Chapter 28: Outstanding Graduate Truly Deserving
Looking at the overly sycophantic Dean in front of her, Yifu felt a wave of disdain in her heart, but she couldn’t show it on the surface.
After all, he was still the Dean of the Church Academy, and she would just have to hold her tongue until Leia graduated.
In matters of great importance, Yifu was able to distinguish between priorities.
To be honest, having such thoughts was a sadness for Yifu. The Dean, a leader training talent for the Empire, was actually a fence-sitter who viewed people through colored glasses.
With her personality, she definitely wouldn’t step in to defend the weak, even though she had the ability to protect them, especially since those weak groups were her students…
But Yifu didn’t have time to worry about that now; she was barely keeping herself together.
The subtle atmosphere of the conversation reached its peak the moment Yifu took out Her Highness Princess Alice’s recommendation letter.
At that moment, the Dean seemed to be bending over backwards, desperately trying to flatter her.
After all, anyone who could present a recommendation letter from the Princess was worth flattering first and asking questions later.
“I really am… terribly incompetent. Miss Yifu, I’ll reflect on this, a deep reflection. I can’t believe that Leia’s grades are so outstanding and she could be overlooked in my Church Academy.”
“This is simply the biggest blunder since the establishment of our Church Academy. There must be some misunderstanding involved!”
“With Leia’s achievements, it’s easy for her to not only graduate but also to graduate ahead of schedule.”
“Our Church Academy should take pride in having such an outstanding student like Leia.”
Hearing the Dean’s flattery, Yifu felt no ripples in her heart. Whether he was the Dean or not, his ability to speak nonsense was top-notch.
“Dean, let’s get back to the main topic. Regarding Leia’s successful graduation…”
Yifu cleared her throat, and this small gesture made the verbose Dean straighten up immediately, like a primary school student, smiling and waiting to hear Yifu speak.
“No problem, I’ll arrange that right away. Additionally, I think Leia should be included on the list of outstanding graduates and enjoy the student loan exemption policy.”
Before Yifu could even open her mouth, the Dean spoke up first.
There were only a few spots for outstanding graduates, and to be honest, they were mostly reserved for the privileged young ladies and rich sons.
Someone like Leia, who truly had the ability, would often miss out on being recognized as an outstanding graduate for various reasons.
At this stage, the list of outstanding graduates had already been confirmed two or three times, and making further changes would undoubtedly offend many people.
But this wasn’t an issue for the Dean; with the recommendation letter backing her, she could probably let Leia take over her position as Dean for a couple of days, and no one would dare to say anything.
After all, it was the Princess’s recommendation letter! The contents were filled with sincerity…
“Can’t I be the outstanding graduate representative and give a speech?”
Suddenly, Leia, who had been silent all along, spoke up in a crisp voice that was quite noticeable in the quiet room.
Both Yifu and the Dean instinctively stopped and turned to look at the reserved Leia sitting in the chair.
Feeling their gazes, Leia instinctively lowered her head.
“Of course, she’s Miss Yifu’s daughter, ambitious as she is. Ah, if only all our academy’s students were as eager to improve as Leia, it would be a great fortune for the Empire.”
The Dean knew Yifu had connections to the Empire, so he rarely mentioned church-related topics when flattering her.
“However…”
“However, there can only be one outstanding graduate representative, and that selection has already been made months ago.”
“Moreover, being a representative isn’t the only way to prove one’s excellence; being included on the outstanding graduate list is already a testament to one’s abilities.”
What the Dean meant by that was that the position of outstanding graduate representative had a higher status; even with the recommendation letter, she still couldn’t be moved from it.
“I see.”
Leia’s expression clearly showed some disappointment, and Yifu keenly picked up on it, reaching out a gentle hand to pat her head.
“It’s all right; you’re already amazing.”
“Mm…”
Leia still looked somewhat disheartened, and she didn’t speak again throughout the remainder of the conversation between Yifu and the Dean, obediently sitting in her chair, fiddling with her fingers.
“Absolutely, Miss Yifu, I will follow up on this matter.”
“Good, with your word, Dean, I can rest assured. We won’t take up more of your time; we’ll take our leave now.”
“Do you need me to send a carriage for you both?”
“No need, we don’t live far, just a street away from here.”
Yifu casually remarked, but to the Dean, it revealed a lot of information.
A street away meant it was probably just shops and that luxury apartment. It was one of the best locations in the entire imperial capital…
This Miss Yifu was indeed not simple.
“Leia, let’s go.”
“Oh.”
Leia nodded, jumped down from her chair, and instinctively took Yifu’s hand.
“Feel free to come visit anytime you wish; I won’t see you off further.”
“It’s fine, Dean, you have your work to attend to.”
After exchanging polite words, with the door to the Dean’s office closing, Yifu also let out a sigh of relief.
It proved that Her Highness Princess Alice was indeed far-sighted and understanding of the Empire’s current situation.
A medal and a recommendation letter had solved the problem thoroughly.
If Yifu had come with Leia without any background, unless she burned down the building, it would have been impossible to draw any attention.
Upon reaching the corner of the staircase from the fifth floor, they saw Qianzhi standing there with two drinks in her hands.
She still looked as ethereal as a fairy from a painting, but the moment she saw Yifu, her eyes lit up.
“Sister Qianzhi.”
Leia, holding Yifu’s hand, politely greeted her.
“Mm, this is juice for you.”
Qianzhi handed one of the drinks to Leia.
“I saw that Miss Yifu seemed to not have rested well last night, so I brought you a cup of coffee.”
Qianzhi offered the warm coffee to Yifu, her delicate fingers gently resting on the coffee cup, looking flawlessly beautiful like jade.
“Thank you. Were you waiting specifically for us?”
“No…”
Qianzhi turned her face away slightly, feeling a bit guilty.
“I just thought you would be wrapping up soon, and since I didn’t have anything to do, I thought I’d walk back with you.”