There was already a long line in front of the registration office.
And it wasn’t just them. Almost all the parents who had been the most outspoken in the group chat yesterday had shown up...
In other words, the more fiercely they had complained, the earlier they had arrived—and the farther toward the front of the line they were now.
Some of them started arguing the moment they arrived.
“Weren’t you saying yesterday that the teacher was too harsh and would undermine the children’s confidence?”
“I thought it over. My child happens to need practice dealing with setbacks.”
“Didn’t you say the art teacher had a vicious tongue?”
“What’s wrong with that? Can a sweet-talking teacher get you into the Central Academy of Fine Arts?”
“By the way, did Dian Dian’s Mom—the one who was cursing the loudest last night—come?”
Everyone looked around. Most of the parents had gotten to know one another at the parent meeting, but no one saw anyone who looked like Dian Dian’s Mom.
“She didn’t come. Looks like Dian Dian’s Mom is the only honest one here. She said she wouldn’t come, and she really didn’t.”
“I made some inquiries. The first session has limited spots, and the number of students in each track will be capped. There’s definitely going to be someone among us who doesn’t get in.”
“Let’s petition the school together! They can’t possibly offer only one session, can they? They should arrange a second session as soon as possible. Especially for the tenth-graders who aren’t in a hurry—we can wait for the second session.”
“Exactly. There are too many predatory programs outside. If I can’t get in today, I’d rather wait for the second session than get scammed elsewhere.”
At last, the teacher in charge of registration arrived.
She was stunned when she saw the scene.
There were still two hours before opening, but she couldn’t very well make all the parents continue waiting outside, so she had no choice but to start work early.
—
It wasn’t until nine in the morning that Yu Xiaxing leisurely drove into St. De.
After entering through the school gate, she deliberately took a detour to the Arts Center and glanced toward the registration office.
The entrance was completely empty. There wasn’t a single person in sight.
Great! Who would’ve thought the parents would actually keep their word this time?
See? Adults still had to maintain at least a little respect for their promises.
In a cheerful mood, Yu Xiaxing parked her car and happily headed toward the administration building.
Just as she reached the front of the building, she ran into Principal Wang and Director Gao.
Principal Wang greeted her with a smile. “Good morning.”
Yu Xiaxing was in a good mood today, so she replied with an indifferent, “Morning.”
Then she continued straight toward the offices.
Principal Wang, however, was delighted. The last time he had greeted her, she had merely snorted and walked away.
This time, she had actually said good morning!
Yes!
That proved their relationship was finally beginning to improve!
She had started to let go of the way he had opposed her when she first arrived at the school!
From now on, they would no longer be at each other’s throats. They could work hand in hand to build the school!
Watching her retreating figure, Director Gao’s expression darkened.
“Principal, what do you make of that attitude?”
Principal Wang wasn’t angry. He said indifferently, “She studied abroad. Perhaps she isn’t so concerned with seniority.”
Director Gao: “...” Why did that sound like he was mocking her for being the sort of person who placed too much emphasis on seniority?
Principal Wang slowly walked forward, his tone calm. “Besides, she is the board director. Greeting her is simply a matter of professional courtesy. What do you expect her to do—kneel down and kowtow to me before you’ll consider her respectful toward her elders?”
Director Gao felt her face grow hot. “You’re her senior, a veteran authority in the field of education. You took the initiative to greet her, and she brushed you off like that? That’s far too rude.”
Principal Wang glanced at her. “Director Gao, I used to dislike Board Director Yu very much, too. But again and again, the facts have proved that she truly cares about the school and these children. So whatever she does, I can accept it.”
Director Gao’s expression became even more unpleasant.
Principal Wang continued, “Do you know what establishing this arts-exam program has brought to the school?”
Director Gao privately scoffed, but she still answered, “The program looks lively for now, but she’s giving our own students a fifty-percent discount.”
“The renovations, equipment, outside instructors, and upgraded support services—all of them cost a great deal.”
“Even if enrollment goes well, we’ll probably only break even. We won’t make much money.”
Principal Wang looked at her and sighed. “You’re being shortsighted. Parents began lining up at five or six this morning, and the class was full within half an hour.”
“Those who didn’t get a spot refused to leave.”
“They wanted to find Board Director Yu and demand that the school open a second session as soon as possible.”
“But Board Director Yu hadn’t arrived at work yet, so they could only come to me.”
“Filling the first session to this extent is already an excellent result. It will definitely become profitable over time.”
Director Gao frowned. She had indeed heard that the Arts Center was rather lively when she arrived that morning.
But she had assumed it was only a few parents making inquiries.
She hadn’t expected enrollment to have reached this level already.
She forcibly maintained her composure and said, “As for making money, who knows how long that will take? The heir competition is all about producing short-term results. Her plans won’t show results anytime soon.”
Principal Wang looked at her, a complicated light appearing in his eyes. “So you don’t think that makes her even more admirable?”
Director Gao: “...?”
There was genuine admiration in Principal Wang’s voice. “Do you really think she doesn’t know the first session won’t make any money?”
“If she were doing this solely for the competition, she could have set the tuition high and opened up more spots, making a hefty profit while the program is still popular.”
“But she didn’t.”
“She limited the class size to ensure the quality of instruction.”
“She made the refund policy, risk warnings, and teaching staff information fully public to keep parents from being exploited by outside agencies.”
“She gave our own students a fifty-percent discount because she genuinely wants to improve the school.”
“This move has truly boosted the school’s reputation. The admissions office received a great many inquiries this morning.”
“Many parents have heard that St. De can let students pursue both their academic studies and their specialized training, and they’ve already begun asking about transferring in next semester and about entrance exams.”
“Do you know what that means?”
Director Gao: “...Please enlighten me.”
Principal Wang said, “In the past, we had to go to junior high schools all over the city to recruit students. But now, many people are applying to transfer here on their own initiative! That means St. De is finally no longer the laughingstock of the entire city! It’s beginning to have real appeal!”
Director Gao, however, was not happy in the slightest.
Because everything Yu Xiaxing had done had ruined her entire family...
