to take the liability upon herself.
Despite having already embarrassed himself, Wei Mingzhe looked at the Principal and spoke up for Lu Xia. “Even though Lu Xia was at fault, the culpability lies elsewhere as well. Like she mentioned, Huo Yao used to be the Lu family’s daughter. Although she mentioned the truth about the notes, it doesn’t mean anything. Also…”
Wei Mingzhe paused and turned to look at Lu Xia. “Did you just say Huo Yao asked your father to get her the National Quiz Contest notes?”
Lu Xia nodded firmly without any hesitation. “In order to explain things, I rang up Dad and asked him to come over. He should be arriving anytime soon. He can explain everything to you when he’s here.”
Wei Mingzhe had been utterly disgraced earlier when the Principal showed him the book containing the contest notes. After he heard what Lu Xia said, a glimmer of hope rose in his heart.
He was desperately looking for validation that he did not make false accusations against Huo Yao.
