Chapter Seventy-Three: Choosing the Right Patron

Fang Sixiang nodded, then spoke words that pleased both sides yet still sowed discord, saying, "Director Qin, please don't blame Director Jiang. He actually has a point; as teachers, speaking without confirmation can easily hurt a student's self-esteem. For that, I apologize. But regarding this matter of puppy love, I only became certain after inquiring with many teachers. It truly was Jiang Xiwen..."

Before he could finish, Jiang Xiwen interrupted him, "Director Fang, which teachers did you ask? Or was it just the ones who sit in the classroom every day listening to your wife gossip? Should I call out, and have all fifty-some students in the class testify for me? If you want a numbers game or something else, however you want to play it, I'm ready!"

Jiang Hong, hearing his son, scolded again, "Xiwen, watch your manners!"

Jiang Xiwen replied, "Dad, please don't speak yet—let me finish. Director Fang seems to have forgotten how your wife, Zhu Wen the Iron Lady, made an enemy of me in the first place. Back then..."

"Jiang Xiwen, don't—" Zhang Ya was worried that if Jiang Xiwen continued, the story of her leading students to surround the school office would come out. If that happened, her mother would truly explode. Having been strictly raised by Qin Shu since childhood, Zhang Ya had a subconscious fear of her mother.

"Zhang Ya, don't be afraid," Jiang Xiwen said, turning his head towards her with a calm wisdom. At that moment, Zhang Ya didn't know why, but she suddenly felt much more at ease, her earlier worries swept away. Perhaps it was because Jiang Xiwen always managed to turn things around, and her trust in him had already taken root deep inside her.

Fang Sixiang was prepared. He knew Jiang Xiwen would bring up how his wife Zhu Wen slapped Zhang Ya, so he quickly interjected, "Let's not discuss other matters. Today, we're here to talk about you pestering Zhang Ya and trying to date her. As for my wife Zhu Wen's mistake, she's already been punished and is currently suspended. Please do not compare her to me. Your interference in Zhang Ya's studies is for me to handle and resolve, and has nothing to do with Teacher Zhu Wen."

His words sounded righteous, but knowing he'd called Zhang Ya here, he was aware there was a high chance Zhang Ya's family would learn about the slap, so he made no secret of it.

With Gao Jie backing him from above—whose father, Gao Feng, was the head of the Provincial Education Commission—he felt he had a powerful patron. As long as he served this young master well, a promotion to the City Education Commission would be a breeze, freeing him from the unpredictable Liu Dashan.

As for Zhang Yong, the future held two possibilities: either, as Liu Dashan predicted, he would eventually step down, or, as rumored, he would be promoted to Executive Vice Mayor. Even in the latter case, he wouldn't oversee education directly. The current official in charge was always more influential, and Gao Feng's rank and authority in the education system far outstripped Zhang Yong's; Fang Sixiang had analyzed this thoroughly.

Now, with this golden opportunity—Jiang Xiwen had offended Gao Jie, who then came to him—it was a huge chance. He felt increasingly pleased with himself, recalling how he'd made a good impression on young master Gao the first time they met. Now, with this opportunity to ingratiate himself with Provincial Director Zhang Song, what did he have to fear?

When Jiang Hong first heard Fang Sixiang's words, he felt a sudden respect, but this quickly turned into deeper aversion. Considering Fang's previous behavior, how could such a man speak so righteously? It was far too hypocritical. He retorted without courtesy, "Director Fang, you're exaggerating. Let's wait until Xiwen tells the whole story before we judge."

Qin Shu felt Jiang Hong was just protecting his son and sneered, "What facts? It's always about how Jiang Xiwen provoked teachers and bullied my daughter with his nonsense..."

"Mom, that's enough. Xiwen once saved—" Zhang Ya's words were cut off by Qin Shu, "Still calling him Xiwen? Aren't you ashamed, young lady? Have you forgotten all my teachings? Don't get too close to boys! Yes, he saved you, and we thanked him already. If it's a reward he wants, I can pay him now. Does saving someone once give him license to misbehave?"

"Saved her? What's this about..." Jiang Hong had never heard of this. He knew his son was observant—he'd noticed Zhang Ya's odd demeanor when they came upstairs earlier—and now, hearing Zhang Ya say Xiwen had saved her, he wondered if these two children really had budding feelings for each other.

"It's nothing. Last time, after school, Zhang Ya almost got hit by a car, and I just pulled her back to the sidewalk. That's all," Jiang Xiwen replied, still unwilling to let his father know about the kidnapping. That matter was too complicated; even though Zhang Yong had helped by arranging with Tian Weidong, it remained unclear what kind of person he truly was. Even his own father, Zhang Song, was investigating quietly. If his own father got involved, it could become a mess.

Jiang Xiwen's evasive reply also reminded Qin Shu that her husband had warned her never to reveal a word about the kidnapping, for their daughter's safety.

She’d chosen Zhang Yong as her husband because he was mature and responsible. So, when he spoke seriously to her about these things, she trusted him without needing explanations, just like she always had.

Zhang Ya and her father were close, almost like friends, so when he told her not to mention the kidnapping, she treated it as a promise between friends. She'd only brought it up now in a moment of panic, but hearing Jiang Xiwen’s explanation, she quickly nodded in agreement.

Seeing the conversation veer off course, Fang Sixiang said, "Other matters can be discussed later. Today I called you two directors here to discuss how to deal with Jiang Xiwen. I have two suggestions: one, a formal demerit so he won’t forget this lesson. Or, to avoid future incidents, we can skip the demerit if Director Jiang arranges a transfer for Jiang Xiwen. I can help—I'm acquainted with the principal of Third Middle School."

Once Jiang Xiwen was gone, his wife’s anger would dissipate, and more importantly, he could humble Li Changtian, who was so eager to support the genius Jiang Xiwen in computer studies. Let’s see how he manages without him.

"Director Fang, I think you're confused. I haven't finished my story. You’ve gone to great lengths for your wife’s sake," Jiang Xiwen said with a sneer. "But I don’t think you’re just trying to help her. You probably have a grudge against Vice Mayor Zhang and..."

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Fang Sixiang finally grew anxious. Even the Provincial Director Gao Feng couldn’t openly clash with Zhang Yong, let alone him. He hadn’t even boarded Gao Feng’s ship yet; he couldn’t afford to be thrown overboard before success.

"Xiwen isn’t talking nonsense," Zhang Ya finally found the courage she’d shown gathering classmates the other day. She felt grateful to Fang Sixiang—in pushing Jiang Xiwen to transfer, he'd freed her to speak out: "Mom, Director Fang and our math teacher Zhu Wen are husband and wife. That day, when I—"

"Zhang Ya, consider the consequences of your words. You’re a good student; you don’t need to be afraid of Jiang Xiwen..." Fang Sixiang’s words were loaded—if Jiang Xiwen told the whole story, he could still steer Qin Shu to believe it was exaggerated.

But if Zhang Ya told it, things would be more complicated. He’d asked Zhu Wen about Zhang Ya’s character, certain the girl would never speak up on her own. He hadn’t expected her to change her mind.

Zhang Ya recounted everything in detail. It was obvious to anyone listening that Fang Sixiang was using her and the topic of early romance to get back at Jiang Xiwen. At this moment, her heart was calm; as long as she could save Jiang Xiwen from punishment, nothing else mattered.

For the first time, Qin Shu and Jiang Hong wore the same expression—first surprise, then anger, then deep complexity. In the end, Jiang Hong looked at his son and Zhang Ya with pride, while Qin Shu’s gaze at her daughter was a mix of pity and reproach. Her look at Jiang Xiwen still held some disapproval.

When her daughter recounted everything, Qin Shu noticed the change in her expression. Though Zhang Ya was only fifteen, each time she mentioned Jiang Xiwen’s name, a trace of sweetness and trust appeared.

This was a dangerous sign. Though the whole matter was now clear, if things continued this way, her daughter would surely fall for this spirited boy—this slippery, seemingly unreliable fellow. Not now, not ever—even if the world changed—Qin Shu would never approve of their relationship.

"Class monitor, you’re not afraid anymore. That’s progress. After all this time as my deskmate, you haven’t let me down," Jiang Xiwen said with a grin.

"Of course..." Zhang Ya replied out of habit, but halfway through, she stopped herself, suddenly remembering her mother was right beside her.