Chapter 168: A Sigh
Principal Guo thought it over and decided to leave them be. He then invited Zhong Yuxiu aside and asked, “Comrade Zhong, Professor Zhong, do you think Comrade Fu Hongxia has what it takes to get into Huada University?”
“Who knows? Just check and find out,” she replied, never one to underestimate others, though she did think Fu Hongxia’s mind was a bit empty.
“All right, then. Let’s investigate—this will be a good opportunity to conduct a thorough school-wide review.”
“Principal Guo, I think that’s a good idea,” a voice not belonging to Zhong Yuxiu interjected. Startled, Principal Guo turned to see Professors Ding and Zheng. “You’re here! When did you arrive?”
Professor Ding clasped his hands in front of him. “Just arrived.”
“You’ve come at the perfect time.”
Ding and Zheng exchanged glances, casting a sidelong look at Principal Guo, waiting for him to continue.
Principal Guo said, “We have to investigate. It concerns the integrity of our talent pool and cannot be taken lightly. I will report this matter. It’s not appropriate for us to handle it ourselves.”
“Report it to whom? The Education Bureau?” Zhong Yuxiu asked.
“Yes,” Principal Guo nodded, adding, “Not only the Education Bureau but other departments as well. Ideally, we should have journalists follow the story. Ten years after the second college entrance exam, we cannot allow impostors and mediocrities to occupy university classrooms while those with genuine talent lose their chance due to identity fraud and are forever barred from the exam.”
The best way to falsify exam results is by substituting the household registration.
Zhong Yuxiu pondered, “Is the household registration so easily tampered with? Anyone could replace someone else?”
“Not just anyone dares; it requires collusion,” Professor Ding shook his head and sighed. “There are always those who disregard morality and human decency, seeking to gain without effort.”
Ding and Zheng couldn’t help but recall those turbulent years—they too had suffered greatly because of them. Back then, it was driven by the times. But now?
“What if such cases appear in multiple regions nationwide? What happens if the real student manages to enroll?” Zhong Yuxiu recalled having read online about identity substitution scandals that only came to light decades later, numerous cases listed one after another.
But what good does exposure do? Decades have passed; life moves on. The prime years are gone. Because of some people's greed, innocent lives are marred by lifelong regret, even shattered. Those who should have enjoyed modest prosperity end up impoverished.
Those destined for great wealth and honor struggle their entire lives on the poverty line.
Those meant to lead brilliant lives live in perpetual gloom.
All of them are talents. If educated, they would surely contribute more to the country than the mediocrities.
“This isn’t really our concern,” Principal Guo’s expression faltered as he said, “Once the investigation concludes, those who replaced others will certainly be expelled. But what about the victims? No one knows. Some might reclaim their household registration; others may never have the chance to take the college entrance exam in their lifetime.”
Zhong Yuxiu sighed softly. “That’s unfair to them.”
“What can we do? There’s no fairness in this world to begin with.”
Zhong Yuxiu felt moved and nodded. “I know there is no absolute fairness. I just hope they get a fresh start.”
That was all they could do.
“As long as you understand, that’s good. We must live with a clear conscience. There are too many injustices in the world. Our duty is to teach, to nurture talent.”
Zhong Yuxiu had come to terms with it, while Principal Guo remained silent, unable to add anything further.
Zhong Yuxiu nodded solemnly. Professors Ding and Zheng could only shake their heads and sigh.
“Maybe substitution isn’t the issue. After all, no one knows the limits of a person’s abilities. Everyone has different gifts. Perhaps she’s just socially inept but gifted academically.”
Zhong Yuxiu: “...”
“Do you think that’s possible?”