Of course he knew!
Principal Meng wanted to apply to the county for some repair funds to renovate the Third Middle School.
But the county budget was limited, and there were plenty of other institutions waiting for approval.
Knowing that Zhou Junlin was a well-connected figure in the county, Principal Meng went to visit him—and that’s when he discovered that Lin Tianyue had a close relationship with Zhou Junlin.
When Principal Meng saw Lin Tianyue again, he was overjoyed.
Originally, he had planned to hold a meeting for the teachers, but he decided to cancel it.
He spent time chatting warmly with Lin Tianyue in his office. What they talked about wasn’t important; what mattered was that the teachers all heard about it. The principal was busy entertaining a “god of wealth” and had no time to hold a meeting.
“That’s Director Lin from the feed factory. I heard he’s going to sponsor some repair funds for our school. How could the principal not treat him with utmost respect?”
“That doesn’t seem right. Director Lin seems to be quite close with Director Zhou. But then again, they’re all big shots in the county committee.”
“Right now, with the country pushing reforms, Lin Tianyue is a key figure being supported by the county. Who wouldn’t show him some respect?”
The teachers gathered, whispering and discussing. After seeing Lin Tianyue’s appearance, the female teachers were practically seeing pink hearts floating around:
“Never mind anything else, Director Lin is truly a handsome man!”
“Hey, Teacher Song, I heard you know Director Lin? Maybe you could introduce us sometime.”
Song Jiawen, who had been suddenly called out, had already been listening to everyone gossiping for a while.
His face turned ashen; he wanted to scold every one of these flattering colleagues.
But when did Lin Tianyue become so close with the principal?
Song Jiawen was a calculating person.
For years, he had fawned over the principal to get promoted. The principal had already promised him that after he finished guiding this batch of seniors, as long as the college entrance metrics were met, he’d immediately be promoted to department head. A few years later, he could be the principal himself.
Song Jiawen was quite proud. Even before becoming the head, he acted with authority wherever he went.
He even convinced his fiancée, Li Mei, to feel ecstatic, promising her that after marriage she would not only live in a nice house but also potentially become the principal’s wife.
But now, the house was gone, and Li Mei had scolded him harshly. He was furious.
He had wanted to make Lin Tianyue feel embarrassed, but who knew—Lin Tianyue was the very person the principal wanted to impress.
“Introduce what? You all have so much free time? The class got good results, or the student became a top scorer? Envious of others being self-employed? Then why don’t you resign and start your own business!”
His colleagues, furious from being roasted, scattered like startled birds.
Once away, they continued grumbling:
“Damn, acting all high and mighty! Not even department head yet, and already flexing authority. Why do I dislike people like this so much!”
“If it turns out he’s really related to Director Lin, then the department head position is basically guaranteed!”
“Who knows! Didn’t you see his expression when Director Lin was mentioned? He looked terrible. Maybe their relationship isn’t that good after all!”
Song Jiawen’s relationship with Lin Tianyue was indeed terrible—in fact, it was close to hostile.
But he never dreamed that five minutes later, Principal Meng would call him into the office.
In the principal’s office, Lin Tianyue was treated as a guest, sitting in the seat of honor with a cup of tea in front of him and a box of Longjing tea beside it—Principal Meng’s most treasured tea.
He usually wouldn’t even drink it himself, yet here he was, serving it to Lin Tianyue. What did that signify?
Song Jiawen stood there awkwardly, trying to smile but failing, unable to show any displeasure.
“Principal, you called for me?”
“Teacher Song, this is Director Lin from the county feed factory. Director Lin says he’s related to you—why didn’t you say so earlier? If I had known, we would have met much sooner.”
Principal Meng came over to open the door for Song Jiawen and lowered his voice to say:
“Jiawen, whether the school gets this fund all depends on Director Lin. Say a few good words, don’t forget.”
Song Jiawen: …
Being forced to bow to Lin Tianyue felt worse than death.
He knew Lin Tianyue came to show him a warning.
But he dared not disobey Principal Meng.
So Song Jiawen stood there, forcing out a grimace that looked worse than crying:
“Brother, you’re here too.”
“That’s what you say? Didn’t we just meet at the door? You even asked the security guard to stop me!”
Cold sweat broke out on Song Jiawen. He didn’t even dare to lift his head to meet the principal’s gaze.
Principal Meng: “Teacher Song, you’re relatives. Why stop Director Lin?”
“I… I just… I didn’t mean anything… isn’t the school supposed to restrict outsiders?”
“Director Lin is my friend and an honored guest. He’s not an outsider.”
“Yes, yes…”
Lin Tianyue, looking at him struggling, snorted disdainfully:
“Jiawen, since I’m here, I might as well tell you. Your sister-in-law asked me to ask when you plan to move those junky things downstairs. Also, the chickens you’re raising smell too strong. Your sister-in-law is pregnant; she can’t stand it.”
Song Jiawen wiped sweat from his forehead: “I know. I’ll move the furniture tomorrow. As for the chickens… well… I guess I’ll leave them for my sister-in-law to get stronger.”
“If you really have that intention… then fine.”
Lin Tianyue hadn’t planned to take advantage, but a few dozen chickens could easily sell for a few hundred yuan. Since Song Jiawen had already annoyed him, he didn’t mind making him feel a bit of pain.
Sure enough, once he agreed, Song Jiawen’s brows furrowed in distress.
But the damage was done. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and swallow this bitter pill.
He still had to accompany him politely with a smile:
“I truly mean it. My sister-in-law is carrying my eldest nephew. Brother, don’t worry. Mom’s health has been poor lately. You focus on your work; I’ll take care of her.”
Song Jiawen wanted to subtly warn Lin Tianyue not to go too far. His grandmother was still under his and his father’s care. Recently, Li Xiufen had been ill, and he and his father were annoyed, barely paying attention, not even taking her to the hospital.
But given the current situation, he had to be a little nicer to her.
Lin Tianyue finished the last sip of tea and stood up, patting Song Jiawen on the shoulder:
“Then thank you for your efforts.”
“Not at all. Family sticks together…”
Seeing Song Jiawen’s timid expression, Lin Tianyue felt satisfied. His goal was achieved.
He bid farewell to Principal Meng, without mentioning the school repairs:
“Alright, Old Meng, I have things at home, so I’ll take my leave.”
Principal Meng, interacting back and forth, could see right through the situation.
He immediately understood why Lin Tianyue had delayed talking about the repairs—it was all about Song Jiawen.
After Lin Tianyue left, Principal Meng closed the office door, his expression immediately turning serious.
Song Jiawen was so scared he didn’t dare move. He tried to think of excuses:
“Principal, I really didn’t know Lin Tianyue was your honored guest. If I had known…”
“Xiao Song, listen to me!” Principal Meng interrupted. “I don’t care what personal grudge you have with Director Lin, but it must not affect the school, and especially not the approval of the repair fund. I’ve applied for this fund for years. This time, we must get it. If you delay this because of your petty issues, don’t blame me for being ruthless. Go wherever you feel comfortable!”

Discussion
Comments
0 comments so far.
Sign in to join the conversation and keep your activity tied to this account.
No comments yet. Start the conversation.