Chapter 16 — Pride And Scholarship

A week later, Mr. Quang convened an emergency meeting with the school board to present the results of reviewing the new regulations on overtime limits for students receiving scholarships. He spent many days thoroughly researching the process of issuing this decision, discovering many notable irregularities.

“Dear teachers,” Mr. Quang said, opening his presentation to the council, “after checking the records, I found that the regulation limiting overtime hours was approved only in an extraordinary meeting of the board of directors, not following the process of widely consulting the school board and pedagogical council as usual.”

The principal frowned and signaled Mr. Quang to continue. "In addition," Mr. Quang added, "this regulation only applies to students receiving full scholarships, while currently, the school has only one case in this category - Nguyen Hoai An. This makes me question the fairness and true purpose behind this decision."

The atmosphere in the meeting room became tense. The vice principal, who directly informed this regulation to Hoai An, spoke up to explain. “This decision was proposed by a board member,” he said, his eyes somewhat averted, “for the reason of ensuring the academic quality of scholarship students.”

"But that reason is not convincing," Mr. Quang objected, his voice resolute, "if you really want to ensure the quality of learning, the regulations should focus on actual learning results, instead of imposing rigid limits on overtime, which is not directly related to the students' learning ability. Hoai An still maintains excellent results, ranking first in the grade, even though she has to balance studying and working part-time."

The principal pondered for a long time before speaking, his voice decisive. "I agree with Mr. Quang's point of view. The school cannot issue unfair regulations that appear to target a specific individual, regardless of any pressure."

He turned to the vice principal, his voice stern. "I request that this regulation be revoked immediately, and at the same time rebuild the policy to support students in difficult circumstances in a more comprehensive and equitable way, not only focusing on restrictions but also on practical support measures."

That decision, although not officially announced, quickly spread to Ms. Kim Ngan through relationships within the board of directors. She angrily called the principal immediately, her voice full of authority. "I heard you intend to revoke the new regulation? That regulation has been officially approved by the board of directors."

"Mrs. Kim Ngan," the principal replied, his voice still maintaining the necessary calm and firmness, "as principal, I have the responsibility to ensure all school policies are fair, transparent, and follow the correct procedures. This regulation has many irregularities, I cannot let it continue to be in effect without being thoroughly reviewed."

Ms. Kim Ngan was silent for a moment, not expecting the principal, who always respected the opinions of the board of directors, to so firmly object. “Okay,” she said, her voice hard, “then we will bring this matter up for formal discussion at the next board meeting.”

Hang up, Mrs. Kim Ngan sat in the office, her eyes looking thoughtfully out the window. She did not expect that her seemingly simple decision would face strong opposition from the principal whom she believed would easily support all proposals from the board of directors.

She called her secretary, asking to prepare all the documents to defend her point of view at the upcoming meeting, but in her heart, a small part of her also began to question the real motive behind this decision. She knew clearly that she had let her personal feelings - her overprotection for her daughter - dominate an important policy decision of an entire school.

That night, when Bao Tran returned home, Ms. Kim Ngan called her daughter into the office, wanting to consult before the official meeting took place. “What do you think about the regulation limiting overtime hours that I proposed?” she asked, her voice probing her daughter's reaction.

Bao Tran hesitated for a long time, the complicated feelings about Hoai An were still intact in her heart, but for the first time, she also felt a clear sense of guilt over this situation. "I think," she said, her voice slow, "maybe that rule is a little... too strict for a particular case. I'm not sure if that's a fair way to evaluate academic ability."

That answer stunned Ms. Kim Ngan. She did not expect that her daughter - who she believed would absolutely support this decision - would show hesitation, even leaning towards the opposite side. “Are you defending him?” she asked, her voice somewhat surprised.

“I'm not defending anyone,” Bao Tran replied, her voice stiffening to hide her inner confusion, “I'm just speaking my true thoughts, Mom.”

Mrs. Kim Ngan looked at her daughter for a long time, her eyes searching but not asking further questions. "Okay," she said, her voice softened, "I will consider your opinion further. But you should remember, as the daughter of the group's president, your every word and action can affect the reputation of the entire family."

“I understand,” Bao Tran replied, bowing her head, even though her heart was still full of thoughts that had not been fully resolved.

Leaving her mother's office, Bao Tran stood leaning against the door, sighing. She didn't understand why she said such words in defense of Hoai An, when over the past few months, she had always considered that girl as an opponent that needed to be overcome at all costs. Perhaps, what she witnessed during general training for the Olympic team, along with information about Hoai An's difficult family situation, gradually changed her perspective, even though she herself was still not completely ready to admit that change clearly.

She went to her own room, lay down on the bed, looked up at the ceiling, wondering if she was gradually becoming a different person, far from the arrogant, cold lady image she had always presented to everyone for so many years. That question, even though there was no clear answer, was enough to make Bao Tran worry all night long, marking a silent but important turning point in her own journey of maturity.

Meanwhile, at the school, news that the principal planned to revoke the regulation limiting overtime hours quickly spread, bringing a new vitality to Hoai An and his supporters. for her. Teacher Quang proactively found her to inform her of this good news.

“Thank you very much,” Hoai An said, her voice filled with gratitude, “if it weren't for you investigating, I probably would have had to endure that unfair regulation without any way to protest.”

"This is my responsibility," Mr. Quang replied, smiling, "I believe that a good school must be a fair place for all students, regardless of background. You have proven that strength and willpower are the true measure of value, not family economic conditions."

“But how do you think the upcoming board meeting will go?” Hoai An asked, still a little worried about the possibility that the final decision might not be as expected.

"I believe justice will prevail," Mr. Quang replied, his voice firm, "the principal has taken a very clear and steadfast stance. With the evidence I have collected about irregularities in the process of promulgating regulations, I believe the board of directors will have to seriously reconsider."

That reassurance helped Hoai An somewhat feel more secure, although she still couldn't completely get rid of her nervousness when thinking about the important meeting about to take place, where the fate of the scholarship she had worked so hard to preserve would be officially decided.

That afternoon, the Olympic team's practice session took place as usual, but the atmosphere between Hoai An and Bao Tran became much different. Bao Tran, although still maintaining her familiar pride, occasionally gave constructive comments, without any sarcasm or sarcasm like before.

“Have you heard about the upcoming board meeting?” Bao Tran suddenly asked, while the two were solving a group exercise together.

“Yes,” Hoai An replied, looking up at Bao Tran, somewhat wary of this unexpected question, “do you know anything about that?”

Bao Tran was silent for a moment, seemingly considering whether to reveal the information or not. “My mom was the one who proposed that rule,” she finally admitted, her voice a bit rough, “but I told her, I thought it wasn't fair.”

That confession stunned Hoai An. She did not expect Bao Tran to proactively share this sensitive information. “Thank you for telling me,” she said, her voice sincere, “and thank you for speaking up for me, even though it was your mother's decision.”

“I didn't do it for you,” Bao Tran replied quickly, trying to maintain her familiar pride, but her voice lacked the usual sharpness, “I just thought, an unfair rule would negatively affect the reputation of the whole school.”

Hoai An smiled, did not refute that somewhat forced explanation, just quietly noted the positive change in the other person's attitude, although small but meaningful, as a ray of hope for a relationship that may change in a better direction in the future.