This seemingly casual remark hit Lan Jitong like a bolt from the blue.
At fifty-seven, Lan Jitong was just three years from retirement, ready to enjoy his later years.
Though his career lacked standout achievements, he’d avoided major mistakes, earning him significant trust.
Just days ago, he’d received a call from a mysterious higher-up, instructing him to personally welcome Xu Fei today.
Lan Jitong had been on edge, fully aware of Xu Fei’s true identity. He feared that one misstep could ruin his entire career.
If he let Xu Fei leave like this today, Lan Jitong could already imagine the Education Bureau issuing a dismissal notice soon after.
So he hurriedly explained, “Mr. Xu, please calm down! This was purely a misunderstanding! I hope you’ll do me the honour of visiting my office, where I’ll explain everything clearly and make amends!”
Perhaps seeing Lan Jitong’s genuine sincerity, Xu Fei finally nodded and followed him to his office.
Once inside, Lan Jitong closed the door and began apologising profusely to Xu Fei.
Eventually, Xu Fei grew somewhat exasperated.
“Alright, alright, enough apologies and flattery. What I need is a principal who gets things done.”
“Before coming, Bai Zhan told me how great this school was, but from the moment I stepped in until now, I haven’t seen a single merit!”
“A prestigious school in the heart of China’s capital, yet it’s decked out in a foreign-worshipping style from the decor alone. The whole atmosphere reeks of unhealthy competition and bad influences. How can I trust my daughter to study well in such an environment?”
Xu Fei fired off all the issues he’d observed like a barrage, and Lan Jitong bowed deeply, saying, “Please forgive my boldness in speaking frankly. I can sack all the staff who offended you today, but those parents? I’m powerless against them. Even the best chef can’t cook without ingredients!”
From Lan Jitong’s explanation, Xu Fei gradually learned the true state of the Imperial Elite School.
The school hadn’t always been like this. Situated in the capital and founded by distinguished intellectuals, it had built a strong reputation and network over time.
But as years passed, without external financial support and sticking to its original strict rules, the school began to struggle financially, teetering on the brink of collapse.
With no other choice, the school’s leadership relaxed admission rules, allowing wealthy but uncouth individuals to join as board members.
Over time, this transformed the school into what Xu Fei saw today.
After hearing this, Xu Fei smiled faintly and said, “I thought it was some big problem. It’s just a lack of money, isn’t it?”
“If I become the school’s largest shareholder, can I decide all the admission rules?”
At this, Lan Jitong’s eyes lit up, and he hurriedly replied with a smile, “Of course, of course! If you, esteemed General, are truly willing to generously help resolve the school’s urgent financial needs, you’d absolutely have that authority!”
Xu Fei nodded, pulled out his phone, and called Wang Qiang.
“Hello, Mr. Xu, what’s the matter?”
