159: Parents came to cause trouble

Mrs. White’s face was full of rage: “My son was beaten up at school. I demand an explanation for this matter. If I am not satisfied with the outcome, I will sue the entire school.”

The Administrator said, “Mrs. White, the situation is actually not as serious as you think.”

After reviewing the surveillance footage, the Administrator knew that Stan and his group were the ones who provoked the incident. Although Lu Qingyu hit them quite severely, it was, to some extent, justifiable self-defense, as he never initiated the fight. Stan was the one who always struck first, and Lu Qingyu only retaliated.

However, Mrs. White had no intention of listening to any of this. The fact that her son was injured was unacceptable.

“Not serious? Mr. Dunn, can you take responsibility for what you just said? As a teacher, you must be fair and just. Are you trying to cover for the person who did the beating?”

The Administrator was also getting annoyed by Mrs. White’s words. It was clearly your own son who started the provocation, wasn’t it?

“Mrs. White, the matter is not as you imagine. The school has surveillance footage. You can watch it first. It’s not yet certain whose fault the fight was.”

Mrs. White sneered: “Of course I will watch it. That footage is evidence that my son was assaulted. But before that, I want to meet the person who beat my son.”

Mrs. White was very experienced in handling these kinds of situations. As a lawyer with little conscience, she took believing her client to the extreme.

That is to say, anyone she chose to defend was the victim, regardless of whether they had committed murder or arson.

The Administrator, feeling helpless, led Lu Qingyu, Stan, and Stan’s mother to the Principal’s Office.

On the way to the Principal’s Office, the Administrator said to Lu Qingyu: “Lu, Stan’s mother insisted on seeing you. Regarding the fight, I reviewed the footage, and the fault is not entirely yours, but your blows were indeed a bit heavy. The school will impose some disciplinary action on you, requiring 10 hours of community service. However, Stan’s mother is difficult to deal with; she is a lawyer. I will help you handle her later, so don’t be afraid.”

Lu Qingyu hadn't expected the Administrator to actually side with him. He nodded: “I understand, Mr. Dunn.”

Upon arriving at the Principal’s Office, Mrs. White sat imperiously on the sofa. The Principal had already tried to persuade her before they arrived, but it seemed to have little effect.

Stan sat next to Mrs. White, his gaze malicious. The moment he saw Lu Qingyu, his eyes seemed to convey: You’re done for. My mother won’t let you off easily.

Lu Qingyu looked Mrs. White up and down. She had golden-brown hair, wore bright red lipstick, and a crimson skirt suit—a typical lawyer’s attire.

She looked at Lu Qingyu with contempt: “You’re the one who hit my son?”

Lu Qingyu remained silent. Wasn’t it common practice abroad not to speak until your lawyer arrived? He was just following local customs.

Mrs. White assumed Lu Qingyu was too scared to speak. Well, what kind of experience could a foreign kid possibly have?

Dunn spoke up for Lu Qingyu: “Mrs. White, I believe you have seen the surveillance video. The instigator of this incident was your son. If there is fault, it lies with Stan’s behavior.”

Mrs. White’s eyes sharpened upon hearing Dunn’s words: “Mr. Dunn, please think clearly about what you are saying before you speak. My son is currently seriously injured, and five of his companions are also injured. Shouldn’t the person who committed the assault be disciplined?”

Dunn replied: “While it was wrong for Lu Qingyu to hit someone, his actions could also be considered justifiable self-defense.”

Hearing the term ‘justifiable self-defense,’ Mrs. White laughed: “Mr. Dunn, are you trying to teach a lawyer about the law? I understand what justifiable self-defense is better than you do. This person beat my son into this state, and you call that justifiable self-defense? Your statement makes me seriously question your administrative ability, and the management of this school.”

Mrs. White’s gaze shifted to the Principal, seemingly trying to pressure him.

The Principal knew Mrs. White’s influence in the legal community. Regardless of the process, the result was that Stan and five other students were injured. If Mrs. White dramatically amplified the public opinion surrounding this matter, it would not only affect the school but might also harm Lu Qingyu through the media.

The Principal still wanted to find a peaceful way to resolve the situation.

“Mrs. White, what exactly do you propose now?”

Mrs. White crossed her arms: “It’s simple. I demand that he apologize to my son, that the school expel him, and furthermore, this person must pay 200,000 in medical and emotional damages to my son and his friends.”

Before the Principal could speak, Dunn nearly swore aloud. Was this woman joking? The school not expelling her son was already generous, and now she demanded 200,000 in compensation? Her son’s facial injuries only looked severe; the school doctor had just checked them, and apart from some superficial skin damage, his internal organs were fine.

Dunn looked at the Principal, who was contemplating the situation without immediately concluding.

It wasn't that he didn't want to help Lu Qingyu, but as Principal, he had to be responsible for his words and actions. Mrs. White's demands were indeed unreasonable and couldn't be accepted, but he couldn't refuse outright, or this crazy woman might do anything.

A previous Principal at another school, who had sought justice for a bullied female student, was falsely accused of an inappropriate relationship with the student by the student's parents and lost his job—these were all lessons learned.

The Principal said: “Mrs. White, your son initiated the fight. It is impossible to only punish Lu Qingyu and ignore your son.”

Mrs. White narrowed her eyes: “Then what are you proposing, Principal?”

The Principal replied: “How about we let the school handle the entire matter? We will proceed according to school regulations. Lu Qingyu will be penalized with 10 hours of community service. Stan, having actively provoked the incident, will be penalized with 50 hours of community service and one week of suspension.”

Mrs. White laughed in anger upon hearing the punishment: “So you are absolutely determined to favor this boy?”

Dunn countered: “How can you call it favoritism? This is a reasonable disposition according to school rules.”

Mrs. White demanded: “Then what about my son’s injuries?”

Dunn felt a breath catch in his chest. He desperately wanted to tell Mrs. White that her son brought this upon himself, but he couldn't. If those words came out, he would just be adding himself to the list of people she would sue.

The Principal said: “Lu Qingyu did hit him too hard. We will add an extra 2 hours of community service to his penalty.”

Mrs. White’s expression was icy: “I now seriously doubt your executive ability as Principal. I will not only file a lawsuit against this boy, but I will file one against all of you as well.”