122: Chapter 122: Su Han Reveals His Identity

Su Han stood on the podium, his military posture as upright as a pine, his gaze sweeping across the classroom like a torch.

The major's rank on his shoulders shimmered under the lights, and the medals of merit on his chest silently told the story of his experiences.

"Hello, teachers, parents, and students." Su Han's voice was deep and powerful, carrying the distinct resonance of a soldier. "I am Su Xiao Nuan's older brother, Su Han."

The classroom was pin-drop silent as everyone held their breath, gazing at this young military officer.

"I was quite inspired by the educational experiences shared by several parents just now."

Su Han's gaze lingered on Li Guoqiang for a moment. "Especially regarding the perspective of 'winning at the starting line'."

Li Guoqiang subconsciously straightened his back, a smug expression appearing on his face.

"But what I want to say is," Su Han's tone shifted, "life is not a sprint, but a marathon. An advantage at the starting line doesn't necessarily determine the final outcome."

Li Guoqiang's smile froze on his face.

"Xiao Nuan's and my parents passed away when we were very young."

Su Han's voice was calm, yet it made the atmosphere in the classroom turn solemn. "Since she was a child, she never enjoyed the so-called 'winning at the starting line' treatment."

Su Xiao Nuan sat in her seat, her eyes slightly reddened, yet she stubbornly held her head high.

"There were no expensive cram schools, no prestigious private schools, and not even the companionship of parents."

Su Han's gaze fell gently on his younger sister. "But through her own hard work, she achieved the results she has today."

A wave of low exclamations rippled through the classroom.

"As her brother, I am deeply ashamed."

Su Han's voice tightened slightly. "Because of my busy military duties, I've had very little time to care for her studies. Her achievements today were earned entirely through self-discipline and diligence."

Wang Ying stood to the side, her eyes shimmering with a touched light.

"Some say that education is all about who your father is."

Su Han's gaze swept toward Li Guoqiang again. "But I want to say that true education is about cultivating a child's ability to think independently and solve problems."

Li Guoqiang's face turned ashen, but he didn't dare speak up in rebuttal.

"Since she was young, Xiao Nuan learned to cook for herself, wash her own clothes, and arrange her own study time."

Su Han's tone carried an unconcealable pride. "She doesn't need expensive cram schools to push her, because she knows that studying is for her own sake."

Su Xiao Nuan's tears finally flowed uncontrollably, but she quickly wiped them away with the back of her hand and straightened her back.

Su Han's voice gradually rose. "She shouldered responsibilities far beyond those of her peers, yet she never complained."

Enthusiastic applause broke out in the classroom.

"Therefore, I believe the best education," Su Han looked around the room, "is not about paving every path for a child, but teaching them how to carve out a path for themselves."

The applause thundered again, even more fervent than before.

Li Guoqiang sat awkwardly in his seat, his face flushing between red and white.

"Finally, I want to say to Xiao Nuan..."

Su Han turned to his sister, his eyes gentle. "I am proud of you. No matter what path you choose in the future, remember that you will always be the best."

After speaking, Su Han was about to step down.

Li Guoqiang suddenly let out a sneer, breaking the applause in the classroom.

"Sounds nice, doesn't it!" He sat with his legs crossed, saying with a face full of disdain, "What's this about not paving the way for children and letting them walk it themselves? Isn't that just an excuse made by incompetent parents?"

The classroom fell silent instantly, and everyone's gaze turned toward this fleshy-faced middle-aged man.

"Everyone here," Li Guoqiang looked around, his voice booming, "if a father has the capability, who wouldn't prepare everything for their child in advance? Letting a child figure things out on their own? Isn't that just holding them back!"

A few parents began to whisper among themselves, some nodding in agreement.

Wang Ying stood by the podium, her expression somewhat awkward. "Mr. Li, we are sharing different educational philosophies..."

"Philosophies?" Li Guoqiang waved his hand dismissively. "My son has attended the best private schools since he was young and has the most expensive tutors. Now his grades are at the top of his class! That is what you call strength!"

He looked provocatively at Su Han. "Comrade soldier, your sister is indeed outstanding, but if she had better conditions, wouldn't she be even more so?"

Su Xiao Nuan clenched her fists and was about to stand up to retort, but she was stopped by a look from Su Han.

Su Han slowly stepped down from the podium, his military boots making a steady sound on the floor.

He stood before Li Guoqiang. Though young, his upright posture and the distinct aura of a soldier made Li Guoqiang subconsciously take half a step back.

"Mr. Li," Su Han's voice was calm yet powerful, "do you believe that having money and a career means a child will be set for life, and that the path you've chosen is the correct one?"

"Of course!" Li Guoqiang puffed out his chest. "The path I've paved for my son is absolutely the optimal choice!"

"Is that so?" The corners of Su Han's mouth curled slightly. "Then may I ask, what does your son want to be when he grows up?"

Li Guoqiang was taken aback. "To take over my company, of course! I've worked hard for so many years just for..."

"Just so he can follow the life you designed for him?" Su Han interrupted. "What if he doesn't want to take over the company? What if he has other dreams?"

"What do kids know about dreams!" Li Guoqiang waved his hand impatiently. "I've eaten more salt than he's eaten rice; I know what's best for him!"

A few chuckles rang out in the classroom.

Su Han said unhurriedly, "Mr. Li, do you know why my military rank has been promoted so quickly?"

Li Guoqiang was stumped by this sudden question. "This... how would I know?"

"Because I learned to think independently on the battlefield," Su Han's gaze was as sharp as a blade. "I learned to make judgments in rapidly changing situations. These abilities aren't something you can acquire just by having someone pave the way for you."

Li Guoqiang's expression changed. "You... you're twisting the concept!"

"No, it's the same principle." Su Han turned to the other parents in the classroom. "The best education for a child isn't about making decisions for them, but about cultivating their ability to make their own decisions."

"Well said!" A female parent wearing glasses suddenly started clapping. "My daughter is just too dependent on us. Now that she's in college, she even asks us which courses to choose."

Other parents nodded in succession.

Li Guoqiang's face grew uglier. "That's easy for you to say! My son is going to inherit a fortune of tens of millions in the future. How can he be like an ordinary child?"

Su Han suddenly laughed. "Mr. Li, do you think you can protect him for his entire life?"

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is," Su Han's eyes turned deep, "life is unpredictable. You might be successful today, but what about tomorrow? If one day you can no longer pave the way for him, what will he do?"

Li Guoqiang opened his mouth but couldn't find any words.

"The true starting line," Su Han looked around the classroom, his voice resonant and powerful, "is not money or resources, but the ability to think independently and the courage to face setbacks."

Enthusiastic applause erupted in the classroom, and even Wang Ying couldn't help but clap along.

Li Guoqiang's face was ashen after Su Han's speech, but he still stiffened his neck, refusing to admit defeat.

"Humph, sounds good!" He sneered, deliberately raising his voice. "All this talk about independent thinking and facing setbacks—isn't that just poor, bitter talk from someone with no money or power?"

The classroom fell silent instantly, with everyone's eyes focused on the two of them.

Su Xiao Nuan's face flushed red with anger. Just as she was about to stand up to argue, Su Han gently pressed down on her shoulder.

"Mr. Li," Su Han's voice remained calm, "you seem to have some misunderstanding about what 'strength' is."

"Misunderstanding?" Li Guoqiang scoffed and pulled a gold-embossed business card from his suit's inner pocket. "See this? Li's Building Materials, annual turnover of thirty million! This is what you call strength!"

He looked around smugly. "Comrade soldier, I respect your profession, but when it comes to educating children, we businessmen have more of a say."

"Is that so?"

Su Han smiled slightly and asked unhurriedly, "Mr. Li, you've been in business in this province for many years; I presume you're quite familiar with the provincial enterprises?"

Li Guoqiang was taken aback for a moment, then puffed out his chest. "Of course! I've been in the business world for over twenty years. Which enterprise do I not know?"

"Then do you know of the Longteng Security Group?" Su Han asked.

Li Guoqiang sneered. "Who doesn't know Longteng? That's the largest security group in our province, with an annual turnover in the hundreds of millions!"

"Furthermore, it's an enterprise run by our city's largest clan, the Su Clan!"

"Under the Su Clan, there are many other well-known enterprises! They're all leading companies in our city!"

"My Li's Building Materials even has a partnership with one of their construction companies!"

The corners of Su Han's mouth curled up slightly. "Then let me ask you, what is the surname of the Su Clan?"

"Nonsense! The Su Clan, of course, is surnamed..."

His voice suddenly caught, and his eyes slowly widened.