Principal, I Can't Get Past This Mental Hurdle

Principal Yin was quite surprised that Director Ma would say such a thing.

"Director Ma, why have you suddenly started speaking up for him? Do you think Li Yuan has a promising future and want to invest early, show some goodwill?"

Hearing this, Director Ma quickly shook his head.

"Principal, you're a Seventh Grade expert—your judgment is naturally better than mine.

When you say Li Yuan can at most reach Fifth Grade, I believe that.

I just think there's no need to be too harsh on Li Yuan.

After so many years, it's time to give him a chance..."

Director Ma's attitude toward Principal Yin still carried a hint of flattery, even sycophancy.

But hearing this, Principal Yin's face was already full of displeasure.

His subordinates were actually rejecting his arrangements like this.

"Since you don't think highly of Li Yuan, then do as I say. Stop the bonuses that should be stopped.

It's not against the rules. No one will say you're wrong, Director Ma."

At these words, Director Ma's face grew even uglier.

"Principal, this matter really isn't easy to handle.

Even though he probably won't achieve much in the Youth Martial Tournament, we could still lend a little help, as a contribution to the whole of Lingshan City..."

Director Ma continued to plead in a low voice.

But Principal Yin's attitude only hardened.

"How he performs in the Youth Martial Tournament is a separate matter.

What I want now is to withhold the bonuses.

If it's hard to say certain things, Director Ma, have Li Yuan come see me."

For the past half month, Principal Yin had long wanted to punish Li Yuan.

He just hadn't found a suitable reason.

Now that this opportunity had come up, Principal Yin didn't want to let it go.

But even after he made his stance so clear, so firm, Director Ma still didn't respond.

"Director Ma, are you sure you can't handle this?"

Principal Yin looked at Director Ma, his tone turning noticeably colder.

Director Ma, who had always worn a fawning expression, now had a serious face: "I am sure I can't handle it."

In all these years, Director Ma had never replied to Principal Yin like this.

"Over the years, when Yin Yi and Jin Fan went on various training expeditions, the school never withheld their bonuses.

When they went on those expeditions, they just dropped everything and left.

I had to find substitutes for their classes.

Li Yuan participated in the Youth Martial Tournament, but he arranged his schedule in advance and taught all his classes first.

Teaching schedules, student development—everything was arranged in perfect order.

Others don't get their bonuses cut, but Li Yuan does—what kind of logic is that?

Principal, I can't get past this in my own conscience..."

Standing before Principal Yin, Director Ma stated his thoughts with utmost seriousness.

Director Ma knew that in the workplace, one had to compromise.

Who hadn't suffered grievances?

But Principal Yin's orders today went too far.

Too far for Director Ma to convince himself otherwise.

These past few days, Director Ma had thought it over quietly.

From Li Yuan's sparring match with Gu Yu, it was clear Li Yuan had some martial talent.

Over the years, he had given up so many opportunities.

That he would fight for this one so stubbornly was hardly surprising—everyone had their limits.

By reason and by emotion, the school should give him this chance.

Obstacles had already been placed, and Li Yuan had overcome them. There was no need to go further.

The pressure from the Youth Martial Tournament itself was already considerable.

In Director Ma's view, this Youth Martial Tournament was basically Li Yuan's last chance at such training opportunities.

First, Principal Yin wouldn't offer another.

Second, if Li Yuan didn't perform well in this tournament, every unit in Lingshan City would shift the blame onto him.

With his reputation tarnished, many invitation-based training opportunities would simply reject his application outright.

As the school's director, he truly didn't want to resort to any more schemes to deal with Li Yuan.

Let Li Yuan participate in this Youth Martial Tournament; after it ends, he could settle down and teach in peace.

In Director Ma's understanding, a teacher like Li Yuan was an excellent educator.

Skilled in teaching and always thinking of his students.

Teachers like this were the true foundation of Lingshan No.1 High School.

Teachers like Jin Fan and Yin Yi had no issues with martial cultivation.

But their teaching was, in truth, lax and careless.

Ninety percent of their mental energy was spent on their own martial advancement.

If more teachers of this kind appeared in Lingshan No.1 High School.

Then the students they trained—those with mid-range grades—would only grow weaker.

Top students could self-study and be awakened with a few words.

Poor students were too lazy to learn, and any teacher was the same to them.

But those middle-tier students who could have pushed further would be greatly affected.

Principal Yin stared expressionlessly at Director Ma.

He didn't reply. After a moment, he turned and walked out of the school gate alone.

He got into his Principal's Car and drove away.

Watching Principal Yin's retreating figure, Director Ma felt a flicker of regret.

After cowering for so many years, enduring for so many years, was it really appropriate to act like this today?

Barring any surprises, his tenure as the discipline director was about to end...

The weekend arrived.

Chen Yong came looking for Li Yuan early in the morning, and the two had breakfast together.

He lived in the city, where life was more convenient.

Going to a movie or strolling through a mall was all within walking distance.

But when it came to cultivation and training, the area where Chen Yong lived wasn't ideal.

He'd have to pay to use a training ground, charged by the hour.

Of course, such paid places had special benefits.

Like increased gravity or simulated combat environments.

But if he just wanted normal cultivation and training, the suburbs were more convenient and cheaper.

After breakfast, Li Yuan took Chen Yong to his usual training spot.

It was a wasteland in the suburbs, some parts of which had been reclaimed and planted with vegetables.

These vegetable plots were probably planted by residents of nearby neighborhoods.

It killed time and saved a bit on grocery money.

The key point was that these homegrown vegetables felt healthier to eat.

"If commuting to work were a bit closer, this place would truly be paradise," Chen Yong said, taking a deep breath, as if the air here was fresher.

"If it feels good, come over on weekends and stay with me.

Train together—it's better than lying around bored at home for two days."

Li Yuan extended the invitation, but Chen Yong just pursed his lips.

He had no strong obsession with pursuing martial arts; being good enough was fine.

The reason he came this time was because of the Provincial Bureau's upcoming Open Class inspection.

Purely to boost his martial strength? Chen Yong didn't have that kind of leisure.

"Forget it, it's already good that you're willing to come this weekend.

I did some careful planning last night and mapped out the scope the Provincial Bureau might examine.

Over these two days, I'll go over everything with you.

Also, I've gained some insights into the two martial techniques you commonly use.

Take a look at these insights and see how many are helpful to you.

Absorb what's useful; if you find any issues, just say it directly, and we'll discuss them together."

Toward his good friend, Li Yuan was genuinely sincere.

It wasn't easy for others to get guidance from him.

Chen Yong nodded in agreement and began training alongside Li Yuan.