Chapter 12: Young Master Mu's Magnanimity
Mu Lichuan had no intention of flaunting his status to bully others. But in his view, aside from putting on an act before his father and the Mu family, there was no need to humble himself or flatter anyone else.
"The Mu family?" Zhang Qinglian was well aware of the Mu family's contributions to Chuan High, but she never imagined this boy had any connection to them. Moreover, he had been attending school for some time without ever revealing this fact. She immediately turned a questioning gaze toward the principal.
The principal nodded. "Indeed, he is the eldest young master of the Mu family. Your actions just now—" He left the rest unsaid, but the implication was clear: Are you disregarding the Mu family?
Zhang Qinglian studied the boy before her. "I respect the Mu family and acknowledge their contributions to Chuanshi. But if the young master of such a family abuses his power, then even if you dismiss me, I have nothing to say." She had found it strange earlier, why would the principal intervene over a simple student punishment?
The principal's expression darkened. "Don’t think I won’t fire you!" This woman was impossible, knowing full well who Mu Lichuan was, yet still being so stubborn.
"Of course you can. But without me, Chuan High may struggle to rank among the top three nationally." Zhang Qinglian knew her stance was unwise, but having already offended him, begging for mercy now would only humiliate her further. Better to retreat gracefully.
"I did nothing wrong. He violated school rules and acted as if it were justified." The middle-aged woman's face was stern, her tone resolute.
The principal wished he could gag her. Zhang Qinglian might be inflexible, but her students' grades soared under her guidance, exactly the kind of teacher the school valued.
Mu Lichuan's eyes remained impassive. "So the teacher is in the right after all?" If she had given in immediately, he would have despised her even more. But her gaze was clear, devoid of any groveling.
"Perhaps my punishment was too harsh. But as a role model for your classmates, you shouldn’t act spoiled, even as the Mu family's young master." Zhang Qinglian always followed her principles, believing she had a clear conscience.
Mu Lichuan's expression softened slightly. "Fine, I’ll accept the punishment. Teacher, you may return to class."
The outcome took the principal completely by surprise. At the same time, he couldn’t help but admire the magnanimity of the Mu family's heir, compared to his own fawning behavior.
"You may go back to class too." Zhang Qinglian appreciated Mu Lichuan's attitude and saw no further need for discipline.
Thus, Class 4 watched in bewilderment as the Tigress reentered with Mu Lichuan. Something had changed, she almost seemed... pleasant.
The moment the bell rang and Zhang Qinglian left, the classroom erupted. Ou Jingyao spun around. "Lichuan, your charm is too much, even the Tigress treats you differently!"
Mu Lichuan flipped through his English textbook before closing it. This was child's play to him. Math posed no challenge either. The only subject requiring review was Chinese.
"Obviously! Lichuan aces every exam without even trying. Unlike dome people who scrape the bottom no matter what," someone taunted Ou Jingyao.
Ou Jingyao's face twisted in irritation before firing back. Meanwhile, Mu Lichuan observed his lively, youthful classmates, feeling something in his own heart stir back to life.
"Lichuan! Mu Lichuan! Come out! Something’s happened at home, your mother has been taken to the hospital!" Before Mu Lichuan could step out, a servant's panicked voice rang through the hallway. This was how the young master had instructed him to address the matter.
Mu Lichuan swayed on his feet. "What happened?! Hurry!" He had already altered fate, why was his mother still in danger?
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