228 — The Resolution

"What's going on here?" Teacher Zong, the Mathematics teacher asked sternly. He was originally on his way to teach them when he heard some noise and quickened his pace.

As if seeing his saviour, Yu Bowen almost cried, "Teacher Zong, it's Li Yuchen. He hit me!"

Teacher Zong was taken aback. The intelligent, ever-smiling Student Yuchen could actually be involved in school violence? He couldn't believe it!

But seeing the situation and the same look on everyone's face, he still turned to Li Yuchen to verify. "Student Yichen, did you hit him?"

"Yes I did," Li Yuchen affirmed confidently and proudly, stunning Teacher Zong.

Was this still something to be proud of?

Since the perpetrator had admitted it, Teacher Zong had no choice but to punish them.

"For the crime of disturbing the class, both of you will be punished with twenty hours of school service. Do you agree?"

As opposed to the crime of fighting, which could earn a suspension, disturbing the class was not very serious. School service included things like cleaning the classrooms and gyms, as well as volunteering in school related activities.

The punishment was neither too heavy nor too mild, so the class heaved a sigh of relief.

Yu Bowen was flabbergasted. He was the one that got hit, so why was he still getting punished? Still he couldn't say anything. It was better for things to end this way than for their parents to be involved.

He didn't know how the Li family would react if they got wind of his words.

But Li Yuchen became adamant, "I do not agree."

The whole class: "..."

If anyone was supposed to agree and even thank the teacher for his grace, shouldn't it be Li Yuchen? What was this situation?

Teacher Zong frowned. He was already been very lenient on account of Li Yuchen's good grades and talents, but it didn't mean he could condone such an act.

He became angry and said, "If you do not agree, then I have to report to the principal that the students of the elite class were fighting."

The class froze. Principal Shen was well-known for his strictness and no-nonsense attitude. What if they were suspended?

At the beginning of the term, everyone had heard that Principal Shen's favorite was in their class, but no one had seen him play favorites to anyone before, so they dismissed it as mere rumors.

Li Yuchen still looked leisurely, "That's fine."

It was exactly what he wanted. If the matter had to end like that, he would be very unwilling.

Yu Bowen on the other hand became very anxious. What he tried to avoid still came!

So Teacher Zong put the rest of the class on self study and took those concerned to the principal's office, including Han Yichen and a girl who was the class representative for Mathematics. They were to serve as witnesses.

The class broke into furious whispers as soon as they went out.

When they got close to the building that housed the principal's office, the group bumped into Teacher Long.

Seeing his favorite student, Teacher Long asked about the matter.

When he was told that Li Yuchen hit someone and was unrepentant, he frowned. Turning to him, he asked, "Why did you do that?"

Teacher Zong interjected, "Does it matter? What matters was that he used violence in school, and he refused to accept my punishment."

Teacher Long disagreed, "Of course it matters. What if he did it in self-defense? Everything has a cause and effect!"

Teacher Zong didn't want to argue. Anyway they were almost there. Principal Shen would make the final decision.

Principal Shen was trimming the flowers in his office when his secretary informed him that two teachers and some students from the first year's elite class were here to see him.

Principal Shen was a little surprised. What could be the problem at the time when the students were supposed to be preparing for their exams?

The secretary added, "Student Han Yichen is also among them."

On hearing that, Principal Shen quickly let them come inside.

Teacher Zong was ready to explain the matter immediately, but Principal Shen was busy talking to Han Yichen, asking him about how he has been finding the school and his preparations for an upcoming competition. Han Yichen answered steadily, making Principal Shen smile with a gratified feeling.

The others could only stand aside and listen as both of them had a very pleasant conversation.

Afterwards, Principal Shen asked them about the purpose of their coming, and Teacher Zong was finally able to explain.

Hearing that Li Yuchen punched someone, Principal Shen frowned. Fighting was something he would never tolerate under his watch.

Looking at how Principal Shen's face changed, Teacher Long was quick to add, "There must be a reason for that. Student Yuchen is a very peace-loving student."

Principal Shen looked at Li Yuchen and Han Yichen who stood straight with no fear on their faces, then at Yu Bowen that was almost looking for a rock to hide under.

He had an understanding in his heart, but he didn't jump into conclusions. He also felt that Li Yuchen was not such a rash person, so it was better to ask carefully about the ins and outs of the matter.

Li Yuchen said, "He started it. He insulted my Dad and Mom." He then proceeded to report Yu Bowen's words verbatim. The Mathematics representative also nodded to express that he was saying the truth.

When he heard the words Yu Bowen said about the Li family, Principal Shen became stern. What nonsense was that? In a few words, Yu Bowen had managed to not only offend the boys but also their parents.

Although the Li family were not tyrants, it was true that they had the power to close down the school if they really wanted to.

It would be a different thing if Li Yuchen was solely in the wrong, but in this situation, it was clearly the other person that started it.

Teacher Zong was also shocked to hear the things that Yu Bowen had said. He was really bold! Teacher Zong was secretly happy that he decided to bring the case to the principal instead of punishing them himself.

Principal Shen didn't want to offend the Li family, but he also didn't want the matter to blow up. If it involved the parents and the Li family wanted to pursue the matter, it would not be good for the school.