Chapter 928: Clues and Traces

After a phone call, Lu Chuan rushed back to his office within fifteen minutes.

The original principal of Third Middle School was Zhao Baolai, who had been the principal for more than twenty years. Under Principal Zhao’s leadership, Third Middle School became the top high school in Haizhou City.

As a result, this principal was quite famous throughout Haizhou City.

However, the current principal of Third Middle School is a successor.

The new principal, Wang Jinde, was previously a vice principal at Third Middle School. Two years ago, he became the principal after Zhao Baolai retired.

"Captain Lu! I sincerely apologize!"

At the moment, Wang Jinde was profusely apologizing.

As he left the conference, Director Wang Dahua specifically instructed him to fully cooperate with the Criminal Investigation Team’s work.

Being a local of Haizhou City, Wang Jinde was well aware of Qiangsheng Group. Moreover, Third Middle School held an education fund established by Qiangsheng Group.

So, with a slight hint from Director Wang Dahua, he understood the situation.

Even in the midst of speaking at the conference, Director Wang answered a call and left; it was clear the matter was important enough to pause the education authority’s assembly.

Lu Chuan shook hands with him: "Principal Wang, you’re too kind. We came today to understand certain matters urgently. Given the gravity of the case, we had to inconvenience you to leave the conference. Please pardon us."

"Captain Lu, you’re too courteous. It’s our duty to cooperate fully with the Criminal Investigation Team. Please don’t hesitate to express any issues; we’ll speak truthfully and exhaustively."

Wang Jinde quickly responded.

"Alright, we appreciate Principal Wang’s cooperation. Now regarding the specific matters..."

Lu Chuan gestured towards the still-closed door of the principal’s office, continuing: "Principal Wang, shall we discuss inside the office?"

Wang Jinde slapped his forehead.

"Look at me, forgot everything upon seeing Captain Lu. Please, come in!"

Wang Jinde opened the office: "Wu, go prepare tea quickly!"

Several people settled into the guest sofa in the office.

"Captain Lu, Director Wang specifically instructed us to fully assist you. But we’re unclear on the specific matters you’re investigating."

Earlier, when Director Wang Dahua briefed Wang Jinde, he was quite befuddled since Third Middle School hadn’t recently experienced any incidents warranting the Criminal Investigation Team’s visit.

Lu Chuan didn’t conceal: "Principal Wang, we’re here to investigate a student named Qin Ruirui regarding last year’s jumping incident."

Jumping incident?

Upon hearing this, Wang Jinde instantly understood.

A student jumped from a building; as principal, Wang Jinde couldn’t possibly be unaware.

Moreover, according to the teachers, while the student initially performed well academically, due to certain reasons, their grades sharply declined, ultimately leading to the jumping incident.

"We’ve thoroughly understood and investigated this matter."

Wang Jinde stated: "In all these years, Qin Ruirui was the first student to jump. Initially, classmates claimed it was due to excessive study pressure. Fearing to alarm other students, I assigned the director to investigate the circumstances."

"The investigation later revealed that the student, though survived due to health concerns, was reportedly paralyzed and hasn’t returned to school."

Indeed, Wang Jinde maintained a fully cooperative stance and arranged right after his explanation: "Wu, summon the director quickly; I must meet him now."

"Yes!"

After Wu departed, Lu Chuan and Sun Biao exchanged glances.

The situation shared by Wang Jinde seemed inconsistent with Sun Biao’s current understanding.

Nonetheless, it didn’t appear fabricated.

Lu Chuan continued: "By the way, Principal Wang, about half a year ago... a student named Zhang Tao transferred from your school to Ninth Middle School. Do you know about this matter?"

Transferred?

Wang Jinde was taken aback.

"No way, Ninth Middle School is our district’s key school, but our Third Middle School ranks among the top high schools city-wide and statewide. Why would he leave us for Ninth Middle?"

Observing his demeanor, Sun Biao further inquired: "Principal Wang, as head of the school, are you unaware of student transfers?"

Wang Jinde replied with a wry smile: "Regarding this issue... school management isn’t something I oversee often. Like our previous principal, I focus primarily on managing faculty."

"Classroom management?"

Wang Jinde nodded: "Indeed, our school operates differently from others."

He elaborated: "Our school’s management is divided into two parts: teacher management, which covers teaching quality, ethical conduct, and influences. Frankly, these systems weren’t devised by me but were implemented by the former principal."

During the wait for the director, Wang Jinde recounted some history of Third Middle School to Lu Chuan.

Third Middle School’s management structure indeed differed from typical high schools.

Typically, high schools are managed by a principal with two vice principals supporting various domains.

The principal oversees overall operations, one vice principal focuses on academics and education, while the other vice principal manages other administrative aspects, aided by a director for student management.

"However, unlike other schools, our principal at Third Middle, which is myself, focuses on academics and education."

While serving as vice principal, Wang Jinde collaborated with the former principal on student education, specifically in executing teaching plans.

"Management here is generally handled by the other vice principal, encompassing logistics, student management, etc., whereas the director oversees discipline."

"Thus, student withdrawal affairs are more familiar to the director; I’m generally not engaged in these areas."

Just as they were conversing, the director finally arrived at the office.

The door was open; as the director reached the entrance, he saw the group inside.

"Principal Wang, you called?"

Seeing the director arrive, Wang Jinde quickly greeted: "Old Xu! Come in!"

Upon entering, Wang Jinde introduced: "Director Xu, this is Captain Lu from the Criminal Investigation Team in High-tech Zone."

Director Xu, definitely aware of the police presence, turned pale.

He had heard about the police visiting the school to gather information, and through certain channels, was aware of inquiries regarding Zhang Tao and Qin Ruirui.

Yesterday, he chose to stay away and avoid these issues, thus not returning.

Unexpectedly, the persistence led to including the principal today, indicating it was unavoidable.