Chapter 66: Donation
Within half a day of being posted on the campus wall, Gu Wanrong had become notorious.
As Gu Wanrong and Luo Qingquan walked from their car to the principal’s office, they felt the strange stares and whispers around them.
They arrived at the office. The atmosphere was heavy. The principal, dean, other administrators, and the advisor sat with serious expressions, waiting for Gu Wanrong.
Bi Changshi was the Dean of the Literature College.
“Ms. Gu, we called you to clarify the online rumors,” Bi Changshi stated sternly.
Gu Wanrong nodded, “The rumors on the campus wall are baseless.”
She introduced Luo Qingquan, “This is lawyer Luo Qingquan. He’s been commissioned to handle this matter.”
Luo Qingquan nodded politely.
Principal Wen Laikang’s eyebrows twitched upon hearing Luo Qingquan’s name. He recognized it; Luo Qingquan had been a prominent lawyer a few years ago. Now representing Gu Wanrong, how could he protect the university’s reputation?
“Lawyer Luo, it’s an honor to meet you. When did you return to practice?” Wen Laikang shook Luo Qingquan’s hand.
“Ms. Gu invested in my newly established Ying Yuan Law Firm. We mainly serve her,” Luo Qingquan introduced, handing Wen Laikang a file, “Principal Wen, please have a look.”
Wen Laikang opened the file to find a lawyer’s letter, naming Xu Rong and Jiang Yanyao as the defamers. Many student names were listed for online defamation. A lawsuit against the campus wall account was also included.
Silence fell. Then, an administrator said, “Ms. Gu, this will damage the school’s reputation.”
Others nodded in agreement. They believed that with evidence, a school statement, apologies, and disciplinary actions would suffice.
Agreeing to Gu Wanrong’s plan would negatively impact the school’s reputation.
“The school emphasizes education. Let’s try another approach,” another administrator suggested.
Luo Qingquan didn’t respond, “This isn’t confined to the school; it’s spread online.”
The administrators exchanged glances. Luo Qingquan was unlikely to change his mind; Gu Wanrong might be easier to persuade.
They looked at Gu Wanrong’s advisor, Chen Sheng.
” Ms. Gu, you’re all classmates,” Chen Sheng said cautiously, “You’re part of this university.” (He inwardly scolded himself; the poor girl, an orphan facing online defamation. She had the means to defend herself and he was feigning concern).
“I’ve done nothing wrong. Why should I back down? If I compromise, more people will be harmed. I trust the law will deliver justice,” Gu Wanrong firmly rejected the suggestion.
Chen Sheng, relieved, looked somewhat helpless.
The administrators were at an impasse.
Wen Laikang broke the silence, “We respect your decision. The school will cooperate with your legal action.”
Secretly, he agreed with Gu Wanrong but had to consider the school’s reputation.
He looked at Bi Changshi, who hesitantly said, “We’ll strengthen efforts to address online rumors, and improve education. We’ll reclaim the campus wall account. The lawsuit against the school can be dropped then.”
Gu Wanrong shook her head, “I won’t withdraw the lawsuit.”
She smiled, “This is a donation agreement; I’m donating one billion yuan to the university and a new building to the Literature College.”
While pursuing legal action, Gu Wanrong didn’t harbor resentment. She’d planned the donation from the start—to counter the rumors and contribute to her alma mater.
The administrators, surprised by the donation agreement, were overjoyed. Wen Laikang exclaimed, “Thank you, Ms. Gu!”
He saw that Gu Wanrong not only defended her rights but also offered a compromise, silencing any objections.
Gu Wanrong said calmly, “This is what I should do. I want to focus attention on the school’s development, not baseless rumors.”
Advisor Chen Sheng saw Gu Wanrong and Luo Qingquan off.
Back in the office, Wen Laikang slammed his teacup on the table, “This is only a few days into the semester! Look at the evidence from Lawyer Luo. They deliberately defamed her. Is this how you teach students?”
An administrator explained, “These two female students have only been at the university for a month.”
“A month?” Wen Laikang scoffed, “And look at the other students involved—seniors, graduate students. Do you know who Luo Qingquan is? He brought down Ke Xing Real Estate a few years ago! Now he’s handling this. The university’s reputation will suffer.”
“Old Wen, calm down. We can address the issues. We’ll prioritize moral education,” Bi Changshi said, “Look, Ms. Gu donated a billion yuan, showing her confidence in the university. We announce this, and our reputation will improve.”
The mood improved. Someone commented, “What’s Gu Wanrong’s background? Her file says she’s an orphan, yet she can donate over a billion yuan.”
Someone replied, “She’s extraordinary. In four years, Dean Bi, you’ll have another outstanding graduate from your college.”
Leaving the office building, Gu Wanrong saw Xu Rong and her followers across the street.
Gu Wanrong sneered. She hadn’t gone looking for them; they came to her.