Chapter 425: Chapter 414: The Best Teacher
Ever since Ye Qiu issued that notice, a trend of cleaning the school grounds had arisen in the school. At first, it was only those who had bullied Liu Tong, but gradually, students who skipped classes, fought, or engaged in puppy love also joined in.
Parents were initially puzzled and even felt sorry for their children, accusing the school of misusing the tuition fees for cleaning. But before they could express their complaints, the students explained for themselves. Gradually, their initially unruly children appeared to be changing for the better, which led them to accept Ye Qiu’s initiative.
Only a few parents who spoil their children excessively made a fuss at the school. Before Ye Qiu could offer a solution, these students felt embarrassed on their own. After all, their former brothers and sisters had taken the initiative to participate, so why should they be so delicate? It was just some cleaning, not tiring at all, what’s the big deal?
Hence, these parents were persuaded by their children to let the matter go. From then on, this act of cleaning the school path became an accepted way for students who made mistakes to voluntarily acknowledge their wrongs, and no one would mock them for it. Whoever doesn’t make mistakes? As long as you behave appropriately and learn from your mistakes, that’s good enough.
Liu Tong also gradually made many friends at school. Knowing he couldn’t afford those expensive extracurricular classes, they took the initiative to teach him what they learned. These rich second generation kids might be playful, but they do have their merits. After all, they were going to inherit billions in the future, so how could they not have real abilities?
On the other hand, Li Manyu wasn’t feeling so great. Her family’s financial situation was much better than Liu Tong’s, and although it didn’t match the billions of these rich second generations, it was still considered well-off. Furthermore, she was exempt from tuition fees, and affording two extra courses wasn’t an issue. However, she realized her school life was quite different from what she had anticipated.
She couldn’t quite put a finger on what was different – her classmates weren’t intentionally distant from her, the school’s environment was great, and the educational resources were strong. Everything seemed like what she had hoped for, but why did she feel a sense of loss? Maybe it was because it was too peaceful? She always felt that school should be more vibrant and colorful.
Oh well, why bother thinking so much? Li Manyu glanced at the aloof Ouyang Yanming, focusing on her studies. She had been bewildered; she came to school to learn. If these wealthy people were working hard, why shouldn’t she? She ranked behind Liu Tong in the monthly exam; she needed to work even harder. Perhaps one day, when she becomes better, she will have the right to stand beside Ouyang Yanming.
One month later, the new variety show "Interviews About School Bullying," planned by Ye Qiu and Xiao Mai through video conference, officially premiered. The show instantly received massive attention from all sectors of society upon broadcasting, shooting to the top of various rankings in terms of views, clicks, and discussions.
The frenzy it caused was due not only to the program’s quality but importantly, it resonated with the audience.
In today’s society, who hasn’t been educated, and which family doesn’t have children attending school? With the pressure of society, many parents neglect their children’s lives in school. Only after the show was broadcast, under the parents’ questioning, did they discover their children had also experienced school bullying.
Some were afraid of retaliation from classmates; others were worried about troubling their busy parents or met with the school’s indifference. That was why they were unaware of all this. They never knew their children had silently borne so much injustice and suffering!
Perhaps those who bullied others were unintentional, or maybe driven by fleeting loyalty, but their children being hurt was a fact.
However, the indifference of the bully’s parents, the school’s apathy, and the imperfection of the law left parents fuming. Does the Child Protection Law truly protect their children? No, they felt it protected the bullies instead.
The age threshold of fourteen may no longer be appropriate for contemporary society. Children mature early nowadays; they understand the consequences of their actions at six or seven, and some even abuse their under-fourteen status to harm others intentionally, knowing there are no legal repercussions.
But what about the victims? Are they innocent? Do they deserve to die? Do they deserve to be bullied? Who will stand up for them?
The Child Protection Law should not be protecting minor bullies, it should exist to protect the victims of bullying.
The show shifted the public discussion from school bullying to child protection laws. Maybe the impact was too great, for by the second episode, Xiao Mai’s video had become a cooperative program with the national broadcaster, airing simultaneously on the national channel every Friday night.
The news excited the netizens. Was this a sign that the state was finally paying attention? Did it mean there were intentions to amend the Child Protection Law?
They were expectant; they were thrilled, cheering for the nation’s move towards democracy!
By the time of Liu Tong’s graduation, the nation had introduced a new plan for the Child Protection Law. Flanked by his peers, he stood as the outstanding graduate representative at the podium to give a speech.
"...During these three years at school, I have been very happy and grateful for the help from my classmates and teachers, especially my homeroom teacher and our principal, Mr. Ye Qiu. Without him, there would be no me today. From now on, no matter what difficulties and hardships I face, I will move forward courageously, never again retreating!" After finishing, Liu Tong bowed deeply towards Ye Qiu.
"Applause..." The applause lasted long after Liu Tong left the stage.
The teachers standing nearby also felt gratified looking at this year’s graduates. They had been at this school for more than a year or two and were well aware of the tendencies of the rich and the powerful. This year’s students were still proud, but somehow, there seemed to be something different that sincerely deserved applause.
"Xiao Man, Liu Tong is really amazing. I heard that he has received several full scholarship offers from Ivy League Schools. But you are amazing too. Are you planning to go to Harvard or Oxford?" Zhao Shanshan clapped vigorously, feeling a sense of pride as a classmate of Liu Tong and Li Manyu.
"Oxford!" Li Manyu said with a slight smile, confident and radiant. Over two and a half years, she had changed a lot. Apart from Zhao Shanshan, she made many good friends through her personal charm. Looking towards Ouyang Yanming and Lin Xiaoman, her gaze passed a moment of relief. She sincerely wished Ouyang Yanming to find true love, yet she always felt that Lin Xiaoman didn’t love Ouyang Yanming that much. However, none of this mattered to her anymore.