Chapter 45: Let the Principal Take the Fall

Letting out a long breath of relief, Zhao Shuncheng took from his secretary a red envelope emblazoned with the words “Heroic Deeds Award” and pressed it insistently into Li Sicheng’s hand.

“Li, your courageous act in saving someone has become known to us all. The teachers are proud of you, and so is the school! This is a token of our appreciation from the school. It may not be much, but it’s heartfelt. Please don’t refuse it—just accept it.”

Beside them, Zeng Yi craned his neck for a glance—he saw the red envelope bulging, clearly stuffed with a significant amount of money.

He couldn’t help but mutter inwardly, “Judging by its heft, there must be tens of thousands at least in there. Goodness, that much money, and Principal Zhao still says it’s not much… he’s really putting on airs!”

This time, he had misjudged Zhao Shuncheng. Zhao truly wasn’t pretending—he genuinely felt the sum was paltry. In his mind, he already treated Li Sicheng as a close relative of Lin Muxue, and not just any relative, but one with an excellent relationship.

Would someone like that lack for money?

To them, tens of thousands are mere pocket change.

Truthfully, Zhao Shuncheng appeared calm outwardly, but inside he was anxious, worried Li Sicheng would be unimpressed or find the reward insufficient. If that happened, the school’s reputation would be tarnished.

Fortunately, nothing of the sort occurred.

Li Sicheng neither refused nor complained. He simply took the red envelope and tossed it casually into his desk drawer.

Though this action seemed somewhat disrespectful, Zhao Shuncheng didn’t see it that way. In fact, he felt it was only natural.

Zeng Yi, meanwhile, was dumbfounded, his tongue tied in awe. “That’s tens of thousands, just thrown in a drawer as if it’s nothing? He really doesn’t care about money at all!”

He couldn’t help but imagine what he’d do if he received such a windfall. Without question, he’d keep it close and rush to deposit it in the bank at the first opportunity.

“How can the gap between people be so vast? Outstanding grades, bravery, agility—fine. But even in his attitude towards money, he’s so indifferent. Damn, how can there be such an exceptional man in the world? How are we supposed to compete? At this rate, he’ll have us all chasing after him for scraps.”

Zeng Yi’s gaze at Li Sicheng was full of both grievance and admiration.

Sadly, no one noticed him.

After a few more compliments, Zhao Shuncheng continued, “Li, your heroic actions not only saved a student’s life but also preserved our school’s reputation. After discussion with the school leadership, we’ve decided to hold a grand award ceremony for you in three days, urging all students and teachers to follow your example! Moreover, we’ll report your bravery to the city authorities, hoping to secure you the title of Outstanding Young Citizen!”

“That’s really not necessary,” Li Sicheng replied, startled, quickly waving his hand in refusal.

The purpose of his stay at Nanshan High was to recuperate. If he drew too much attention, it would be a waste of his time and energy, affecting his recovery.

These were not things he desired.

“It is necessary! Absolutely! Your courageous act is a shining example of righteousness and must be widely celebrated!” Zhao Shuncheng declared with a flourish.

He had no inkling of Li Sicheng’s concerns. In his mind, young people craved recognition, and Li Sicheng would be no exception. A grand ceremony would not only boost Nanshan’s reputation but also curry favor with Li Sicheng.

Little did he know, his attempt at flattery was entirely misplaced.

As Li Sicheng was about to protest further, his phone rang.

He pulled it from his pocket, glanced at the caller ID, and said to Zhao Shuncheng, “Sorry, Principal Zhao, I need to step outside to take this call.”

“Go ahead, go ahead.” Zhao Shuncheng nodded fervently, nearly bowing. He had clearly seen the name Lin Muxue displayed on the screen.

When the school director calls, he wouldn’t dare obstruct him for anything.

Li Sicheng nodded to the assembled school leaders and teachers, rose, and left the classroom, pressing the answer button.

As soon as the call connected, Lin Muxue’s voice came through, not full of praise but of concern and admonishment: “Sicheng, how could you be so reckless? Jumping off a building to save someone! What if something happened? You must never do something so dangerous again!”

Though he was being chided, Li Sicheng felt no anger, and even smiled. He knew Lin Muxue was truly concerned, anxious for his safety. Compared to words of praise, these admonitions were genuine affection.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you. I won’t take such risks again,” he replied softly, smiling.

This simple statement made Lin Muxue’s cheeks flush and her heart quicken on the other end of the line.

After exchanging a few more words, Li Sicheng suddenly recalled Zhao Shuncheng’s earlier remarks and said, “By the way, Muxue, there’s something you should mention to Principal Zhao…”

He succinctly explained Zhao Shuncheng’s arrangements and his own thoughts.

Lin Muxue didn’t ask why, immediately agreeing, “Alright, I understand. I’ll call Principal Zhao right away and ask him to stand down and not publicize the matter.”

With that, she hung up and dialed Zhao Shuncheng’s number.

When Li Sicheng returned to the classroom, Zhao Shuncheng was still clutching his phone, nodding vigorously as he listened.

After two or three minutes, the call ended.

Turning to Li Sicheng, Zhao Shuncheng spoke, awkward and a bit regretful, “Very well, Li, since you prefer to keep a low profile, the school will respect your wishes. The ceremony is cancelled, and we won’t urge the school to follow your example, nor will we pursue the Outstanding Young Citizen nomination… Does this arrangement suit you?”

His words left all the surrounding school leaders and teachers stunned.

The award ceremony, the call to urge all students and teachers to emulate Li Sicheng, and the nomination for Outstanding Young Citizen had all been decided after a meeting. How could Principal Zhao just cancel everything so abruptly?

One school leader in charge of the arrangements hesitated, then said, “Principal Zhao, is this really appropriate? We’ve already sent invitations to the media…”

Others chimed in, “Yes, Principal Zhao, you must consider this carefully! This will not only benefit Li but also enhance our school’s reputation. How can we simply drop the publicity?”

Useless colleagues, all of them! Only thinking of the hassle and the fame to be gained, not considering who just made that phone call!

Zhao Shuncheng glared at those around him, wanting desperately to tell them it was Lin Muxue, the school director, who had called. The decision to handle the matter quietly came from her.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t say so.

He remembered clearly the request Li Sicheng made when he first arrived at the school…

Taking a deep breath, Zhao Shuncheng declared, “We must respect Li’s wishes in this matter! Enough, no more discussion—the decision is final!”

Though the other school leaders fell silent, they all grumbled inwardly, “Li doesn’t understand, but why is Principal Zhao following suit?”

Without a doubt, Zhao Shuncheng would bear the brunt of this decision.

To have the principal shoulder the blame… Such an audacious feat had never occurred in the history of Nanshan High!

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