Chapter 98: And Am I, Pan Qingfeng, Unworthy?
Moreover, Director Cen's claims about poor teaching quality and low exam difficulty were even greater nonsense.
The difficulty of Liu Shang's final exam this year had set a new record.
Among so many students, Liu Shang was the only one to emerge unscathed. Such a failure rate was unprecedented in the history of the University of Oil.
But Director Cen was the one in charge here. Faced with his authority, everyone present could only remain silent.
In the current campus climate, they had no reason to offend the director of the Academic Affairs Office for a student as seemingly insignificant as Liu Shang.
And to be fair, Liu Shang had indeed cut too many classes, which had a negative influence.
And so, under Director Cen's pointed gaze, the pressure gradually shifted to Mr. Zhao, Liu Shang's counselor.
Someone cleared their throat and prodded, "Ahem, Mr. Zhao, you are Liu Shang's counselor. Please respond to Director Cen and offer your opinion."
Frowning deeply, Counselor Zhao hesitated for a long time before bravely raising his doubts.
"Um, Leader... Director Cen... isn't this punishment a bit too severe?"
"Oh? Too severe?"
"Mr. Zhao, if I remember correctly, you're still a graduate student, aren't you?"
"With such a poor sense of organization and discipline, do you still expect to complete your graduate program successfully?"
"If I recall correctly, failure to complete your postgraduate studies means your counselor position will be terminated upon its expiration. You'll have to leave the university, correct?"
Director Cen was indeed ruthless and experienced in these power struggles; he had crushed Counselor Zhao with just a few words.
***
Meanwhile, the top administration of the University of Oil was welcoming a heavyweight guest.
This guest was Pan Qingfeng, the new deputy director of the Fengcheng Oilfield.
Although Pan Qingfeng was only a marginal deputy director within the oilfield's hierarchy, for the University of Oil, he was the most important person of all—the deputy director in charge of personnel and recruitment, a role directly tied to the annual graduate employment rate.
Therefore, to show how much they valued his visit, the University of Oil had assigned two vice presidents to accompany him.
"Heh, Director Pan, it certainly wasn't easy to get you to visit our campus and offer your guidance today," one of them, Li Zhi, said warmly. "I've been meaning to invite you out personally to congratulate you on your promotion."
"But a busy man like you is hard to pin down. You've turned me down a few times already!"
In response to Vice President Li Zhi's enthusiastic greeting, Pan Qingfeng laughed and patted him on the shoulder.
"Come on, Li Zhi, old friend. Are you trying to poke fun at me?"
"How many years have we known each other?"
"It's no exaggeration to say I probably eat with you more often than I do with my own wife!"
Witnessing the deep friendship and good humor between the two men, the others in their entourage also laughed.
Vice President Li Zhi smiled, a touch of emotion in his voice as he said, "To be honest, the recent personnel changes at the oilfield really surprised us all, my friend."
"Who would have thought that out of such a competitive field, you, the dark horse, would come out on top and win the position."
"When I heard the good news, I confidently assured the university board," he continued, "that with Director Pan in charge, our University of Oil graduates are in good hands."
"I told them, 'As for graduate employment, you can leave it to me!'"
Pan Qingfeng nodded and laughed. "You still get me, old friend."
"My character is well-known throughout the entire Fengcheng Oilfield. So today, right here at the University of Oil, in front of my old friend, I'll make a promise. As long as I'm in charge of personnel and recruitment, the University of Oil's graduates will never have to worry about employment."
"We all depend on the oilfields, and we complement each other. If I don't support our own University of Oil, should I favor schools in other provinces and cities instead?"
"That would make no sense at all!"
Hearing Pan Qingfeng's promise, everyone present was overjoyed.
The other vice president also shook Pan Qingfeng's hand enthusiastically to express his gratitude.
"Director Pan, your words are a great reassurance for us at the University of Oil."
"Given the worsening employment situation, I must thank you on behalf of all our graduating students."
"Director Pan, if you'll follow me, we'd like you to observe and guide our students in their practical studies, where they combine theory with actual oilfield technology."
"In recent years, our university has placed greater emphasis on this, striving to send well-rounded, ready-to-work talent to the oilfield."
At this, Pan Qingfeng smiled and nodded.
"Alright, let's take a look."
"But to be honest, I was the director of an oil production plant for many years."
"We took in quite a few graduates from various petroleum colleges every year."
"And I was never very impressed with their so-called skills and technical abilities."
"But, in the last two years, my view has completely changed."
"There are some truly rare and exceptional talents among your students here at the University of Oil."
"The proportion is just too small. I hope you can cultivate more of these truly outstanding individuals!"
Hearing this, everyone naturally agreed. "Of course, absolutely."
Afterward, Pan Qingfeng made a token visit to observe the students' practical application courses.
Next, Vice President Li Zhi and the others intended to invite Pan Qingfeng to visit the Petroleum Engineering Department. This department sends the most graduates to the oilfield each year.
But to everyone's surprise, Pan Qingfeng thought for a moment and said, "I'll skip the Petroleum Engineering Department. I'd rather visit the Institute of Chemistry, if there's time."
Typically, students majoring in petroleum engineering are the ones who enter the oilfield. Graduates from the Institute of Chemistry, on the other hand, mostly go to advanced refineries and chemical plants.
Everyone was baffled by Pan Qingfeng's request, but they could only smile and agree. The group changed their plans and hurried toward the Institute of Chemistry.
***
Meanwhile, Counselor Zhao, buckling under Director Cen's threat, had fallen silent.
Liu Shang, his heart filled with anger, took a deep breath. He looked directly into Director Cen's disdainful eyes and spoke slowly.
"Director Cen, I truly don't know what I've done to offend you."
"If I have, please, point it out. I am willing to apologize."
"At least let me understand the reason for my punishment."
"There's a saying about not burning bridges, so that you might meet again on good terms."
"Yet here you are, intent on punishing me so severely, essentially trying to ruin me. Is that really appropriate?"
Director Cen sneered with utter contempt.
"Hmph. Not burn my bridges?"
"You're just an ordinary student. What right do you have to speak to me like that?"
"Why should I leave a way out for you?"
With that, Director Cen took another step forward, his face inches from Liu Shang's, his expression one of naked contempt as he said, "Even with the leaders of your institute present, I don't mind telling you the truth."
"Yes, you've guessed correctly. A mere student like you is not worthy of my personal attention."
"I came here today specifically for you. You can consider this deliberate, personal revenge. After all, you offended someone you shouldn't have!"
"But that's reality. Even when you're treated unfairly, you have to grit your teeth and endure it!"
"As for deserving common decency... you are not worthy of it!"
Faced with Director Cen's blatant provocation, Liu Shang was so furious he wanted to punch him. The leaders of the Institute of Chemistry and Counselor Zhao were equally incensed by Director Cen's shamelessness, but they didn't dare to speak up.
But at that moment, an equally angry voice rang out from the doorway.
"My, what arrogance!"
"So, Liu Shang is unworthy? Then I wonder, am I, Pan Qingfeng, also unworthy?"
As the words fell, a grim-faced Pan Qingfeng pushed the door open and strode in, his presence commanding the room.
Behind him were the two frowning vice presidents, Li Zhi included, and other important university leaders.
---
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