in2ebook Chapter 151 Arrogance
Chapter 151 Arrogance
Chang Xidi sighed and explained, "I wasn't really clear about the specifics at the time. I didn't think much of what Cheng Agen did because my son has the ability to do it. After all, if his grades aren't good, no amount of money can change that. However, I was a bit selfish at the time, thinking that it's always good to have an extra layer of protection in case that classmate surnamed Jiang changes his mind at the last minute. Besides, the Jiang family can get relief from their immediate crisis with this money, so Cheng Agen has done a good deed. Anyway, he's very wealthy and makes charitable donations every year."
"Mom!" Jian Zheng raised his voice, interrupting Chang Xidi, "How can you be so confused? Cheng Agen is just flattering you. He's doing this because he wants something from you and wants you to do something for him. These businessmen are very shrewd."
“I did help Cheng Agen a lot back then, but it was all within the scope of policy. We’ve dealt with each other for many years, but we’ve never had any financial dealings with him,” Chang Xidi explained.
Just then, the phone rang abruptly. Jian Zheng answered, "Hello, oh, it's Dad."
A slightly reproachful voice came from the other end of the phone: "Jian Zheng, why did you suddenly come back? Go back to school tomorrow, don't let your mother worry. You're so grown up now, it's time to learn to be sensible."
Jian Zheng quickly interrupted Jian Fangze's nagging: "Dad, Dad, don't be in such a hurry, let me say a few words."
Jian Fangze's tone softened a bit: "Alright, go ahead and tell me what reasoning you have."
Jian Zheng took a deep breath and mustered his courage to say, "Dad, I don't want to go to HKU anymore. I want to give up."
On the other end of the phone, Jian's father's voice instantly turned stern: "How dare you! You're being incredibly irresponsible with yourself. How can you just give up like that?"
Jian Zheng was startled by his father's sudden outburst and instinctively pulled the phone receiver further away, but his father's angry voice still echoed clearly in his ears.
Chang Xidi took the phone from Jian Zheng and said softly, "Old Jian, don't worry, I'll talk to our son. Take good care of yourself while you're out there." She listened patiently to her father's words of advice on the other end of the line, occasionally responding with "uh-huh, uh-huh, okay." After hanging up, she turned to look at Jian Zheng, her expression gradually becoming serious.
“Zheng’er,” Chang Xidi called softly, her tone full of earnestness, “I know you have many doubts and anxieties in your heart. You are worried that the matter of HKU will affect me. In fact, I am more upset that I have implicated you because of me. Your father is right. No matter what we do, there will always be people who gossip.”
She paused, as if considering her next words: "My problems cannot be solved by you giving up your opportunity to study at HKU. In that case, why don't you focus on your studies and let the adults handle the rest? This is an opportunity you earned through your own efforts. Giving it up is not only irresponsible to yourself, but also a betrayal of those who have always supported and believed in you."
Jian Zheng listened to Chang Xidi's words, secretly adjusted his emotions, and replied in a low voice, "Mom, I'll listen to you. I'll go back first thing tomorrow morning. No matter what others say, I have a clear conscience."
Chang Xidi looked pleased and said softly, "That's right. Maybe by the end of the year, if I can get a vacation leave, your father and I will go to Hong Kong Island to see you. The three of us can spend New Year's Eve in Hong Kong Island. It's the new millennium."
Jian Zheng got up very early the next morning to catch the earliest flight back to Hong Kong Island.
Afraid the wheels of the old suitcase would make too much noise dragging on the floor, he carried it through the hallway, hesitating whether to say goodbye to his mother. He noticed his parents' bedroom door was closed; it seemed his mother hadn't gotten up yet. Remembering how late she'd stayed up last night, he decided to let her sleep a little longer and not wake her.
Before leaving, Jian Zheng passed through the dining room and glanced at the table. He saw a plate of fried eggs, two fried dough sticks, and a thermos with a note underneath. He went into the dining room, moved the thermos, and picked up the note. It was written in his mother's familiar handwriting: "Zheng'er, eat breakfast before you go. Mom has to go out."
He opened the thermos; inside was Jian Zheng's favorite savory soy milk. He took a small sip, and his eyes welled up with tears...
On the second day after Jian Zheng returned to Hong Kong Island University, just after the morning classes ended and he was about to go to the school cafeteria for lunch, he was invited to the Academic Affairs Office by the university's Secretary for Academic Affairs, George Chan.
Jian Zheng followed behind Chen Qiaozhi, their hearts pounding with anxiety, as they entered the Academic Affairs Office together.
Chen Qiaozhi walked around behind the desk and sat down. Then, he pointed to the chair in front of him and said to Jian Zheng, "Jian Zheng, please sit down."
Jian Zheng stood in front of the desk and replied respectfully, "I can stand here. Director Chen, what are your instructions?"
Chen Qiaozhi said with a serious expression, "Last week, the school received a letter of assistance from the Commission for Discipline Inspection of Xichuan City, forwarded by the Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Anti-Corruption Administration. The letter is mainly for investigating your employment. The school attaches great importance to this and has conducted a comprehensive self-examination. This morning, we officially sent a reply to the Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Anti-Corruption Administration. In less than two days, the Commission for Discipline Inspection of Xichuan City will receive the letter."
Upon hearing this, Jian Zheng's heart tightened. He had felt uneasy ever since he stepped into the Department of Academic Affairs, and now his palms were sweating profusely with nervousness. He stammered nervously, "Director, I...I..." Before he could finish speaking, Chen Qiaozhi interrupted him.
“Jian Zheng, you don’t need to explain.” Director George waved his hand, his tone softening. “During our self-inspection, the school confirmed that we fully followed the prescribed procedures in the recruitment process and were not influenced by any external factors. Our response will also be objective and fair. We are informing you now because the school committee unanimously agreed that you have the right to know, and we should inform you.”
Upon hearing this, Jian Zheng felt slightly relieved. However, a thought immediately crossed his mind: Chen Qiaozhi had said it was a letter of assistance from the Xichuan Municipal Supervisory Commission, so it must be related to his mother. This thought filled him with unease again, and he was about to ask for clarification.
George Chan continued, “This Quality Migrant Admission Scheme is a strategy jointly launched by the Hong Kong Island government and several universities on the island, aimed at attracting talent from all sectors to Hong Kong. This is the first year of its implementation, and none of us want to see anything bad happen, which would damage our credibility and reputation. If it involves the transfer of benefits, it would be a violation of the law. The laws on Hong Kong Island are not like those on the mainland. No one here dares to challenge the law or do anything illegal or favoritism, you understand?”
Faced with Chen Qiaozhi's arrogant words, Jian Zheng felt both angry and ashamed. He was angry because speaking in such a tone was clearly a form of regional discrimination; he was ashamed because, although the matter had been investigated and was not considered a violation, there was indeed a flaw in this matter, and he felt he was in the wrong.
Jian Zheng clasped his hands together and let them hang down in front of him, his thumb digging fiercely into the palm of his other hand. He was unhappy but had no words to say.
Chen Qiaozhi waved his hand and said, "I know you don't have anything to say. Now that you've enrolled, just focus on your studies. You can go now."