Starting from a Fake University
Chapter 996 - 544: Three Trendings, This is Too Much (Please Subscribe)

Chapter 996: Chapter 544: Three Trendings, This is Too Much (Please Subscribe)

"Principal Ding, good to see you."

In Ding Yue’s office, he met Principal Fu of the Mist City University of Technology for the first time.

This man was the head of a nationally renowned university—his status far surpassed Ding Yue’s as the leader of a private institution.

However.

Today, Ding Yue had the upper hand.

While a principal of a key national university undeniably had high social status, Ding Yue believed that in a few years, his own status as head of a private university might not lag behind.

The reputation and standing of Mist City Arts and Science University were surging exponentially within Xia Country.

That was until the National Science and Technology Award was confirmed.

Should Mist City Arts and Science University secure this award, it would become the most prestigious private institution in Xia Country. Its fame and societal influence, as well as its status, would naturally skyrocket.

"Hello, Principal Fu."

Ding Yue greeted the Principal of Mist City University of Technology with enthusiasm, and they shook hands warmly.

After all, Director Xiao Wenxing from the Ministry of Education was present, and it wouldn’t do for two university principals to appear less than amiable.

"I’m truly sorry, Principal Ding. The fire at your school was started by two of our students at Mist City University of Technology, so naturally, we will take responsibility," Principal Fu said with an apologetic tone.

After all, the blaze had been kindled by two students smoking in a dormitory, a fact confirmed by both the Ministry of Education and the fire department. As the saying goes, when you take a hit, you stand to attention.

"Principal Fu, although the fire was caused by two students from your university smoking, our students are also responsible for safety lapses," Ding Yue said, not shifting all the blame onto Mist City University of Technology.

Doing so would seem mean-spirited.

Ding Yue was pragmatic. Whoever bore responsibility should accept it. The fire had indeed involved some fault on part of the four students in Dorm Room 325 at his university, but they were not the main culprits.

Principal Fu nodded slightly on hearing Ding Yue’s remarks.

In his view, Principal Ding was quite reasonable.

Before coming, he had worried that Principal Ding might try to pin all the blame for the fire on Mist City University of Technology, especially with Director Xiao Wenxing present. Principal Ding certainly didn’t want to lose face in front of the Ministry of Education over this incident.

But to his surprise, Principal Ding hadn’t shirked the share of responsibility that should be borne by Mist City Arts and Science University.

"In light of this, our university has dealt with the students involved, and we will shoulder part of the losses caused," Ding Yue said calmly to Principal Fu.

He couldn’t afford to appear petty at a time like this, especially given that Principal Fu seemed a decent person and Director Xiao Wenxing was also at hand.

"It is indeed our responsibility to bear most of the blame. Moreover, regarding those two students, Mist City University of Technology will also mete out severe punishment. You can rest assured of that," said Principal Fu, his voice earnest.

"In that case, can the two of you manage the follow-up to this matter?" asked Director Xiao Wenxing, stepping forward and speaking with a smile.

"Director Xiao, rest assured, I will actively cooperate with Principal Ding to address this issue," Principal Fu stated his position.

"I was concerned there might be some disagreement between you two about where the responsibility lies, but it seems I worried needlessly," Director Xiao Wenxing chuckled, and then addressed Ding Yue, "So, Principal Ding, discuss the specifics with Principal Fu. Should we also call those two students in?"

"Yes, Principal Ding, call over those two students from our school," said Principal Fu, nodding.

Upon hearing this, Ding Yue glanced at the Office Director of Academic Affairs, Qi Chunsheng, and softly instructed, "Bring them over."

Not calling Wang Ming and Zhao Qiang, the two students from Mist City University of Science and Technology, would seem as though he were detaining them.

At the same time, Principal Fu spoke to his assistant, "Release a statement regarding the fire at Mist City Arts and Science University, immediately."

"But Principal Fu, how exactly should we draft the announcement?"

The assistant asked in confusion.

Although he had a rough idea of what had happened, to write the announcement, he needed to understand every detail.

"Principal Ding."

Frowning slightly, Principal Fu turned to Ding Yue.

"Oh? Is there something else you wish to say, Principal Fu?" Ding Yue asked.

"It’s like this: we at Mist City University of Technology must issue an announcement, so I want my assistant to fully understand the specifics of the incident," Principal Fu replied.

"Of course, that’s no problem," Ding Yue agreed, nodding, then turned to his secretary Wen Ruohan, saying, "Xiao Wen, please explain the details to Principal Fu’s assistant."

"Sure."

After receiving her instructions, Wen Ruohan approached the assistant of Principal Fu. They went over to a desk, where she began to recount the particulars of the fire incident at Mist City Arts and Science University.