C3 My Underwear Level up(2)

Lee Dan began to feel uneasy.

The dean stood in the classroom and asked, "Which one of you is Zhou Wen?"

Lee Dan pointed to the figure in the middle of the classroom and replied, "Dean, that's Zhou Wen."

The principal's eyebrows furrowed as he inquired, "What's the situation here? Evening study has begun; why is a student standing in the middle of the classroom?"

A student from the front row quickly stood and explained, "Principal, Zhou Wen was late to school today and lied to the teacher, claiming he had jumped into the river to save someone. The teacher punished him by making him stand."

"Principal, a student who fabricates such lies shouldn't just be standing as punishment; he ought to be expelled immediately!" the student declared, clearly pleased with himself.

It was rare to encounter someone of the principal's stature.

Making a good impression today could lead to being remembered.

The other students felt a surge of indignation, annoyed that he had seized the opportunity before them.

This was their chance to shine in front of the principal.

"What is your name?" the principal asked sternly.

The student, unable to hide his delight, responded with a smirk, "Reporting to the principal, my name is Wang Chi!"

"Wang Chi! Go stand outside!" the principal commanded, his tone turning harsh.

Wang Chi's face fell as he protested, "Principal, why me? It should be Zhou Wen!"

"Didn't you hear the principal? Go! Now! Stand outside!" the dean interjected with fury.

The dean was internally panicking; the person who had been holding the little girl's hand had witnessed the entire scene.

This foolish student had been spouting utter nonsense!

"Why should I?" Wang Chi demanded angrily, pointing at Zhou Wen. "Why isn't he the one standing? He was late and he lied!"

"Because he saved my daughter," came a chilling female voice from behind.

Everyone turned to look.

A middle-aged woman, gracefully holding a little girl's hand, emerged from behind the principal.

The woman retained an air of elegance, and the little girl was dressed impeccably, looking utterly adorable.

A hush fell over the classroom, the woman's statement still resonating in the air.

"Because he saved my daughter."

"Did Zhou Wen actually save someone?" a tentative voice asked from within the room.

As the woman stepped forward, the principal and the dean quickly stepped aside to clear a path for her.

The woman was a far cry from the frantic figure she had been in the park, exuding confidence with every gesture.

In a hushed tone, she shared, "Today, my daughter fell into the Dorrich Canal at Anewood Park. Zhou Wen was the only one brave enough to dive in and rescue her."

"And that's precisely why Zhou Wen was late!"

"What about the rest of you? Do you think Zhou Wen was lying?"

"Would a student who risks his own life by jumping into a deep river to save someone lie?"

The classroom fell into an awkward silence.

Wang Chi's face flushed with embarrassment, wishing he could disappear.

Lee Dan felt the same; after all, she had been the one to falsely accuse Zhou Wen.

A few students breathed a sigh of relief, thankful they hadn't rushed to make a spectacle of themselves before the principal.

The school's beauty glanced at Zhou Wen, her face lighting up with a growing smile.

"Principal Yao, the school's mission should extend beyond academics to the holistic development of student character. It seems Big Valley School still has room for improvement," the woman said sternly, turning to the principal.

"You're absolutely right! We will devise a plan for improvement right away!" the principal responded eagerly.

"Zhou Wen, come here this instant!" the dean of students beckoned with a wave of his hand.

Zhou Wen, momentarily dazed, realized the gravity of his impromptu act of heroism.

How did this mother and daughter manage to track him down?

Approaching them, Zhou Wen was greeted with a smile from the woman. "I was wondering why you dashed off so quickly after getting out of the water. You were worried about being late, weren't you? Such a good boy!"

"Zipei, come and thank your big brother," the woman said, gently urging the little girl forward.

Zipei approached shyly and said in her sweet, young voice, "Thank you, big brother."

"You're welcome!"

Zhou Wen couldn't help but feel elated, seeing the little girl bouncing around, safe and sound, put his mind at ease.

"Zhou Wen, without you, my little girl might have drowned in the Dorrich Canal. I can't thank you enough," the woman said, her voice filled with emotion.

Zhou Wen spoke in a gentle voice, "Auntie, you're being too kind. In such a situation, any student at our school would have done the same."

Zhou Wen's eloquent response left the principal and the teaching director brimming with surprise; they were practically ready to give him a thumbs-up.

Such a teachable moment.

Having been scolded by this woman earlier, Zhou Wen's statement did much to restore his reputation.

The other students in the classroom blushed with a mix of pride and guilt, as Zhou Wen's words had indirectly commended them as well.

True to form, the woman turned to the principal and the teaching director, remarking, "It looks like Big Valley School isn't beyond hope after all!"

The principal and the teaching director were so delighted they hardly knew how to respond, showering her with compliments, given the woman's notable status.

Then, as if something had just occurred to her, she smiled and said, "I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Qin Yi, Zipei's mother."

"Hello, Auntie!" Zhou Wen greeted her with proper respect.

Qin Yi retrieved a small red booklet from her bag, "Zhou Wen, you left your student ID at the park. Keep it safe and try not to lose it again."

It dawned on Zhou Wen that his student ID had his information, which is how she was able to find him.

Sensing the moment was right, and with the classroom's attention on them, Qin Yi said with a light laugh, "Here's an idea, Zhou Wen, give me your contact details. We'd like to invite you over for a meal sometime to express our gratitude properly."

Zhou Wen, feeling a bit sheepish, replied, "Auntie, you really don't have to do that."

Qin Yi teased, "If you don't leave me your phone number, I might just keep your student ID."

"No, no, no, I'll give it to you," Zhou Wen quickly conceded.

The onlookers chuckled at Zhou Wen's flustered reaction.

After returning the student ID, Zhou Wen dutifully shared his phone number with Qin Yi.

With that settled, Qin Yi addressed the two men behind her, "Director Zheng, Principal Yao, I'll take my leave now and not keep you any longer."

With her parting words, Qin Yi departed with the young girl, and Zheng Chuan along with Principal Yao left shortly after, calling Lee Dan out with them.

As the little girl was leaving, she made sure to wave at Zhou Wen and pulled a funny face, which was absolutely adorable.