MTLNOVEL Chapter 916 - 916: Dinner
Chapter 916: Dinner
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Before the director could reach the principal’s office, she collided with Principal Zhang in the hallway. Steadying herself and adjusting her glasses, she said, “Principal Zhang, watch where you’re going! These glasses aren’t something you can just replace!”
Principal Zhang looked apologetic; he had indeed been walking a bit too briskly. He laughed and replied, “I’m sorry, Director, but you’ve been wearing those glasses for quite a while. If they broke, it might be a good excuse to upgrade to a new style. I wouldn’t have guessed that these glasses saved your life or anything! By the way, what happened to that exceptional student from Guangwai? I need to meet her. I absolutely must!”
Principal Zhang felt that such a talent deserved his attention. Missing out on meeting her would be a loss. Little did he know that Gu Zi had already left the school after collecting her results.
The director explained, “You won’t get to meet her today; she’s already picked up her scores and left. I came to discuss her special circumstances and to apply for her to study at home…”
The director then detailed Gu Zi’s situation to Principal Zhang, who listened with a look of sympathy. “Poor girl! How can someone so gifted be facing such hardships? Having to take care of a child while working! Are you sure she’s employed at Guangcheng Daily? What position does she hold there?”
The director nodded, recalling how Gu Zi had hesitated to share her job details. “Yes, she works at Guangcheng Daily, but it’s probably a position like a cleaner. You know how it is; most positions there require at least a junior college degree and relevant experience. It’s unlikely they would hire a high school student for anything substantial.”
Principal Zhang understood this rationale but felt relieved nonetheless. “As long as it’s Guangcheng Daily, that makes things easier. Do you remember Principal Guan from First Bilingual Primary School? His daughter is a reporter there. I’ll arrange to have lunch with him right away.”
While he wasn’t on good terms with the principal of Guangwai Middle School, he had a friendly relationship with the principal of First Bilingual Primary School. They often dined together and joked about the other principal.
Now, he would take the initiative to help Gu Zi quit her job; it was a minor issue that he was more than willing to handle. After all, she was his student, and he wanted to support her.
Principal Zhang returned to his office and quickly dialed Principal Guan’s number. They arranged to meet for lunch.
During the meal, Principal Zhang brought up Gu Zi’s situation, saying, “I need you to do me a small favor. Can you have Guan Xin talk to her? If she absolutely can’t break her contract, could you arrange a more manageable job for my student? She’s juggling a child and preparing for exams; it’s too much for her!”
Principal Guan considered this request and felt it wasn’t too difficult to fulfill. However, recalling the past incidents involving Principal Zhang, he added with a hint of annoyance, “You’ve been a bit distant since those meals with Principal Li from Guangwai Middle School. I thought you had decided to cut me off entirely, but now you finally remember to ask for my help?”
Principal Zhang chuckled, trying to brush off the accusation. “Come on, Old Guan, that’s not fair! I’ve just been busy; it’s not like I’ve forgotten about you. Look, now that I have some free time, let’s make this a weekly thing!”
As he spoke, he poured some wine and handed a glass to Principal Guan.
Seeing Principal Zhang’s conciliatory attitude, Principal Guan decided to let it go. He raised his glass and took a sip, then asked, “What’s your student’s name? I’ll have a word with Guan Xin as soon as I get back.”
“Her name is Gu Zi. She’s had a tough time—so young and already a mother, balancing childcare, work, and her studies. What’s remarkable is how dedicated she is to learning. You really need to help her out.”
When Principal Guan heard the name, he momentarily thought he’d misheard. “Wait, Gu Zi is working as a foreign language copy editor at the newspaper, right? How could she be a cleaner? Come on, Old Zhang, have you been drinking too much of that fake wine? Besides, her husband is a local pig farmer and quite wealthy! You must be mixing things up!”
Principal Guan couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all, while Principal Zhang sat there, stunned.
A high school graduate working as a foreign language editor at a major newspaper? That was impressive!
Embarrassed, Principal Zhang could only laugh along with Principal Guan.
Meanwhile, Principal Li had caught wind of the long-lost friendship between Principal Guan and Principal Zhang, and he rushed to the state-owned restaurant where they were dining.
As he walked in, he spotted the two of them sitting at a table, laughing and enjoying each other’s company as if they were long-lost brothers. Seeing their camaraderie stirred up jealousy in Principal Li. He couldn’t help but feel frustrated that Principal Zhang was once again trying to steal his thunder!