mesbooks Chapter 578: The Will to Leave is Firm
Chapter 578: The Will to Leave is Firm
After Hong Yongze left, Huang Xiaochuan called over several of his students—Pu Shouzhong, Fei Song, Qiu Zihuai, and Sheng Lei.
After receiving the call, the group quickly appeared in Huang Xiaochuan's office.
"teacher!"
"teacher!"
"teacher!"
The students greeted Huang Xiaochuan respectfully as soon as they entered. Unlike most professors and scholars, Huang Xiaochuan strongly disliked students calling him "boss," and even behind his back. In his mind, the word "teacher" embodies the essence of Han Yu's "On Teachers": imparting knowledge, teaching skills, and resolving doubts. It not only means the transmission of knowledge but also the shaping of character, the guidance of values, and the cultivation of behavioral norms.
The term "boss" originated from Ming and Qing dynasty business firms, representing an employment relationship under capital ownership. Applying this term to the relationship between teachers and students is undoubtedly a desecration of the dignity of teachers and a distortion of the teaching and learning process into a naked exchange of interests.
Therefore, Huang Xiaochuan strictly forbids students from addressing him as "boss." His approach, along with his dedicated cultivation of students—recommending papers, covering publication fees, providing valuable borrowing resources from the Pudong Public Library, arranging extensive practical research, and paying substantial fees—makes his graduate students the envy of many. Under Huang Xiaochuan's tutelage, students not only improve their knowledge but also receive nourishment for their academic growth.
Of course, Huang Xiaochuan's "rule-breaking" behavior has also drawn criticism from some fellow professors who believe he has "ulterior motives." However, apart from gossiping behind his back, they can do nothing about it. But this time, Huang Xiaochuan's investigation has given these people an opportunity to gloat and wish they could kick him a few more times.
Huang Xiaochuan raised his hand to indicate, "Please sit down."
After the students were seated, he calmly announced his decision.
"What? Teacher, you're resigning?" Sheng Lei asked in disbelief. Pu Shouzhong, Fei Song, and Qiu Zihuai's expressions also changed instantly. They all knew about the investigation of their teacher by higher authorities, and they were indignant and even impulsively wanted to go to the Education Bureau to plead for the teacher, but Huang Xiaochuan sternly suppressed their anger.
"All good things must come to an end; parting and reunion are common occurrences," Huang Xiaochuan patiently comforted the group. "Your most important task now is to focus on your studies and complete your graduation theses. I've already spoken with Vice Principal Hong, and he will find you mentors to replace me. Don't worry, Vice Principal Hong is your senior, and he will take care of you after I leave. Besides, you can contact me anytime."
Girls are sensitive, and Sheng Lei and Qiu Zihuai could no longer hold back their tears, which streamed down their faces. Pu Shouzhong and Fei Song also had red eyes, their faces filled with reluctance. They probably would never encounter a mentor like Huang Xiaochuan again in their lives.
Just as the teachers and students were immersed in the bittersweet feelings of parting, the office door was pushed open with a bang, and Ma Yifeng rushed in excitedly.
"Old Huang! I heard the investigation team—" He was stunned by the tearful scene before him before him, his smile freezing on his face. "What's wrong with you all? Why are you crying?"
Sheng Lei wiped away her tears, her voice choked with sobs: "Teacher Ma, our teacher doesn't want us anymore!"
Ma Yifeng was taken aback, then turned to Huang Xiaochuan in astonishment: "Old Huang? Is what Sheng Lei said true?"
Huang Xiaochuan did not answer Ma Yifeng immediately.
Instead, he calmly told his students, "Teacher Ma and I have some things to discuss. You can go out now. I'll contact you again if needed." The students had no choice but to obey and left the office with heavy hearts.
After the door closed, Huang Xiaochuan looked at Ma Yifeng, who was filled with surprise and doubt, and frankly admitted, "Yes! I've decided to resign."
"What?!" Ma Yifeng almost thought he had misheard, and asked in shock, "What did you say? Resign?"
He had heard from his wife, Sang Weihong, that the investigation was over, Huang Xiaochuan had thoroughly clarified all the issues, and the investigation team had even expressed their apologies. Overjoyed for his friend, he rushed over immediately, intending to invite Huang Xiaochuan to his home for dinner that evening to celebrate. Little did he expect that upon arriving, he would hear such shocking news.
The office door was gently closed by Sheng Lei and the others as they left. The excitement on Ma Yifeng's face vanished, replaced by disbelief and astonishment. He stared at Huang Xiaochuan as if he didn't recognize him.
"Resign? Lao Huang! Why would you resign when everything's fine?" Ma Yifeng raised his voice, his tone filled with urgency and confusion. "The investigation is over! I heard the investigation team even apologized to you, which means you were wronged and your innocence has been cleared. Why are you leaving now? Are you trying to run away in a huff?"
Huang Xiaochuan did not respond to Ma Yifeng's question immediately. He got up and walked to the window, looking out at the tree-lined path. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting shadows on the ground. Groups of students hurried by with their books. With the exam approaching, the students had abandoned their usual nonchalance and started cramming.
Huang Xiaochuan was well aware of what his wealth meant in today's society. It wasn't just a string of numbers; it represented a transcendent status and fame, which would attract even more greedy eyes. Rather than that, it was better to leave sooner rather than later.
He originally envisioned teaching and nurturing students while simultaneously creating a healthy business ecosystem, but now it seems that was wishful thinking. The old saying is true: one cannot do two things at once; one can only focus on doing one thing well.
He turned to look at Ma Yifeng and said, "To be honest, I have a lot of business outside, and I've made quite a bit of money. Now there are more and more business things to do, and I can't do two things at once. I've been thinking about resigning, but this investigation made me decide to quit."
Ma Yifeng had a general idea about Huang Xiaochuan's business dealings. Moreover, Huang Xiaochuan had invested in the online game company with An Cheng and Jiao Zhiyong. In addition, his wife, Sang Weihong, had known Huang Xiaochuan for many years and knew a little about it. She hadn't seen David Yang from Yuho come to see Huang Xiaochuan last year. If there was no business relationship between the two, Ma Yifeng would be willing to gouge his own eyes out and step on them for fun.
Ma Yifeng opened his mouth, but ultimately didn't utter a single word.
However, Ma Yifeng still felt sorry for Huang Xiaochuan: "Couldn't you have waited another two years before resigning? You were almost ready to be promoted to senior professional, weren't you? Leaving now would be a huge loss!"
Huang Xiaochuan waved his hand dismissively: "There's no such thing as losing out. I'm content. To me, is there any difference between a full professor and an associate professor?"
Ma Yifeng knew Huang Xiaochuan was right. For someone like him who was about to leave the ivory tower, whether he was a professor or not really didn't matter.
However, despite saying that, Huang Xiaochuan still looked around the office, his gaze sweeping over the bookshelves that covered the walls, with a hint of reluctance.
The things in this office are basically his personal belongings, including the office furniture, which he will definitely take with him when he leaves.