Chapter 290: Limit Down
(Family members, what does it feel like when over 4,000 stocks have a drop exceeding 9.9%?......)
On the last Monday of November, Chen Yang brought Lin Xiaomi to register at Xingcheng No. 1 High School.
According to the agreement, they first went to the principal's office. As soon as they reached the office door, they heard Cai Chongming arguing with a man.
"Principal, our elite class has academic advancement responsibilities; you can't ruin our class's overall learning level over a little money."
"Old Zhou, people are willing to spend money to repair the school a bit, give the kids a good learning environment—what's wrong with giving our elite class a spot? It's just a few more desks and stools."
"Principal, is this just about one desk and one stool? This concerns our elite class's overall learning environment. If a rat dropping shows up, the other kids in the class will all be doomed!"
"Old Zhou, you're going too far. I've observed that kid—he's honest and smart; even if his foundation is a bit weak, with your level you can quickly bring him up."
"Principal, don't flatter me. If you let him into our class, at least you should test him first. If he's uneducated, I'd rather not be the class tutor and not accept this kid."
"Old Zhou, I've already been polite in speaking to you. If you think the elite class can't function without you, you can resign."
"Principal, I'm going to report you to the Education Bureau!"
"Then go ahead!"
"Fine, this is what you said!"
A middle-aged man in a gray jacket stormed out of the principal's office angrily.
However, as he stepped out, Chen Yang reached out and stopped him.
"Mr. Zhou, right? I can let Xiaomi take your test. But I also need to tell you upfront: if Xiaomi passes the test, you cannot stop him from entering the key class. Moreover, the sponsorship fee I originally promised the principal will be cancelled."
Zhou Qingfeng was stunned for a moment. He had originally been worried that the principal would arrange an uneducated rich second-generation to ruin the class's learning environment, but the meaning in this young fellow's words clearly showed he had great confidence in Lin Xiaomi.
If that's the case, then going to the Education Bureau to complain about the principal would only get him a face full of dust. At worst, his teaching job might not be saved.
"Xiao Chen, the sponsorship fee we agreed on yesterday—you can't go back on it." Upon hearing Chen Yang's voice, Cai Chongming rushed out to stop Zhou Qingfeng from speaking.
There are too many places in Xingcheng No. 1 High School that need repair; if we could solve the problems through Chen Yang's sponsorship, that would be the best political achievement. How could he allow Zhou Qingfeng to ruin his chance to climb upward?
"Old Zhou, go ahead and file the complaint if you want; I've already decided to put this kid in the elite class. If you won't do it, plenty of people can take your place."
"Principal, I'm not unwilling either." At this point Zhou Qingfeng obviously lacked confidence. Although he could raise the difficulty to make Lin Xiaomi fail the test, Zhou Chongming and the school's other teachers aren't fools. As soon as they see he's deliberately opposing the principal, he'll never get anything good at Xingcheng No. 1 High School in the future.
"Since you agree, then take Lin Xiaomi to get familiar with the class. I have important matters to discuss with Xiao Chen." Cai Chongming, fearing further complications, immediately made a decision.
"Lin Xiaomi, come with me!" After changing his mind, Zhou Qingfeng's voice became much gentler.
However, Lin Xiaomi seemed a bit shy, clutching Chen Yang's hand and refusing to let go.
Chen Yang patted his head and encouraged: "Xiaomi, don't be scared. Qianqian older sister is a top student at the medical university; she thinks you study really well. You'll definitely make it!"
Upon hearing that, Lin Xiaomi's nervous heart gradually relaxed.
Chen Yang then said to Zhou Qingfeng: "Mr. Zhou, I'll entrust Xiaomi's studies to you from now on."
Zhou Qingfeng, hoping to restore his image in Cai Chongming's eyes, immediately assured Chen Yang: "Rest assured, as long as this kid works hard, I will definitely teach him with all my effort."
"Then thank you, Mr. Zhou." Chen Yang patted Lin Xiaomi's shoulder and had him follow Zhou Qingfeng away.
They had just left when Cai Chongming eagerly invited Chen Yang to his office for tea.
"Xiao Chen, I stayed up all night last night tallying the numbers. Renovating the school playground, replacing students' desks and basketball court facilities—conservatively estimated at one million. If you think the cost is a bit high, we can still overcome some difficulties appropriately."
Chen Yang waved his hand and told Cai Chongming: "Principal, as long as the money is used for the children's learning, there's no need to skimp."
Cai Chongming felt a bit embarrassed upon hearing that. He had originally worried Chen Yang would haggle, so he deliberately inflated some figures. He never expected Chen Yang not to care about money at all.
"Xiao Chen, rest assured, I guarantee I won't divert a single cent to other uses."
Chen Yang laughed: "Principal, I trust your character. Under your leadership, Xingcheng No. 1 High School will surely become the best middle school in Xingcheng."
Cai Chongming appreciated Chen Yang's flattery, modestly waving his hand: "Xiao Chen, don't flatter me. For Xingcheng No. 1 High School to become the best middle school in the city, we still have a long way to go!"
"Principal, I believe in your ability." After saying that, Chen Yang stood up to take his leave. "I'll first return to the company to prepare the school sponsorship matters, so I won't disturb your work."
Seeing Chen Yang's sincere attitude, Cai Chongming immediately rose to see him off. After walking him to the school gate, he added specially: "Xiao Chen, you're busy with work too—feel free to entrust Lin Xiaomi's study matters to us."
Chen Yang expressed his thanks again, then drove to the Old Commoners Agricultural Products Trading Company.
The sponsorship fee for the school does not go directly into his personal account; it is mainly to enhance the brand image of the Old Commoners Agricultural Products Trading Company.
Chen Yang found Shen Anna and told her about his plan to sponsor Xingcheng No. 1 High School. Shen Anna also strongly approved.
"Boss, this is such a good thing; we should find a TV station to publicize it. Are the vegetables used in Xingcheng No. 1 High School's cafeteria from our company? If not, we can also sponsor them."
Chen Yang hadn't visited the cafeteria of Xingcheng No. 1 High School, but since Cai Chongming hadn't proactively mentioned sponsoring the cafeteria, he didn't want to get involved. "Anna older sister, the cafeteria has its own interests. If we directly sponsor it, we'd be cutting off someone's livelihood. People with ill intentions could ruin our brand image in many ways."
"Then let's forget it." Upon hearing that, Shen Anna immediately dismissed the idea. Spending money to buy herself trouble—she wasn't that foolish.
Chen Yang saw that everything had been settled and prepared to return. To handle Lin Xiaomi's transfer procedures, he still needed to make a trip to Yunnan Province.
However, just as he reached the company entrance, Shen Anna blocked his way.
"Chen Yang, it's terrible—the stock has hit the limit down!"
End of Chapter
