Chapter 60
1065 Words
Vice Principal Woodard's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
'What's going on here?! The principal of Eastern Academy, a renowned educator in the federal education sector, is showing such respect to a young man?'
Facing Principal Stokes, who was old enough to be his grandfather, Ethan spoke without a trace of emotion, "Layton, is this your Vice Principal?"
These words, devoid of any feeling, caused Layton to break out in a cold sweat. He quickly bowed deeply, his hunched body bending even lower. Layton knew all too well that Ethan held a nearly sacred view of the teaching profession, demanding the highest standards.
With sweat streaming down his face, Layton stammered, "Master Lee… No, Mr. Lee, I apologize. This is a failure of my management!"
Turning to Vice Principal Woodard, Layton declared righteously, "Yeziel Woodard, I am officially notifying you: you are fired!"
Yeziel was horrified. "What? Principal Stokes… You can't be serious!"
Layton coldly snorted, "Do I look like I'm joking? A teacher must prioritize virtue and see education as their mission! Look at you now. You're filled with schemes and flattery! Do you exhibit any qualities befitting a teacher?"
Pointing to the door, Layton continued, "Pack your things and leave Eastern Academy immediately!"
Yeziel's face turned ashen. He suddenly shifted his tone, speaking forcefully, "Principal Stokes, you can't fire me!"
He laughed coldly, "Over the years, I've already secured the support of the school's board members. Among the top ten shareholders, five have pledged their support for me as the next principal!"
Vice Principal Woodard sneered, "Principal Stokes, you're old. Wouldn't it be better to retire peacefully? Must you be driven out, ruining your reputation in your final years?"
Layton replied angrily, "I have done nothing wrong! I built Eastern Academy, and you have no right to force me out!"
Yeziel smirked. "I know Eastern Academy's success relied heavily on your golden reputation. But the academy has now matured, and your role isn't as crucial anymore! From now on, this place will be our domain!"
Layton stomped his foot in anger. "You… you despicable man!"
Yeziel's voice turned icy. "Layton, out of respect for your years of service, if you retire quietly, I'll grant you an honorary title and a substantial pension. But if you continue to defy me, don't blame me for erasing your name from the education sector!"
Feeling triumphant, Yeziel added, "Eastern Academy will remain one of the top ten schools in Crownspire without you. And as for this Ethan, I will definitely fire him!"
Just then, a stern voice sounded from outside the door. "I'm afraid you don't have the authority to do that!"
Yeziel turned angrily. "Who dares to challenge me..."
Before he could finish, he saw who had entered and swallowed his words.
His face quickly shifted to a fawning smile. "Oh my! Principal Walton, Principal Moyer, what brings you here?"
The newcomers were some of the most respected figures in education sector! Among them were four principals from the top ten schools in Crownspire!
To Yeziel's shock, these esteemed individuals merely gave him a cold glance before surrounding Ethan with respect.
"Mr. Lee, why didn't you come to us if you wanted to return to teaching?"
"The University of California is the top school in the federation. Just say the word, and I'll arrange everything for you!"
"Mr. Lee belongs at our Massachusetts University. We still have your inspirational quotes from five years ago on our walls!"
"No, no! Mr. Lee should join us at Princeton!"
Seeing these principals, whom he revered, vying for Ethan, Yeziel nearly fainted. 'What is going on?! Am I hallucinating? Are these elite school principals fighting over this guy to teach?'
Realizing his grave mistake, Yeziel knew he was in trouble!
Ethan looked at Yeziel and chuckled. "Don't be in such a hurry. Let Vice Principal Woodard throw me out first, and then I'll consider where to go."
The principals turned to Yeziel, their eyes filled with fury as if they wanted to devour him alive.
"You dare throw Mr. Lee out?!"
Principal Stokes added, "Woodard not only wants to throw out Mr. Lee but also plans to depose me and erase my name from the education sector!"
At this point, Yeziel felt like crying. He pleaded, "Principal Stokes! I was wrong! I was confused! Please give me another chance. I promise to follow your orders. I'll never have such thoughts again!"
Layton looked at him coldly. "The person you should be apologizing to isn't me."
Yeziel, realizing his mistake, turned to Ethan and cried, "Mr. Lee, please give me another chance!"
Ethan looked at Yeziel and asked, "Who ordered you to expel me?"
Yeziel hesitated, "I… I…"
Ethan said calmly, "We have no personal grudge, and you knew Principal Stokes recommended me. If you dared to target me, it must be because someone with greater influence instructed you to do so. Tell me, who is this person?"
Yeziel, feeling miserable, replied, "It was Zared! Mr. Lee, the Wilkins family is powerful and noble in Crownspire. I can't afford to offend them!"
Ethan shook his head. "A teacher must have integrity. Your actions show you are unfit to be a teacher. The noble profession of education cannot tolerate any corrupt individuals!"
Layton shouted, "Security! Remove Yeziel from the premises and never rehire him!"
Yeziel, looking utterly defeated, was escorted out of the room. The principals then gathered around Ethan once more.
"Mr. Lee, have you made up your mind? We've already prepared a dormitory for you!"
"Mr. Lee, the car is ready at the entrance. When shall we leave?"
Layton interjected, "Can't you see that Mr. Lee has already joined Eastern Academy?"
Seeing the principals almost getting into a fight, Ethan frowned slightly and said, "Enough!"
The simple command made everyone stop immediately.
Ethan smiled. "I have decided to stay at Eastern Academy."
Layton was overjoyed. "Excellent! Mr. Lee, I will arrange a special class with our top students for you!"
Unexpectedly, Ethan asked, "Which class is Zared in?"
Layton hesitated but replied, "He is in Class 9 of the third year. That class is notorious for being the most unruly and hopeless group, but their families have strong connections, so we can't expel them. We've put them together in one class, letting them fend for themselves."
Ethan stood up, smiling. "From now on, that class has a new teacher."
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