Chapter 4

"Miss Harper," Marcus continued pressing, "you see, the Department of Education leadership is here. Surely you should give us some kind of response now?"

"A response?" I spoke coldly, voice not loud, yet instantly silencing the entire room.

I turned to Investigator Li, turned to all the parents, and bowed slightly.

"I understand everyone's meaning. 'Public opinion' cannot be defied. The children's 'happiness' matters most."

"I will implement reforms immediately."

My gaze swept across Marcus, across Melissa's mother, finally settling on those dozens of scrutinizing eyes below the podium.

"Tomorrow morning, I will announce my reform plan."

My voice was calm, yet carried a determination they couldn't comprehend.

"A plan... that conforms to 'public opinion.'"

The next morning, the school's morning exercises were temporarily canceled.

In their place was an impromptu all-school assembly.

A massive white screen slowly descended.

A notice titled "Regarding Teaching Method Adjustments for Class 11-1" was projected before everyone's eyes.

Simultaneously, this notice was pushed to every Class 11-1 parent's phone.

I held the microphone, face calm.

Principal Anderson and Investigator Li from the Department of Education stood behind me, expressions complex.

The notice's first paragraph was a "profound self-criticism."

"...In my past teaching work, my thinking was rigid, my methods outdated. I overemphasized test-taking techniques and scores while neglecting humanistic care and well-rounded student development. This caused enormous psychological pressure for students and drew criticism from all sectors of society. For this, I offer my most sincere apologies..."

Below the stage, students whispered among themselves.

In the Class 1 section, Melissa and several close friends wore victorious smiles.

In the parent group, Marcus immediately took a screenshot, adding a "sweet justice" emoji.

Then I began reading the core content of the notice.

"After profound reflection, and with approval from the school and supervising authorities, the following adjustments will be made to Class 11-1's teaching model:"

"Article One: Effective immediately, all 'enrichment worksheets,' 'practice tests,' and supplementary materials are canceled. Daily homework will strictly follow the national Department of Education curriculum standards, absolutely no exceeding standards, absolutely no additions."

Below, barely suppressed cheers nearly broke through the ceiling.

"Article Two: Effective immediately, all evening study sessions, weekend classes, and any form of group tutoring are canceled. Evening study time will be fully adjusted to 'student free activity time,' which may be used for club activities, extracurricular reading, or independent rest. The schedule will be strictly observed, with dismissal promptly at 5 PM, absolutely no overtime."

The cheers grew louder. Some students even excitedly whistled.

Melissa proudly straightened her chest, basking in the grateful looks from surrounding classmates.

"Article Three: Effective immediately, this class's teaching focus will comprehensively shift from 'test-oriented education' to 'well-rounded education.' Classes will incorporate research projects, art appreciation, and other elements, aiming to cultivate students' comprehensive qualities and innovative abilities, ultimately achieving 'happy learning, comprehensive development.'"

In the auditorium, thunderous applause erupted.

These three provisions were like three pardons, completely liberating the students who'd been "oppressed" for so long.

They'd won.

A great victory, initiated "from the bottom up" by students and parents working together.

Only the few top students in the front rows had faces pale as death, eyes filled with shock. But their voices were already drowned in the "victorious" celebration.

Marcus spammed the parent group frantically: "See that! This is the power of public opinion! We fought for our children's happiness!"

The group filled with "Marcus is awesome," "Thank you Marcus for speaking up for us."

Just as I was about to say "assembly dismissed"---

Principal Anderson behind me swayed violently. He stared at his phone, all color draining from his face.

He tried to rush forward and grab my microphone, but it was too late.

An email just received was projected onto that massive white screen.

Every teacher and student in the school could see it clearly.

From: New York University Office of Admissions

Subject: [URGENT] Notice of Revocation of Joint Recommendation Qualification for "Elite Seedling Program"

Preview: Dear Principal Anderson and School Leadership: We are shocked to learn of major adjustments to your school's "Honors Class" teaching approach, particularly the cancellation of all advanced-level courses and intensive tutoring led by Miss Harper. Our "Elite Seedling Program" aims to identify and secure top-tier students who excel in precisely these types of advanced courses. Given your school's current educational reforms, you no longer meet the "Elite Seedling Program" student cultivation standards. Following urgent deliberation by our admissions committee, we formally notify you: Your school's "Elite Seedling Program" joint recommendation slots for this academic year are hereby revoked, effective immediately.