Proving Innocence

Moreover, this was also the Principal's intention.

As for what came next, Zhou En was naturally going to be expelled.

One had to admit, anyone who could become a leader must have some skills.

"After leaving school, what are your plans? Will you repeat your final year of high school or look for a job?"

"You're not exactly young anymore. If you repeat your final year, no one will probably want you. Without a diploma, it'll be very difficult to find work."

Director Liu was still rambling on.

"Director Liu, we've already clarified the whole situation," Teacher Cao rushed over, his expression clearly embarrassed and shocked.

"Just say it directly, we're all colleagues here," Director Liu, having his back to Teacher Cao, didn't see the expression on his face.

"Uh, Director Liu, perhaps we could discuss this in your office?" Teacher Cao said hesitantly.

Director Liu couldn't help but frown. He knew that publicly embarrassing a superior would make them very unhappy.

"Teacher Cao, just say it," Director Liu's tone had clearly become less polite.

Teacher Cao was sweating profusely. He knew that telling the truth would be a public humiliation, but not speaking would anger Director Liu.

So Teacher Cao was conflicted.

Gritting his teeth, Teacher Cao closed his eyes and said, "Director, Zhou En was framed. He and Wang Rui did not fight at school."

The moment he spoke, the surroundings fell into utter silence.

The teachers stared at Teacher Cao, dumbfounded and incredulous.

You must be kidding, is Zhou En your illegitimate son?!

The thought crossed everyone's minds.

Even if Zhou En were his illegitimate son, it was impossible to protect him now, and he might even lose his job over it.

A few teachers who were on good terms with Teacher Cao subtly tugged at his sleeve.

Damn it, this is not the time for impulsive actions!

You know, the legend of fighting for a beauty's honor only exists in stories.

Seeing everyone's reaction, Teacher Cao gave a wry smile. Honestly, when he first heard about this, he also found it unbelievable.

He had even gone out of his way to question several counselors on the sports field, and the answers they gave were all largely the same.

Zhou En had been framed.

Even now, Teacher Cao was still somewhat bewildered. The events of today were simply too bizarre.

Director Liu, who was beside him, also reacted and frowned deeply.

"Teacher Cao, you know some things shouldn't be said lightly. You've been working at the school for over ten years."

The threat and warning in his tone were very clear, implying that after ten years, his tenure might be coming to an end.

Clearly, Director Liu also believed Teacher Cao was trying to protect Zhou En.

Being wrongly accused by so many people, Teacher Cao's temper flared. He said stiffly, "I'm telling the truth."

Teacher Cao knew he couldn't convince everyone on his own. He stepped aside, revealing a portly man behind him.

"Teacher Yang, please tell everyone what Zhou En said during the flag-raising ceremony." Clearly, Teacher Yang was one of the counselors.

The crowd sensed that something was amiss and looked at Teacher Yang with questioning eyes.

Under their gaze, Teacher Yang recounted the day's events eloquently.

As a literature teacher, Teacher Yang described the events vividly.

He narrated how Zhou En defended his innocence on the podium, revealed the truth, and found witnesses.

The teachers and security guards listened, dumbfounded.

After Teacher Yang finished, no one spoke for a long time. The area around the podium became deathly silent.

After a long pause, Director Liu swallowed hard and asked with a bitter tone, "Teacher Yang, is everything you said true?"

Being questioned in front of everyone, Teacher Yang felt a slight displeasure but understood Director Liu's state of mind.

"Every word I said is true, without a single falsehood."

Hearing this, Director Liu felt as if he had been slapped across the face. He felt terrible.

Director Liu realized something. If what Teacher Yang said was the truth, then the school itself had been severely embarrassed.

Director Liu took out his Sky Mirror from his pocket and called the Principal.

This matter was no longer something he, a mere department head, could handle.

"Hello." The Principal's displeasure was evident in his voice; this was the third time he had been called about such a trivial matter.

It seems this Director Liu's handling of affairs isn't very good!

Director Liu was unaware that he was about to be nominated for a demotion by the Principal. If he knew, he would surely weep tears of regret.

"Principal, something terrible has happened. Things have taken another turn."

The Principal didn't frown upon hearing this. He stood up from his Taishi chair, took a sip of dandelion tea, and said slowly, "What is it? Tell me slowly. What's the rush?"

"Zhou En was wrongly accused of fighting at school."

Upon hearing this, the Principal spat out the dandelion tea he was sipping and asked with disbelief, "What did you say?"

Helplessly, Director Liu had to repeat what Teacher Yang had said.

After hearing this, the Principal was silent for a long while before saying, "First, disperse all the students from the sports field. Keep the relevant personnel here. I'll be right over."

Hearing that the Principal would come in person, Director Liu couldn't help but feel a jolt.

He knew the Principal was sixty-seven years old and hadn't retired yet because of his deep-seated affection for the school.

However, due to his old age and declining health, the Principal hadn't paid much attention to exercise when he was younger. Now, he was often ill and mostly handled affairs in his office.

He never expected the Principal to come in person this time.

"Principal, your health..." Director Liu asked hesitantly.

The Principal's faint voice came from the other end of the phone, "It's fine. My old bones still have some strength."

After hanging up the phone, Director Liu felt a heavy heart.

"Teacher Yang, please organize the other counselors to lead the students in your classes away from the sports field."

"Teacher Song, please bring Li Hui and Sun Peiyu, whom Zhou En mentioned, here."

Director Liu began to give orders quickly.

One had to admit that anyone who could become a director had some skills.

In an instant, the chaotic scene was brought under control and organized.

Knowing that the Principal was coming in person, Director Liu had to put on a good show.

He walked up to Zhou En, who was being held by several physical education teachers and security guards, and said, "Let him go."

Everyone hesitated, but they still released Zhou En.

Zhou En stretched his sore arm and felt a slight sense of relief.

As long as he could prove his innocence, he naturally wouldn't be expelled from school.