Chapter 70: A Complete Victory!

Zhang Wenhao felt not the slightest sympathy for someone as despicable as Ma Qianyong. The way Ma had loathed him in the past, going so far as to force him out of Class Three, had long since exceeded the baseline of what one could call a teacher. This time, his scheming was even more shameless, utterly contemptible. Zhang’s purpose was clear: Ma Qianyong would pay for his actions.

Everything was progressing smoothly. Now Ma Qianyong had become the enemy of the entire school, and Zhang was certain that his days ahead would be miserable. For his own selfish interests, Ma had endangered even the prospects of the school’s leaders. As long as he remained at No. 1 High School, a mountain of trouble awaited him, and he’d have to endure endless humiliation.

Zhang Wenhao was in a jubilant mood. It seemed certain now that Class Twenty-One would be preserved, and he, along with forty-nine classmates, would no longer have to return to that hellish environment for the final two months. Instead, they could focus wholly on preparing for the college entrance exams in their own classroom—a choice that was best for everyone.

For Song Yanni, preserving Class Twenty-One was her greatest wish. She had thought it impossible, yet Zhang Wenhao had managed to uncover Ma Qianyong as the culprit and successfully shifted the conflict between the school and Ma. Zhang had also said in the office: the parents of Class Twenty-One would be persuaded by their own children. As long as the parents were satisfied and refrained from causing trouble, everything would quickly settle down and return to normal.

When Zhang Wenhao returned to the classroom, his classmates eagerly pressed him for details. He briefly explained the situation, and even his understated account left the class in a frenzy. They hadn’t expected him to find proof of Ma Qianyong’s behind-the-scenes scheming. Most importantly, Zhang had managed to turn Ma Qianyong into the public enemy.

He addressed everyone: “We are not inferior students to be ordered about by the school or our homeroom teacher. Because of our unity, we’ve defended our own rights. I promise you, as long as we voluntarily stay in Class Twenty-One, no one can disband our class! If anyone tries, the fifty of us will fight to the very end!”

“Fight to the end!” came the answering cry.

They were seventeen or eighteen years old, their blood easily stirred by solidarity. They had always been treated differently by school and teachers, but today, Zhang Wenhao showed them that they were no different from other students. More than that, they had learned first how to defend their rights. From today on, they understood how to say no to injustice within the school.

Zhang Wenhao continued: “The school hasn’t given its final decision yet, but we only care about the answer we want. Everyone, keep studying here until the school gives us a satisfactory reply.”

At this moment, none of the school leaders were thinking about Class Twenty-One. All discussion centered on how to punish Ma Qianyong, the shameless man who had betrayed the entire faculty.

The principal was eager to expel Ma Qianyong—to vent his anger and prevent future incidents—but after a meeting with several school leaders, it became clear this was not so simple. Ma Qianyong had not violated any laws or regulations. Even if he had secretly incited parents to make trouble, the root cause was the school’s own error. If handled formally, Ma’s actions could be cast as whistleblowing. If matters escalated, he could style himself as a teacher seeking justice for students, and the school would have no solid grounds to stand upon.

After much discussion, no one could find a reasonable pretext to drive Ma out.

The principal’s frustration was overwhelming. Betrayed by Ma Qianyong and unable to retaliate, he simmered in helpless anger. But suddenly, clarity dawned. “Why must we expel him?” he asked, turning to the others. “If we kick him out, there’ll be no more hierarchy between us. If he starts openly attacking us, what could we do? He’s sly—before, he stabbed us in the back; if we push him too far, what if he strikes openly?”

Silence fell. The principal was right: with Ma in the school, he remained under their authority. Outside, he’d be free, and the leaders would become his enemies. If he stirred up negative public opinion, who could stop him?

The principal continued, “So we must keep Ma Qianyong here, give him a disciplinary action, let him continue as Class Three’s homeroom teacher. During this time, we can make life difficult for him; no other teacher will give him so much as a friendly glance. He’ll be isolated, despised by all. Once Zhang Wenhao graduates and the class reshuffling is over, we can deal with him then.”

The grade director immediately agreed: “That’s best! Let him suffer in school, make his days unbearable, and when he’s completely tormented, send him packing. We can even discreetly inform other schools of the situation. By then, no school will want someone so treacherous. He’ll never find a place in the education system again!”

Suddenly, their earlier helplessness vanished. Everyone was eager to see Ma Qianyong’s downfall—ostracized by the entire educational establishment.

With consensus reached on Ma’s fate, the grade director asked, “Principal, what about Class Twenty-One?”

“Class Twenty-One…” The principal’s head ached at the mention of Zhang Wenhao. Rubbing his nose, he sighed, “That kid is something else. So ruthless at such a young age—and he’s graduating in two and a half months. We don’t want trouble, so why not avoid it? If he wants to keep Class Twenty-One, let him. Later, organize a parent meeting for the class. If the students wish to stay, bring parents and students together so the parents can hear directly from their children. I think by then, the parents won’t cause trouble anymore.”

He added, “Remember, the grade leaders and teachers must be sincere with the parents—apologize, absolutely. I’ll speak to finance and have all senior year tuition refunded to the parents of Class Twenty-One, and promise equal treatment for their students. That should satisfy the parents. Once that’s done, the matter is settled.”

The grade director nodded, then asked, “Should Song Yanni continue as homeroom teacher for Class Twenty-One?”

“Of course!” The principal shot him a look of contempt. “These students want to stay, so they must be very satisfied with Song Yanni. If you replace her, you’ll only cause more trouble. Why don’t you use your head?”

The grade director felt frustrated, but pretended to accept the lesson, replying, “The other homeroom teachers aren’t comfortable with Song Yanni keeping the post. She’s just an intern—she got lucky with Zhang Wenhao, and her first year as a homeroom teacher is for a graduating class. Plus, the class will produce a top scorer. The bonus alone is a hundred thousand yuan. How can the other teachers accept that?”

The principal smiled and retorted, “Then, in your opinion, who’s best suited as homeroom teacher for Class Twenty-One?”

“Liu Guangcai.” The grade director answered without hesitation. “Liu Guangcai is experienced and capable, well liked by the staff. He’s perfect for the role and would command respect.”

The principal’s expression turned cold. He rebuked loudly, “You think I don’t see through your little scheme? Do I need to spell out your relationship with Liu Guangcai? Let me make this clear: Song Yanni stays as homeroom teacher for Class Twenty-One. No one can replace her! If you cause trouble by moving her, I’ll remove you as grade director!”

The grade director’s face turned pale, sweat soaking his back. He had simply wanted his brother-in-law, Liu Guangcai, to take the post, so the benefits would stay in the family. He hadn’t imagined the principal would see through it so quickly, and the principal’s anger banished any further thoughts of meddling.

During the final class that morning, the students of Class Twenty-One continued their self-study. Suddenly, Song Yanni walked in, her face alight with excitement. She stood at the podium, too moved to speak.

The whole class had waited all morning for the school’s verdict, watching Song Yanni expectantly as she struggled to compose herself. At last, unable to control her emotions, she burst into tears of joy, bowed to the class, and choked out: “Thank you, everyone! Because of your efforts, Class Twenty-One has miraculously been preserved!”

Her words ignited the class—the cheers echoed through the entire building. Li Nan, fists raised in excitement, shouted, “Zhang Wenhao! Zhang Wenhao!”

That brought everyone together. All stood and looked at Zhang Wenhao, chanting his name in excitement and unity.

To everyone, Zhang Wenhao was their hero and savior. He had single-handedly secured the future of Class Twenty-One. Neither students nor teachers had suffered from the school’s actions. Most importantly, he had defended the dignity that every so-called “inferior student” craved and needed. In this struggle, Class Twenty-One had finally achieved a true and complete victory.