Chapter 56: Wishing You a Century of Happiness Together
After class, Teacher Shang came to look for Gu Qili and spoke to her about the scholarship, cheerfully telling her that the principal had agreed to review the case again, and it was very likely that her spot would be reinstated.
Faced with Teacher Shang’s enthusiasm, Gu Qili felt an unbearable sense of guilt.
The problem was, she couldn’t provide a reasonable explanation to comfort his trust in her, "Teacher, you don’t have to offend the people at the academic affairs office on my behalf."
"I’ve already offended everyone at the academic affairs office a long time ago. I teach my lessons with integrity; what can they do, make things up out of thin air?" Teacher Shang patted her hand reassuringly, "Qili, don’t worry, as long as I’m here, I will ensure justice is served on your behalf. No matter the outcome, we will not regret because we fought for it."
Gu Qili nodded vigorously with gratitude. From Teacher Shang, she had learned not just knowledge, but also the backbone of being a person. A good mentor and friend, indeed.
Gu Qili told Mickey the news; Mickey was happy for her, too.
"If the scholarship is reapplied successfully, you won’t have to worry about tuition fees anymore, it’s just..." She pursed her lips, hesitating.
"What can’t you say to me?" Gu Qili nudged her with her elbow.
Only then did Mickey say: "I haven’t told you before, but Teacher Shang’s father-in-law was hospitalized. The old man doesn’t have health insurance and the surgery cost a lot of money, consuming all the savings Teacher Shang and her husband had over the years. I heard they even borrowed money. I learned about it from a fellow townsman whose uncle works in the same department as Teacher Shang."
Gu Qili stopped in her tracks: "Why didn’t you tell me earlier?"