Chapter 2 — After I Resigned, the Whole Academic World Upraised

The content of the resignation letter is very brief. There are no complaints. No criticism. Not even mentioning what I've been through over the past ten years.

“Dear School Board of Directors.

For personal reasons, I, Hua Tinh, would like to resign from the position of Associate Professor at the Academy of Materials Science and Engineering. We hope the school will consider and approve. Sincerely.” Record the date. Completed in one writing session. I printed out the application. Put it in an envelope. Then take a few personal books from the office and put them in a cloth bag. The rest... The trophies. Certificates of merit. Piles of research reports are piled as high as mountains. I didn't bring anything with me. Those things cannot be brought with you when you are born. You can't take it with you when you close your eyes and give up. As I locked the office door, I turned my head to look at the sign in front of the door.

“Associate Professor Hua Tinh.”

I laughed. Ten years of youth. Exchange for those five words. Worth it? Before, I thought it was worth it. I just feel like a joke. The next morning. I took that application and went directly to the principal's office. Principal Vuong's office is located on the top floor of the administrative building. Extremely wide vision. From there you can cover nearly half of the campus. When I entered. He is practicing Tai Chi. White exercise outfit. Each movement is slow and leisurely, looking quite like the demeanor of a noble person. See me. He accepts that. A gentle smile appeared on his face.

“Tieu Hua, why did you come to me so early?”

He always calls me Tieu Hua. It was as if in his eyes, I would forever be just a new young lecturer at the school, needing his "care and help".

“Good morning, Master Vuong.”

I brought the envelope. He was a bit surprised. Receive it and open it. When he saw the four words "Resignation", the smile on his face immediately stiffened. He raised his head. Eyebrows furrowed.

“Tieu Hua, what are you doing?”

“Angry?”

“I heard about the review meeting yesterday.”

“I know there is resentment in your heart.”

"But this academic title is very complicated. There are quotas, there are many factors that need to be balanced."

"You're still young. There will be many opportunities in the future."

These words. The past ten years. I have heard it countless times. Put the matter to rest.

“Principal Vuong.”

I interrupted him.

“I'm not angry.”

“I didn't come here today to negotiate with you.”

“I just came to make an announcement.”

My voice was very calm. But also extremely determined. Principal Vuong's expression immediately changed. He took off his glasses. Lightly between the ends of the eyebrows. Then leaned against the large red wooden desk behind.

“Tieu Hua, do you feel the school treats you unfairly?”

“If you think so, I don't know what else to say.”

“But you have to understand, the foundation is very important.”

“Can your achievements today be separated from the foundation of the school?”

“Of your eight national-level projects, which one is not in the name of University A?”

“If you leave, what will happen to those projects?”

“What will your lab be like?”

“What will happen to your more than thirty graduate students?”

He started to play on emotions. At the same time, it also creates implicit pressure. That's a familiar trick Surname. I quietly listened to everything. Then took out another set of documents from the cloth bag.

“This is the project handover plan and arrangement plan for students after I leave.”

“I finished last night.”

"For all national level projects, I will immediately send documents to the Ministry of Science and Technology to request a change of person in charge. Deputy researcher Truong in my group will take over."

"I will be responsible for the entire procedure to the end, not letting the school suffer any loss."

“For current graduate students, I have also planned to hand over detailed research and thesis instructions.”

“Principal Vuong.”

“I only have one request.”

“Please, the school, please treat my students kindly.”

“You are innocent.”

“It is also a valuable asset for University A in the future.”

Principal Vuong was completely stunned. He looked at the thick file in my hand. Lips moved slightly. But couldn't utter a word. Maybe he didn't expect it. I'm not being impulsive. I was really determined to leave. And has cut off all retreats for himself. He was silent for a long time. In the office, there was only the sound of heavy breathing. He waved his hand tiredly.

“Leave the documents here.”

"I know."

“You go home first, calm down and think about it.”

“I need a meeting to discuss this further.”

I nodded.

“Thank you, principal.”

Then turned around and left. There is no longer any attachment. Step out of the administrative building. The sunlight is just beautiful. I saw Ly Triet holding a large stack of books and quickly running this way. Just saw me. His eyes immediately lit up.

"Where are you going? I've been looking for you all morning."

He hesitated a bit. Then cautiously asked:

“Yesterday's approval... you didn't get it approved?”

His eye rims turned slightly red. I patted him on the shoulder.

"No problem."

“Everything is over.”

“From now on, just focus on doing good experiments.”

"As Mr. Truong studies, he will continue to guide you."

Ly Triet was stunned. His face immediately turned pale.

“Miss Hua…”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Where are you going?”

I smiled, didn't answer. Just reached out to adjust his collar, which was blown askew by the wind.

“Ly Triet, remember carefully.”

“To be an academic, you must first be a righteous person.”

“Don't learn from me.”

“Don't follow anyone else.”

“Go your own way.”