My Proposal to the Principal

I met his gaze steadily, not allowing my inner anxiousness to show. "The deal with Mistress Wang Fei, Sect Leader of The White Pavilion of the Cultivating Arts. "

His eyes narrowed slightly, but the smile never left his face. "You seem well-informed for a student. But why bring this up? What is it you want?"

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment, and smiled, placing my hands behind my back in a refined and polite yet mischievous manner.

"The White Pavilion is renowned for its focus on martial arts, not farming schools like ours. It's unusual for such a prestigious sect to sponsor us. Wang Fei, has certain interests here which are beneficial for her that align with her plans that align with the deal you made, correct?"

The principal's body shifted to face me directly, his gaze locking onto mine. At that moment, the glint of honesty in his eyes confirmed that I was right.

As I studied his expression further, I noticed a fleeting trace of regret and shame flicker across his features, almost as if the weight of past decisions momentarily surfaced.

"You knew this wasn't in the best interests of the students when you made the deal but in the selfish interest of your own."

His jaw clenched, his posture rigid with indignation. "You dare challenge my integrity?

For a moment, silence hung heavy in the room. The principal's anger simmered beneath the surface, evident in the tension radiating from him. But finally, he relented, his voice strained.

"Enough. I won't tolerate accusations without grounds. But I will assure you, the interests of our students remain my utmost priority, despite the complexities of this arrangement."

With patience, I maintained eye contact firmly, "I don't doubt your intentions, but I question your decisions. While I may not know every detail of your deal, I am fully prepared to use my emergency passcode to contact the Bureau of Education, Sir. I will inquire if they are ready to look into the matter you seem reluctant to discuss."

I wasn't foolish enough to confront someone who could overpower me with their sheer aura without a backup plan in place. Rest assured, I had considered my safety well in advance.

Since my encounter with Systema and the deepening of my understanding, I've recalled many seemingly insignificant details in my novel that I previously thought were unimportant.

Yet, here I am, funnily enough, this once trivial information has become incredibly useful.

In this state, the primary modes of communication are tabs or pods. Telephones are predominantly used for sending voice messages that connect swiftly to another line.

Pods are small, pocket-sized cubes that unfold into a larger device to project a holographic film, especially for high-quality video calls and long-distance messaging.

Although pods are frequently used for calls, they have various functions.

By simply writing the letters of a name, and sometimes using a passcode, one can effortlessly initiate a video or voice call or chat with anyone in the state.

Luckily enough I even knew the Bureau Of Education's emergency passcode. These devices are readily available upon request at state schools and are distributed free of charge.

The principal looked threatened and held back the growing tension radiating from his aura after my words.

The principal's hardened expression softened despite his rather tense demeanour. "You speak with such boldness, young one. Why are you so intent on discovering the details of my deal? And why do you firmly believe that the agreement I reached with Wang Fei serves my own interests rather than the benefit of others?"

I walked around in a circle before reaching my destination in front of his desk, "Hmmn, I recall that Jun is the son of Wang Fei, oh yes, but that doesn't mean anything."

I didn't actually know much; I was just trying to sound knowledgeable. Surprisingly, it seemed to work this time. However, he seemed genuinely surprised at the mention of Jun as if I had said two forbidden names in the same sentence.

Drawing on this noticeable change I swiftly continue my improvisation, "Okay, then perhaps it's the fact that your behaviour towards Jun is quite strange, the level of disregard... well, maybe he doesn't fit on your good side. 

Hmm, then perhaps it's the fact that you have disregarded a child's life for the sake of benefits... maybe."

With that final word, I shot him a scornful glance. The stances had changed; it now felt more like an interrogation from a child. I giggled internally at the oddities of my current situation.

"Just because the school lacks investors and sponsors doesn't mean you should take advantage of a student, you know well enough what I mean." 

The principal, seated at his desk, appeared far more defeated yet determined than he had just five minutes prior, evidently eager to clarify what he perceived as a misunderstanding. However, I was intent on squeezing as much information as possible from him, so I interrupted him before he got the opportunity.

Adopting a more polite and understanding tone, akin to that of a mature professional. "I want to understand the terms of the deal in more depth to confirm if my words are as bold as you say they are," I said firmly.

"And I want your assurance that Jun or anyone else's education here won't ever be compromised because of it. That's it." 

He regarded me silently for a long moment, his gaze piercing yet inscrutable. Finally, he sighed and gestured for me to take a seat. "Very well. Since you're so determined to know as you have regarded me as a threat, I'll tell you what you want to hear. But remember, your position here remains precarious."

I sat down, maintaining my composure despite the tense atmosphere. "Thank you, Principal. I appreciate your willingness to discuss this."

He reclined in his chair, fingers interlaced before him. "The White Pavilion typically seeks affiliations only with elite martial arts schools. They aim to identify and recruit gifted students early on, offering them unparalleled training opportunities."

Internally I was like: Wow, what a revelation! I never would have guessed that in a million years. I mean, who needs interesting, useful information when you can just repeat the same old tired facts, right? I said this internally in agitation.

I nodded slowly, emphasizing the main point. "Ok, so then, what does she gain from sponsoring our school?"

"The deal involves financial support... which can increase my resources and funds. Which I planned to of course invest in the school," he explained hastily. "In return, we allow certain privileges and accommodations for her interests."

"And what exactly are those interests?" I probed carefully, keeping my tone neutral yet inquisitive.

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering with a hint of discomfort. "That, I cannot disclose fully. But rest assured, it's nothing that compromises our students' safety or education."

"Forgive me, Principal," I continued, my voice steady. "But a sect as prestigious as the White Lotus Pavilion wouldn't invest in a school like ours unless there was a significant benefit to them one that may be questionable enough for you to doubt whether the benefits are truly worth it."

I paused for effect looking away in deep thought, which perfectly increased the tension and built anticipation for the next words I was going to say

"And I know why you've been hesitant," I pressed, my words gaining momentum. "Not out of concern for Jun's welfare, but for your own. You know these interests aren't good yet you call them privileges, funny."

I spoke in a bitterly cold tone, "You are fully aware of Jun's reputation. I've noticed how you ignore him and refuse to offer assistance, despite his status as the second-highest-ranking student.

It's not as if he's here because Wang Fei sought the ideal location to discreetly abandon her son. If you are indeed receiving benefits for taking in someone's son, then it's only right-"

Score! I hit the target right at its centre as I saw the visible disbelief on his face, even though everything I said was based on assumptions from my last conversation with Jun. I didn't expect it to be this accurate.

He interrupted me with a heavy sigh, easing the tension in the room a bit. "She didn't want to abandon him, but to find a place where he couldn't cause chaos. Given that child's capabilities... he's a threat to everyone around him.

You're a perceptive kid, and you might be right that it's wrong to gain from such a situation, but that child... is beyond help.

I can see it; he has no chance of ever mastering his abilities which is why I.. I had planned to get rid of him as discreetly as possible I hadn't expected he would do so well in the exam. Now that you're aware, what do you plan to do with this knowledge?"

"I won't spread it if that's what you're thinking, but I do understand now," I replied evenly. He looked slightly relieved.

Upon learning of his prior intentions to get rid of Jun, I was honestly filled with anger and a resolve to prove him wrong, no matter what it took. How could one disregard someone with such ease, without any effort or even a glimmer of hope for a change or redemption, he was just a kid, how ruthless!

I respond with firmness and confidence, showing not even a hint of fear. "But that won't stop me from doing what I believe is right. We'll see if he's really beyond help." The principal shot me a perplexed look confused with my stance.

"If you remember I proposed a deal with you, I believe that based on the things you have told me it is very reasonable.

I propose a deal: I will help Jun master his abilities. If I succeed, you will take back everything you said, truthfully acknowledge and respect Jun, and Jun and I will receive half of all the benefits you have personally received... and you will owe me a personal favour."

I mean I had to get some type of personal benefit from this, though I was unsure whether he would agree to such a deal. Another thought crossed my mind: I didn't even know what abilities Jun possessed or what he was truly capable of.