Chapter 204: Chapter 204: The Assertive Gu Chi
Currently, there are two main points of contention about Gu Mo: his youthful indiscretions and his alleged exploitation of his graduate students. Other remarks, like ’He’s so young, he must lack real talent,’ are simply sour grapes from jealous individuals.
The department leadership brought up the matter concerning the graduate students.
"Exploitation?"
Gu Mo was even more bewildered, so he simply recounted his interactions with the graduate students.
The leaders: "..." That’s not it, you’re treating those students too well!
These leaders are sly old foxes, and upon seeing the straightforwardness of Gu Mo, they couldn’t help feeling sympathetic.
"I recall that one of your students was delayed in graduating."
Gu Mo nodded, "The first batch of graduate students under my guidance."
The first batch of graduate students he guided should have graduated in June of this year, but one of them did not meet all the requirements and had to delay graduation.
As for the second batch due to graduate next June, there are currently no issues; they meet all graduation requirements.
The leaders understood the situation.
"Shall we talk to that student?"
At this moment, a knock on the door was heard.
One of the leaders who was close to the door got up to open it and found a young man and a little girl standing outside.
"Who might you be?"
Students are allowed to freely enter the administrative building.
Gu Chi was about to speak when Tuanzi chimed in softly, "We’re here to see Gu Mo brother."
In the office, the young professor turned around puzzled and saw both his brother and sister appear. He instinctively smiled, but then thought of the matters online and pressed his lips together.
"I’ll head home later; you both can leave first."
Gu Chi smiled warmly, "No matter how you interpret that photo, it’s connected to me, so the leaders should talk to me instead."
Tuanzi chimed in, "That photo is also connected to Miaomiao. It’s because Gu Mo brother participated in a show that the photo was circulated, so the uncles should talk to Miaomiao."
Eventually, both of them were invited in as well.
Because there was a child, the atmosphere of the conversation became less formal.
One of the leaders even gave Tuanzi a piece of chocolate.
Tuanzi was tempted, but when she thought about Gu Mo possibly being suspended, she shook her head and refused the chocolate.
"Miaomiao doesn’t want chocolate. Uncle, please don’t punish Gu Mo brother. He’s a dedicated professor and hasn’t done anything wrong. It’s just that some people online are bad."
She also knew that fists couldn’t solve this matter, so she relied on these fair and just uncles.
Gu Chi also commented, "My brother should have explained his injury’s cause. I checked when I came over, and there was an official report at that time, so it’s fine to just share that."
The department leader helplessly replied, "Your brother disagrees."
Gu Chi turned to look.
Gu Mo glanced away, avoiding eye contact.
Gu Chi said, "Brother, look at me when you talk."
The young professor slowly turned his head.
Gu Chi: ^_^
Gu Mo whispered, "People might say harsh things, and it’ll hurt you."
"Quite the opposite, I no longer care how people judge the past events. Instead, I’m very sad and angry with the things said about you now."
Despite saying this, he was still smiling.
The leaders: "..." They didn’t quite understand the young people nowadays.
Tuanzi continued seriously, "Miaomiao is also very angry and sad, wishing to punch everyone. But fists can’t solve the problem."
Two to one, Gu Mo lost.
He scratched his nose, "Then I’ll go along with what Little Chi and Miaomiao say; I’m fine with anything."
One leader suddenly realized, maybe among these brothers, the younger one is more dominant. Perhaps it would be better to discuss with the younger brother about this matter.
And so they started a conversation with Gu Chi, while Gu Mo and Tuanzi played in the corner.
At first, Tuanzi tried to eavesdrop on the adults’ conversation, but soon she was distracted by Gu Mo talking about signature dishes of different canteens and several dessert shops near the school.
"Gu Mo brother, do you really like sweets?"
Gu Mo nodded, "I use my brain a lot and need to replenish sugar."
Tuanzi’s eyes lit up.
She seemed to have found a reason to eat dessert.
Next time she eats sweets, she’ll tell big brother that she used her brain and has a headache, so she’s eating sweets.
The two quietly discussed where to have dinner later.
After they finished, they realized that Gu Chi and the leaders had finished their conversation too.
"Huh? Are you finished talking?"
Tuanzi asked anxiously, "Will Gu Mo brother be suspended?"
Gu Chi replied, "No, an announcement will be made soon. After talking with that student, we’ll decide how to issue a second announcement."
Tuanzi was confused, but Gu Chi had already taken her hand.
"Say goodbye to the uncles."
Tuanzi raised her little paw and waved it.
They soon arrived at a nearby restaurant and even requested a private room.
At this time, the school’s official blog had already forwarded the report from back then, accompanied by very simple text.
[This is the truth about Gu Mo’s injury. In addition, the school’s investigation of his personnel file found no issues whatsoever. The university is currently investigating the alleged student exploitation by Gu Mo and will issue a new announcement soon.]
Comments quickly appeared.
[Why is this announcement so fast, as if Gu Mo has someone backing him?]
[Uh, people complain about slow announcements, and now they’re complaining about fast ones.]
[Oh, turns out he was injured for that reason—so tragic.]
[People are wrong for blaming him; he wasn’t a delinquent at all.]
[They only explained the injury reason and investigated the personnel files. What if he was protected by the school after hitting people back then?]
Tuanzi happily awaited the meal while Gu Chi scrolled through netizens’ comments, his smile growing brighter.
[Ancient Martial System: Look at Gu Chi; his smile is terrifying]
Tuanzi glanced over and was startled, inching closer to Gu Mo.
"Brother, let me handle everything."
Gu Mo: "Isn’t it already handled?"
Gu Chi smiled broadly, "How could it be? I’ll sue everyone spreading rumors and maliciously circulating them. Don’t worry, Pei Hai’s company’s best asset is their legal department; they have experience."
Gu Mo was indifferent, "Whatever is fine."
Only then did Gu Chi slightly restrain his smile, feeling a bit better. As long as big brother doesn’t stop him from retaliating, it’s all good.
The dishes were soon served, and he absentmindedly had a few bites while continuing to scroll on his phone.
"Hmm? They actually made posts too."
Tuanzi slowly leaned over, squinting to see, "Is this Gu Mo brother’s university?"
"Yes, not only the university, but also the high school... even the elementary school made posts."
Gu Chi was a bit surprised. He opened each post to see that these official blogs did similar things: detailing Gu Mo’s time at their school, the honors he received during his time there, and concluding that he is forever the pride of their school.
[That’s impressive; even his elementary school came forward to speak for him]
[Because he’s the face of these schools; ahem, he’s an honored alumnus who is often listed in the hall of fame]
[I checked and saw Gu Mo skipped grades left and right, participated in math or physics competitions, and always learned the next stage’s curriculum ahead of time—honestly, with such limited time in school, if he could still be a bully, he’d be a superhero]
[Actually, I always felt he didn’t do those things. Just because he’s young and it involves school bullying, without any evidence or the victim coming forward, everyone was eager to convict him. Some people are just too crazy.]
Gu Chi didn’t read further.
He made an indeterminate "hmph" sound.
At this point, both sides gave him a dish with chopsticks.
Gu Chi first looked at Tuanzi, who smiled broadly, "Eat more when you’re in a good mood."
Then he looked at Gu Mo, who calmly said, "Don’t play with your phone during meals."
Gu Chi showed a genuine smile, "Okay."